What Happened on the Final Episode of the Original ‘Matlock’?
On the original series of Matlock, each week generally brought a brand-new case for the great criminal defense attorney (played by Andy Griffith). Private investigators, fellow lawyers, and other folks from Ben Matlock’s life showed up regularly, but the show didn’t have the kind of major storylines common to other dramas — so when it was time to wrap up the series after nine seasons, there were no huge plots to resolve, or old characters who needed to return for a final hurrah. Instead, the show’s producers created a final episode that they felt simply epitomized the spirit of Matlock … and then the network aired four more episodes.
What happened on the final episode of Matlock?
When Matlock‘s ninth season was in production, it was unclear if the show would be renewed for a 10th. Though the show has been a top 20 hit for its first five seasons, Matlock‘s ratings took a dive during its sixth, becoming the 39th most popular show in America. This occasioned a jump from NBC to ABC, where the show would spend its final three seasons. Though the show’s ratings improved a bit in seasons seven and eight, it would never enter the top 20 again.
Unsure of the future, the show’s producers decided to create an informal finale in the ninth season — an episode that could serve as a capstone to the show if the series wasn’t renewed again.
That episode was “The Assault,” which originally aired on February 16, 1995. In “The Assault,” Matlock’s car breaks down in a rough part of town, far from the polished courtrooms he’s used to. He wanders into a dilapidated apartment complex and meets a good man caught in a bad situation.
When that tenant is accused of assaulting the building’s shady slumlord owner, Matlock doesn’t hesitate. He offers to represent him, bringing the same sense of calm determination he’s brought to every case since the show began. It’s not just about winning the case, although, of course, he does — it is also about reminding us that justice isn’t reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. The ending features Matlock looking out at an empty courtroom following a birthday party.
Viacom Productions Inc./Everett Collection
However, that wasn’t the final new Matlock episode to air. Two two-part episodes followed: “The Heist” ran on April 27, and “The Scam” played on May 4, making it the actual final Matlock episode to hit the airwaves.
However, when the series is shown in syndication, “The Assault” airs as the final episode and is treated as the official finale, giving Matlock the kind of ending that matched his steady nature. There were no speeches, no big emotional goodbyes … it was just another case, another life touched, which was a very fitting end for the series.
Did you realize this episode was the true finale of the show? Do you remember watching it?
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February 2021
1990s Rom-Coms
Pop some popcorn and cozy up to feel-good movies and TV shows from a generation ago.
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