Matlock Season 1 Episode 15 Review: Game Face

The Slamm’d class action lawsuit has reached its conclusion on Matlock Season 1 Episode 15, “Game Face.” However, there are still three episodes left in the season and a few more questions that need answers.

What is so great about this episode, in particular, is the parallels that link what Matty and Edwin are doing with what Olympia and the team are doing. Many moments during “Game Face” are the same on both sides of the fence, which just further exemplifies how connected the two really are.

Also, Matty finally finds herself breaking down under the weight of all the emotions the Wellbrexa quest has put her under, which beautifully facilitates a reconciliation of sorts between her and Bitsy.

Matty Makes Peace with Bitsy

Prior to Bitsy showing up, viewers had been told that Matty’s sister is flighty, unreliable, and a little less intelligent than Matty. Thankfully, between Matlock Season 1 Episode 14, “Game Day,” and this episode the writers give us a peak behind the curtain into who Bitsy really is.

Sure, the way she talks makes her seem flighty, but in reality, her family is the most important part of her life. She gave up her aspirations so that her big sister could get the winning career she wanted without having to worry about their mom’s drinking.

She’s been there for both Ellie and now Alfie when they needed someone to turn to that wasn’t Matty or Edwin. She doesn’t agree with the vendetta Matty and Edwin are on, but she’s willing to stand there in support of her big sister.

Not only that, but she repeatedly shows Matty that sometimes her anecdotes, as frustrating as they are, have a bit of truth and intelligence to them. Sure, Matty upsets Bitsy by imitating her at work and in court, but even that is given a chance to be smoothed over with a conversation.

At the end of the day, Bitsy’s feelings are hurt, but she is willing to understand why Matty does it. They are turning a corner in their relationship and that’s a beautiful thing to see this close to the end of the season.

When Matty sits her down toward the end of the episode to ask her if she’d be Alfie’s guardian should anything happen to them, we can visibly see their shared scars healing. Bitsy just wants to be included, and Matty is learning that as much as Bitsy’s personality irks her, she’s still a good person.

Slamm’d Gets Slammed

Despite the end of Matlock Season 1 Episode 14, “Game Day” feeling like a complete shutdown for the case against Slamm’d, Olympia manages to come back swinging. Even with her relationship with Matty on the chopping block (at least in Matty’s mind), she manages to pull out a win that is so astounding that even I was surprised.

Finding the missing study group showing the drink was marketed to kids was a stroke of luck and genius. Even though the money trail to VistaPoint didn’t pan out for her, the hidden documents sure did.

This is one of those moments I mentioned above where her quest and Matty’s parallel so beautifully. Olympia might’ve banished Matty home due to her attitude, but that doesn’t mean Matty is sitting on her hands.

Seeing Olympia find exactly what she needs, just as Matty finds the documented evidence she needs regarding Wellbrexa, is a wonderful storytelling element. It shows that even when these characters aren’t exactly on the same page, their actions are very similar.

It’s also a great way to steadily remind us that while Matty might be super Jacobson Moore on the surface, underneath she will never give up on Wellbrexa until it is resolved.

Seeing the Slamm’d class action get the resolution it deserves also reminds us that this is setting up Matty’s quest for justice regarding Wellbrexa, which is also just on the horizon.

Matty Discovers the Identity of the Reddit User Who Started It All

Honestly, the whole episode, I was with Matty in thinking that Shae was the one who came forward on Reddit about Jacobson Moore’s shady dealings. This makes the ending that much more exciting to discover.

Once again, the writers do a fantastic job of misdirecting our attention by making everything Shae says during this episode very aligned with Matty’s thoughts. This keeps us from seeing Matty’s focus shift from Shae to someone else.

Once you think back on the episode and remember that we see the true Redditer doing something with Sarah to achieve justice for wrongdoing, it makes complete sense. 

Ms. Belvin has been a background character all along, hiding in the shadows and barely registering on our radar. But that’s what makes her the perfect person to squeal on Reddit about the wrongdoings of Jacobson Moore in their handling of the Wellbrexa documents.

Of course, she would know about every little thing going on in the office; it’s her job to know. She’s also perfect for sneaking information because, like the viewers, the people she works with are not threatened by or suspicious of her in the slightest.

It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out in the grander scheme of things. Will she and Matty speak of the information face to face? Will she keep Matty’s secret if she does?

 

---

What did you think of this episode of Matlock? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

Matlock airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!