"Matlock In Name Only". I am not sure if the showrunner or the CBS executives thought of reusing the Matlock name. It was not needed, just say Kathy Bates, we are there. If you want a throwback, just allude to "Harry's Law". OK, so other than the name and general occupation, there is no other real connections, so take this series on its own terms. The biggest plus is, of course, Kathy Bates. But is that enough for more than one season? The writing and direction will need to step up to give Ms. Bates a show worthy of her skills. Pilots can sometimes be rough to figure out. Is this the best it will get, or can they improve to meet, or exceed, expectations? I am hoping it gets better, although the trailer for the next episode does not give me high hopes. They have set up "Matlock" as being a very shrewd character, but then seem to want to play it for slapstick? Maybe that was just the editing of the trailer, and the episode is better than what it appears to be. Since NBC has sent L&O: Organized Crime into the phantom (pay-TV) zone, I have an opening on Thursday nights, and this may just fill that slot.

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