Matlock

The Judge

Season 1, Episode 3, Aired 9/23/86

Episode Summary

Matlock accepts the pro bono case of Kevin Meredith, a young man accused of murdering his lover, whom Matlock soon realises had a much more powerful lover. In order to capture the real killer, Matlock must throw away a many-years-long friendship with a prominent judge.

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Cast & Crew

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Andy Griffith

Benjamin Leighton Matlock
Kene Holliday

Tyler Hudson
Linda Purl

Charlene Matlock

Fan Episode Reviews (1)

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Two TV legends face off.

10

"Perfect"

By jamoon2006, Apr 11, 2008 Report Abuse

With a script that bears all the hallmarks of a classic "Columbo" (we see the crime committed and the story becomes not a "whodunit" but a "howcatchem" with a strong guest star), "Matlock" hits a home run with one of its best episodes of its nine season run.

Future TV sleuth Dick Van Dyke plays the title character, a judge who murders his mistress when he finds her fooling around. When Van Dyke finds himself presiding over the trial of the suspect, he has a perfect chance to get away with murder...but Matlock catches on to him.

Andy Griffith and Dick Van Dyke have terrific chemistry, and you can really see Matlock wrestling with the revelation that his old friend is a murderer, as well as the unsettling knowledge that he will have to bring Van Dyke to justice.

Much like his turn as a "Columbo" killer in the 1970s, Van Dyke is no Rob Petrie here. He's calculating, deliberate...he runs the gamut from smug confidence to pale devastation on the witness stand when the curtain finally comes down.

Much of the series would not measure up to this episode; it is certainly one of the all-time best "Matlock" episodes as well as a great chance to see two legends of television share the screen.moreless

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Trivia
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- The licence plate number on Carter Addison's car is PWV 180. Edit
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