Why The Only Person Who Can Help Kathy Bates In Matlock Is Her 12-Year-Old Grandson

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Matlock season 1, episode 1.

There are many reasons why Madeline Matlock’s 12-year-old grandson is the only person who can help her in the Matlock reboot. Kathy Bates stars in the CBS series as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, but that’s just her fake identity. In reality, Madeline Matlock is Madeline Kingston, a wealthy New Yorker infiltrating Jacobson Moore for a secret revenge plot. The series has been a hit, garnering the largest non-Superbowl premiere audience in five years. The reboot has the potential to be as charming as Andy Griffith’s original Matlock series, which is one of the best procedural TV shows ever.

One Matlock cast member is more important to Madeline’s covert mission than any other. Madeline Kingston’s grandson, Alfie Kingston, is the key to her success. Alfie and Madeline are in it together because they share the motivation to hold the Jacobson Moore law firm accountable for its actions. Rising star Aaron D. Harris plays Alfie Kingston, and his role alongside Kathy Bates in Matlock is his first. The young actor will undoubtedly make waves during the series’ first season, although he has minor appearances compared to the other characters in the Matlock reboot.

Madeline’s Grandson’s Role In Matlock Explained

Alfie Kingston Is Madeline’s Technical Mastermind

Every procedural show needs a technical expert to uncover valuable information and provide intel. In Matlock, it’s Madeline Kingston’s 12-year-old grandson, Alfie. While Madeline tries to convince her colleagues that she is a harmless elderly lady experiencing poverty and tumultuous relationships, she paints the picture of her grandson as a distant child who resents her. In reality, he adores Madeline. Alfie is Madeline’s partner-in-crime, her best friend, and a source of emotional support. Matlock first reveals that Madeline has subverted Alfie’s personality when she arrives home at the end of the Matlock series opener.

Matlock reveals that Madeline’s grandson adores her and is on her covert mission, supporting her every step. Alfie creates Madeline’s alter ego, reminding her at the end of the first episode that Madeline “Matty” Matlock reminds them of their mom. Alfie is integral in crafting Madeline Kingston’s alter ego, and in the pilot, he reveals that he made a LinkedIn page to sell her fake identity. He even re-routed the reference check to Madeline’s husband, covering every behind-the-scenes element of Madeline’s mission. Alfie’s role will evolve, helping Madeline sell her identity in other ways.

Madeline’s Grandson Can Also Operate Without Being Suspected In Matlock

People Tend To Underestimate Kids Like Alfie

Madeline’s grandson is the perfect counterpart to Kathy Bate’s character. The series plays with the idea that society overlooks its elders and that Madeline Kingston uses the common disadvantage to her benefit. Aflie has a similar advantage since he is just a 12-year-old kid, allowing him to fly below the radar. As Madeline continues to execute her plan at Jacobson Moore, there may be times when Alfie is with her, and no one will suspect that he is plotting anything. Like older people, society underestimates kids, and Matlock will use that premise to the family’s advantage.

Alfie applies himself more than many kids his age, making him a secret weapon. Alfie can continue to help Madeline craft her fake identity, which could eventually involve him interacting with some of her associates. Alfie can help Madeline sell the premise that she is a single grandmother raising her grandson after her daughter dies, acting as the unruly, ungrateful grandson that she describes him as at work. Alfie helps sell Madeline’s unassuming, folksy demeanor, which Andy Griffith used to win cases in the original Matlock procedural.

Madeline & Her Grandson’s Common Goal Makes Them The Best Pairing

Madeline And Alfie Are Both In It For Justice

The dynamic between Madeline and her grandson is the best pairing for Matlock‘s covert plot. While much of Madeline Matlock’s identity is a lie, one critical element of her backstory is accurate. Madeline tells her co-workers that she is raising her 12-year-old grandson following her daughter’s death and that part of her story is genuine. Matlock reveals at the end of the series’ opening episode that the septuagenarian lawyer lost her daughter (Alfie’s mother) to an overdose. The unfortunate event is her motivation for discovering who hid important documents at Jacobson Moore.

Madeline’s grandson is eager to help, so she does not need to hire a technical expert. Plus, Alfie is Madeline’s best pairing. Madeline knows her grandson will keep the mission a secret since he shares her motivation. Alfie wants justice for his mother after she dies of an opioid overdose. Alfie’s common ground with his grandmother, their shared love for someone they lost too soon, makes the grandmother and grandson the perfect combination. Alfie adds a heart-warming element to the investigation, improving upon the popular TV trope of the technical genius role he fills in Matlock.

Matlock is a modern reboot of the classic series created for CBS that sees the titular role taken up by Kathy Bates. After years retired from her career, Madeline Matlock rejoins the legal world in a powerful new firm where she uses her seasoned skills to win cases and expose the underlying corruption within the legal system.

Cast

Kathy Bates , Jason Ritter , Skye P. Marshall , David Del Rio , Leah Lewis , Aaron Harris , Eme Ikwuakor , Beau Bridges , Sam Anderson , Jordyn Weitz , Henry Allen , Colleen Camp

Character(s)

Madeline Matlock , Julián , Olympia , Billy , Sarah , Alfie Kingston , Elijah Walker , Senior Partner , Kathryn Lawrence-Markston , Courtney (Court) Lawrence-Markston

Release Date

September 22, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Jennie Snyder Urman

Directors

Kat Coiro

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