CBS’ Matlock reboot is the reimagining of the eponymous legal drama that aired in the 1980s and ‘90s. The show tells the story of Madeline Kingston, a retired lawyer who lost her daughter in the opioid crisis and believes that a law firm hid evidence that could have saved her life.
Kingston then takes up the name Madeline "Matty" Matlock and joins the same law firm to gather evidence. Meanwhile, she helps her colleagues with her knowledge and experience in various cases to win their trust.
The show aired its sixth episode on November 14, 2024. Titled Sixteen Steps, the episode delves into Matlock’s past, while also explaining what led to the divorce between Olympia and Julian. Here is the full recap of Matlock reboot episode 6.
What were the flashbacks all about in Matlock reboot episode 6?
The episode includes flashbacks from two years ago, showing how Madeline’s plan began. In one scene, Madeline spills coffee on Olympia’s white suit during her first visit to Jacobson Moore.
Olympia reacts rudely as she is stressed from losing the baby formula case and is also dealing with her crumbling marriage. This event motivates Madeline to start her investigation into the law firm. The flashbacks also reveal more about Olympia and Julian’s relationship before their divorce.
They were already struggling in their relationship, and the stress of losing the case pushed them apart. After the trial, Olympia decided to take on cases that brought justice to common people rather than defending big corporations.
Another flashback shows Madeline’s grandson Alfie encouraging her to follow through with her mission, saying, “Mom would be so proud.” The phrase eventually becomes a motto for her secret plan.
Madeline goes through a moral conflict
In the episode Olympia and Julian decide to retry the baby formula case in the present day. Olympia contemplates whether she should ask Vanessa, a grieving mother, to testify even though it will emotionally hurt her.
With Madeline’s advice, Olympia decides to go ahead as she believes Vanessa’s testimony is important for getting justice. Vanessa takes the stand and shares a heartbreaking story about the 16 steps she took to cross her late son’s nursery. Her emotional testimony moves the jury to tears.
With evidence showing that a safety officer’s carelessness led to the contamination, Olympia wins an $8 million settlement for the grieving parents. While this feels like a big victory for Olympia, it does not feel the same for Madeline. She wonders if putting Vanessa through such pain was truly worth it.
At the same time, Madeline faces her own challenges. An unexpected visit from Stanley, an old friend connected to her late daughter, becomes a threat to her plan. Stanley begs for her help to find his missing son, who is struggling with addiction.
However, Madeline refuses to help coldly and harshly, fearing that her mission will be exposed, She later feels guilty and starts questioning the sacrifices she is making for her revenge.
Madeline’s plans move forward
Madeline’s mission hits a roadblock when her husband, Edwin, struggles to create a fake fingerprint needed to access some crucial files in Matlock reboot episode 6. She feels so stressed that she suffers a panic attack. This makes Edwin doubt if the mission is worth the risk.
He begs Madeline to give it up and focus on their grandson. Madeline, too, begins to doubt herself. However, she then gets surprising news from Olympia and Julian which changes her perspective. They are impressed by her commitment and invite her to join Julian’s case against Wellbrexa, a pharmaceutical company.
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This case is exactly what Madeline needs to move her plan forward. However, it does come with some challenges as Olympia and Julian are back together and stronger as a team, which makes it harder for Madeline to influence them.
Matlock reboot airs new episodes on CBS on Thursdays.
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