While the show is known for its lightness and general wrapping things up in a nice and neat little bow, “One Angry Woman” gave viewers a crash course in what this show is capable of.

Elsbeth continues to raise the stakes and keep things fresh in exciting ways that not even die-hard fans can anticipate, yours truly included. Then again, it doesn’t hurt to play against the love of your life.

Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 introduced Micheal Emerson’s killer, Judge Milton, in the most exhilarating way. Not to mention a giant easter egg from Emerson’s previous and most prominent role in Evil.

Elsbeth Gives Audiences A Massive Evil Easter Egg

I just have to get this out of the way now. If you’re a fan of Evil and Elsbeth, you may be like this TV Fanatic and noticed a massive crossover between the two shows.

Are you ready for this? The courtroom in Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7, “One Angry Woman,” is the exact same courtroom from Evil Season 1 Episode 1, where audiences first meet Emerson’s character.

How mind-blowing is that? While it’s not unheard of for shows, especially those on the same network, to share locations, this seemed remarkably purposeful and is deeply appreciated.

Easter eggs aside, Michael Emerson is a force of nature once he steps into a role.

As mentioned in the Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers, Carries Preston had initially hoped for Emerson to play a character opposite to the creep roles he is usually cast in.

Suffice it to say, we are quite glad that did not happen because, within one episode, Judge Milton left such an impression on viewers that there’s a good chance the judge could become a staple of the show.

Everyone loves a good rival origin story, and there’s something so juicy about keeping it close to home and in the family.

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Elsbeth Dips Its Toes Into An Old But Still Beloved Series From The ‘80s

Weirdly, “One Angry Woman” is set up so similarly to the first episode of Matlock. No, I’m not talking about the Kathy Bates one. I’m referring to the Andy Griffith run.

In that late ‘80s episode, Dick Van Dyke murders a woman he is sleeping with and frames the lover. Later, it is revealed that he is the judge on the case.

Much like this episode of Elsbeth, Dick Van Dyke’s Judge Carter Addison did all he could to derail the defense, much to the titular character’s confusion and anger.

Those feelings are going around because we saw a fired-up Elsbeth ready to jump into the fray for justice. Seriously, she looked ready to blow a gasket at any moment.

It was bad enough that he kept bringing up his family coming over on the Mayflower. That’s a weird flex. I don’t know why that’s impressive. My ancestors were already here.

Thankfully, Elsbeth’s keen sleuthing skills and expert eye for detail secured her spot on the jury by outing a garbage podcast host with questionable views on women.

That guy’s podcast was called “Nut Job Sluts Who Kill.” Not even Judge Milton could find a way to justify having him on the jury.

However, it wasn’t all intense stare-offs between Elsbeth and Milton. There were plenty of light and comedic moments to break up the tension.

Family Will Forever Be A Part Of The Heart Of Elsbeth

If you were along for the ride with TV Fanatic through Elsbeth Season 1, you know I had a chip on my shoulder about Teddy being a terrible son who never called or visited.

I am so glad to say that I was incredibly wrong. Teddy is as sweet as his mama and just so darn adorable. He really is just as kind and thoughtful as Elsbeth.

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Teddy wasn’t mentioned in this episode’s promo, photos, or description. So, even though he was in Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 at the end, there was no guarantee he would stick around.

Like Elsbeth, we’d love it if Teddy made a trip to NYC more often, especially if his new guy, Roy, lives in Brooklyn.

Didn’t it just melt your heart when Kaya (Carra Patterson) got so excited about showing Teddy around the city? This show depicts how people can come into our lives as if they were always family.

There’s more to that precinct than meets the eye.

Carrie Preston And Michael Emerson Brought Incredible Chemistry That Translated Into The Very Best Episode Of The Series

After multiple random pop-ups, viewers finally got a clearer picture of what is going on with Lieutenant Connor. Apparently, he was salty about the captain giving Elsbeth Noonan’s office.

To be fair, I have always found it really strange when characters who do the same job as other employees have MUCH nicer offices.

It’s been present in popular shows like Emily in Paris and the original run for Charmed, where Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), the advice columnist, had her own private office away from the bullpen.

It’s a weird storytelling tool that is slowly but surely making its way out of TV, namely on shows like Matlock, where Kathy Bates shares an office with two other associates.

However, as Lieutenant Connor did in this episode, we see Elsbeth’s worth and why she should, in fact, have her own private space. She needs a lot of room for all that thinking.

We can officially take Lieutenant Connor off the naughty list, as he is no longer gunning for Elsbeth or making things difficult for Captain Wagner.

Also, this could just be me, but did anyone else notice a slight sparkle in the lieutenant’s eyes whenever he addressed Teddy? It might just be me, but seeing those two together would make for hysterical TV.

Either way, it’s great to have one less person for Elsbeth to worry about because by the end of “One Angry Woman,” everyone’s favorite Chicago attorney caught the scent of murder from Judge Milton.

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Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson brought incredible chemistry that translated into the best episode of the series. If Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 doesn’t stir some awards feathers, then the system is broken.

Thankfully, there is one more episode before CBS‘s Elsbeth takes a slight pause through the winter holidays. The series will be back and ready for more campy fun in early 2025.

However, if the next episode is anything like “One Angry Woman,” wear a helmet because we will likely have our minds blown again.

Did you notice the Easter Egg from Evil and the similarity to Matlock?

This episode had so many incredible moments; what was your favorite?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I review another episode of Elsbeth!

Watch Elsbeth Online

The post Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet appeared first on TV Fanatic.

There was no shortage of baby mama drama in “No, No Monsters,” with the gaggle of gossiping moms driving Olympia over the edge. To be fair, some viewers shared in that outrage.

So much went down in this one episode; you would be forgiven if one or two things slipped through the cracks. Luckily, most Matlock fans know the show can be very “blink and you miss it” sometimes.

However, there were so many intense and incredible moments that we have to at least get to the juiciest of meats from Matlock Season 1 Episode 8. Most of them revolve unsurprisingly around Olympia.

Matlock Proves Through Olympia That Knowing The Truth Can Be A Double-Edged Sword

Poor Olympia Lawrence just can’t catch a break. First, there was the, as Matty put it, “philandering dumb dumb,” Julian. It just goes to show you that even the nice guys can mess up occasionally.

If you read the Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Spoilers, you know I asked, “Should Olympia realistically be upset about Julian’s affair from years ago?”

After watching “No, No Monsters,” I’ve concluded that if it matters to her, then it matters. Emotions are complicated, and we can’t always control how we feel, no matter how much we want to.

As Olympia said herself, she was struggling with what to do because while she wanted to know who the woman was, she was self-aware enough to know she wouldn’t be able to get through her day without seeing the woman’s face.

So, while Julian may be in the dog house for a minute, at least it’s not like Olympia called everything off. It could be so much worse. Just ask Billy.

Billy’s Quick Emotional Recovery Is Worth Suspending Belief For

Some characters are incredibly sweet and caring, so you only want good things for them. However, this is CBS, not Disney+.

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Even though it was painful to see Billy and Claudia break up in Matlock Season 1 Episode 7, he seems to be doing fine for the most part.

Sure, Sarah was acting like she was trying to convince herself of Billy’s emotional state, but she wasn’t too far from the mark. By the end of the episode, Billy was ready to move on and take his life back.

I’m willing to suspend my belief for the story’s sake because no one gets over a relationship that almost lasted a decade that fast.

I mean, Billy was listening to the first two albums from Adele. Everyone knows Adele’s saddest albums are her last two, but that could just be me.

Either way, Billy made monumental strides in processing his emotions and finding a healthy state of mind. Sadly, the same cannot be said for Madeline Matlock.

Matlock Makes Good Use Of Matty’s Vulnerable Moments And The Sad State Of What It Meant To Be A Career Woman In Her Day

Matty is far past the point of no return. Every step she takes towards her goal is another piece of her life she has to sacrifice. That sounds heavy, but it’s the truth of the situation.

What became evident in “No, No Monsters” is that justice is not driving Matty’s (Kathy Bates) revenge. It’s her guilt. It’s every moment she missed while raising Ellie.

While I still believe her mission is about getting justice for her daughter, it’s also to put to rest all the pain and guilt she puts on herself as a form of penance.

At this point, I’m hoping we never have an episode of Matlock that doesn’t show how vulnerable Matty is and everything she is willing to do in the memory of her daughter.

However, possibly the most unexpected best part of Matlock is the continued references to what the workplace was like in Matty’s day.

Each time she describes what the world was like back in the day, it’s a window into everything that helped shape Matty into the brassy broad that she is.

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What’s sad is that while it is very much illegal to deny employment because the candidate has a child or children, that doesn’t mean employers don’t still find other ways around it.

The world is not very kind to mothers, and what’s worse is that it’s all too common for other mothers to judge one another.

The Goal Of Any Scripted Show Is To Inspire Emotions, Even If Those Emotions Are Just A Bit Hostile

“No, No Monsters” was filled to the brim with “Mama Bear” energy. From Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) to Nadira and especially Matty, the mothers were not having it in this episode, and many of us were right there with them.

If you’re anything like this TV Fanatic, you cuss out the screen when a truly awful character gets too much speaking time. And, boy, were there a lot of cuss-worthy moments in Matlock Season 1 Episode 8. For one thing, that judge was a colossal (fill in the blank.)

Is it “mean judge week” or something? Elsbeth is dealing with an equally, if not more, infuriating judge getting in the way of righting a wrong.

And then there was the opposing counsel, who was apparently in Matlock Season 1 Episode 3, but honestly, I did not remember or recognize her.

If she’s going to keep popping up, we should at least know who we are dealing with. Natalie Ceballos plays the very annoying Veronica Cabrera.

Did anyone else want Matty to throw a stapler at her just to shut her up so Matty could get one complete sentence out? I had mine already in hand.

That said, the level of emotion the actress evokes proves that she knows what she’s doing. So, while the character is not great, the actor can be seen flexing her acting chops in Law & Order: Organized Crime, 9-1-1, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

While Madeline Matlock Focuses On Olympia And Julian, The Culprit Could Be Right Under Her Nose

Now let’s get to the most crucial part of “No, No Monster,” the fact that after all that work to get into Senior’s email, it was a damn photo of him on vacation.

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Luckily, CBS was kind enough to give viewers a heads-up with the promo because that would have been the letdown of letdowns.

Still, knowing about it and seeing it in action are two different things. It was painful watching Matty break down on the phone with Edwin.

As for the plan, I think the viewer who said the culprit is likely someone we’ve only seen once or twice is more accurate than ever. It’s Stuart, right? Or is that too obvious?

The show has slowly but surely been making Stuart’s presence more known with each passing episode. In fact, it seems to focus solely on how closely involved Stuart is with Senior.

While that wouldn’t make the biggest splash at Jacobson Moore, it would at least allow all the main characters to continue into the next season without being seen behind bars.

More than anything, it would be great if Olympia had not been involved, but considering her more apathetic lawyer past, it is a strong possibility.

If it isn’t her, she’s still in for some bad news because she and Matty keep getting closer, but what will happen when the truth comes out?

There’s no going back now. Matty is in too deep. She is so deep, in fact, that she continually finds herself smack dab in the middle of Olympia and Julian’s (Jason Ritter) drama, no matter how hard she tries to stay out of it.

That said, it’s still hilarious to see Matty’s facial expression whenever she finds herself literally standing in the middle of another Olympia and Julian argument.

Matlock has undoubtedly left an impression on viewers that will last them through the holidays. The series will now take a little pause through the New Year until January 30.

Until then, fans of the show can relive the incredible first half of Matlock Season 1 on Paramount+. And if you notice a clue or something we might have missed, feel free to share it with the class.

Do you agree that the Wellbrexa culprit could be a minor character we’ve only seen a few times?

Do you think Julian had an affair with someone from Jacobson Moore?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review another episode of Matlock!

And keep an eye out for Matlock Spoilers, posted before each new episode!

Watch Matlock Online

The post Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think appeared first on TV Fanatic.

That’s right. Everyone’s favorite psycho from Evil, Michael Emerson, is bringing his cold, dead smile to the courtroom. CBS sure does like to keep everything in the Paramount family.

Preston and Emerson are best known for their roles on shows like Elsbeth and Evil, which are not only Paramount+ residents but stem from the same showrunners.

I wasn’t kidding when I called this episode a family affair. Both series have showrunners and married couple Robert and Michelle King’s hands working behind the scenes.

So, with two married couples in front and behind the camera, there’s bound to be a ridiculous amount of entertaining chemistry. Plus, don’t you love it when real-life couples play foils for each other?

It’s “Bring Your Spouse To Work” Day On Elsbeth

It’s certainly not unheard of for couples in the acting world to play opposite each other. Many times, actors begin relationships while working on a project together.

While I could go down a rabbit hole of iconic actors who fit the bill, we would be here all day, and I’m not trying to take away Wikipedia’s job. Suffice it to say, the chemistry almost always comes through.

For example, fans of the Hulu series Tell Me Lies can have firsthand experience of watching real-life couple Jackson White and Grace Van Patten rip into each other in every episode.

It’s kind of a trend at this point for couples to play antagonists to one another in whatever project they are starring in. Maybe it’s some form of couple’s therapy.

Either way, that’s exactly what viewers have in store with “One Angry Woman.”

Michael Emerson Is Bringing His Years Of Creepiness On Evil Over To Elsbeth

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The official synopses for Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 reads: “Elsbeth finally makes it as a true New Yorker when she is summoned to jury duty.

“She lands on a murder trial where she faces off with the unusually difficult Judge Milton Crawford (Michael Emerson), who will prove a formidable adversary.

Yep, there it is. Funnily enough, the tension between the characters does not come across in the promo, so thank goodness for that episode description.

Around the time of the Elsbeth Season 1 Episode 10, Carries Preston talked with TVLine about the possibilities for the following season. During the interview, her husband was a hot topic for the show.

While Preston expressed a desire for Emerson to play against the type he is typically cast as, i.e., a creep, the man knows where his strengths lie.

Michael was one of the most exciting, infuriating, and fascinating characters on the Paramount+ series Evil. If you haven’t seen the show, I won’t spoil it for you. All I’ll say is that the devil is in the details.

Interestingly enough, the actor’s debut in both series starts in a courtroom, albeit in very different roles. Nonetheless, he’s good at getting in the way of the law.

Elsbeth Is Keeping Things As Close To Home As Possible

The description says explicitly that Emerson’s character, Milton, will be a “formidable adversary” for Elsbeth. So, he’ll probably be sticking around for a few episodes.

However, the real question is why a judge would be so antagonistic towards a juror, let alone a lawyer who works with the NYPD. Shouldn’t they be on the same side?

Is it a matter of not liking lawyers? Because he chose the wrong career if that is the case. Or does he have a past with Elsbeth that he hasn’t overcome?

Maybe they dated, and she ghosted him? Probably not, since we learned in Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 that Elsbeth is catnip for firemen. Lucky girl.

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We also finally saw Elsbeth’s son, Teddy, make his first appearance in The Good Wife universe. Teddy is played by Ben Levi Ross, known for his stage role in Dear Evan Hansen, where he was an understudy for Evan.

While he is not mentioned in the description, promo, or photos for “One Angry Woman,” it would be a boon for viewers to see at least one scene of Elsbeth and her son spending time together.

Granted, it will have to be a quick scene if Elsbeth is going to be caught up in jury duty.

Elsbeth May Be Packing In More Stories Than It Has Time For

In the promo for Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7, the first thing viewers will hear is a woman telling Elsbeth, “She supposedly snuck into her neighbor’s apartment and beat him to death.”

Not to point out a strange development, but this will be the fourth female killer in a row, even if she is possibly innocent. Is that strange?

The first three episodes all had male killers, and every episode since Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 4 has featured a female killer. The episodes were so fun; who would’ve even noticed? This TV Fanatic, that’s who.

Again, though, for once, the killer may actually be innocent, as Elsbeth is heard in the promo saying, “She’s being railroaded. What I can’t figure out is why.”

So, not only will Elsbeth not technically work a case, but she’ll also be dipping back into her lawyer roots and trying to find a way to exonerate the defendant.

Sadly, this will be the last episode before Elsbeth takes a little pause through the New Year. Whatever this episode has in store for audiences, it likely sets up the plot for the second half of Elsbeth Season 2.

Hopefully, with all this focus on Carrie Preston and her husband, we still get some scenes with the lovable Officer Kaya and the recently much more comedic Captain Wagner.

Seriously, what is going on with Lieutenant Connor? The character only pops up when it’s time to make the good captain sweat about being popular.

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Then there was that BS he pulled with Kaya in Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 1, which pretty much derailed Kaya’s becoming a detective.

However, in “Gold, Frankincense, and Murder,” it was all good news regarding her detective exams.

Between Connor, Kaya, and the captain, there are enough sub-plots for a spinoff, but let’s get through the holidays before we start that talk. That would make it the third spinoff of the franchise.

Then again, CBS loves to expand almost every show that falls into its lap. From NCIS to FBI, the network is a veritable playground for expansion.

All in all, this episode will take the story in a new direction with the introduction of Emerson’s character. But is that wise, given that so many other arcs still hang in the air?

I’m speaking, of course, about the publicized divorce in Chicago that Elsbeth is still caught up in. Then again, maybe that’s the connection to why Emerson’s character will be so antagonistic towards Elsbeth.

At this point, all we can do is sit back and enjoy this incredibly entertaining and campy series with all its ridiculousness and heartwarming fun.

Now, check out the promo for CBS‘s Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 below!

Do you think we’ll see Teddy again in this episode?

Why do you think Emerson’s Judge Milton will be so antagonistic with Elsbeth?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I review this episode of Elsbeth!

Watch Elsbeth Online

The post Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth appeared first on TV Fanatic.

It’s no wonder Kathy Bates got her ninth Golden Globe nomination for her role as Matty. “Belly of the Beast” really showed why Bates was the absolute best choice for the part.

Now that Madeline Matlock has everything she needs with Senior’s laptop, it’s only a matter of time until the truth comes out.

I’d like to remind everyone that the series’ creator has vehemently said that the big mystery will be wrapped up nicely by the end of Matlock Season 1.

There Something Up That Sleeve Of Madeline Matlock

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As far as promos go, Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 leaves quite a bit to be desired. However, it does get things going with a spicy start that’s a little hard to understand without context.

The first thing viewers hear is an unknown character pointing to Matty and saying, “Don’t underestimate Miss Matlock. This woman is a shark.” Does anyone know who this woman is?

From how she said that it seems like she knows Matty from farther back than this one episode. However, she refers to her as Matlock and not Kingston, so that can’t be it, right?

Here’s the kicker, though. Right after that part, Matty responds with “I like that,” coupled with a charming and cheeky smirk. The moment is brief but leaves enough of an impression to get the imagination going.

Since this is the last episode before Matlock takes a pause through winter, I highly doubt it will be a filler episode. Rather, I think the promo purposefully tiptoes around the biggest moments of the episode.

Lord knows we got a hefty dose of that during Matlock Season 1 Episode 7, with Matty just about at the end of her emotional rope. Not to mention that sweet legal associate, Billy.

It’s Back To The Drawing Board For Matlock

“Belly of the Beast” was an incredibly emotional episode that left a lot of fans shocked by everything that happened. If you’re like this TV Fanatic, you were absolutely rocked by Billy’s girlfriend Claudia turning down his marriage proposal.

Luckily, I had the chance to catch up with Billy’s David Del Rio to talk shop about what the series has in store. Suffice it to say, every character has something coming their way.

However, the most significant moment in that episode came at the end when Matlock revealed that Matty had been moving to get access to Senior’s email the entire time.

Now comes the moment of truth. In the promo for Matlock Season 1 Episode 8, Matty tells Edwin, “The email attachment. It’s a photograph of Senior in Sydney.”

Right away, the first thought that pops up is, “Oh, no. Matty did all that work, and it was a dead end. ” But wait, because then Edwin says, “So, he couldn’t have signed for the documents.”

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The final nail in the coffin comes when Matty responds, “It was forged.” That’s right. Bum, bum, bummm. So, who signed for the damn documents?

Raise Your Hand If You Thought Senior Was Behind The Wellbrexa Coverup

This is a tough one because the most understandable answer would obviously be Julian. Sure, he’s been adamant about not being like his father, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try to get his father’s approval if the opportunity presented itself.

Not to mention, Julian (Jason Ritter) works in Pharma, specifically with Wellbrexa. However, one thing we can all agree on when it comes to Matlock is that if you think the story is going to go one way, it most certainly is going the other way.

One viewer proposed a valid theory that whoever Matty is after won’t be Olympia, Julian, or Senior. They will be a character we’ve only seen maybe once or twice.

If that is the case, it must be Senior’s assistant. He already does everything for Senior (Beau Bridges), and I could very easily see him taking the initiative in that situation if Senior were on the other side of the planet.

Still, that seems too easy and reeks of scapegoat territory to keep the main characters out of the hot seat. Raise your hand if you were convinced Senior was behind the Wellbrexa coverup.

Viewers Should Keep Expectations High As Miss Kathy Bates, Golden Globe Nominee, Always Brings It To The Matlock Table

The official synopsis for Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 reads: “YouThree help Olympia defend a defamed nanny at her children’s school.

“Also, Matty is on a stressful hunt for an important document on the Wellbrexa case.”

That description leaves very little to work with, considering “No, No Monsters” will be sending viewers into the holidays with whatever happens still on their minds.

Funnily enough, the fellow CBS series NCIS: Origins did something very similar recently. The description of their most recent episode had barely anything in it before the episode aired.

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However, if you talk to anyone who watched it, they’d tell you it was a mind-blowing experience. I have a feeling there’s another one coming down the pike with Matty leading the charge.

Still, if there is one thing Matlock is consistent with, it’s keeping the cases fresh, exciting, and heart-wrenching. More than anything, it will be interesting to see Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) emotionally involved with the case.

The client in question is a nanny from Olympia’s kids’ school. Every mom with young kids knows there are usually crossovers between school and home life. Teachers and parents have to be more communicative at those young ages.

So, there’s a strong chance that Olympia could have personal ties with the client. It would be perfect for her journey since the Matlock Season 1 Premiere.

Olympia has been figuring out what kind of attorney she wants to be, and thankfully, Matty seems to have had a real influence on her.

Although, we still have to see what comes of Olympia and Julian after he dropped the bomb about his affair before they split up. Again, it’s a tough one to contend with.

Should Olympia be realistically upset about something that happened before they split and then reconciled? If anything, it showed that moving forward on a clean slate was important to Julian for him and Olympia to get it right this time.

Most importantly, though, let’s hope Sarah and Kira keep that budding romance alive and well. Can you imagine a heartbroken Sarah? Me neither because it’s unfathomable.

Either way, viewers are well-advised to keep their expectations high because Miss Kathy Bates, a recent Golden Globe nominee, always brings it to the Matlock table.

For now, check out the Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Promo below!

Who do you think forged Senior’s signature?

What do you think is going to happen between Olympia and Julian?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I bring you more Matlock Spoilers posted before each new episode!

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The post Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Spoilers: Things Take A Turn After Matty Cracks Open Senior’s Email appeared first on TV Fanatic.

For one, we finally know how Lala’s story is entangled with Gibbs’s. And we really got some answers about where things were headed regarding Gibbs’ revenge. That’s all the subtlety I had left in me.

I’m just going to say it now: this was by far the best episode of NCIS: Origins. Any time a show can make me audibly gasp, it’s a win in my book.

This was such a heavy episode, but at least Kleenex wasn’t required to make it through. Just when we thought NCIS: Origins was going to zig, it zagged.

If you’re anything like this TV Fanatic, you were absolutely floored by the ending of “Vivo o Muerto.” We’ll get to the rest of the episode, but let’s jump right into the juicy parts of this incredible episode.

Talk About The Shot Heard Around The World

If you read the spoilers for “Vivo o Muerto,” you know we were fully expecting something that connects to Gibbs’s past due to the episode description.

I also suggested that we might see flashbacks of Gibbs at work planning his revenge. However, that was apparently only scratching the surface.

Technically, he didn’t move behind the scenes because he had already exacted the revenge by the time we met our youthful Gibbs.

It answers so many questions about the state of the show since the NCIS: Origins Season 1 Premiere. For example, did anyone else find it odd that Gibbs developed a, let’s say, crush on Lala?

That seemed like a bizarre choice as far as plotting because why would a grieving man be so open to the idea of new love? I mean, Gibbs has a history of wooing ladies, but the man walked into enemy territory trying to kill himself.

Now we know he got his revenge long ago, which poses another question: Does Gibbs care about being caught? He didn’t seem overly concerned with covering his tracks for the last eight episodes before this one.

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It all makes so much sense now. It explains why Gibbs went from a volatile drunk to a level-headed guy who is branching out to his work family.

And here I thought Mary Jo’s fabulous shoes were what kept his spirits up.

Just When Lala And Gibbs Started To Feel Like A Possibility, NCIS: Origins Put A Definite Stop To That

I don’t know about you, but that was a Matlock-level twist I did not see coming. If you had an inkling before the end of the episode, please tell us how you figured it out in the comments.

The rest of us were as shocked as Lala. The look on her face through the two-way mirror was all I needed to know the crap had hit the fan.

It just kept getting more intense with every word she said. First, she says, “Hernandez was killed,” so you think, “Oh, he probably faked his death.”

Then she hits Franks with the phrase “six months ago,” and it’s like, “Oh, that’s, uh, an interesting coincidence.”

But when she finally said, “by a sniper,” it was like all the air went out in the room. It was like a blanket fell over the series, and you knew nothing would be the same after that.

Can you imagine that car ride back with Lala, Gibbs, and Franks? You know it must be awkward as hell if Franks isn’t trying to fill the silence.

It’s funny because everything that happened before the big twist set Lala and Gibbs up for some actual chemistry. For once, their possible chance at romance didn’t feel forced.

However, this will be a hard one for Mariel Molino’s (Promised Land) Lala to contend with. Seeing how she cared about finding Pedro Hernandez spoke volumes about how Lala connects to Gibbs.

Well, how she connected, technically, because now Hernandez is dead, so whatever their connection is supposed to be, it must have something to do with covering up what Gibbs did.

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Whatever the case, I doubt the result will be anything resembling romance. Gibbs may have been married four times, but I didn’t see one Latina on that list.

Thankfully, we still have one more episode before NCIS: Origins goes on a little pause through winter. As great as it will be to see what transpires from this revelation, I’m now more interested in what’s happening with Tish.

NCIS: Origins Has A Bad Case Of White Knight Syndrome

Despite “Vivo o Muerto” strongly focusing on Lala and Gibbs (Austin Stowell), you know NCIS: Origins isn’t going to give Franks the day off from the show or his personal life.

Seriously, what happened to Tish? And when did it happen? Obviously, it was some kind of assault, but it must have been a while ago if Tish was ready to move on.

I love that mustached macho man, but my goodness, he’s a sentimental kind of guy. You can almost see him tear up when he has to leave Tish to meet Lala and Gibbs in Mexico.

There’s just something about how he loves his woman that is so sweet and so nauseating at the same time.

Look, Franks (Kyle Schmid) and Gibbs are fantastic characters who are in touch with their emotions in the best way. However, enough with the “white knight” crap.

Every time Tish and Franks converse, she has to tell him not to treat her like fragile China. I understand he loves her so much, but there is such a thing as boundaries.

Furthermore, Tish does not seem like the kind of woman you want to be on the bad side of. I don’t know what she was like before the incident, but you can tell that woman can hold her own.

In fact, all of the female characters are such strong depictions of women. From Vera to Mary Jo, and even Lala’s complicated ass can take down a fully grown man on her own.

That said, it is one of the most realistic aspects of NCIS: Origins. The strong, silent, good guys always put on the “protector” hat without ever asking anyone if they actually need the help.

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NCIS: Origins Always Serves Up Heavy Drama With A Light Side Of Perfectly Timed Comedy

“Vivo o Muerto” was a wild ride of an episode that hit all the marks as far as well-rounded and layered episodes go, from drama to action to adventure, and especially comedy.

We can always count on CBS‘s NCIS: Origins to break up all the intense dramatic moments with genuinely hilarious side plots.

I mean, right from the start of the episode with that split screen between Lala and Gibbs while Spandau Ballet’s “True” plays in the background was a lot campier than I would have expected from NCIS: Origins, but it worked.

However, did anyone else think it was peculiar that the song was played again while Gibbs was aiming his sniper rifle at Pedro Hernandez? I think I actually sang along with the music. There were so many confusing emotions at play.

This is what I mean by well-rounded because the episode didn’t just evoke one emotion, but all of them.

And good god, that agent that dropped off the drunk/drugged navy man really let it be known that getting laid was more important than doing his job.

I hoped Caleb Foote’s (Magnum P.I.) Randy would turn him away until the guy said he was going to brunch with a girl he’d been trying to get in the pants of for a year. A YEAR. Why would he admit that? And why would Randy encourage him?

To be fair, in that same situation, I think I would be so shocked that I would just agree with whatever the guy said. I’m just glad Mary Jo didn’t hear him.

Speaking of the best admin agent at the NIS, how funny was it seeing her take off sneakers to put on her work heels? I would bet good money that she could take down multiple guys without ever breaking a heel.

However, the MVP of comedy in this episode was hands down Woody when he called Lala and Gibbs to tell them the navy man had been drugged. I don’t know what happens in that forensic lab, but I would watch a spinoff of it if it was done like Superstore. I’m just saying.

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As I said in the NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 Spoilers, the promo for the episode made the case seem like it wouldn’t be the top priority of “Vivo o Muerto,” and that wasn’t entirely wrong.

Everything revolved around the case in one way or another, but by the end of the episode, it’s like, “What case? Did someone get taken?”

As impressive as that twist was, it kind of undermined the heartfelt moment towards the end when the kidnapped girls were being cut free. Once that twist hit, I completely forgot about the case.

Again, we have one more episode to go, so whatever NCIS: Origins has in store for audiences, I will be right there at the edge of my seat with the rest of you.

What do you think is going to happen when Franks, Lala, and Gibbs get back to the precinct?

Was Gibbs’ revenge depicted in the way that you imagined it?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review another episode of NCIS: Origins!

And keep an eye out for NCIS: Origins Spoilers posted before each new episode!

Watch NCIS: Origins Online

The post NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Vivo o Muerto appeared first on TV Fanatic.

You may know this guy as the sweetest associate at Jacobson Moore, the elite law firm that Kathy Bates’ Matty is determined to take down. Don’t worry because this character is far from Madeline’s hit list.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m happy to spotlight David Del Rio and his wonderfully lovable character, Billy. This guy is just as fun and sweet as his character.

We took a deep dive into the premiere season of Matlock and discussed so many aspects of the show, really getting into the inner workings of this fantastic series.

While I would have loved talking with David for hours, there’s a good chance I would have exhausted the theater thespian with my many, MANY questions.

Suffice it to say, I kept the man busy with the bit of time I had.

Any viewers who had the pleasure of watching Matlock Season 1 Episode 7 received a crash course in David Del Rio’s fantastic acting range. I’m probably biased, but it was such an intensely emotional scene.

SPOILER WARNING for fans who have not seen Matlock Episode 7. David and I discuss a few plot points from “Belly of the Beast.”

Click play below to see the full interview!

As you saw for yourself, David and I had an in-depth discussion and a lot of fun. Sadly, we did not get to all the games that I had planned. I’ll save them for next time.

One thing I took away from the interview is that Kathy Bates is as amazing as everyone thinks. I’m not going to lie; that genuinely made me like Matlock even more.

Here’s a fun fact about the interview: Before we started recording, I warned David Del Rio that there was a strong chance I would call him Billy. It was a Christmas miracle that I didn’t.

Hearing how the cast works so well together confirmed what I had suspected for a while about the show. The chemistry between the cast members is a clear indicator of how well they collaborate.

And, as an added bonus, who knew Jason Ritter was the best dancer on Matlock? So, if we see his character, Julian, dancing poorly, we know that’s just solid acting.

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Fingers crossed that this was only the first of many interviews from the Matlock cast. Especially since David Del Rio gave us that last little bit of info about what’s coming from CBS‘s Matlock Season 1.

The series has one more episode in store for its very loyal fan base before it takes a break until after New Year’s, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a heavy episode that sends audiences reeling until the break is over.

What did you think was the best part of the interview?

How do you feel about Matlock after learning some behind-the-scenes facts?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I bring you another exclusive interview with the actors and creators behind your favorite shows!

And keep an eye out for Matlock spoilers and reviews!

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The post Exclusive Interview With Matlock’s David Del Rio: The Actor Takes Fans Behind The Scenes To The Heart of Matlock appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Just from the vibe of the promo for “Vivo o Muerto,” it’s clear that the episode is going to be action-packed, so, at least, the series is consistent. At least we’ll never have to worry about a musical episode.

For those not proficient in Español, I will happily translate the NCIS: Origins episode title for full dramatic effect. The episode title translated into English is “Dead or Alive.” Heavy, am I right?

We should all start bracing ourselves for an epic couple of episodes before NCIS: Origins goes on a little break through the holidays.

At least it looks like Lala will be upfront and center again. Hopefully, the writers will give us faithful viewers a nugget of insight into this annoyingly mysterious character.

If NCIS: Origins Doesn’t Connect The Dots Between Lala And Gibbs Soon, There Will Be Riots In The Streets

At this point, it feels like beating a dead horse to talk about how much the character of Special Agent Lala Dominguez needs to be fleshed out. A mystery is only fun with clues.

However, it should be said that Mariel Molino is doing a phenomenal job with the material she’s been given to work with. An actor is only as good as the writing they are handed.

Many viewers have expressed frustration that Lala was painted as a pivotal plot point but has been severely underutilized for the first half of NCIS: Origins Season 1.

Don’t even get me started on NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 6, “Incognito.” To say viewers were disappointed would be an understatement.

It felt like getting catfished by an episode, and those never end well. Hopefully, the series will finally connect the dots so viewers can stop trying to find the link between Gibbs’s and Lala’s stories.

Speaking of Gibbs, he’s headed on down to Mexico with the rest of the team. You know what that means, right?

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NCIS: Origins Is Paving The Path For A Monumental Moment From The NCIS Franchise

Now, I don’t think that means we’ll see the monumental moment we hope will be recreated on NCIS: Origins.

However, if the episode doesn’t give us some kind of reference to Gibbs finding the man who murdered his family, I’m going to rip my hair out. Viewers are primed and ready to see history get made.

Granted, in the promo, Gibbs seems rather busy with the case, as you can hear him halfway through saying, “I’m not losing eyes on her.” So, his head is clearly in the game.

Gibbs’ backstory was very much explored in NCIS, so does anyone else think it’s odd that the show has conveniently not shown Gibbs making any moves toward his eventual plan?

We know what’s coming, yet there has not been much movement other than flashbacks. It’s just speculation, but there may be flashbacks of Gibbs moving behind the scenes in previous episodes of NCIS: Origins.

CBS loves a show that knows its way around a twist. Just watch Matlock or Elsbeth if you don’t believe me.

To paraphrase the Charlie Daniels Band, the NIS agent went down to Mexico; he was looking for a man to kill.

When In Doubt, NCIS: Origins Throws It Back To Fan-Favorite Franks

The official synopsis for NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 reads: “The case of a missing woman who disappeared after a night of clubbing with a Navy seaman takes the team to Mexico, where they learn of a possible connection to Gibbs’ past.”

Just think, if that poor girl had gone clubbing with any other guy, she would have had to rely on Policia Federal only. But now, she’ll also get the expert help of one Mike Franks.

Let’s just say what we all think about NCIS: Origins; Kyle Schmid is the breakout star of this incredible show. His acting skills are far beyond any other role he’s previously taken on.

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It just wouldn’t be a watchable episode without Franks, and it seems like he’ll be right by Lala for every moment of this border-crossing adventure.

In the promo, Franks says, “Let’s make a plan,” before Lala responds, “I draw their attention upfront; you call it when you move inside.”

Lala may be a complicated character on a personal level, but she is a damn good NIS agent. Then again, work is a great way to distract oneself from the crushing weight of living. Just ask Gibbs. Too dark?

NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 Takes On Themes From “Taken,” Leaving Room For More Substantial Sub-Plots

Did anyone catch the last part of the description for “Vivo o Muerto?” Specifically, the part where “they learn of a possible connection to Gibbs’ past?” That’s some interesting verbiage.

Viewers are fully aware that Gibbs (Austin Stowell) has a “connection” to his past in Mexico. It’s been the central focus of Gibbs’ entire story in the show so far. So, is this where the team starts to connect the dots of what Gibbs has planned?

Could this be an NCIS reference to a character viewers previously met in the original series? It seems like an odd choice of words to use, but that’s the point, right? To give audiences a curiosity itch that only NCIS: Origins can scratch.

Due to the straightforward nature of the case, which basically has a “Taken” vibe, there’s a good chance that NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 will ramp up for epic sub-plots.

The show will take a break after the next episode, and any series worth its salt knows to leave audiences wanting more.

Cliffhangers are like an Amazon package. You’re excited because you know you’ll get something good, but the waiting is agony. It’s a bittersweet treat that we’ve gotten way too used to.

Considering the high caliber quality of NCIS: Origins and the backing of a monolithic franchise, viewers should have high hopes for what the writers have in store.

For one, was anyone expecting Randy to be such a badass in NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 8? It is just another example of how the show continues to exceed expectations.

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While not every viewer feels this is an NCIS series, that is primarily due to the intense focus on the characters. This is an “Origins” series, after all.

All I know is there better be a Christmas episode before the series goes on break because I need to see Mike Franks in a Santa hat.

Plus, you know Mary Jo will be decked out in her holiday best. Where’s the episode focusing on Mary Jo? Let’s have THAT conversation.

In all seriousness, NCIS: Origins is a fantastic series that subverts expectations and delivers stories that feel as real as the screens we watch them on.

For now, check out the promo for CBS‘s NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 below!

Do you think Gibbs is going to take advantage of his time in Mexico to find the man who killed his family?

Besides Mike Franks, who is another character you love seeing on NCIS: Origins?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I review another episode of NCIS: Origins!

And keep an eye out for NCIS: Origins Spoilers posted before each new episode!

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The post NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 9 Spoilers: The Team Goes To Mexico For A Kidnapping, But Stays For The Tequila appeared first on TV Fanatic.

This episode had its stocking stuffed with holiday cheer and merry murder mayhem. From beginning to end, it was a laugh riot with some of the best running jokes of the season and so many shoutouts to previous episodes.

Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 was somehow a “howcatchem” and a murder mystery in one. Now, that is what I call an early Christmas present.

So many moments had viewers asking themselves, “Did DeeDee kill Dirk, or was it a happy accident?” By “happy accident,” I meant she would’ve avoided being killed if she were innocent.

Alas, in the end, America’s Mrs. Claus turned out to be the Grinch that killed Christmas. At least, she tried anyway because Elsbeth is about to have the happiest holiday ever.

“Why Do People Like A Strange Man Breaking Into Their Homes?”

Let me get this out of the way right now; boy, was I so wrong about this episode. If you read the Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 Spoilers, you know I fully expected Elsbeth’s son to continue his invisibility act.

Good God, I was so wrong and am glad about it. Forget calling for Christmas because Elsbeth’s son, Teddy, showed up in a damn Santa suit just to surprise his mom.

If you kept up with Elsbeth Season 1 with TV Fanatic, one of my pet peeves from the first season was that Elsbeth’s son seemed to be icing her out of his life.

In the spirit of the holidays, I am officially putting Teddy on the “Nice List” because making your mom tear up with happiness and joy is a surefire way off the “Naughty List.”

Although Teddy wasn’t the only thing I was wrong about in this episode, I surprisingly wasn’t far from the mark. Instead of Fire Marshall Jake, audiences were introduced to Fire Marshall Lee Sparks.

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The Sparks Flew For Elsbeth, Who Seems To Be Fireman Catnip

Seriously, what is with the firemen on Elsbeth? It’s been building ever since Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 2. Did you see how they were all staring Elsbeth down? One guy was on the ground doing push-ups while smiling at her.

I would like to say it was creepy, but CBS found themselves some of the hottest firemen in New York City. I’m slightly annoyed at Kaya for blocking Fire Marshall Lee from hitting on Elsbeth.

That man was insanely handsome and clearly passionate about his job. He and Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) could have had little crime and firefighting babies. Oh, well. At least the firemen are genuinely helpful and not just hot as hell.

Speaking of hot helpers, we must talk about all of Dirk Dasher’s “little” elves. First, there was the hilarious running joke from the Elsbeth writers about Dirk because, let’s not beat around the bush about this.

If your husband is obsessed with Christmas, loves singing carols, and is surrounded by fit, hot men who look like they could break out in dance at any moment, then you’re married to Mariah Carey.

I about died laughing when Molly Price’s (And Just Like That…) Detective Donnelly made Holly confirm that they were talking about the same Dirk Dasher when Holly referred to him as “the best lover she ever had.”

I guess Dirk decked the halls with Boughs of Holly. The joke was right there.

The look on Donnelly’s face alone, but then again, she always delivers the best deadpan humor to round out the show.

“New Yorkers Love Good Moving Boxes”

Detective Donnelly has certainly been present during Elsbeth Season 2, and we are not mad about it. For one thing, she gets some of the best quotable lines in the series.

For example, when Captain Wagner asked, “Dirk had a Holly?” Donnelly responded, “It’s all so on the blinking red nose.” She said that without missing a beat and with such sincerity.

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And, of course, this little gem and running joke about Donnelly’s status as a real New Yorker when she said, “New Yorkers love good moving boxes.” To be fair, New York City is its own chaotic animal.

“Gold, Frankincense, and Murder ” references previous episodes in abundance. During the bar scene, close listeners might have caught Elsbeth specifically asking for seedless apple juice.

Viewers may remember that Vannessa Williams’ Roslyn juiced hundreds of apple seeds so the cops would detect cyanide in her system during Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 4.

However, the biggest callback has to be Gisela (Gee-Zuh-Luh) Mott. If you’re like this TV Fanatic, you have to be spoon-fed context to remember where the character is from.

It was her sunglasses that solved the murder the last time we saw her on Elsbeth eason 1 Episode 10. Funnily enough, Donnelly was also the detective on that case.

Gisela Mott randomly popped up at the end to briefly confirm what Elsbeth was saying during the confrontation with DeeDee, which had me cracking up and laughing.

“All I Want For Christmas Is This Case Solved”

There was so much camp in this episode and, really, Season 2 as a whole. Things have taken a much lighter tone than Elsbeth Season 1.

That may essentially be due to the possible closing of Captain Wagner’s corruption case. It has been so much fun seeing a lighter and more fun side to the character.

Between trying to win a popularity contest at the precinct and spending this entire episode trying to find a gift for his wife, Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) is the real Santa this season.

Also, I’d like to throw this out there: Did anyone else notice the MULTI-COLORED bucket hat Elsbeth rocked at the start of the episode? I felt personally attacked.

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All in all, this was one of the best holiday episodes of the broadcast season. I can’t imagine there was a viewer left who wasn’t in the holiday spirit by the end.

Luckily, CBS’s Elsbeth has one more episode in store before it takes a little break until after the New Year.

So, get your knee pads ready and brace for what will likely be a cliffhanger ending that will drive viewers crazy for the rest of the holiday season.

Did this episode put you in the holiday mood?

Were you shocked that Teddy made a surprise appearance at the end of the episode?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review another episode of Elsbeth!

Watch Elsbeth Online

The post Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Gold, Frankincense, and Murder appeared first on TV Fanatic.

As far as holiday episodes go, “Belly of the Beast” hits every single note. Many shows choose themes of pure happiness or tragedy, but this show chose both.

I have to imagine so many Matlock viewers are getting dehydrated from Kathy Bates making them cry, but she is just too damn good. Kathy is bringing HBO-level acting to a broadcast show.

However, as great as the actor is, the character has come to the much-expected fork in the road. The line between Madeline Matlock and Madeline Kingston is starting to blur.

Madeline Kingston Is Slowly But Surely Learning What It Means To Be Matlock

Since the Matlock Season 1 Premiere, I have posed the question about a particular plot point of Matlock: How will Matty keep her good heart while trying to take down an elite law firm?

We always knew she would have to bend her morals a little to do what needed to be done. However, Matlock Season 1 Episode 7 showed that the damage is not one decision but cumulative.

Little by little, each case has stripped away a patch of Matty’s heart. This was most evident during “Sixteen Steps,” when Matty saw how getting justice for her client’s late child didn’t ease the mom’s suffering.

When the bracelet that Matty’s daughter made for her broke while talking fake smack with the pharma bros, it was like hearing a heart shatter.

Then, the shoe crunch from another character stepping on the beads was like a knife twist. Was that the levee breaking? Was that the moment Matty had to make an internal decision about going forward?

At the end of the episode, we saw her follow through with her plan to crack into Senior’s email. So, if she did make a decision, it was to see her plan through.

To be fair, this wasn’t a great case for either side of the suit.

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It Was Hard To Tell Who The Bad Guys Were In This Case

This was a tough case to pick a side for. On the one hand, they did Jessie dirty with that drug trial. However, unlike Matlock Season 1 Episode 4, the victim wasn’t as easy to root for.

In “The Rabbit and the Hawk,” the client wanted justice for his late wife and to improve the conditions of the building he lived in for all the residents.

While Jacobson Moore similarly pulled another last-minute loophole, it wasn’t underhanded this time. If anything, I’d say Jessie and her lawyer were the underhanded ones.

Hear me out; I agree entirely that Jessie deserved justice for having her life derailed, but that didn’t justify her sending all of her followers after Jacobson Moore.

How is antagonizing a law firm supposed to lead to true justice? Did they really think bullying an elite law firm would end in their favor? I’m all for seeking change in the justice system, but be smarter.

Poor Jessie will be lucky if she gets ten thousand from Wellbrexa. As I said, this was not a great case. Honestly, the only person with completely clean hands in the end was Julian. Well, clean in regards to the case.

“Clear The Rot”

Sure, as far as the case is concerned, Julian (Jason Ritter) was looking to handle everything by the book. Now, regarding his marriage, there is a bit left to be desired.

So, what is the statute of limitation for having an affair? Julian and Olympia split after it happened, even though Olympia didn’t know about it. Should this be something that bothers her?

Technically, Julian didn’t have to come clean. And while he was motivated to do it to separate his traits from his father’s, Julian still wanted to restart things with Olympia on the right foot.

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Those two just got back together after so many episodes of them reconnecting. It just can’t be over before it’s even started again. Besides, Julian already pulled the brownstone off the market.

Seriously, what do you think? Should Olympia let something like this go? It happened before they separated, and Julian is clearly no longer with this woman.

And what constitutes it as an affair? Was it a one-time thing? Purely physical? Or, what is more likely, did Julian find comfort in the arms of another woman?

There’s a lot to unpack with this situation, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that these two crazy kids can work things out.

Has anyone noticed how Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) has become much nicer since she and Julian worked things out? Jacobson Moore will need as much positive energy as possible going forward.

Julian and Olympia aren’t the only couple that has seen better days. If you’re like this TV Fanatic, you’re still not over Billy’s devastating breakup with Claudia.

The Happiest, Saddest, Most Cheerful, And Loneliest Time Of Year

Move over Kathy Bates because David Del Rio is bringing the talent with his amazing skills. Granted, it was a heartbreaking scene, but the actor absolutely killed it.

Don’t think we’re done crying about this, either. You know Matty will have a bucket of wisdom and comfort to impart to the sweetest guy at Jacobson Moore.

I don’t know about you, but I for sure thought Claudia was about to say yes. That one was tough to watch. However, the breakup leaves room for some possible changes in Billy’s personality.

Don’t get me wrong, I love how sweet and sincere Billy is, but I would not be mad if he suddenly had a little edge to him. Hopefully, no characters will suggest that he “get back out there.”

That said, it wasn’t all sadness in “Belly of the Beast.” Sarah and Kira shared their first kiss under the stars during the holidays. In retrospect, it helped balance the episode’s heavier moments.

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And best of all, Shae returned in all her intense glory. Since Matlock Season 1 Episode 3, I’ve said that Shae was a big old bag of crazy, but in a fun way, and I was right.

A tough-as-nails and ridiculously talented jury consultant who loves acapella enough to blackmail people into participating? This woman is my spirit animal apart from the singing.

CBS‘s Matlock is expected to take a little break after the next episode, so start mentally preparing yourself. The next installment could send viewers reeling through the New Year.

There will be tears, laughter, and possibly even revenge. Now that Matty is in Senior’s emails, she could be ready to deck the halls with boughs of subpoenas.

How do you feel about Julian’s confession to Olympia?

Do you think Billy will change after losing Claudia?

Please drop a comment below to let me know, and join me again when I review another episode of Matlock!

And keep an eye out for Matlock spoilers posted before each new episode.

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The post Matlock Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Belly of the Beast appeared first on TV Fanatic.

You may have to watch the promo for “Gold, Frankincense, and Murder” to understand the reference above. Don’t worry because we are going to unpack what could be the campiest episode of the season.

That being said, Elsbeth has enough quirkiness for two shows. Couple that with some holiday cheer, and you have some certified yuletide mayhem.

It may be the happiest time of the year, but let’s not forget the crowds, alcohol consumption, desperation, gift-giving pressure, emotional instability, and homes left vacant.

This is a tough time of year for many people, and someone always snaps. So, let’s all be thankful for shows like Elsbeth that keep us laughing through the good and bad times.

It’s The Happiest Time Of The Year On Elsbeth Unless You’re Detective Donnelly

The Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 promo kicks things off with the jolliest guy in the North Pole dead as a doornail. Someone should let Mrs. Claus know she has to take care of the reindeer now.

Well, it wouldn’t be Elsbeth if someone didn’t drop dead. At the start of the promo, the titular character can be heard saying, “Oh, my gosh. Is that Santa?” as the covered body is wheeled out.

Sure, a dead Santa means there is murder afoot, but the most exciting thing about that part of the trailer is that you can see a certain blonde detective on the case.

That’s right, Molly Price’s (And Just Like That…) Detective Donnelly is back with all her glorious dry humor and perfectly timed quips dipped in cynicism and general crankiness. Donelly is a vibe.

Who else could sum up a murder with just the right amount of New York sarcasm when the investigator says, “Classic Christmas light string shock and ladder fall resulting in a reindeer antler impalement.”

Can you imagine the character giving a eulogy? Her deadpan humor perfectly complements Elsbeth’s over-the-top nature.

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I think it’s safe to say that Donnelly has been featured more than any other supporting character detective. She was just seen playing poker with the team in Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 5.

Donnelly isn’t the only familiar face gracing the screen in “Gold, Frankincense, and Murder.” Fans of Saturday Night Live are in store for an early Christmas treat wrapped in homicide.

Elsbeth Is Giving Viewers The Treat Of An SNL Alum Wrapped In Homicide

There are certain actors that you will recognize immediately for specific talents, like Morgan Freeman’s voice. There are specific key identifiers that surge through your memory reserves and light up your synapses to recognize that person.

In the case of Vaness Bayer, it’s that big, beautiful smile of hers that makes you want to crack up laughing. After doing almost one hundred and fifty episodes on SNL, this lady knows how to make viewers laugh.

While many of her characters from the late-night live sketch comedy variety show are iconic, the actor has paved her way to a solid film and television career.

If you love comedy that dips into absurd humor with vampires, you must see Bayer as Evie Russell, an emotional vampire on What We Do In The Shadows. The woman is hilarious.

Listen, Vanessa knows how to turn her strengths into a career. So, while finding her in a serious dramatic role may be challenging, her comedic roles are practically endless.

When you’re done laughing your butt off at Bayer on Elsbeth, you can watch her continue to deliver laughs on other shows like Barry and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Who Had Impalement By Reindeer Antlers On Their Murder Bingo Card?

The official synopsis for Elsbeth Season 1 Episode 6 reads: “Celebrity Christmas curators Dirk and DeeDee Dashers (Vanessa Bayer) go from tinsel to tragedy after Dirk is killed in a freak accident.

“Elsbeth begins to suspect his wife is behind the murder. Meanwhile, Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) gets a holiday surprise courtesy of Wagner and Kaya.”

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Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it always the spouse? This feels like an open-and-shut case, which means the writers likely filled this episode with enough camp and quirk to last till New Year.

What other show can serve up a homicidal killer decked out in holiday attire named DeeDee? Elsbeth always does right by its audience. The means of murder alone is a treat.

Who had impalement by reindeer antlers on their murder bingo card? No one?

Funnily enough, there has yet to be an impalement on the series, but the writers saw their opportunity to make the holiday season a little redder.

However, the real mystery is at the end of the description of “Gold, Frankincense, and Murder.” What could Officer Kaya and Captain Wagner be up to?

Enjoy The Holidays Now, Elsbeth, Because Winter Is, Technically, Here, But Also Still Coming

Let me get this out of the way right now. What I’m hoping for with every fiber of my being is that Kaya and Wagner are about to play matchmaker for Elsbeth.

Many viewers, myself included, had such high hopes during Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 2 when Fire Marshall Jake entered our and Elsbeth’s world.

That tall drink of water took one look at Elsbeth and had her fumbling with her consonants. That’s my Christmas wish for Elsbeth. That she has a reason to stand under the mistletoe.

At the very least, we know it has nothing to do with the Chicago case that Elsbeth seems to be caught up in. In “Elsbeth Flips the Bird,” we met the soon-to-be ex-wife caught up in a rather heated and publicized divorce.

There hasn’t been much traction on the case in the show. The only other episode that dealt with this scandal was “The Wrong Stuff,” when Christian Borle’s Carter Schmidt came over from The Good Wife to deliver the news to Elsbeth in person.

Hopefully, the series will pick up the pace on Elsbeth’s lawyer past before it goes on a break until after New Year’s.

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However, I have to say that I don’t think anyone is in a hurry to see Elsbeth separate from her New York team/family to go back to Chicago and deal with a job that won’t seem to let her go.

Still, whatever happens, you know Elsbeth will handle it with her indestructible positivity and big heart for helping innocent people. And still, watch how her son doesn’t call her for Christmas.

For now, check out the promo for CBS’s Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 below!

What do you think the surprise from Wagner and Kaya for Elsbeth is?

Did you recognize Vanessa Bayer from other roles she has played?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again when I bring you more Elsbeth spoilers!

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The post Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 6 Spoilers: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Murder On Elsbeth appeared first on TV Fanatic.