Change is inevitable, and that is one of the biggest themes of "Tail Lights,” in which every character in Matlock must address some form of significant change. In Matty's case, it may be the most emotional result when she finds herself lightening up and laughing with Julian.
Things between Matty and Julian have cooled since Julian took responsibility for the consequences of hiding the Wellbrexa documents. However, tolerating Julian for the greater good and actually enjoying his presence are two completely different things, and Matty is confronted with a startling moment after a plan gone wrong results in Julian covered in the ashes of another lawyer's late father, and the two can't help but cackle over the insanity of the moment. It's an emotional reprieve from the seriousness of their circumstances, but it also, even briefly, frames Julian as a potentially likable guy to Matty, who feels the need to place a wall between Julian and her main motive. Eyes forward and full speed ahead.
However, this is also one of Matty's actions that she must confront, as it stems from her actions upon leaving her alcoholic mother in the rearview mirror. “Tail Lights” makes a great statement about growth. It doesn't matter how long it has been or where you are in your life; it is never too late to grow and change, and that is exactly what Matty comes to terms with when thinking about how she handled her relationship with her mother years before versus her ability to see a different path in the present day.
Matty's journey has challenged her in various ways, starting with gaining a legitimate friendship with Olympia and continuing through seeing a side of Julian that has recognized his wrongdoings but may not be the one-dimensional villain Matty had framed him as in order to get through being around him every day. People are more complicated than the worst thing they have done or the biggest mistake they have made, and seeing Matty experience that recognition while not wanting to disregard her daughter's memory gives a more grounded approach to Matty's highs and lows with Julian. They work well together as a team. They don't need to be friends. But, there is something to be said about allowing the concept of moving forward without forgetting what Julian did or the repercussions of that action.
Sarah is also a main participant in the element of change. In fact, change embodies a significant amount of Sarah's arc recently. Her work family has changed, and the introduction of Hunter, the “total bro” addition to Olympia's team and Sarah's office, means adjusting her workday, as does working with Julian. Yet, these moves are all interesting character development-wise.
Through working with Sarah, Matlock unleashes a new side of Julian, one who does robot dances and looks into and vets private investigator possibilities to help Sarah look into finding her birth parents. Sarah also must adjust to the new energy that Hunter brings to her life. At a point where it seems like one more change could be occurring, Sarah getting her own new office, it is Matty who helps bring Sarah back down.
Many things do change. It will happen. But not everything has to happen all at once, and Sarah is completely welcome to remain in her, Matty, and Hunter's shared office. Sarah sticking around keeps Matty and Sarah's work dynamic intact, even if they are working on different cases. It keeps the tone of the series safe while still allowing for personal growth. In this case, personal growth means leaning on others and embracing that vulnerability that Sarah and Matty both want to hold on to each other and are not ready to let go yet.
Even Edwin gets involved in change, taking an Italian class that helps him get out of the house. The Matty, Julian, and Olympia dynamic has also shifted as the three work together to take down Senior, something that helps add more layers to the overall season. Senior has also addressed the idea of change, having claimed to have started to value forgiveness. Yet, he is quick to attempt to manipulate Olympia right after, so maybe he has not changed as much as he claims to have.
No one stays the same forever, and sometimes, it is the most unexpected people or circumstances that help alter one's perspective. Matlock is proving that it knows its characters need to grow and change to fully address the stakes it has set up.