Warning! Spoilers ahead for Matlock episode 17, "I Was That, Too."As expected, 2024 Matlock is neither a reboot nor a sequel, because it doesn't really have any narrative ties to the original show. Instead, it's about an entirely new character, who was inspired by Griffith's character for her own personal plan.

Bates' Madeline Kingston takes on a new persona to infiltrate Jacobson Moore to expose them for hiding documents that could have taken opioids from the market before her daughter's death because of an overdose. Despite being the titular character, the decorated actress is surrounded by a strong Matlock cast, including Skye P. Marshall's Olympia. The pair's friendship has become the series' backbone, which is why seeing them at odds in "I Was That, Too," was difficult. Amid the chaos brought about by their argument and an intense weekly case, Matlock is able to resolve a budding problem for Bates' character.

Madeline Reveals That She Legally Changed Her Name From Kingston To Matlock

Bates' Character Made Sure Her Fake Identity Is As Bullet Proof As Possible

The events of Matlock episode 17 are split into two categories. Sarah and Billy find themselves working on an unexpected divorce case, and end up working throughout the night. Meanwhile, Olympia grills Madeline with questions about her true identity and her purpose at Jacobson Moore. As Olympia threatens to call the police on her latest recruit, however, Bates' character has the perfect answer. Not only is her boss also breaking the law by illegally detaining her, she also confidently claims that the legal enforcement won't have anything against her.

Apparently, Madeline went to great lengths to make sure that she has a solid fake identity when she entered Jacobson Moore. That means that aside from wiping down her history online, she also legally changed her name from Madeline Kingston to Madeline Matlock. This may seem like just an additional layer of protection for Bates' character, but this step has big repurcussions for the character and the show, in general, as Matlock season 2 moves forward on CBS.

Kathy Bates Can Continue To Go By Madeline Matlock In Season 2

Matlock Can Keep Its Title

When it was confirmed that the primary premise of Matlock was going to be resolved in season 1, there were queries about what it would mean for its connection to Griffith's show. The only reason she's called Matlock is because that's supposedly her last name, but in reality, it is Kingston. Once her identity is exposed, she will have to go by her real name, and by then, calling the show "Matlock" doesn't seem to make sense. That said, since Bates' character has revealed that she changed her name legally, she can continue being Matlock moving forward.

The only way that Madeline can seamlessly keep being called "Matlock" is if her whole revenge plot doesn't get leaked to the public.

This also poses an interesting possibility for how the Wellbrexa mystery will be resolved. The only way that Madeline can seamlessly keep being called "Matlock" is if her whole revenge plot doesn't get leaked to the public. If it does, her true identity as Madeline Kingston will also have to come out. From there, the issue about her true name not having any ties to Matlock will remain.