Its formula remains fairy consistent: 1. A heated argument before witnesses leads to an arranged meeting to sort things through.
2. One of those witnessing the argument the meeting as the perfect opportunity to do in the would-be victim and beats the would-be suspect to the rendezvous point to perform the murder, usually leaving behind the weapon already containing the would-be suspects fingerprints.
3. If the would-be suspect hasn't already handled the weapon, s/he for some reason handles it upon discovering the body.
4. Within a matter of seconds, security guards arrive at the murder scene to apprehend the speechless suspect. If a pistol were used and the perpetrator takes it along, this doesn't matter to the guards that the suspect hasn't one on hand.
5. The authorities (law enforcement, prosecutors and judges) are unable to grasp the notion that this suspect has been framed. No, they have an airtight case, by overlooking evidence and clues, such as time of death and those sorts of articles which the perpetrator has left behind.
6. Neither the authorities nor the jury nor anyone in Matlock's office fathom that this type of frame-up has ever happened before. No, they have an airtight case, and only high-priced defender Ben Matlock with his team of investigators would be able to locate the missing clue.
7. Once Matlock calls his last witness to the stand, the case is pretty well wrapped up, causing the prosecutor to request a dismissal of charges, which the judge and jury invariably welcome -- unless it was one of the judges who did it, which sometimes happens.
Variations of this formula and diversions from it often provide welcome fodder for the story of Ben Matlock and company. Along the way, the sometimes Assistant District Attorney Julie Marsh realizes that Ben may be right about a thing or two, this leading to a romantic rivalry between them.
A time or two, Julie rises to the occasion of defending the innocent, a hallmark of the Matlock team, which includes at different times his younger daughter, Charlene Matlock; his assistant attorney, Michele Thomas; his elder daughter, Leane McIntyre; his investigators, Tyler Hudson, Conrad McMasters and Cliff Lewis, as well as his friends and neighbors Les Calhoun and Billy Lewis.
If Matlock and his defense team would ever lose a case, the episode is only beginning, as a closer investigation would reveal enough evidence to call for a retrial or something along these lines.
"Matlock" is at its best with sensitive acting, caring for just treatment for the innocent, especially by Andy Griffith, Linda Purl, Kene Holliday, Nancy Stafford and Clarence Gilyard Jr. Later seasons tend to overlook some of its earlier sensitivity in favor of the strong-willed emotions of its ultimate cast, thereby losing some of its vision.
Overall, "Matlock" provides for an interesting episode from its catchy opening theme to its closing credits. Viewers may well be led to appreciate this fine cast, which affords the next judge and jury to find their work cut out for them.
2. One of those witnessing the argument the meeting as the perfect opportunity to do in the would-be victim and beats the would-be suspect to the rendezvous point to perform the murder, usually leaving behind the weapon already containing the would-be suspects fingerprints.
3. If the would-be suspect hasn't already handled the weapon, s/he for some reason handles it upon discovering the body.
4. Within a matter of seconds, security guards arrive at the murder scene to apprehend the speechless suspect. If a pistol were used and the perpetrator takes it along, this doesn't matter to the guards that the suspect hasn't one on hand.
5. The authorities (law enforcement, prosecutors and judges) are unable to grasp the notion that this suspect has been framed. No, they have an airtight case, by overlooking evidence and clues, such as time of death and those sorts of articles which the perpetrator has left behind.
6. Neither the authorities nor the jury nor anyone in Matlock's office fathom that this type of frame-up has ever happened before. No, they have an airtight case, and only high-priced defender Ben Matlock with his team of investigators would be able to locate the missing clue.
7. Once Matlock calls his last witness to the stand, the case is pretty well wrapped up, causing the prosecutor to request a dismissal of charges, which the judge and jury invariably welcome -- unless it was one of the judges who did it, which sometimes happens.
Variations of this formula and diversions from it often provide welcome fodder for the story of Ben Matlock and company. Along the way, the sometimes Assistant District Attorney Julie Marsh realizes that Ben may be right about a thing or two, this leading to a romantic rivalry between them.
A time or two, Julie rises to the occasion of defending the innocent, a hallmark of the Matlock team, which includes at different times his younger daughter, Charlene Matlock; his assistant attorney, Michele Thomas; his elder daughter, Leane McIntyre; his investigators, Tyler Hudson, Conrad McMasters and Cliff Lewis, as well as his friends and neighbors Les Calhoun and Billy Lewis.
If Matlock and his defense team would ever lose a case, the episode is only beginning, as a closer investigation would reveal enough evidence to call for a retrial or something along these lines.
"Matlock" is at its best with sensitive acting, caring for just treatment for the innocent, especially by Andy Griffith, Linda Purl, Kene Holliday, Nancy Stafford and Clarence Gilyard Jr. Later seasons tend to overlook some of its earlier sensitivity in favor of the strong-willed emotions of its ultimate cast, thereby losing some of its vision.
Overall, "Matlock" provides for an interesting episode from its catchy opening theme to its closing credits. Viewers may well be led to appreciate this fine cast, which affords the next judge and jury to find their work cut out for them.