Matlock season 1 was built around the mystery of who hid the Wellbrexa documents, indicating that whoever was behind this illegal scheme was the true villain of the series. Without that inciting incident, Kathy Bates’ Madeline Kingston would never have gone undercover as poor, widowed Madeline Matlock to get a job at Jacobson Moore.
While the Matlock season 1 finale definitively answered that it was Julian (Jason Ritter) who physically took the documents, though he was just the puppet under the masterminding of his father, Senior (Beau Bridges). Senior seems like the obvious Matlock villain, but the new trailer for season 2 proves there is a more subtle enemy working against Madeline’s best interests.
There are still many unanswered questions from Matlock season 1, and Madeline is constantly stressed about whom she can trust. Her husband, Edwin Kingston (Sam Anderson), seems like a sweet and supportive spouse, but as season 1 proved, he is more than capable of telling lies by omission and going behind Madeline’s back when it suits his needs. The Matlock season 2 trailer drives this home.
Matlock Season 2 Trailer Exposes Edwin As Its True Villain
The Matlock season 2 trailer shows a frustrating new twist: Edwin is stepping into the role of villain this season, actively working to turn Madeline against Olympia (Skye P. Marshall). Madeline increasingly struggled with her divided loyalty between her mission in her daughter’s name and her new friendship with Olympia.
Matlock is a stronger series with Matty and Olympia on the same side, as Madeline grows to respect Olympia’s integrity and Olympia trusts Madeline’s sharp instincts. Together, they balanced each other and helped countless clients, making Matty and Olympia's friendship one of the reasons Matlock was so successful right out of the gate.
However, the season 2 trailer emphasizes new fractures in their relationship, as Olympia has even more at stake following her big promotion. Edwin is fueling the rift – whispering in Madeline’s ear that Olympia is “manipulating” her, while warning her she can’t have it both ways – exposing the truth and keeping the friendship.
Edwin is playing a dangerous game by stoking the feud – Olympia can be a formidable enemy. She is compiling a list of blackmail against Matty – but as Madeline shrewdly observes in the trailer, “you only need leverage if you’re not on the same side.”
How Edwin Can Be The Downfall Of Madeline In Matlock
Edwin has already proven that he’s willing to deceive Madeline when it suits his agenda, no matter the fallout. He outright lied about not having contact information for the man who claimed to be Alfie’s father. Then, in the shocking Matlock season 1 finale, Madeline was blindsided when Edwin secretly invited Alfie's father into their lives.
Now, with Olympia, Madeline’s personal loyalty will make her hesitate—but Edwin won’t. Just as he bypassed Madeline to contact Alfie’s father, he could easily take explosive evidence against Julian to the press without her.
Edwin may appear to be a harmless, sweet old man, but he has shown he’ll do whatever it takes to get his way—leaving others to pick up the pieces. He may well end up being the biggest villain in Matlock season 2.
