Matlock Episode 8 Ending Explained

Spoiler Alert for Matlock season 1, episode 8, “No, No Monsters”

The ending of Matlock episode 8 explains how the second half of Jennie Snyder Urman’s procedural will take shape. The quasi-reboot of Andy Griffith’s Matlock series has had a mammoth run, and episode 8 marks its mid-season finale. The Matlock season premiere scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the series garnering renewal for Matlock season 2. Kathy Bates’ character is at the epicenter of the series’ success, delivering the game-changing Matlock twist with cunning and charm.

In the ending of Matlock episode 8, “No, No Monsters,” the core characters confront issues that will play out when Matlock returns in January. Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and Julian (Jason Ritter) reconcile their personal and professional relationships after the latter confessed to cheating at the end of Matlock episode 7. As episode 8 closes, Olympia presses the father of her children to reveal who he slept with, promising the complex dynamic between the Matlock characters will continue.

Julian Confesses That He Had An Affair Before Separating With Olympia

Who Julian May Have Slept With

In the preceding episode of Matlock, Julian divulges to Olympia that he had an affair. The heartbreaking Matlock reveal continues to affect the characters, with Olympia demanding to know who Julian slept with at the end of Matlock episode 8. The biggest question heading into the break is who Julian cheated with, as his answer will doubtlessly carry weight regardless of who it is if the co-parent is willing to answer.

After the developments of episode 8, it seems likely that Julian’s affair could have involved one of the other parents at their children’s school. The outing highlights unfaithful relationships, causing a ripple effect throughout the community when Lacy is apprehended. Julian’s affair could also have been with someone at the office. Matlock episode 3 introduces Shae Banfield, and the outing implies she has a covert connection to Julian.

What Does Julian’s Confession Mean For His & Olympia’s Reconciliation?

Julian Broke Olympia’s Alliance

Matlock episode 8 proves that Julian’s confession has devastated Olympia and their working relationship. When the series kicks off, the co-parents are at odds and unable to agree on anything, whether personally or professionally. However, as season 1 progresses and Julian proves himself a positive force of support to Olympia, the latter begins to open up and let Julian back in. It’s been a positive development for Marshall’s Matlock character, who has softened.

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Matlock Needs To Justify Madeline’s Secret Revenge Plan Because The Stakes Are Too High

The stakes are too high for Kathy Bates’ character to continue her scheme in Matlock without further justifying Madeline Kingston’s need for revenge.

Julian’s proximity allows the couple to reignite their romance, delivering Matlock episode 6’s big twist. Still, despite their relationship returning to a good place, Julian’s confession seemingly takes the couple back to square one. The development leaves considerable questions to answer in the second half of season 1, including what Julian and Olympia will do about their shared brownstone home after they pulled it from the real estate market when they reunited.

Madeline Finds Out That Senior May Not Be Her Revenge Target

Madeline Rules Senior Out

In Matlock episode 8, Madeline makes one of the most significant developments in her secret plan for revenge. In the outing, Madeline balances her revenge with supporting her grandson, Alfie (Aaron D. Harris), which causes her to miss his mock trial. Still, Madeline’s sacrifice means she successfully secures the email attachment from the email account of Beau Bridges’ Senior, which she believes is the missing Wellbrexa file that proves her culprit’s guilt.

However, when Madeline finally gets the printed email attachment, it’s just a picture of Senior on vacation. Not only is the image a let-down to Madeline’s progress, but Madeline takes it as Senior’s alibi. If Senior was on vacation the day the documents were removed, he couldn’t have signed off on their release, meaning Julian or Olympia is to blame. Still, something could tie back to Senior since he seems the most willing to play dirty.

Madeline Bugged Julian’s Office To Find Out Who Really Hid The Wellbrexa Document

Madeline’s Revenge Progresses

The septuagenarian devises a backup plan after Madeline strikes out with Senior’s email attachment. Madeline goes to Julian’s office, seemingly confronting him about his Quid Pro Quo comment. However, Madeline kills two birds with one stone, knocking a container of pens off his desk and prompting Julian to drop to the floor and pick them up. While it looks like an innocent mistake at the time, it’s just another fold of Madeline’s covert plan.

When Madeline arrives home that evening, she, Alfie, and Edwin (Sam Anderson) gather around a laptop. Then, flashbacks explain how Madeline bought a covert recording device and hid it in Julian’s office when she had him distracted. Madeline plants the recording device so she can figure out who really hid the Wellbrexa documents, destroying the evidence that could have taken opioids off the market a decade earlier.

What Madeline & Olympia’s Stronger Friendship Means For The Future Of Matlock

Madeline And Olympia Grow Closer

It’s hard to ignore that Madeline and Olympia’s friendship strengthens in each episode of Matlock, potentially posing a problem for the septuagenarian. As Olympia and Madeline develop a genuine friendship that allows them to lean on and learn from one another, it becomes more difficult for Madeline to lie. If her colleagues discover Madeline’s disguise, she risks hurting Olympia with the revelation that her entire persona and motivation are false.

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Matlock Walks Back On Its Biggest Madeline Revenge Plan Breakthrough With A Heartbreaking Reveal

Kathy Bates’ character rounds a corner in her heartfelt revenge plan, but Matlock episode 7 walks back on it, compromising Madeline’s progress.

However, the budding friendship poses an even more significant challenge to Madeline. As the lawyer hones in on her target, Madeline Kingston has yet to rule Olympia out as a suspect despite their emboldened connection. The 75-year-old may prematurely rule Olympia out as a suspect if they grow closer. Madeline’s trust in Olympia could be setting her up for a massive heartbreak, especially if it turns out that the evidence points back to Olympia.

What To Expect From Matlock Season 1, Part 2

The Conclusion Of Madeline’s Case

In an interview with Collider, series creator Jennie Snyder Urman confirmed the plans for the Matlock season 1 story. When Matlock returns in the new year, viewers can expect Madeline’s plan to come to a head as the remaining episodes build to the finale. Urman confirmed that by the end of the first season, Madeline’s investigation would wrap up neatly, and the septuagenarian and audience would know precisely what happened.

The second half of the series will also discuss Madeline’s relationship with Olympia and Julian since it’s causing conflict in everyone’s work. Matlock episode 8 proves that when Julian is no longer in Olympia’s good graces, it will affect Madeline’s work with Wellbrexa. As Olympia and Julian continue to hash out the circumstances of their separation, “No, No Monsters” proves that Madeline will get entwined in the conflict, distracting from her secret revenge plan.

Source: Collider

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Matlock

Matlock is a modern reboot of the classic series created for CBS that sees the titular role taken up by Kathy Bates. After years retired from her career, Madeline Matlock rejoins the legal world in a powerful new firm where she uses her seasoned skills to win cases and expose the underlying corruption within the legal system.

Release Date

September 22, 2024

Cast

Kathy Bates , Jason Ritter , Skye P. Marshall , David Del Rio , Leah Lewis , Aaron Harris , Eme Ikwuakor , Beau Bridges , Sam Anderson , Jordyn Weitz , Henry Allen , Colleen Camp

Character(s)

Madeline Matlock , Julián , Olympia , Billy , Sarah , Alfie Kingston , Elijah Walker , Senior Partner , Kathryn Lawrence-Markston , Courtney (Court) Lawrence-Markston

Seasons

1

Writers

Jennie Snyder Urman

Directors

Kat Coiro

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