The Tension Beneath the Surface
The sixth episode of CBS’s Matlock reboot doesn’t open with a bang, but rather with a crack — the kind that slowly spreads until the whole foundation begins to tremble. Titled “The File”, this episode places the emotional spotlight squarely on Howard “Senior” Markston (Beau Bridges) and his son Julian (Jason Ritter), unraveling a web of distrust, generational pressure, and one damning piece of evidence that’s been missing since the pilot.
Until now, viewers have only caught glimpses of the volatile dynamic between father and son. Senior, a respected attorney and high-level power broker within the firm, holds his son to impossibly high standards, often crossing the line from tough love to emotional chill. Julian, by contrast, carries a heavy burden: a need to prove himself in his father’s shadow — not just in the courtroom, but in life.
In “The File,” that simmering conflict finally boils over.
A Revelation and a Reckoning
The episode’s plot revolves around the long-suspected missing file — a key piece of evidence in a corruption case that Kathy Bates’ Matlock has been investigating. For weeks, the audience has speculated who may have hidden it. Could it have been Olympia? One of the partners? A rogue associate?
But in a gut-wrenching scene near the episode’s climax, Julian is confronted by Matlock herself. Through subtle, quiet logic and a gentle push, she reveals she already knows the truth: Julian was the one who hid the file. Not out of malice, but panic — and pressure.
Jason Ritter delivers a remarkable performance as Julian unravels under Matlock’s questioning. The moment he confesses is not loud or dramatic. It’s broken and soft — a man exhausted from the weight of guilt, and perhaps even more afraid of his father’s reaction than the legal consequences.
The Cold Wall of Senior
Beau Bridges, a master of restraint, gives us perhaps his most powerful scene in the reboot thus far when he learns the truth. In most shows, such a reveal might provoke yelling, anger, or a physical outburst. But not here. Senior’s fury is colder — disappointment laced with unspoken hurt, the kind that cuts deeper than any raised voice ever could.
He doesn’t shout. He simply stares, walks away, and leaves Julian in silence.
But as viewers learned in a Variety interview with Bridges and Ritter, the real-life relationship between the two actors is far warmer than their onscreen counterparts. And that subtle emotional weight — the ability to portray hurt without hatred — is what makes their performances so compelling.
Kathy Bates as the Moral Compass
While the episode is largely focused on the father-son storyline, Kathy Bates once again commands the center with her uniquely disarming blend of wit and wisdom. Her portrayal of Matlock continues to evolve, straddling the line between mentor, detective, and emotional anchor.
In “The File”, she doesn’t just push the plot forward — she becomes the steady presence guiding Julian to accountability. It’s clear that Matlock sees the younger attorney’s potential but also refuses to let him off the hook. Her quiet confrontation is both maternal and firm, and it’s a reminder of the character’s greatest strength: seeing people not just as suspects or colleagues, but as human beings with reasons behind their mistakes.
Layers of Legacy
What gives this episode extra resonance is the meta-layer for longtime TV fans. Watching Beau Bridges and Jason Ritter act out a strained legacy relationship is particularly poignant when you consider both actors’ own heritage. They’re not just playing father and son — they’re the sons (and grandson) of some of television and film’s most iconic figures: Lloyd Bridges, John Ritter, and Tex Ritter.
That real-world legacy adds depth to their scenes, especially when Julian accuses his father of “only seeing what I’m not.” The emotional core of Matlock isn’t just about solving crimes — it’s about identity, family expectation, and the very human desire to be enough.
What Comes Next?
By the end of the episode, the file is turned in, the consequences begin to unfold, and trust — or what’s left of it — begins to slowly rebuild. But make no mistake: this isn’t a resolution. It’s a turning point.
Julian’s arc will likely continue to challenge viewers, especially as he reckons with the fallout. Will Senior ever fully forgive him? Will Matlock trust him again professionally? And what will it take for Julian to forgive himself?
As Matlock continues to deepen its character work, episodes like “The File” prove that the reboot is more than just a nostalgic revival. It’s a layered, character-driven legal drama that isn’t afraid to go emotionally deep — and in doing so, it’s building something worthy of its iconic name.
