This week's Matlock confirmed my theory about who the big bad is, but I'm still not sure if it's a Slam Dunk

Warning: spoilers ahead Matlock Episode 4 – “The Rabbit and the Hawk” is in progress. If you haven’t noticed this week’s case yet, you have been warned.

One of the breakthrough hits of the TV program 2024 have been the continuing adventures of the reimagined Matlock. With a murderer Kathy Bates twist in the first episodean overarching mystery has been brought into play involving the woman known to some as Matty Matlock. The former lawyer, whose real name is Madeline Kingston, is playing a game with the law firm Jacobson & Moore to determine which of the three senior lawyers at the top was indirectly responsible for her daughter’s death.

I had my suspicions about who the guilty party might be, and this week’s episode, “The Bunny and the Hawk,” seems to have confirmed that theory. But even with a so-called smoking gun staring us all in the face, I have a hunch that this may not be the last word on the matter.

Madeline's clue sign from Matlock S1 E1 "Pilot." — (Image credit: CBS)

Madeline Matlock’s three main suspects

Straight from the pilot to MatlockMadeline has three suspects in mind. Their alleged crime was withholding documents that allowed major pharmaceutical company Welbrexa Pharmaceuticals to keep a fatally addictive opioid on the market. Since that drug was responsible for her daughter’s death, it was all she needed to begin her quest.

Which brings us to the three lawyers from Jacobson & Moore who are in the middle of it Matlocks conspiracy council: managing partner Howard Markston (Beau Bridges), senior partner Julian Markston (Jason Ritter) and junior partner Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall). Four episodes later, the evidence seems to be quite high against one party in particular; and at first glance it is difficult to argue with that.

Beau Bridges watches with his team of lawyers from the conference table in Matlock - S1 E5

(Image credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS)

My suspicions about Howard seem stronger than ever

From the opening arguments in that pilot episode, I felt like Howard was the person who best fit the bill Matlocks big bad. Practically speaking, Beau Bridges might not want a regular gig on TV, so his recurring character status gives him a chance to test that out. But more importantly, the man known to some as “Senior” showed his true colors in this week’s case.

While artist Robert Walton (John Billingsley) won a $6 million verdict in his wrongful death lawsuit against his apartment building, that victory was short-lived. Senior apparently worked all night to restructure Foundate Financials, the company that just acquired the building, allowing the company to bankrupt that part of their portfolio.

A man who can live with filing a Texas Two Step bankruptcy and destroying documents to cover his tracks is someone who can certainly withhold these types of documents. At this point, Madeline appears to have an important piece of evidence, as she photographed Howard’s signature on a document that sent a full, unredacted report covering the Welbrexa case. But for now, let’s take a quick look at why our other suspects are free for now.

Skye P Marshall and Jason Ritter sit together at the conference table in Matlock - S1 E5

(Image credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS)

Olympia and Julian don’t look too bad right now

For the first part of Matlocks The first season arc focused on Madeline’s attempts to eliminate Olympia’s potential role in all of this. But starting with Matlock The surprisingly personal moments of episode 3there is a gradual softening of her character. And ‘The Bunny and the Hawk’ certainly didn’t make her look any tougher, as she roundly exposed Howard’s tactics.

Soon-to-be ex-husband Julian was there with her and even smuggled some glass items from Senior’s trophy case to smash them with a golf club. So not only does he seem to be supporting his estranged husband, but there’s a possibility that these crazy kids could get back together. As my hopes for the return of the Matlock theme song have to die so that Olympia and Julian can possibly stay together for the child… I allow it.

Leah Lewis, David Del Rio and Kathy Bates stand together in the Matlock office - S1 E5

(Image credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS)

Why I’m almost certain Matlock hasn’t finished this mystery yet

This is episode 4 of Matlockwhich just received a second season renewal. So if the corrupt counsel’s case is going to be the centerpiece of the action, we’re probably just getting started. As Madeline Kingston herself said, she needs to prove that Howard is the party that made this decision.

That will take some extra digging, perhaps some more arguing with Mrs. B in the file room, and some new tensions at home. Madeline’s quest for justice is far from over at this point and the adventure continues next Thursday at 9pm ET on CBS when the ‘Claws’ appear in Episode 5.

But if you miss the episode when it runs, don’t forget you can jump to your own episode Paramount+ subscription and catch what you missed the day after! Until then, our court is adjourned and it’s time to hear the OG theme music slide whistle once again!