Typically television programming is targeted to a specific demographics; young adults. While there are notable exceptions such as afterschool shows for kids or daytime series intended to appeal to stay at home moms, but generally prime time traditionally belonged to those in their thirties. Around the mid eighties one network took a chance with a virtually untapped group of audience members; more mature adults also known as senior citizens. All of a sudden sponsors realized this group went out to purchase goods and services so NBC joined the bandwagon and began to develop weekly series specifically for them. Several shows were aired; almost all in one of the most popular genres, the crime drama. Even within this broad category networks were endeavoring to provide variety by touching on the most popular formats, they had a medical flair with ‘Diagnosis: Murder’, the lone detective on ‘Murder She Wrote’ and a member of one of the most venerable type of programming with the flagship of their older adult shows with the one under consideration here; ‘Matlock’. Courtroom drama has been a proven formula for success practically since TV became a standard part of every American family. Usually this format gave the audience some handsome, idealistic lawyer fighting for justice against all odds. This series took a twist giving center stage to a southern gentleman of considerably more years and experience. It may have become the punch line for numerous jokes about the elderly but the fact is it lasted for a respectable nine seasons and remains a beloved favorite for millions. The reason the series worked out is simple; quality pervaded the production at every level from the stories to the acting. Fortunately, the DVD distribution rights are now owned by CBS Paramount and they have a growing reputation for releasing classic television series to build any collection of vintage TV.

Matlock id a hands on sort of attorney but it is not surprising that he has assembled his own version of a dream team for the required leg work that his age made infeasible. His junior partner was Michelle Thomas (Nancy Stafford). They had met while Matlock was on a case in England and when she returned to the States joined the firm. Michelle is bright, innovative and persistent. Doing most of the leg work is private investigator Tyler Hudson (Kene Holliday). He is a former lieutenant in the Army and is extremely creative in his methodology and his many guises employed while working undercover. Of course there has to be a prosecutor whose primary purpose is to lose each week. That lamentable function is held by Assistant District Attorney Julie March (Julie Sommars) who maintains a respect and friendship with Matlock despite never winning, between court appearances Matlock typical has his favorite lunch; a vendor hot dog.

The stories presented in each episode are fairly typical for crime dramas on the tube. They do lean heavily towards murder in the first degree but there are a few other felonies along for a bit of variety. The high fee structure usually required by Matlock and associates typical meant high profile and rather wealthy clients. Still, he has been known to drop the normal fees for a just cause. As we have come to expect with a TV season set release from CBS Paramount the quality is very good. The full frame video shows a little signs of age and the audio lacks dimension but the material is delightful that it makes it all worthwhile. This is perfect for an evening of family entertainment when you are tired of the new fangled high tech detective work and you are in the mood for a true classic.