Since Matlock began, it has been clear that Matty's endgame was always to put the lawyer who hid the Wellbrexa documents behind bars. After two seasons of striving to get justice for her daughter Ellie, Matty can finally say she has achieved exactly what she set out to do. But it was not easy, and it almost did not even happen. In fact, the entirety of season 2 builds up to a conclusion that perfectly captures Matty and Julian's arcs thus far.
During the two-part season finale, "Who Are You?" and “Matty Matlock,” Matty confronts the emotional turmoil of realizing that Senior had tricked them all and that they have no hard evidence that proves that there was ever a crime committed in the first place. Initially, Matty is horrified and enraged, and rightfully so. It seems that once again, Senior will be getting away with the atrocious act that led to hundreds of thousands of deaths. However, by the end of the finale, Matty comes to terms with not going through with Senior's arrest.
Matty's life has changed since she started at the law firm, as shown by her friendships with Olympia and Sarah. She has fallen in love with the job and has something to look forward to every day. She laughs again, a real laugh that makes even Edwin acknowledge the positive change that working at Jacobson Moore has done for Matty. Rather than looking toward the end of her life and seeking vengeance, Matty finds herself joyfully looking forward. This is a drastic change in perspective, but one that season 2 has been setting up. Matty's entire finale arc is about closure and trying to figure out the aftermath of the endgame that she never thought beyond. How does Matty move on? What happens next?
As Matty contemplates the end of her journey at Jacobson Moore, it also means confronting the possibilities of losing her license to practice law or going to jail, given the number of laws she broke while undercover. Matty must decide the future she wants for herself and her family and what it means for her persona, Matty Matlock, in comparison to what it means to be Madeline Kingston. It is a very reflective time for Matty, who considers the highs of what it has meant to be Matty Matlock every day.
So, when Matty determines that she can live with the potential concession of Senior's retirement, even if it is not the result that Matty wanted, it adds another layer to Matty's character development. She has done so much to get justice for Ellie. But, in the process, she has found her own love of the law and friendships she wishes to hold on to. Matty's life working with Olympia, Sarah, and even Julian and Hunter can be something that Matty can find joy in, even if the final trigger to Senior's arrest was never pulled. That is, at least, what Matlock wants the audience to think before pulling out one last trick. Luckily, Matty does not have to give up her plan, but Matlock makes an interesting character decision to get there, which includes following through on Julian's redemption arc.
Told in parts over the second half of the season, Julian started out completely removing himself as responsible for causing Ellie's death in any way. However, after meeting Alfie and coming face-to-face with the repercussions of his actions years ago, Julian accepts the accountability for what he had done and aims to make it right. Julian does occasionally seek to allow Senior to be free of it. But, when the moment arrives that Senior truly could go free of facing consequences, and even Matty is accepting that reality, it is Julian who steps up to make sure the group gets Senior arrested.
Julian, who refuses to allow himself to become like his father by allowing the Wellbrexa case to slide, makes sure that Senior implicates himself by also deciding that he would go without immunity as long as it meant the FBI could finally take down Senior. Julian's decision to do the right thing helps guarantee that Senior and the rest of the law partners are arrested for their actions. This decision helps secure Julian's redemption arc, allowing him, along with Olympia and Matty, to move on from the Wellbrexa case in season 3. While they may not be entirely removed from the emotional ramifications of their actions, Julian's decision allows for the Wellbrexa case to be out in the open, finally allowing Matlock to move on from its main foundation.
Matlock had devoted most of its first two seasons to the Wellbrexa plot line, and its end also means an exciting introduction into season 3. With the downfall of Jacobson Moore, the new law firm developing between Matty and Olympia, the uncertainty of where Julian falls in the aftermath of his arrest, and the strong implication that Sarah will be learning the truth about Matty's true identity, the season 2 finale "Matty Matlock" may not have ended with a cliffhanger, but it did leave plenty of open doors for season 3. "Who Are You?" and "Matty Matlock" are all about closure and determining what will happen next. It perfectly sets the stage to continue to grow out the storylines and characters beyond the Wellbrexa storyline.
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