MovieChat Forums > Matlock (1986) Discussion > Matlock ... an insipid BORE.

Matlock ... an insipid BORE.

posted 19 years ago by ionmale
24 replies | jump to latest

Not withstanding some of the great actors that may have appeared on it, I never saw any value in this show, but then I didn't see much of it when it was in production.

However a local channel began running it in chronological order a few months ago, so I decided to give it another chance with an open mind.

As it turned out, my original impressions (as usual) were accurate. I didn't even make it through the first full season of episodes before I'd had enough of its cheesy scripts, incongruous casts, and recycled ideas.

This will forever remain a blemish on the admirable record of Andy Griffith, but that's why the only reunions we'll ever see will focus on MAYBERRY.

[–] bunnymen 19 years ago

what the hell was the point of posting this?

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[–] Verenka 19 years ago

Some funny comments from the previous poster. I actually find this show mildly entertaining and watch it on occasion. Objectively, yes it is very tired and all of the posters have a right to say what they like. The originator of this thread took some heat, but he made some good points. Just thought of another negative: cheap production values!

[–] themoviebuff2003 19 years ago

Brynne Thayer was HOT!!!!

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[–] Jtd84 19 years ago

The "Era" in which you speak of was the Eighties. I love Lucy was the Fifties...Gilligan's Island was the sixties and Little house was in the seventies.
Matlock was in the Eighties and Nineties. " It only has been in the last 10 to 15 years that TV shows have been more creative and non-orthodox. You dope Matlock was # 3 in it's time slot 10-15 years ago! Just a little heads up from a guy who watched it brand new back in the day.
It's not supposed to "match up" with today's legal shows..that would be stupid.
Let's just see how well Boston Legal does 20 years after it's forumulaic conception.

[–] chriscbeth 19 years ago

Matlock (aka Andy Griffith) could totally kick your ass too...old fart or not.

[–] chriscbeth 19 years ago

Your nuts. And whats more important, who cares about your opinion? Matlock is awesome...way way way better then stupid Mayberry. Andy Griffith should kick your a**.

[–] mars-65 19 years ago

you watched the entire first season before deciding you thought it was boring? ur crazy man. i change the channel after a few minutees if im bored with a show. although i think matlock might be funny to watch occassionaly. in just a hey, can you believe we're watching matlock sorta way. and maybe murder she wrote too.

[–] vaccum 19 years ago

Matlock was old and grouchy.
a typical geratric but the show had substance and charm and matlock was lovable despite his crotchityness. thats part of what made the show great personally i like it even better than Boston Leagal. MAtlock was a great show and it would be cool if they did a reunion show. A reunion for Mayberry would be pointless because everybody exept Andy Griffith, Jim Neibors, Thelma lou, andys teacher girl friend, Ron howard and a few others is : DEAD

A mayberry Thing with out barney would be pointless and dull.

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[–] marcy0725 19 years ago

Well the show ran for 9 seasons so I guess there are not alot of people who agree with your views. Besides the fact that it won several awards and nominations. I love Matlock!

Awards: Nominated for Golden Globe.
Another 6 wins & 4 nominations
People's Choice Awards, USA Favorite Male Performer in a New Television Series
Andy Griffith
Edgar Allan Poe Awards Best Television Episode Dean Hargrove For episode "Diary of a Perfect Murder".

[–] eileenyl 19 years ago

I'm really enjoying the reading of this thread. I find it so interesting, (and hilarious), that a show like Matlock could inspire such PASSIONate comments!!! I mean the negative ones. I accept all positive ones about ol' Ben! Who, by the way, may have only liked one STYLE of suit, but who OWNED and WORE more than ONE. Except for the silly suit, I thought he was dapper, and probably smelled just fine! Like Brut even. (My Dad's) In fact there's something about Ben that reminds me of my deceased Dad, and for that reason alone I don't mind spending an episode with him here or there! I think he's a sweetie. Cause that's how I want to see him.

Personally, I don't think ANYTHING on television is anything but fun. And, amazingly, most televisions come with high-tech mechanisms for either changing a channel, or turning the TV OFF! Cool, huh?!

Still, I respect your right to say what you want. Even if you're wrong! ;-)

[–] mars-65 19 years ago

i agree with the last poster. i dont think matlocks odor was offensive. i bet it had a sortof gamey quality too it.

[–] lauriet61 19 years ago

In reply to "emldmra" - you are right on about the suits. Of course, he owned many of them. And how in the world do these idiots SMELL Matlock - maybe their televisions have features that mine doesn't have111 Anyway, why would classy women like Julie and Michelle hang around a man if he smelled offensive. I think he is just adorable. And I'm just over 40 years old....

[–] stevenackerman69 16 years ago

Well, you either like Andy Griffith, or not. I had no problem with this show, although I don't watch it often. His voice makes you care about him, I think.

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[–] fiveforme 11 years ago

@wesk99 - Your reply is the reason I wish IMDb had a 'Like' or 'Thumbs Up' feature.

It seems that people today think that anything without blood and gore is “an insipid BORE.” From video games to CSI-type shows, it’s all about a kill count and the brutality of murders. Writers actually wrote when shows like Matlock were first airing. Viewers had to depend on the dialogue of the characters to understand the plot and how a crime was solved. Now it’s just CGI generated gory graphics and effects. These shows are based on non-existent technology, but have convinced people that law enforcement can find DNA on a matchstick and have the results spewed out within minutes. More and more, jurors have found an obviously guilty person innocent because there's no CSI technology to prove that they're guilty. Numerous articles have been written about this so-called “CSI Effect.” Give me Matlock’s “AHA!” look when he figures out who really committed a crime any day.

[–] js5905 10 years ago

I did enjoy it after don knots signed on as the next door neighbor. his scenes with Griffith were solid gold. they had the same chemistry together they had in the 50's-60's.