It’s been a few weeks since we last caught up with Matty and Olympia in Matlock season 2, but the hit series finally returns for its last two episodes of the year. The first of those two episodes picks up in the wake of the up-and-down duo working overtime to secure the votes that they need for a coup to overthrow Senior and usher in a new era of power at the firm.
Matty and Olympia’s path to confirm the votes wasn’t easy, and it took them up until the very last minute to do so, but we’ll have to see what’s next for this uphill battle in season 2 episode 7, which is titled “Prior Bad Acts.” In the synopsis for the episode, it was teased that the pair “receive a shocking piece of information,” as if any information they have received regarding this case hasn’t been shocking.
Additionally, Matlock season 2 further finds Olympia dealing with matters involving her family, as this time around, she will be attempting to repair her relationship with her mother. The team’s latest case involves Olympia’s new stepfather, and it’s sure to be a personal case that leads to some unexpected character development all around, especially for Matty and Olympia’s fragile friendship.
Let’s dive into Matlock season episode 7 with a recap we’re updating live throughout the episode. Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Matlock – “Prior Bad Acts” – Pictured (L-R): Kathy Bates as “Madeline Matlock” and Niko Nicotera as “Joey” | Photo credit: Michael Yarish/2025 CBS Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Senior stops the coup vote and Olympia reunites with her mother
The episode opens with Matty excitedly calling Olympia using French. She’s excited for the board meeting that will result in Senior being removed from the firm. Somehow, Senior was prepared and passes out a booklet to everyone present at the meeting to plead his case and promise a bonus with a pending new deal. This could be a setback that they didn’t anticipate.
Matty receives a phone call from Joey informing her that he will be leaving rehab and wants to sit down to talk about how things will go with Alfie in the future. The next piece of unfortunate news hits Matty. The vote never happened and Senior called for a merger. Now they’re on the clock to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s one thing after another trying to take this guy down.
Julian advise Olympia that her stepfather Lionel is representing himself in court. When she drops into the courtroom, she can’t help but step in and help him out. A flashback to four years ago reveals that Olympia was working to rebuild her relationship with her mother after her father’s death and hoping that she would move closer to be a more present part of their lives.
As it turns out, Olympia didn’t know that Lionel was her stepfather until briefing with her mother after court. She had previously been introduced to him four years ago, but her mother never told her that they got married. Julian helps her through the shock by sharing a bad story about his dad. Speaking of, Senior demands that Eva shares the name of the person who planned to vote him out.
Matlock – “Prior Bad Acts” – Pictured: Leah Lewis as “Sarah Franklin” | Photo credit: Michael Yarish/2025 CBS Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved
Matty and Edwin set ground rules with Joey about what he can and can’t talk to Alfie about, and it seems like a positive step forward. Julian approaches Sarah asking about if she spotted his father or anyone connected to him lurking around. She instantly feels guilty for what she did. Before their dinner with Joey, Alfie’s nervous and gets a call from Joey canceling on coming over.
Olympia talks through the Joey disappointment with Matty and gets the idea to have her own family dinner with Senior to get closer to the NDA. Flashbacks reveal that Olympia believed Lionel was pressuring her mother to spend money. Matty visits Joey and his sponsor upon invitation. He apologizes for canceling dinner. He was intimidated by Matty, and he thinks she only sees him as an addict. Joey also calls her a bulldozer, which really hurts her feelings.
More to come…
Matlock airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
