This post contains spoilers from Matlock season 2 episode 4 from this point forward.
It's been an up and down season so far for Matty and Olympia, but they finally seem to be on the same page about how to move forward with the Wellbrexa case. Matlock season 2 episode 4 picks up after Matty revealed she secured another important document that will help them take down Senior and allowing Emmalyn to take the fall for the "security breach" (and compensating her very well).
In "Piece of My Heart," Matty continues to reflect on her relationship with her late daughter Ellie, which she has been doing a lot in season 2 since Alfie's father came back into her life. She will also come face to face with a mystery woman from Senior's past, which could pose a threat or assistance to her mission with Olympia, all while taking on a wrongful death case with the team.
Let's see what's up next for Matty, Olympia, and the team with a live recap of Matlock season 2 episode 4!. Refresh throughout the episode for more details and spoilers!
Melanie Lynskey guest stars in Matlock season 2 episode 4 as Debra Palmer
Even though they're working for the same side now, Matty and Olympia still begin the episode having a tense discussion laying the groundwork to trust each other. That's juxtaposed with the team sitting down and speaking with their client on the wrongful death case. Matty plans to make contact with Debra Palmer, the woman from Senior's past who might know some secrets about the Wellbrexa case and hold the key to hitting Senior where it hurts.
Alfie comes to his grandparents with the proposition to allow him to learn how to fix motorcycles, which is something he believes his father was interested in. He wants to have something in common with him. Matty has a flashback to when Ellie was pregnant with Alfie and doubting if she was actually sober. Meanwhile, Julian's tired of complying with his father and wants to quit, but Olympia implores him to play the game so they can build his case against Senior.
As Billy prepares for the sonogram for his baby, Matty remembers attending a scan with Ellie and having a laugh about a silly fake name. Back on his secret mission, Matty visits Debra Palmer, who's played by Emmy-nominated actress and Jason Ritter's real-life wife Melanie Lynskey. Matty fishes for details about Senior's (a.k.a. Mr. Magic Pants) trip to Australia while getting a very obvious makeup makeover from Debra. Matty didn't get many details but set a second meeting.
Julian believes Matty's involved in the Wellbrexa leak
Matty dresses up very unlike herself to meet Debra for drinks and karaoke. While at the bar, Matty remembers arriving for Ellie's baby shower at a bar and immediately confronts her daughter about a former friend who also used being in attendance. Over martinis, Matty continues to fish for info about Senior, but Debra isn't biting. Olympia unexpectedly arrives at the bar and instructs Matty to act like she doesn't know her. Debra pulls Matty on stage to sing karaoke. It's the song she sang with Ellie.
Olympia saves Matty from being in funk and revives the conversation with Debra, but Debra leaves after getting a call related to work. Is she really this distracted and flighty or is she onto Matty and smarter than she thinks she is? Olympia and Matty are able to win their wrongful death case and secure the widow a half-million-dollar payout. The high from their win is short-lived when Matty tells Olympia that Debra canceled their plans and blocked her number. What?!
They begin to wonder whether Debra signed an NDA and that's why she was swerving all the questions about Australia. But there has to be something more than just that, which is why they are officially setting their sights on getting their hands on whatever happened on that trip. Matty regrets not staying in the moment with Ellie and dances with Edwin. Their dance in interrupted by Olympia at their door revealing Julian knows about Matty's text messages with Mrs. B and the printout. Uh oh!
Matlock airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS and streams on Paramount+.