“What Matty is really hoping”: Matlock Season 1 Finale Ending Explained and What’s next in Season 2 Revealed

The first season of Matlock came to a thrilling conclusion with its two-hour finale, delivering powerful emotional highs and jaw-dropping twists. Starring Kathy Bates as the sharp but overlooked attorney Madeline "Matty" Matlock, the season ended on a cliffhanger that promised more drama in the upcoming second season. But what exactly happened in the finale, and what can we expect as the series moves forward?

Matty’s Mission & Olympia’s Discovery

The finale revolved around Matty's quest to uncover the missing Wellbrexa document—something she believed could have saved her daughter Ellie from an opioid overdose. The truth came to light when Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) discovered Matty’s true identity and mission earlier than expected, unraveling a web of deception. As Matty and Olympia reluctantly joined forces, Olympia’s suspicions about Julian’s (Jason Ritter) involvement in hiding the document reached new heights.

In a dramatic sequence, Olympia traced the money in the trust, revealing no evidence of Julian's payment. After accessing Julian's trust records and discovering no money trail, Olympia found herself on the verge of a shocking discovery in the finale’s closing moments: Julian had hidden the Wellbrexa study, not for money, but to earn his father’s approval.

What was in the Security Deposit box?

The key to the mystery lay in a surprise security deposit box. Inside? The missing Wellbrexa study. Julian confessed to hiding the study to gain favor with his father, confirming everything Matty suspected. But Olympia faced a choice: destroy the document or expose the truth. Torn between protecting her family and doing the right thing, she ultimately walked away with the document, still holding some power in her hands.

The Shocking Ending

As if the revelations weren’t enough, the episode ended with a shocking twist. Matty and Edwin returned home to find Alfie (who had been apologizing to his grandparents) confronted by a man claiming to be his father. Matty, unaware of Olympia’s phone call about the security deposit box, is left to face the fallout of this unexpected revelation. The real drama is just beginning.

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Creator Jennie Snyder Urman Breaks down the Finale

Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman reflected on the emotional core of the finale, particularly Matty's manipulation of Olympia. She said, “What Matty is really hoping is that… she can find forgiveness for all the ways Matty manipulated her.” (via THR) The tension between the two women, both driven by motherhood, added emotional depth to the season’s dramatic conclusion.

Urman also teased the evolution of the Matty-Olympia relationship, calling it “an epic love story.” As for Julian’s role, she added, “We’re all rooting for it not to be him,” referring to his involvement in a bank crime. “Your heart is kind of breaking… not that aha, we have a villain, but aha, we have a deeply flawed human.” (via TV Insider)

The finale also explored the complexities of Matty and Edwin’s 50-year marriage, as their differing passions for work and retirement added another layer of drama. “It’s incredibly important,” Urman remarked on their relationship, emphasizing that their marital conflict would continue to shape the show’s narrative.

Season 2 Tease: What’s next for Matty and Olympia?

With the Wellbrexa document revealed, the stage is set for season two to dive deeper into the aftermath of Olympia’s discovery and Matty’s decisions. As Urman teased, the relationship between Matty and Olympia will remain a focal point: “There’s going to be will they-won’t they… Now the secret’s out. And yet Olympia is now holding this other secret, and can they find their way back... is going to be a lot of what the second season is going to be building.” (via TV Insider)

Another big mystery will revolve around Alfie’s paternity. The finale introduced a man claiming to be his father, played by Niko Nicotera. Urman promised that season two would resolve the mystery through a DNA test, which will introduce new emotional stakes for Matty, Edwin, and Alfie. “It’s going to bring conflict, and it’s going to bring moments where they’re closer together,” Urman said, hinting at the complex family dynamics to come.

The Future of Julian and the firm

As for Julian’s future with the firm, Urman teased more challenges ahead: “He does not want to be back... but there are certain things that occur... it puts him in a really difficult place.”  (via TV Insider) Olympia’s new position as a partner at the firm will also create tension as she faces tough decisions regarding her role and loyalty.

Urman also teased a significant mystery at the start of season two, saying, “There is a big mystery that is launched at the beginning of the second season… It’s not suddenly a brand new mystery.”

Jason Ritter’s Future on Matlock

For fans wondering about Jason Ritter’s status on the show, there’s no need to worry—he’s not leaving anytime soon. Urman confirmed that Julian’s character will remain integral to the story as new twists unfold in season two. In an interview with US Magazine, the actor revealed that he was intrigued by how Julian’s fate depended on Olympia. He said:

“To have it end like that with Olympia and Julian in this safety deposit box room where it is just the two of them begging for his life, that was the only version I ever read. When we did the table read, people really loved that scene and were like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what happens next?’ Which is exactly what you want for a cliffhanger.”

A Season full of Drama and Family Tension

Season two of Matlock promises even more emotional rollercoasters, from Matty’s evolving relationship with Olympia to Alfie’s potential father and Julian’s uncertain future. Expect plenty of drama, moral dilemmas, and deep family dynamics as the series continues to explore the complex intersections of law, family, and betrayal.

As Urman put it, season two will explore what happens next with the document, the relationships, and the firm. With so many unresolved tensions and secrets, the second season is sure to be just as gripping as the first.

All the episodes of Matlock season one are now streaming on CBS and Paramount+.