The quiet comfort of Matlock returns to DVD with the release of the third season of the popular television courtroom drama.
Andy Griffith is back in the title role, of course, and this season finds him experiencing a little bit more difficulty. With his trademark light gray suit and zeal for hot dogs and bluegrass, defense attorney Ben Matlock is among the most respected men in Georgia. Along with his partner, Michelle Thomas (Nancy Stafford), Matlock’s penchant for putting away the bad guys in court filled 195 episodes of the television series.
The third season of Matlock continues things along their usual path with a few curveballs thrown in for good measure. Kene Holliday is back as investigator Tyler Hudson, while Julie Sommars returns as Matlock’s “good friend” and assistant D.A. Julie March. Don Knotts also appears as Matlock’s maddening but ultimately endearing neighbour Ace Calhoun.
The DVD release of Matlock’s third season includes all 20 episodes from the 1988-1989 season.
Knotts makes his Matlock debut in the season’s first episode, “The Lemon.” Knotts’ Calhoun is accused of murdering a used car salesman and it’s up to Matlock to practice immense patience with his meddling neighbour as he tries to defend him and find the real killer.
“The D.J.” is a great episode that features an obnoxious radio personality as the defendant. For an extra curveball, Michelle is dating him and he’s on trial for murdering one of his rivals.
Other highlights include “The Starlet,” in which a beauty pageant results in murder and controversy, and an episode (“The Model”) that finds Matlock confined to a hospital bed and bothering the nurse after being struck by a car. “The Cult” takes an interesting look at brainwashing as a father is on trial for killing the cult leader responsible for brainwashing his son.
Matlock – The Third Season is an ideal getaway for those tired of the murky police procedurals and overly-serious courtroom dramas crowding the airwaves. For mystery and murder without the dreary vibe found on much of today’s modern network TV, head back in time and check out Matlock on DVD.
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