Jason Ritter has a wild idea for a Matlock crossover with another hit CBS drama that fans would love to see happen. We're certainly here for it.
We’re coming closer to the premiere of Matlock season 2, and viewers are eager to see how the series addresses its big season 1 cliffhanger. The series became a surprise hit with viewers and critics loving the tale of Matty Matlock (Kathy Bates) going undercover at law firm Jacobson & Moore to figure out who hid files on opioid abuse that could have saved Matty’s daughter.
That has Matty in the middle of the divorce of boss Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and Julian (Jason Ritter), son of Senior (Beau Bridges), a major partner. While Olympia and Julian try to be cordial in their split, there is drama abounding.
Jason Ritter wants a crossover with Tracker
During a talk with US Weekly, Ritter discussed season 2 and then jokingly suggested a crossover between Matlock and another CBS hit. No, not the mystery series, Elsbeth, but rather Tracker. Yes, Ritter actually promoted the idea that his Julian somehow drops out of law to join Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw in adventures around the U.S.
“If Tracker ever wants a partner [for Justin’s character, Colter], maybe Julian leaves the firm and he starts a new life. Just two rugged guys.”
While meant as a joke, some fans may actually find this a funny idea. Tracker has become a success with fans enjoying Colter’s lone wolf character traveling the country, helping others. Having him partner with someone on a regular basis would be offbeat and Julian moving from law to aiding Tracker in these adventures would be a change.
There’s also how Ritter’s words hint that maybe Julian could need a new profession in season 2 of Matlock, which could be a major plot point!
What’s coming for Julian in Matlock season 2?
The season 1 finale ended with the massive twist of Olympia discovering it was Julian who buried the files in an attempt to win favor with his dad. The season ended with the question of whether Olympia would continue the cover-up or expose Julian, even though it would mean his legal career over and perhaps going to jail.
Ritter told US Weekly that Julian was already having problems with the exposure of his affair with jury consultant Shae Banfield (Yael Grobglas). Ritter hints we’ll see a more open and perhaps confident Julian.
“Julian was in the middle of a divorce, but he was going through his life with his skeletons safely in his closet. Now, with the affair coming out — and then with the other big reveal coming out — he’s in a new boat. There is no pretending with Olympia anymore. Or compartmentalizing and putting [things] away in a dark and shameful drawer. Julian is going to have to grapple — one way or another — with this. It’s such a shameful thing that he has just put it away, tried to be a good dad and focused on his family. Now, he is grappling with the ramifications of what he did. Also he’s terrified.”
Julian has good reason to be scared, as he knows the ramifications of his crime coming to light. While Olympia may be tempted to keep it quiet, Matty won’t stop until she gets to the truth, no matter if she has to tear Olympia’s life apart in the process. There’s also Julian’s relationship with his father that could lead to more drama.
As fans await Julian’s fate in Matlock season 2, at least Ritter knows that if the character is written off, he may have a spot on Tracker to fall back on to continue Julian’s journey!
Matlock season 2 premieres on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on CBS. Tracker season 3 premieres on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 8/7c on CBS.
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