Matlock fans are in a heated debate over the fate of Billy, given the shocking real-life actions of his actor and what it means for the show. Should Billy be recast or replaced?
Since Matlock began, the focus has been on Oscar-winner Kathy Bates in the title role of Madeline Matlock. There’s also been the growing friendship between Matty and Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and the storyline of Matty undercover in the law firm to find out who buried some important documents.
Another key part of the show has been the friendship of Billy Martinez (David Del Rio) and Sarah Franklin (Leah Lewis). The pair of young attorneys began as rivals, only to forge a great friendship. Their banter and chemistry have been a welcome part of the show.
Which was why fans were shocked when word broke that Del Rio was fired from the series. Far more shocking is that the actor was accused of attempting to assault Lewis, which reportedly occurred during filming season 2.
The character is still in the first episodes, which of course puts a cloud over the series. It seems obvious Billy will be written off, but is that really the best course of action for the show?
The fans debate Billy’s fate in Matlock
Right now, Matlock is taking a hiatus in its production, which is obviously going to involve Del Rio being written out. The options are plentiful, from having Billy die in some freak accident to his quitting the firm.
In storyline terms, there is a way out as Billy just learned that he’s expecting a child with flame Claudia. It’s thus logical that the show throws in a line about Billy deciding to focus on being a father and leaving. It could then cast a new character to balance with Lewis.
However, a Reddit thread had fans debating that move as the loss of Billy would throw the show off. He was a key character with his friendship with Sarah, and the writers clearly had plans for him. To drop him with no warning would jar the show a bit too much.
There is a history of TV shows recasting characters so having Billy be away for a bit and then return with a new actor in the role could work. There can even be a tongue-in-cheek line of someone noting how fatherhood “has changed you” and then move on.
Several fans on the thread noted how vital Billy is to the show’s dynamic as he, Sarah, and Matty form a fine trio with Matty teaching the younger lawyers some tricks. There was also how Billy balanced the female-heavy cast with his charm and antics and often soothed Sarah’s ego and temper. And, of course, there’s the tension of what will happen should Sarah and Billy discover the truth about Matty.
That would lean toward the idea of recasting the role and keeping this dynamic. Yet there is the shadow of Del Rio’s actions that can make this approach more difficult.
Why Billy should just be written off
The reasons to write Billy off are practical. It would be simpler for the writers to give an explanation of his departure than a recast. Killing him off might be a bit much, as that would put a darker shadow over the series and throw off some storylines further.
There’s also how this would affect Lewis. The actress hasn’t commented too much on the situation, but clearly this affected her deeply. To continue acting opposite “Billy,” even with another actor in the role, would be a daily reminder of her ordeal that she would want to avoid.
Bringing in a new character would be a challenge, yet also offers some great storyline opportunities. Sarah would be hard hit by the loss of her friend and getting used to a new co-worker. One fan suggested the fun idea of Sarah’s law school nemesis (and Billy’s brief fling), Simone (Andrea Lando), joining to fire things up.
Another character would shift up the show, perhaps one who’s sharp enough to sense something off about Matty to throw her off her game. It’s a challenge to be sure and it’s easy to see why fans invested in the series are reluctant to get rid of Billy even if it’s hard to see him continuing.
There’s no word yet on which direction the series will take, as Matlock fans are going to have to get used to a big change one way or another, which will be a huge shift for the series!
Matlock season 2 airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.
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