Madeline “Matty” Matlock (Kathy Bates) returns to CBS this Thursday, and “Sixteen Steps” looks to be a doozy. The case at hand involves tragically contaminated baby formula, a situation guaranteed to stir up some strong emotions. But the legal drama isn’t confined to the courtroom; Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and Julian (Jason Ritter), Matlock’s colleagues and former spouses, find themselves forced to confront the wreckage of their past relationship as they work the case.
The episode is expected to offer some much-needed context for their divorce, potentially revealing the fissures that led to their split. Was it simply irreconcilable differences, or is there a more complicated story lurking beneath the surface? One thing’s for sure, revisiting old wounds alongside a high-stakes legal battle is rarely a recipe for smooth sailing.
Meanwhile, Matty’s apparently feeling the pressure cooker heat of her new position. The septuagenarian legal eagle is contemplating throwing in the towel entirely, which would undoubtedly throw the firm into chaos. Will she actually walk away? Or will the allure of a good legal tangle keep her at the table?
The episode’s success likely hinges on its ability to balance the case’s inherent drama with the characters’ ongoing personal issues. Can it avoid feeling overly melodramatic while providing satisfying insights into Olympia and Julian’s history? And, crucially, how much screen time will be devoted to the antics of Billy (David Del Rio) and Sarah (Leah Lewis), the show’s other associates? Given Matlock’s seasoned star power, let’s hope the focus stays where it belongs: on Kathy Bates.
“Sixteen Steps” airs Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 9pm ET/PT on CBS and was directed by Kat Coiro and written by Sara Rose Feinberg.
