MacGyver’s Meredith Eaton previews Matty’s emotional episode
This week’s MacGyver is tremendous for Matty, and Meredith Eaton spoke to Hidden Remote to preview the episode that means a lot for her character.
Tonight’s MacGyver episode shines the spotlight on Matilda “Matty” Webber, as the tenacious director of the Phoenix Foundation finds her personal and professional lives colliding. What does the CBS series have in store for her?
Meredith Eaton connected with Hidden Remote to give fans a preview of “Treason + Heartbreak + Gum” and discuss how MacGyver season 3 has explored more of her character than viewers have gotten to see before—a trend that will certainly continue here, as someone from Matty’s past is back in a big way.
Look ahead to tonight’s episode in our interview with Meredith below, then be sure to tune in at 8 p.m. ET/PT to CBS in order to see it for yourself!
Hidden Remote: This MacGyver episode brings back Matty’s ex-husband Ethan, who’s been a recurring part of this season. What was your reaction when you found out where their story is heading next?
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Meredith Eaton: I love this storyline for many different reasons. Having an opportunity to show different layers of Matty’s personality is always enjoyable to me.
There has been such an evolution between the team, and this mission continues to exemplify how close Matty and Mac have become, and also Matty and Oversight.
You will see Matty struggling to try and resolve this relationship with someone who she really loves—her ex-husband—and then unearthing and reopening the wound all over again the moment she sees him. There is so much unresolved hurt and it never quite had the chance to settle.
HR: Matty and Ethan’s storyline gets even more complicated because of how MacGyver brings him back into the picture. How would you describe their relationship in this episode?
ME: I see their story as a Greek tragedy. A love that ended abruptly. The first time we see Ethan and when we see them together, it’s obvious that they would have had so much more ahead for them. Ethan describes getting lost in his undercover assignment and how it took on a life of its own, and I think a part of him still loves her and a part of her still loves him, but they know it could now never be.
Nonetheless Matty is willing to do things outside of what she would normally do in order to help Ethan and his family. It’s complicated and it’s raw, and it’s unresolved and sad, and the way Matty responds to it all truly shows Matty’s strength and power as a woman. How she forges on in the face of heartache in order to always try and do the right thing.
HR: What makes their dynamic great is the chemistry you have with Brendan Hines, who plays Ethan. How has it been working with him this season?
ME: Brendan is lot of fun and he has good instincts. He can also sing! We bonded rather quickly over our mutual love of dogs. Brendan brings a lot of charm and charisma to the role of Ethan. I really enjoy working with him.
HR: Matty tends to keep many things, including Ethan, quite private. Does this MacGyver story see her leaning more on Mac and the team, since the stakes are so high?
ME: Matty only reveals what she absolutely has to reveal. She approaches the team with a plea for help—but informs them that this is out of the realm of anything she has ever asked of them before, and that they are free to decline. They go out on a limb because they want to help Matty.
HR: What stands out to you from this episode? Anything fans should particularly watch for?
ME: This episode has it all. Lots of high action and heartache. We get a peek of a more vulnerable side of Matty, while watching her do what she is best at—running a mission and getting the job done. We also see a strengthened bond between Mac and Matty, and additionally Matty and Oversight.
HR: MacGyver season 3 has shown a lot more about Matty in general. How has it been for you to explore these other aspects of her character?
ME: This season was a journey that provided several opportunities to portray the different sides of Matty. This season in particular has been a season of maturation on all fronts in the face of many loses. All the while, she maintained her dignity and held steadfast to her desire to make the world a safer place, and to bring her team home from every mission safe and sound.
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MacGyver airs Fridays at 8:00 p.m. on CBS. For more on MacGyver and other CBS shows, see the CBS category at Hidden Remote.