Matlock

Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) is a respected, renowned, hotdog-loving, defense lawyer in Atlanta. He uses his southern charms and sense of justice to set his innocent clients free. Initially, he is assisted by his daughter Charlene Matlock and his investigator Tyler Hudson. Before the end of the first season, Charlene disappears from the show. Over the years, Matlock has various assistants, usually blonde pretty lawyers and black investigators. He has a connection with prosecutor Julie March during a few seasons. He is also joined by TV friend Don Knotts in some episodes as his character's friend.

The show reopens the daughter-as-assistant door with Leanne McIntyre and adds a childhood rival in Billy Lewis. Those are probably the best seasons. Matlock becomes more childish while Leanne turns into the parental figure. He and Billy have a combative relationship. It's a more fun show as Matlock gets frustrated with Billy. I never really liked the courtroom which feels very static. The investigations are more fun. In the last season, the show drops Leanne and adds a different girl. It loses something without the father daughter chemistry. Nine season is more than enough of a run anyways. The charms of Andy Griffith is the fuel for the show's success and nostalgia for his earlier show is the reason. He is the embodiment of southern charm.

At first glance, "Matlock" might seem to be just another version of "Perry Mason"; after all, both are lawyers who defend innocent clients , both have that catchy theme song that all great shows seemed to have in that golden age of TV magic, and both always seem to catch the real killer (on the stand no less). But take a closer look and you'll see that "Matlock" has a look and flavor all its own. Part of the reason may be the time difference between the two shows-"Mason" being in the 60's, "Matlock", the 80's and 90's- but there are several others. In "Matlock", there's a little bit more of mystery solving in the spirit of "Murder, She Wrote" and "Diagnosis Murder" that gives the show a great deal of suspense. It also helps to throw in a little bit of humor here and there. But the real reason may come down to the late, great Andy Griffith. Mr. Griffith was able to take a character that could have been just another Perry Mason and make it all his own. Ben Matlock has a temper (which gets him the judges' wrath more than once), wears cheap suits despite his high fees, and loves hot dogs. But he also has charisma and an old southern style charm that he uses in and out of the courtroom. With this and with the help of various allies over the seasons, Matlock tackles anything from the mob to jealous lovers, from drug dealers to femme fatales. Combined with this and excellent courtroom drama-which let's be honest, what good lawyer show worth its salt be without it- "Matlock" is a show that could please just about anyone. Also starring Nancy Stafford, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Kene Holliday, Brynn Thayer, Julie Sommars, Daniel Roebuck, and Linda Purl at different stages throughout the show's existence. Watch and enjoy a time when TV was at its finest in a simpler time.

This show is one of the best shows that ever aired on national television. Andy Griffith is superb and Clearence Gilyard also did a wonderful job. With great casting, guest stars (such as Milton Berle) this show is somewhat of a treasure. It was on for almost a decade and I wish it was on now. I hope another movie will air so I get to see my favorite actor, Andy Griffith in my favorite charecter, Ben Matlock. (Watch it on TBS and WGN both airing at noon, it will be worth it).

I Love this show I can watch reruns over & over again & never get tired of watching it. It is far most the best television series to ever air on t.v. I just wish It was still being Made. It is Wholesome & Entertaining.I hope to see all of the episodes & I hope It continues to be around for many years to come so that my children would be able to enjoy it. The Cast is awesome there are so many wonderful faces that gives you the sense that it is a real hometown portrait. I love the smart way Ben always seems to be able to solve every mystery. We really could use more shows like this today I really wish that it was still being produced, But I'm sure that the way things are left is the only way it should be Because no one could replace the cast members.

Much like Perry Mason, Ben Matlock was a lawyer that never lost and that's where the similarities end. The thing I love about the character of Ben Matlock is that unlike the cool and suave Perry Mason, Ben was hot-headed and cursed like a sailor, but beneath that gruff exterior was a heart of gold. Ben pretty much was just like an average guy, while Perry Mason was the cool, suave and sophisticated barrister. Also, this show pretty much had a sense of humor about it that "Perry Mason" didn't have and this gives "Matlock" an edge.