Matlock Season 1 Episode 11 Review: A Traitor in Thine Own House

Things get pretty dicey for Matty on Matlock Season 1 Episode 11, “A Traitor in Thine Own House,” when Shae and Sarah team up against her. However, much like every other time her ruse was called into question, Matty subverts them with ease.

Honestly, out of all the episodes so far, this one shows off Kathy Bates’ talents the most. It proves, once more, how she earned her recent Critics Choice Award.

Aside from Matty’s subversive tactics, this episode shines with Olympia’s unique talent for squeaking out a win even when the cards are stacked against her. The more we get to see her in action, the harder it is to consider she had anything to do with the Wellbrexa cover-up. 

Matty Is Always Two Steps Ahead

More than ever before, Matty proves that nothing can truly phase her when it comes to her secret. Sure, we see her freak out a little bit when she gets on the bus to go home, but pretty soon that passes and she’s able to move forward.

It seems like a problem when Sarah and Shae team up to smoke the truth out of Matty, but after ten episodes, it shouldn’t come as such a surprise that they’re led to believe false trails. Sarah thinks that because she gets spooked when it seems like people are talking about her behind her back that Matty will feel the same.

However, Matty fights fire with fire, using her age to her advantage. After all, an HR report of harassment and stalking due to age discrimination is something that a company is going to take seriously.

To be honest, I found myself shocked that Matty was willing to put herself out there like that. Considering how strongly Jacobson Moore likes to hide away their darker aspects an HR complaint could’ve ended badly for her.

Then to utilize Edwin to her advantage in trapping Shae is pure genius. After all, Matty knows that he’ll convince her enough to get her to back off on her pursuit, for now.

Shae can’t risk losing the job she currently has because if she does it means a potential return to Marketing which she doesn’t want. As convincing as her retreat is, don’t expect it to last forever.

Matty might have convinced Shae there is nothing fishy in her past, but that’s just put Senior on her trail instead. 

Olympia Knows How To Win

It’s always interesting to see Olympia forced into a case that she doesn’t truly believe in. It’s moments like that when she shines the most in just how good she is.

Sure, she’s in a contentious divorce situation with Senior’s son, but she doesn’t let that distract her from trying a case for the old man. She doesn’t appreciate that he’s dragging her into a case involving corporate espionage and forces her to go against her morals.

Rainweavers is a company that likes to believe they are doing good for the world, but in actuality they’re part of the environmental mess. For a tech startup it might sound impressive that their emissions are below the standard, but they’re still pretty high regardless.

Olympia doesn’t stand behind what her new client stands for and it’s clear as day that she doesn’t appreciate Ben lying in order to throw his mentee, Todd under the bus. While the case gets a favorable outcome, Olympia reminds Ben that she doesn’t approve of his methods. 

When he tries to imply she will be his representative moving forward, Olympia calls him out for being the sleaze that he is. Senior is present for this whole showdown and makes it clear, with his facial expressions, that he’s not wholly impressed with Olympia’s attitude.

Much like with Matty, Olympia seems to have gotten on the wrong side of Senior which isn’t good for her chances of making partner. It’s clear as the season flows toward it’s finish line that Senior will be more and more involved as we go along.

Stray Thoughts:

• Billy is well within his rights for pushing back against Sarah’s behavior. In fact, I’m extremely proud of him for it. Only a few episodes ago he would’ve let her convince him to forgive her.
• Sarah’s behavior is becoming erratic. I love her but, something tells me this whole Matty mess isn’t quite over for her.
• Matty might be able to breathe now, but the fact that Edwin is lying to her about the email isn’t a good sign.

 

What did you think of this episode of Matlock? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Matlock airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.

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