Matlock: Season 1

The first season of MATLOCK is wonderfully presented here in this 7-disc boxed set. All 24 episodes are included in the order in which they aired, back in the 86-87 television season. The interior of the case is lined with notes that give brief descriptions of each episode, as well as their original broadcast dates.The visual quality of each episode is top shelf, which is pretty impressive given that there does not appear to be any sort of digital re-mastering or color clean-up at all. They still have that distinctive 80's visual quality without showing any signs of age or wear. It seems that the master tapes must have been taken very good care of.As so many reviewers have already given lengthy descriptions and commentary on each and every episode, I will simply remark on the ones that were especially noteworthy to me. As you will see, most of the episodes that I found to be the best fall into one of two categories:The Two-Part episodes; stories that are told over two hours instead of one.The Expedition shows; stories that take place outside Atlanta, Georgia.Episode 1 - Diary of a Perfect Murder:This was not a typical episode in the Matlock catalog. This was a two hour TV-movie that served as Matlock's debut to the world. Taking that into consideration, I was pleasantly surprised at how well-developed the actors had their characters at this beginning stage in their careers. This is especially noticeable with Griffith and Holliday (Matlock and Tyler), who appear settled and confident in their roles. Being two hours in length, there is, perhaps naturally, an unusually large population of characters in this episode. Everyone from Matlock and his legal team, the lead detective investigating the titular murder, to the long list of possible suspects; everyone is given their fair share of time to deliver their prowess for performance.Of course, the story itself is quite impressive, too. It begins as a rather familiar Matlock tale of an individual supposedly murdering someone to whom they are very close, but with no apparent motive. The cards are stacked against the accused from the beginning, but Matlock is sure there is evidence that will clear his client. It's only a matter of finding proof. This is the point where the story begins to progress into a more involved structure. It turns out that the decedent was about to wed a very influential business man who has ties to some type of underground crime ring. Because he has been involved with several illegal affairs, himself, it is to his own benefit that an innocent man takes the fall for the murder he actually committed. Now it's up to the Matlock gang to unweave this campaign of deceit and deflection and achieve an acquittal for his client.With a more complex story arch, an unusually sinister plot, and effortless chemistry between the primary actors, Diary of a Perfect Murder easily stands apart from the majority of episodes in this season and provides an outstanding introduction to the universe of Matlock.Episode 2 - The Judge:This episode introduces a theme that became prominent in many later Matlock stories; an authority figure who is supposed to uphold the law ends up violating it in the worst way. In this case, the very judge who is overseeing one of Matlock's trials is the true assailant of the murder Matlock's client is being charged with. Some pretty clever plot turns lead to the discovery of the judge's involvement in the homicide and his ultimate ruin.Of course, the main reason this story stands out is due to the actor portraying the judge: TV legend Dick Van Dyke! It was nice to see Van Dyke play against his typical character type. I found him to be quite convincing as the jealous older male who kills his young lover after discovering her affair with a man much more her age. It was a fine choice to place these television legends at opposite ends of the moral spectrum. They both did a good job. This episode was sharply indicative of how the show would progress in the coming episodes. It truly had the all the classic hallmarks that made Matlock so enjoyable.Episodes 6 & 7 - The Don (parts 1&2):I remember seeing these two episodes on TV many years ago. I think these were responsible for instilling my adoration for Matlock in the first place. This story is a bit more intricate than many of the others. The writers for this episode ought to be commended for utilizing the two hours to their full potential. The cinematography in this episode is worth mentioning, as well. I liked the manner in which it was filmed, the scenery and camera angles. The entire visual characteristic is really pleasant. The story never lags and every few minutes there is new evidence being put into play or a new possible suspect may arise, or Matlock is in danger of being thrown off the case.The ending is unexpected, too. I had forgotten who the killer was, after all these years. It was almost like seeing the episode for the first time, in that regard. This was one of the stories I was most eager to see when I bought this boxed set. I think you'll find that this is one of the best episodes of the season, as well.Episode 8 - The Sisters:This is an episode that exceedingly displayed the talent of the two lead actresses who portray the titular Sisters. A lot of character acting is on display in this one. The set design in this episode was also noteworthy. It was one of the few times that the sets really caught my attention. This story of two mentally and emotionally unstable girls who murder their aunt, then pin the blame on their uncle is a prime example of the "classic' Matlock episode and what made this show a true pleasure to watch.Episode 13 - The Chef:This episode, once again, provides evidence to why Matlock is considered a classic. A popular television chef is accused of murdering her ex-husband, on live TV! The most interesting plot point of this story is that it is not immediately clear how the ex-husband was actually killed. All we see is him passing out on live television. There's no confrontation, no weapons, and no apparent motive. This has all the features an exceptional story should: a unique killing, multiple suspects, multiple motives, convincing character acting and a clever reveal of the actual murderer during the trial!Episodes 18 & 19 - The Court-Martial (parts 1&2): As with all of the two-part Matlock episodes, this one is a true highlight of the season. Two intertwining stories are in motion here. The first involves Matlock and Tyler trying to defend an Army private who's accused of murdering one of his cruel superiors. The second deals with a drug smuggling ring on the army base. Matlock and Tyler have a difficult time proving their client innocent, especially since Matlock renders strong accusations towards many high-ranking officers on the base. Needless to say, the truth is gradually revealed.Another point if interest is the casting for this episode. Several very good actors who came to fame in the 1980's make an appearance in this episode. I don't think there is any other story in the Matlock cannon that features so many well known actors all in one episode. The casting directors certainly struck a nice chord with this particular tale.Episode 22 - The Photographer: My memories are very fond of this episode. This is one of the first Matlock episodes I saw as a child. I have a certain emotional attachment to this one that I do not have with very many others. I think it was the blend of good story telling and exceptional acting that left a marked impact on me. I truly believed in what I was seeing on the screen when I first saw this, many years ago. Much of this credit goes to the lead actress in this story. She genuinely plays her characters strengths and flaws in convincing fashion. Top notch character acting from her! Matlock, himself, shows a bit of a mischievous flank in this episode. A rarity for him! While trying to decide which of the three women might have actually killed the photographer, he pretends to blackmail each of them with some erotically revealing photos.Another point of significance in this story is how involved the accused is in helping to gather evidence for Tyler and Matlock. She essentially teams up with Tyler in order to steal some negatives from a photo studio and even helps him physically chase a man who may be attempting to cover for the real killer. Later in the story, she aids Matlock in picking locks inside of her former employee's office in order to find crucial facts that will help exonerate her. I'm not sure how realistic all of this activity would be, but it certainly makes for satisfying story telling.Episode 23 - The Reporter: A top-quality episode and an exceptional finale to the first season, this story broadened the horizons of the conventional story arch seen in most crime/courtroom procedurals. Instead of concerning ordinary citizens and the typical homicide investigations that most episodes featured, this tale exhibits a big government cover up involving the supposed death of some sort of federal agent. In order to make his death appear legitimate, they frame the woman he was married to for six years! Whatever agency this man is involved with, is willing to let and innocent woman take the fall for a totally falsified event.Needless to say, Matlock is intrigued by the woman's story from the start, but when the titular Reporter begins contacting Matlock about the possibility of a cover up by the U.S. government, he becomes enthralled in trying to prove the innocence of this woman. Matlock and the reporter are forced to confront multiple questions: Who is this woman's husband, really? What type of agency does he work for? Why would they fake his death and pin it on an innocent citizen of their own country?This story goes pretty deep into moral bearing, much more so then most episodes. Of course, that is what makes it so enjoyable from the very beginning. As with many of the episodes I've mentioned above, the acting in this story is exceptional, especially from the lead actress. She's able to communicate her feelings of confusion and vulnerability with such poise that the viewer really does believe in her strife. The actor portraying the husband, too, is very compelling in his role. He is unaware that his "widow" is being forced to take the fall for his alleged death. When he discovers this, we witness his emotional arch play out for the reminder of the episode in fine form.

Finally, the first Season of 'Matlock' is arriving on DVD! Here is a list of the episodes that will be included on the set:1. (Pilot Movie) Diary of a Perfect Murder (Originally aired - March 3, 1986)NOTE: In this episode, Charlene Matlock is played by Lori Lethin. Between this movie, and the next episode, the role of Charlene was re-cast.2. The Judge (Originally aired - September 23, 1986)Special Guest Stars: Dick Van Dyke as Judge Carter Addison and Piper Laurie as Claire LeighNOTE: This is the first episode to feature actress, Linda Purl, as the role of Charlene Matlock. She continued to play the role for the rest of Charlene's appearances.3. The Stripper (Originally aired - September 30, 1986)NOTE: Richard Newton usually played the role of Judge Richard Cooksey in his many appearances on `Matlock', but, in this episode, he plays the role of another Judge named Alvin Roundtree.4. The Affair (Originally aired - October 7, 1986)Special Guest Star: Kevin Conroy as Clark Harrison5. The Seduction (Originally aired - October 14, 1986)NOTE: Nancy Stafford, who would become a series regular next season as the role of Michelle Thomas, makes her first appearance on `Matlock' in this episode as the role of Caryn Nelson.6. The Don (1) (Originally aired - October 28, 1986)Special Guest Star: Jose Ferrer as Nicholas Baron7. The Don (2) (Originally aired - November 4, 1986)8. The Sisters (Originally aired - November 11, 1986)9. The Cop (Originally aired - November 18, 1986)Special Guest Star: Hector Elizondo as Detective Joe Peters10. The Angel (Originally aired - November 25, 1986)NOTE: Kari Lizer, who would later become known for her recurring role, Cassie Phillips, makes her first official appearance on `Matlock' in this episode as the role of Ben's client, Margaret `Angel' Danello.11. The Professor (Originally aired - December 2, 1986)Special Guest Star: Christopher McDonald as Eric Lane12. Santa Claus (Originally aired - December 9, 1986)Special Guest Star: Barry Jenner as Mark Harris13. The Chef (Originally aired - January 6, 1987)Special Guest Star: Roddy McDowall as Christopher Hoyt14. The Author (Originally aired - January 13, 1987)Special Guest Stars: Stanley Kamel as Mark Douglas and Audra Lindley as Mary Ann Newton15. The Rat Pack (Originally aired - January 20, 1987)Special Guest Star: Desi Arnaz Jr. as Michael Porter16. The Nurse (Originally aired - February 3, 1987)Special Guest Star: Billy Zane as Eric DawsonNOTE: This episode marks Julie Sommars' first appearance of Julie Sommars as Julie March.17. The Convict (Originally aired - February 10, 1987)18. The Court-Martial (1) (Originally aired - February 17, 1987)19. The Court-Martial (2) (Originally aired - February 24, 1987)20. The Therapist (Originally aired - March 3, 1987)NOTE: This episode marks Kari Lizer's first appearance as Cassie Phillips.21. The People vs. Matlock (Originally aired - March 24, 1987)22. The Photographer (Originally aired - March 31, 1987)Special Guest Star: Billy Bob Thornton as The Pawn Shop Owner23. The Reporter (Originally aired - May 5, 1987)24. The Doctors (Originally aired - May 12, 1987)Special Guest Star: Norman Fell as Dr. RadburnNOTE: Daniel Roebuck made several other appearances on `Matlock' before landing the recurring role of Cliff Lewis in Season 7. This episode was the first of those appearances as the role of Dr. Bobby Shaw.This was a terrific season that started off a terrific show. It's been officially confirmed by tvshowsondvd.com that the pilot movie will be included, by the way. I hope it will also include other features like interviews or something, but, somehow, I doubt it. Ah well, maybe next time. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to seeing these great episodes again. Thank you, Paramount, for finally releasing this classic gem on DVD. Keep the sets coming!

Product as described

Brilliant series. I need DVDs in English and although this set has German on the cover the discs are printed in English. When being played it is obvious they are intended for those who have knowledge of the German language but once I knew how to bring the audio up in English they worked well. I would like the next series too as I love the characters and especially Matlock.

The DVD's were out of their case hold and the quality of the picture was sub-standard. Not even up-scaling improved the picture quality. Having said that, the shows were great to watch.

Es hat viel zu lange gedauert bis die erste Staffel erschien. Vom 08.09. bis 12.09. habe ich mir die erste Staffel angesehen. Jetzt warte ich natürlich gespannt auf die zweite Staffel und hoffe, dass diese bald kommt. Vielleicht zu Weihnachten? ;-)Es gibt für mich ein einziges Manko, was ich diese Umsetzung ankreide: Bei der letzten Folge (Der Mörder mit dem weißen Kittel) läuft der Ton nicht mit dem Bild synchron. In den ersten 10 Minuten ist es nicht sehr viel, ab Minute 10 doch schon erheblich, dass man dies sehr deutlich sieht und es einem stört. Da dies die einzige Folge mit einem Mangel ist (für mich), gebe ich der Box trotzdem volle 5 Sterne. Ich habe Paramount Home Entertainment angeschrieben und hoffe auf eine positive Reaktion, wie auch schon bei diversen anderen DVD-Mängel, die ich hatte.Zum Bild:Da ich noch ein Röhren-Fernseher habe, kann meine Bild-Bewertung natürlich sehr abweichen, von anderen, die einen hochauflösenden Flach-Fernseher haben, mit HD & Co. Bei mir schien das Bild wie bei der TV-Version, etwas grob, unbearbeitet und bei einigen Folgen mit Farbfehlern, was mich persönlich nicht stört. Das Menü ist schlicht und übersichtlich gehalten, man kann alle Folgen abspielen lassen oder jede Folge für sich. Auch bis man vom Einlegen der DVD bis zum Menü gelangt, ist sehr kurz, meiner Meinung nach.Ton:Für mich war/ist der Ton sehr klar und verständlich, konnte auch keine Ton-Schwankungen feststellen. Nur bei einer Folge sprang der Ton von Deutsch in Englisch um, was aber nur eine sehr kurze Szene betraf, die für das Fernehen raus geschnitten und für die DVD-Fassung wieder eingefügt wurde. Bei den ersten paar Folgen gibt es vor dem Vorspann eine Szenenvorschau zur Folge die nicht deutsch sind. Die betreffenden Folgen sind aber in deutsch. Diese Szenenvorschau ist bei den späteren Folgen nicht mehr. Dort kommt gleich der Vorspann.Ansonsten gebe ich für diese Serie selbst 10 Sterne, da dies eine Top-Serie ist. Wann kommt den nun endlich Staffel zwei?Update 12.09.2011:Als Gaststars sind in der ersten Staffel unter anderem William Conrad (Cannon, Nero Wolfe,...) als Staatsanwalt, Joe Penny (Trio mit 4 Fäusten), Dick van Dyke (Diagnose: Mord) als mordender Richter.Update 15.09.2011:Habe heute die Antwort von Paramount Home Entertainment erhalten, dass mein Anliegen bezüglich der Zeit versetzten Tonspur zum Video (Film) in der letzten Folge an CBS in den USA weitergegeben wurde.

Received the first season of Matlock case inside was all broken up. Returned & they sent anther one. Excellent return service with Amazon.ca.Really enjoyed watching Matlock. Would recommend this show.