InMatlockepisode 10, Madeline “Matty” Matlock (Kathy Bates) and the team take on a case involving an elderly man who passed away under dubious circumstances in a nursing home. This causes Madeline to worry about what would happen to her grandson if something happened to her and her husband, Edwin Kingston (Sam Anderson). Madeline is happily married, but I love the show’s unique hook that at workall theMatlockcharactersbelieve she is a cheated-on widow, an undercover identity Madeline assumes to secretly investigate Jacobson Moore, the firm that she believes buried evidence that could have saved her daughter’s life.
Madeline and Edwin’s relationship is one of thereasonsMatlockis a successful reboot. Edwin serves as the voice of reason, often cautioning Madeline and Alfie (Aaron D. Harris) to keep things in perspective when they become too engrossed in their undercover operation. Sometimes I have found Edwin to be a bit of a wet blanket, having agreed to Madeline’s plan but constantly resisting it anyway. However,Matlockepisode 10 has some subtle foreshadowing that makes me think that Edwin’s unwavering righteousness might be setting him up for an untimely death,which would have devastating consequences for Madeline.
Matlock Episode 10 Tackles Aging & That Freaks Out Madeline
Sarah Yang Surprisingly Handles A Dementia Episode Better Than Madeline
InMatlockepisode 10, Madeline naturally reflects on the contrast between her actual age and the age she feels,since she is at the same stage in life as the residents at the nursing home. Meanwhile,Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall) is going through an increasingly contentious divorce. Madeline assures Olympia that she still has “cartilage in [her] knees,” so she is young enough to start over, an unspoken acknowledgment that Madeline may not have that same luxury.
Sarah’s gentle response reveals the skills she developed while caring for her own grandmother with dementia, adding a touching depth to her character.
Over a late-night bowl of ice cream,Madeline tells Edwin they have to prioritize their health for Alfie’s sake, but Edwin is cavalier about her fears. Determined, Madeline declares they should start an all-kale diet, and Edwin charmingly distracts her to grab another scoop of ice cream. However, the most poignant moment for me was when Madeline was confronted not with physical aging but with mental decline.
Lawyer secretly investigating the law firm she is working at
Madeline’s husband
Madeline’s grandson
Madeline’s boss and new friend
Olympia Lawrence’s soon-to-be-ex-husband and a lawyer at Jacobson Moore
A first-year associate at Jacobson Moore working under Olympia
Leah Lewis
Georgia “George” Fan inNancy Drew(TV series), Ellie Chu inThe Half of It, Ember Lumen (voice) inElemental
While visiting the nursing home, Madeline poses as a prospective resident, with Sarah Yang (Leah Lewis) pretending to be her granddaughter. When they encounter a resident having a dementia episode, Madeline freezes. Sarah, however, steps in effortlessly, calmly soothing the resident by quietly singing as she leads her back to her room. It’s a striking role reversal, as Madeline is usually the one with a natural ability to connect with people. Sarah’s gentle response reveals the skills she developed while caring for her own grandmother with dementia, adding a touching depth to her character.
Matlock Could Be Foreshadowing Edwin’s Death
Edwin Is Too Dismissive About Madeline’s Health Concerns
I don’t think Madeline is specifically worried about Edwin’s death — her anxiety is more general, centered on the idea of Alfie being left unprotected. However, it feels poignant that Edwin seems completely unbothered by the possibility of their passing. During the trial, when the victim’s girlfriend testifies about holding her love as he died, there’s a long, lingering reaction shot of Madeline. It stood out to me as ifthe show was subtly asking us to imagine Madeline in mourning.
Edwin has consistently been the one urging Madeline to slow down in her investigation, which I’ve found frustrating. However, in episode 10, he’s the one who proactively suggests switching the recording pens after the first one is discovered at the office. When he jokingly accuses Madeline and Alfie of “corrupting” him, it made me think: If Edwin fully embracesMadeline’s undercover revenge mission thenMatlockno longer has a reason to keep him around. Perhaps the more compelling story to explore isn’t Edwin’s involvement, but the profound impact his absence would have.
How Edwin’s Death Could Impact Madeline’s Story
Madeline’s Coworkers Think Her Husband Is A Cheater - & Already Dead
Madeline pitched herself to Jacobson Moore as a bitter widow in need of cash,so if Edwin died now, she could not show any grief at work. I can picture Madeline doubling down on her commitment to her mission in the name of her daughter, but this time without the guardrails Edwin provided. Edwin is worriedMadeline is getting too close to Olympia, and I agree with him. If Madeline is forced to hide her grief, it could make her reckless and indiscreet in ways she hasn’t been before.
If Edwin fully embraces Madeline’s undercover revenge mission then Matlock no longer has a reason to keep him around.
Alternatively, maybe Madeline cannot disguise her grief, but there is no logical way for her to explain why she is mourning a husband she is supposed to hate who was supposed to have been dead already. Things have been going almost too smoothly with Olympia and Billy Martinez (David Del Rio), and I think the reveal of Madeline’s true identity will lead to a charged fallout.
However, another possibility is that Edwin’s existence is exposed without his death. I’m concerned that Madeline made a powerful enemy in episode 10 when she took the trial away from Sarah. Sarah’s superpower is her meticulous research, soif she sets her sights on discrediting Madeline to regain favor in Olympia’s eyes, I’m sure she would easily find Madeline’s real identityand very much alive husband.
Matlock’s Newest Fan-Favorite Character Secretly Poses A Big Hurdle For Madeline & Alfie’s Plans
Matlock introduced a new fan-favorite character, but they pose a significant challenge to Madeline Kingston’s secret plan against Jacobson Moore.
We’re now 10 episodes intoMatlock’s 18-episode freshman season, which makes me worry that Edwin’s death would be a far more interesting development than keeping him around long-term. At this point, he risks becoming either an anchor holding Madeline back or a cheerleader who doesn’t contribute much beyond support. WithMatlockseason 2 confirmed, I wouldn’t be surprised if Edwin dies just as Madeline and Olympia grow closer than ever — shattering Madeline’s two most important relationships in one devastating blow.
New episodes ofMatlockair Thursdays at 9 p.m. Easter and stream next-day on Paramount+.
