Sixteen Steps

An awkward structure detracts from the effectiveness of this Matlock segment. Throughout the hour, there are many flashbacks showing a civil case's first trial contrasting with the team's readying for a new trial. Matty's in danger because an old friend has surfaced, and he could easily blow her cover.

With Beau Bridges again absent from the screen, the married other two suspects Olympia and Julian dominate the show, but there's no advancement or even hint as to which one of them might be responsible for Matty's daughter's death. Bates is excellent as always bringing her character to life, but otherwise the case and the episode is not very involving, until the still-grieving mom on the witness stand breaks down talking about her child who died (from contaminated baby formula). A surprise plot twist returning the focus of the show to Bates.