The legal world heats up in Matlock Season 2 Episode 5 “Mousetrap,” airing Thursday, Nov. 6 (9:01–10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS and streaming the next day on Paramount+. Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates returns as the brilliant and unpredictable Madeline “Matty” Matlock, who must navigate dangerous secrets inside and outside the courtroom.
In “Mousetrap,” Matty and her trusted colleague Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall) find themselves walking a tightrope of trust and fear. As Julian Markston (Jason Ritter) — Olympia’s ex-husband and the son of the firm’s powerful founder — grows increasingly suspicious, Matty and Olympia must protect each other while concealing their true intentions.
Meanwhile, the duo takes on one of their most emotionally charged cases yet: the resentencing of a teenager convicted as an adult and sentenced to life in prison. As Matty fights to prove the young defendant’s potential for redemption, the case forces everyone to confront moral gray areas and systemic flaws in the justice system.
Written by Sara Rose Feinberg and Edith Rodriguez and directed by Jennifer Lynch, this episode blends sharp legal storytelling with character-driven drama, reminding viewers why Matlock remains one of CBS’s most riveting procedural reboots.
A Modern Reimagining of a Classic Courtroom Drama
Inspired by the legendary series of the same name, the modern Matlock reimagines the franchise for a new generation. Kathy Bates brings wit, heart, and an unmatched intellect to her portrayal of Matty Matlock, a seasoned attorney who hides her brilliance behind a disarming charm.
Now working at a high-powered law firm with its own hidden agendas, Matty uses her sharp instincts and unconventional methods to navigate the political minefields of corporate law and the complexities of modern justice. Beneath her warm, grandmotherly exterior lies a cunning strategist who never misses a detail — and always finds the truth.
In “Mousetrap,” Matty’s sharp instincts are tested like never before. As professional and personal lines blur, her ability to outthink her rivals becomes her only protection against a trap closing in on all sides.
The Matlock Team
The ensemble cast of Matlock continues to shine in Season 2:
Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock
Skye P. Marshall as Olympia Lawrence
Jason Ritter as Julian Markston
David Del Rio as Billy Martinez
Leah Lewis as Sarah Franklin
Sam Anderson as Edwin Kingston
Aaron Harris as Alfie Kingston
Together, they bring a balance of gravitas, humor, and humanity to the show, creating dynamic tension between loyalty and ambition inside the law firm.
Behind the Scenes
Written by: Sara Rose Feinberg & Edith Rodriguez
Directed by: Jennifer Lynch
Produced by: CBS Studios
Executive Producers: Kathy Bates, Jennie Snyder Urman, Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, and others
The production continues to expand on the original Matlock legacy by exploring contemporary legal and ethical issues while maintaining the charm, cleverness, and emotional core that made the franchise iconic.
Call to Action
Explore the exclusive episode photos from Matlock Season 2 Episode 5 “Mousetrap” — featuring Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, and Jason Ritter in a gripping courtroom battle where truth and loyalty collide.
Don’t miss MatlockThursdays at 9/8c on CBS and stream next day on Paramount+ for more twists, betrayals, and brilliant Matty Matlock takedowns.
For more Matlock coverage, photos, and previews, visit Seat42F.com.
