Kathy Bate’s Matlock is who I want to be when I grow up. Who else is in?
In the 90s, I thought TV was beneath me (yes, you can roll your eyes)—too vibrant a life to waste on small screens and crime-solving grandmas. Little did I know, decades later, I’d find myself cheering for one such grandma, Kathy Bates’ Matlock, while binging Netflix. Back then, the idea of tuning in to Murder, She Wrote felt as outdated as dial-up internet—even then.
Why did I ignore “Murder, She Wrote”? Well, in the 90s, media rarely put older women in the limelight unless it was as a grandmother baking cookies or dispensing sage advice from a rocking chair.
Women In Media Last Century:
In the late 80s and 90s, television often cast older women in roles that, while sometimes endearing, did little to challenge prevailing stereotypes. Shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” featured Marie Barone as the classic meddling mother-in-law, whose life seemed almost exclusively centered around interfering in her adult children’s affairs, particularly clashing with her daughter-in-law. Similarly, “The Golden Girls,” although breaking ground in many ways by focusing on the lives of older women, occasionally veered into portraying its beloved characters with quirks that bordered on the eccentric spinster stereotype, especially in the case of the naive Rose Nylund and the sharp-tongued Sophia Petrillo.
Back then, TV had little to offer women over 50 beyond caricatures of meddling mothers or eccentric spinsters. Today, characters like Matlock are rewriting that narrative with confidence and wit. Here I am, decades later, glued to the screen watching Kathy Bates in the new Matlock on Netflix. It’s not just a shift in technology that’s brought me back to the small screen; it’s a profound change in perspective. Bates, at 75, is nothing short of a revelation. She isn’t just active; she’s a powerhouse, turning the stereotype of the ‘invisible older woman’ into her secret weapon.
Kathy Bates’ Matlock Takes No Prisoners:
Take one scene, for example, where Matlock faces off against a group of smug, young male lawyers who condescendingly call her “grandma.” Her response? “I’d tell you to say hello to your grandmother, but don’t because I think she’s a little bitch.” It was such a perfectly executed “don’t F with me” moment that the men were literally stunned into silence. I was floored—and cheering. This scene wasn’t just entertaining; it was a bold rejection of the tired assumption that older women are frail, passive, or incompetent. Matlock’s sharp wit and unapologetic confidence flipped the script and made it clear who was in control.
This unapologetic cleverness is a recurring theme throughout the show. Whether it’s with her quick comebacks or the subtle use of props, Matlock demonstrates how to outthink and outmaneuver her opponents. Take her ever-present butterscotch candies—a nod to the classic grandma trope. Bates uses them to play into expectations, only to shatter them moments later. These aren’t just sweets; they’re part of a carefully orchestrated strategy, a quiet reminder that underestimating her is a mistake you won’t make twice.
Normalizing Aging On Your Little Screen:
Her home life, with a devoted husband and a loving grandson, is portrayed not as an afterthought but as an integral part of her character. It’s a refreshing depiction of balance—career-driven yet deeply connected to family. This series has shown me that life doesn’t taper off after 50; it diversifies, deepens. Bates’ character isn’t winding down; she’s just getting started, proving that age can enhance capability, not diminish it. She’s got a fruitful, active life—complete with a loving, sexually-interested husband and sweet, adoring grandson—showing us all that the golden years can indeed be golden.
Bates’ character is a refreshing reminder that life at 75 isn’t just about looking back; it’s about living fully. She’s not fading into the background; she’s front and center, taking names and teaching lessons. Her Matlock is a testament to the fact that our later years can be just as dynamic and impactful as any other time—maybe even more so because of the wisdom gained along the way.
Matlock Inspires And Makes The Future Look A Little Brighter:
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve come to appreciate the power of representation in media. The stories we watch do shape our perceptions, and seeing strong, capable older characters can redefine what it means to age. So here’s to all the Jessica Fletchers and Kathy Bates of the world, showing us that age isn’t a limitation—it’s a secret weapon. And to the rest of us, let’s stop waiting for life to slow down. After all, the best stories are often told later in the game. Thanks to Bates, I am gleefully anticipating my mid 70s… and adding Brach’s butterscotch candy bags to my monthly subscribe and save.
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