‘Matlock Unveils Opioid Conspiracy in Finale: Olympia’s Forgiveness and Matty’s Future in Season 2’

SPOILER ALERT:

This narrative includes spoilers for the Season 1 finale of CBS’ “Matlock,” currently available on Paramount+.

In the first season finale of CBS’ “Matlock,” the series distinguishes itself right from its debut compared to the 1986-95 Andy Griffith courtroom show. Instead of being just another straightforward remake, this time we follow widowed attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock (played by Kathy Bates), who teams up with savvy lawyer Jacobson Moore. She brings folksy southern charm along with astute legal prowess into her new workplace where she swiftly gains favor among peers. The significant twist revealed near the close of the inaugural episode reveals that Matty’s true identity is actually Madeline Kingston. Contrary to needing financial support after losing everything due to her late spouse’s gambling habits, she turns out to be an affluent attorney driven by a quest to uncover those within a high-profile firm complicit in concealing crucial information about opioids manufactured by Wellbrexa—a move meant to prevent deaths like that of her departed child, Ellie. Moreover, contrary to initial impressions, Matty isn’t alone; her steadfast partner Edwin (portrayed by Sam Anderson) supports her endeavor alongside their enterprising grandchild Alfie (acted by Aaron D. Harris).

Throughout Season 1, as Matty aimed to remain inconspicuous in her investigations, she found herself unexpectedly forming close ties with some coworkers. Among them was formidable attorney Olympia Lawrence (Skyme P. Marshall), initially suspected but later exonerated by Matty. In the climactic two-part season finale titled “Tricks of the Trade,” it came to light that the person responsible for concealing crucial evidence was actually Olympia’s estranged husband and colleague, Julian Markston (Jason Ritter). This revelation stemmed from information gathered by Olympia herself, complicating matters further when earlier episodes disclosed that she was aware Matty hadn’t provided her real last name—Matlock—and admitted to having deceived everyone at Jacobson Moore upon joining. Consequently, this betrayal struck particularly hard because Matty and Olympia had grown quite close over their shared experiences.

Besides Olympia finding out Julian was the guilty party with the missing Wellbrexa file (the fallout of which will come in the second season), there were a few more finale shockers. So
grabbed time with executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman for our own investigation into all the surprises, and how they all will shape Season 2.

Rather than having Matty’s identity revealed explosively in the final episode, Olympia addressed it at the conclusion of episode 216. Was this earlier reveal planned from the start, scheduled just a few episodes prior to the season finale?

The intention from the start was to initiate this plot early on, observe how things evolved afterward, and use it to advance our narrative deeper into the second season. Our aim was to introduce a challenge for these two characters whose romantic journey we have been following closely. During the initial pitch of the season’s storyline, this pivotal scene was set for Episode 13. However, once we started scripting the individual episodes, we recognized that immediately triggering this event would drastically alter their relationship dynamics right away. Therefore, we decided they needed additional time to develop their romance naturally and share memorable moments like drinking at a local pub before facing such significant obstacles.

Because once this happens, the balloon has deflated, and we have to start to blow air into it again in all different ways. So we ended up pushing it further than we thought, and it ended up feeling like the right time to do it. We had 18 episodes, but I still had more story. I called the studio and asked them if they wanted a two-part episode, because there was a way to do it economically, but that also would let the finale breathe and really service all these characters that we have come to know, and that everyone would have their moment in it. And the studio said yes.

How much of Season 2 is planned out so you knew when to amp up the Season 1 finale with things like Billy’s ex-girlfriend Claudia (Bella Ortiz) telling him that she’s pregnant near the end of the episode?

You have to think of the ending, and you have to commit to it. So you think about the second season enough to know that you want to go in those directions. So I had done that enough to know, “OK, I’m going to want to explore these things, and commit to those.” Then you want to take a little bit of time off for your brain. Then, before the writers’ room, I like to think about the big moments and turning points, like, “This is when this is revealed, and this is the spine. This is where we’re going to start and end, and here’s where we’re going to land ultimately.” Then we start to plot them out, and it’s a really detailed process.

I ultimately present it to both the studio and the network. The process lasts around one hour and thoroughly covers each episode, with us adhering closely to our plan. During the initial phase of constructing the framework, you handle all the detailed planning, but subsequently, you dive into examining every episode for its overarching plotlines as well as subplots, along with character interactions. At the start of the season, we dedicate two full weeks to dissecting and outlining the entire season’s episodes.

Watching the final episode, it truly seemed as though the central storyline revolved around the Matty and Olympia relationship, with all other narratives taking a back seat. Was this the intended focus?

I said it to the studio at the beginning – and to Kathy and Skye at the beginning – this is a love story between Olympia and Matty. That is what this is, and it’s epic. So they’re going to be together, and then they’re not. And they’re going to long for each other, and they’re going to have all of the contours of an epic love story – but it’s about friendship. Friendships are rare and life-affirming, and we are going to give weight to that in the show.

As Matty removes her opioid case board, Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs” plays above it. What led to choosing this song?

I’m really happy you brought that up because Kyla [Plewes], who edited that particular episode, suggested adding a needle drop. Even though Kyla enjoys using needle drops, they aren’t very common on our show. After listening to several options, we weren’t convinced. Then she said she had one last track for us to hear. It turned out to be “Silver Springs,” and instantly everyone agreed with her choice. Kyla truly made an excellent suggestion; thank goodness she persisted!

Olympia must visit the bank and deceive others to regain access to an account she previously shared with Julian. She receives guidance on how to be misleading from Matty. Could it be that they have more similarities than either realized?

In the start of this episode, Olympia feels intense anger, betrayal, and pain. Meanwhile, Matty tells her, “Both statements hold: I lied to you, yet I genuinely cared for you.” This distinction matters deeply to her; both aspects ring true. However, from Olympia’s perspective, she has mentally severed ties with Matty. Throughout the show though, he shares his expertise with her—a sort of vicarious experience through Matty’s eyes. As such, Matty remains optimistic that these insights might lead Olympia to understand how challenging it could be—loving someone while resorting to manipulation when necessity demands it.

Matty tells Olympia to target where it would hurt most, which she does against Julian. Similarly, when dealing with Matty, Olympia states, “I want to visit the bank alone. Consider your daughter. If our bond truly mattered to you, you’d allow this.” This statement strikes a chord with Matty. However, one must wonder whether Olympia’s intentions are genuine or if she’s using tactics similar to those employed by Matty herself. The uncertainty looms as Matty remains oblivious to these doubts. Could they salvage their friendship? Or has Olympia taken control through manipulation? Does Matty warrant such treatment?

The gym murder case featured in the episode is distinctly unrelated to what’s happening with Olympia and Matty’s storyline. Is this separation intentional?

Absolutely, our aim was to ensure each character had their significant spotlight. For Leah Lewis’s character, Sarah, having her own case has long been desired. InEpisode 10, we witnessed how Matty’s scheme impactedSarah’s professional prospects—she was poised to takeon an important assignment but ended up being sidelinedfor Billy afterMattyscheme started unraveling. As Matty observes Sarah becoming increasingly anxious and insecure due to these circumstances,Matty recognizes that as collateral damage from her actions.Sarah losingthis chance servedas botha consequenceandan opportunitytofinallygivehercharacterthebigmomentshedeserves,thisseason.MattywishesSarawouldsucceedinwinningthecase,becauseMattyunderstandsthatshederailedhersopportunitiestoachievethis.

It turns out we discover near the conclusion that Julian is indeed responsible, having acted on behalf of his father, Senior (Beau Bridges), when the missing Wellbrexia files were taken several years prior. Was revealing Julian’s involvement always part of the intended storyline?

We discussed this extensively in the writer’s meeting. The question was whether it should be Senior or Julian. We anticipated that revealing Olympia at the wrong time could cause significant issues—and then decided against having it be Olympia. Our plan involved making sure Matty felt relief before Olympia revealed herself. Initially, we considered using Senior for this twist, but ultimately, we thought about which option would create the greatest emotional distress and internal conflicts among our characters, leading them into profound moral quandaries—a recipe for compelling television.

Moreover, we have affection for Julian, even as he attempts to sway Olympia to join him in this deceit—it’s also quite heart-wrenching.

Jason’s portrayal of that moment allowed us to grasp that Julian committed a significant error. The weight of guilt from this action clearly burdened him, which is why he held onto those documents. This act mirrors Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Tell-Tale Heart,’ as Julian strives to improve himself despite past missteps. My empathy for Julian grew due to Jason’s skillful depiction; he portrayed an inherently privileged individual with numerous flaws—such as being unfaithful to his spouse Olympia—with such humanity. Even though Julian possesses many shortcomings, we can’t help but root for him. His desire to do right often succumbs to taking the simpler path during moments of stress.

For how long have you been planning to introduce the possible father of Alfie? Were you always certain this revelation would come at the end of the season?

Kathy and I discussed Alfie’s father during the pilot episode and planned his introduction. Initially, I suggested including him in the finale, and she agreed, saying, “Great, as I’ve got the ideal actor in mind,” whom we eventually cast. The chosen actor is Niko Nicotero. They previously collaborated on “Richard Jewell” where Kathy shared some remarkable scenes with him. She praised him highly: “Niko is fantastic; he brings depth, intrigue, and complexity.” Hearing her enthusiasm was enough—case closed, thanks to Kathy Bates.

This character serves as a means to maintain the anguish associated with Ellie’s addiction and her demise in the narrative, because it’s simple to speculate that he might have been involved in those events.

The identity of the father, whether it’s him or not, remains uncertain. However, this situation might bring back memories of Ellie that neither of them had known about before, along with instances of happiness. It’s important for me to delve into the joyful aspects of her character as well. Yet, this revelation shakes up their entire household dynamic, disrupting Matty’s sense of security within his sanctuary at home.

When it comes to their home life, how frequently might Matty and Edwin clash in the upcoming season, considering his desire for them to enjoy a peaceful retirement together while she remains passionate about continuing her legal work? To what extent could this difference create tension throughout Season 2?

They settle it somehow, or they reach an accord. I won’t disclose the specifics of how or why, but it’s quite entertaining. By Episode 4 of Season 2, they form some sort of mutual comprehension. This pact and this realization pave the way for fresh comedic and dramatic possibilities. Their story arc has me eagerly anticipating what comes next. Unfortunately, I cannot reveal further details as there are numerous potential plot reveals. However, solving one issue typically leads to encountering new ones, ensuring things will remain dynamic rather than repetitive.

With Olympia aware of Matty’s true identity and their deceptions, what direction will the series take next? The program titled “Matlock,” which was also an assumed identity that has since been exposed, poses quite a challenge for speculation. How can one predict where it goes from here?

I am capable of handling this situation. There’s no reason for you to be concerned. Everything is functioning as expected. We’re clear on our strategy for the upcoming season, and we won’t lose sight of Matlock with his charming demeanor. The identity of that character holds significance, and how the storyline unfolds during the second season allows us to achieve everything we’ve planned. This is thrilling news! I’m really looking forward to it.

The interview has been revised and shortened.