Procedural dramas have a long history of being ignored by voters when the Emmys roll around, but this year, some underdogs are garnering attention—the most prominent among them: Matlock, a courtroom drama. a refreshing reimagining of a beloved ‘80s character, the show has the audience vying to get it the attention and recognition it deserves.
But what about the CBS show has people ready to break the norm?
A Refreshing Reimagining: What’s New About Matlock?
The show follows Madeline Kingston, an older woman returning to work with a hidden agenda: revenge for the death of her daughter from a drug overdose. Showing impressive performances by both the lead and supporting actors, the show weaves an exceptional story using the courtroom formula, breathing life into an otherwise cut-and-dry format.
It combines emotional storytelling with fast-paced courtroom drama, keeping the audience hooked and vying for more.
Aging With Aplomb: A New Record for Kathy Bates
Legendary actress Kathy Bates is no stranger to critical acclaim. However, this particular one puts her in a special position to break some records. If nominated, Bates will be, at 77, the oldest nominee in the lead drama actress category.
“It’s all coming up, Kathy Bates,” says Trey Mangum. “This would be a super cool moment for a broadcast series in a major drama acting category.” While in the entertainment industry, women often tend to fade into obscurity with increasing age, Kathy Bates proves that the opposite can also be a possibility.
A Long Shot or A Distinct Possibility?
While fans are cheering loud and long for Matlock, it is still up against crowd favorites like Succession and The Last of Us, both of which have large and well-established fan bases. Matlock is very much the underdog in this scenario.
However, with the amount of attention the new show is getting, an Emmy award is no mere pipe dream. The possibility of Matlock winning an Emmy is distinct.
A Tough Nut to Crack
Matlock effortlessly and tastefully combines old-school values of honesty and justice with modern issues, tackling everything from corruption to systemic bias, and from women’s place in the workplace to opioid addiction. The show is making splashes and well deserves any flowers thrown its way.
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