When I heard they were remaking Matlock, I groaned inwardly.

Why? Just... why?

Is it really that impossible to come up with a unique idea? And... whoa... they're gender-swapping it, so I guess that's their way of making it a "unique idea." Groundbreaking.

I was going to take a hard pass on the show if not for two things...

1. I actually really do like the original show. I'd watch it with my mom, because there was never a murder-mystery show she didn't like, and Matlock was particularly smart and well-acted. I was never a huge fan of Andy Griffith, but boy oh boy did he have a bead on his character. If there's even a chance the new show has half the smarts of the original, it might be worth a look.
2. The reboot stars... KATHY BATES?!? I'm a huge fan, and I knew if she was involved it must be something special.

And so I tuned in.

And really liked it!

Mostly because this is not at all a reboot. It's very much its own thing. And though they do allude to it in the trailer, you are not prepared for exactly how it's different. A great twist that I absolutely won't be spoiling here...

I will be very interested in seeing if they can keep the momentum of the first episode going. Because if they can? This could end up being a sleeper hit that catches a lot of people by surprise.