A Decades-Old Murder Resurfaces
In the fifth episode of CBS’s Matlock reboot, the show steers into true crime territory with a gripping cold case that reignites old tensions, tests the limits of forensic evidence, and pits Matlock against a formidable figure from her past. The plot centers on the sudden re-opening of a murder case from 1999, thanks to new DNA analysis. A man who has spent over two decades living a quiet life is now facing the weight of a crime the world assumed would never be solved.
The man in question is Leonard Briggs, a retired Chicago firefighter known in his community for his years of selfless service. When DNA evidence found on the jacket of the victim is matched to him, he is arrested, sparking a media firestorm. The community is split—many can’t believe Briggs could commit such an act, while others argue the evidence speaks for itself.
A Battle in the Courtroom—and the Past
Madeline Matlock (Kathy Bates), whose belief in justice has only deepened with age and experience, agrees to take on the case after a personal plea from Briggs’ daughter. But when she walks into the courtroom, she’s met with a familiar face: prosecuting the case is her former mentor, Elliot Vaughn, a retired judge turned special prosecutor brought in to close the case once and for all.
What unfolds is more than just a trial—it’s a philosophical battle between old colleagues with very different worldviews. Vaughn believes the DNA match seals the deal. Matlock, however, is skeptical. She senses that the new evidence, though powerful, is too conveniently timed. Why would it take more than 20 years for this to surface, and who benefits from it now?
Digging Into the Details
Matlock and her team begin their own investigation, revisiting long-forgotten case files, speaking with the original detectives, and interviewing people who knew the victim. Along the way, they discover the victim, Mark Devlin, wasn’t just a random casualty—he was an undercover journalist investigating corruption in the local fire department.
The connection begins to tighten when they find a memo that was buried in a municipal archive, showing that Devlin had filed a report implicating multiple firefighters in a bribery scheme. One of those names? The then-deputy fire chief—who is now a city councilman with political aspirations.
Matlock begins to suspect that Leonard Briggs may have been framed, possibly to protect more powerful players. But convincing a jury is another matter—especially when the prosecution’s expert witness, a renowned forensic analyst, insists the DNA match is airtight.
When Science and Story Collide
Knowing she can’t discredit the science directly, Matlock does what she does best: she questions the context. She brings in her own forensic expert to explain how DNA evidence can be mishandled, especially when stored improperly over decades. Her expert raises doubts about contamination, sloppy evidence logging, and missing pages in the original report.
The turning point comes when Matlock catches the city councilman in a lie during a surprise cross-examination. Under pressure, he admits to having known about the DNA evidence years ago—and even tried to get it destroyed. This moment cracks the prosecution’s case wide open and shifts the momentum firmly in Matlock’s favor.
Justice with a Heavy Price
The jury returns a verdict of not guilty, clearing Leonard Briggs of the murder charge. The courtroom erupts with relief, but the celebration is muted. Briggs, though vindicated, is visibly shaken. Years of suspicion, public humiliation, and emotional exhaustion have taken their toll.
The episode ends quietly, with Briggs visiting his wife’s grave to tell her the truth has finally come out. Matlock watches from a distance, her expression solemn. She may have won in court, but the scars left by injustice aren’t so easily erased.
In the final scene, Madeline returns to her office, only to find an envelope on her desk. Inside is a photo from 1999—one that suggests someone else from her past may be involved in the next case. As she stares at the image, the screen fades to black, hinting at more personal stakes in episodes to come.
