Matlock Season 2: A New Season of Justice with Herbert Gains
The 1986-1987 television season saw the release of the second installment of the popular American television series "Matlock," starring Andy Griffith as the titular character. Created by Dean HOA, the show follows the life of Benjamin "Ben" Matlock, a defense attorney who operates his practice from his beach house in Southern California. In this article, we’ll delve into the cast, story, and everything we know about "Matlock" Season 2.
Cast:
The same talented cast returns in Season 2, with a few new additions:
- Andy Griffith as Benjamin "Ben" Matlock: The iconic actor and comedian plays the main character, a sharp-witted and wise defense attorney who often finds himself entangled in intricate cases.
- Nancy Stafford as Miss Louise "Miss" Kenton: Ben’s loyal and charming receptionist, who often assists him in his cases and provides comedic relief.
- K.D. Lang as Leanne Barber: A new addition to the cast, Leanne is a keen and ambitious journalist who frequently clashes with Ben, while also displaying a growing interest in him.
- Charles Levin as Conrad Bloom: A recurring character in the season, Conrad is an eccentric and sometimes-meddling businessman who often crosses paths with Ben’s cases.
Story:
Season 2 of "Matlock" maintains the same light-hearted, episodic structure as the first season. Each episode features a new case for Ben to tackle, often with a unique and intriguing twist. Some of the key storylines include:
- "The Boy and the Bus" – Ben takes on a case involving a bus driver accused of killing a young boy, leading to a complex and emotional investigation.
- "The Germ" – Ben represents a client who’s accused of spreading a deadly virus, forcing him to navigate the complexities of science and justice.
- "The Genetic Daddy" – Ben helps a man accused of murdering his former wife, leading to a deep dive into the world of DNA testing and forensic science.
- "The Barber of Seville" – Leanne on the case, Ben must defend a barber accused of embezzlement, as Conrad Bloom’s involvement deepens the intrigue.
- "The Birdman" – A unique case involving a man accused of murdering a flock of rare birds, highlighting Ben’s wit and resourcefulness as he navigates the complexities of the natural world.
Everything We Know:
- Episode count: Season 2 consists of 22 episodes, concluding on May 12, 1987.
- Ratings: "Matlock" continues to impress, with an average viewership of 15.4 million per episode, making it one of the top-rated shows on television at the time.
- Awards and nominations: The show receives a few nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Andy Griffith’s performance.
- Revival and Legacy: The show would go on to run for eight seasons, concluding in 1995. A reunion movie, "Matlock: The Judge," aired in 1993.
In conclusion, "Matlock" Season 2 maintains the show’s light-hearted, humorous tone while exploring more complex storylines and character relationships. With the same engaging cast and creative team behind the show, Season 2 is a must-watch for anyone who’s enjoyed the series thus far.