AceShowbiz - Note: This article contains spoilers for Matlock Season 2, Episode 9.

Following the dramatic fall finale of Matlock, where Jason Ritter's character Julian uncovers the covert alliance between Olympia (played by Skye P. Marshall) and Matty (portrayed by Kathy Bates), the midseason premiere dives into a new, darker side of Julian. Ritter explains that this episode exposes many of Julian’s “unsavory elements,” especially visible in his intense confrontations with Olympia and Matty—moments even unexpected to Marshall herself.

“Skye was definitely surprised... I’ve never told Skye to shush before—nor would I—but it was really fun to get to see some of these more unsavory elements of Julian’s character, and they all make sense to me,” Ritter shared with TheWrap. “He’s completely freaked out. He’s been lied to for who knows how long. Someone that he trusted has broken his trust.”

This revelation flips the dynamic between the divorced couple, as Julian had previously breached Olympia’s trust through his affair and the Wellbrexa study scandal. Ritter notes it feels different when “the shoe is on the other foot,” facing betrayal from someone you never imagined capable of such deceit. “The one thing he’s holding on to in this moment is he knows how much she loves the kids, and I think she knows that Julian, for all of his personal foibles, is a good dad and they love him,” Ritter added.

Meanwhile, Julian presents a tough exterior when confronting Matty, who initially tries to maintain her deception but ultimately flips the situation to her advantage, leaving Julian stunned by episode’s end.

In an exclusive discussion, Ritter broke down these developments and teased upcoming storylines. This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.

TheWrap: Last season ended with Julian discovering the partnership between Olympia and Matty. How does that affect his mindset?

Ritter: When I first read the script, I wasn’t sure if Julian would sit on this secret or confront them immediately. It was exciting to see the show opt for the latter—he cuts straight to the chase and demands answers. He’s cornered, panicked, realizing that two people he’s worked closely with—and trusted—are involved in a betrayal of his biggest secret. It’s a high-stakes moment.

Seeing Julian’s panicked side emerge has been fascinating. He’s been comfortable for a long time, but now his skeletons are coming out of the closet, and he’s scared.

TheWrap: This discovery coincides with an emotional scene where Julian tells his father he loves him while his father is hospitalized. How does that moment influence Julian amid his conflicts with Olympia and Matty?

Ritter: Before the stroke, his dad and Olympia seemed aligned against Julian, but now seeing his father vulnerable stirs complex emotions. It’s a reminder of family bonds—blood is thicker than water—and Julian wrestles with loyalty and betrayal simultaneously. I appreciate how the show has layered these complicated issues for my character to navigate. Plus, it’s just fun being brought fully into the story after being in the dark for so long.

TheWrap: You have some of your longest scenes with Kathy Bates this episode. What was working with her like, especially given the adversarial nature of your characters’ relationship?

Ritter: Many scenes involved me entering and focusing on Skye’s character while ignoring Kathy’s, so it was great to finally have a direct and antagonistic exchange with her. Kathy is a dream scene partner—so present and authentic that it frees you to stay in the moment without second-guessing. It made our intense confrontations feel raw and genuine, as our characters edge toward brutal honesty.

TheWrap: Matty emphasizes that justice is paramount and that lawyers must uphold the law. How does Julian react to that?

Ritter: That hits Julian hard. Like many, he compartmentalized the terrible things he did, knowing they were wrong but trying to push them aside. The wrongdoing has been dormant for about 15 years, and he’s tried to be a good lawyer, but Olympia represents a more justice-driven approach to law, whereas Julian’s been more about the game. Hearing such a clear moral indictment is a harsh reality check for him because, at the end of the day, he violated the very principles lawyers are supposed to uphold. He’s not the first lawyer to do that, and probably not the last.

TheWrap: What is Julian’s primary goal now? Is he trying to erase any evidence related to the study?

Ritter: Julian is trapped in a dark place, just looking for an escape. If that means throwing his dad under the bus, so be it. If it means burying the evidence, that’s an option too. Morality isn’t at the forefront right now—he’s in pure survival mode. His hope is to get away with it, but if accountability must come, he doesn’t want to be the one held responsible.

TheWrap: Amid all the turmoil, Julian extends goodwill to Sarah by inviting her onto his team. What motivates this gesture?

Ritter: That was a powerful moment in the script. Right before giving her a second chance, Sarah admits she lied and betrayed him under his father’s orders, adding another layer to Julian’s complicated feelings about his dad. Julian understands the fear and desire for approval that comes with dealing with powerful figures. At a time when Julian himself is desperate for a second chance—one he feels may be impossible—he grants someone else forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption.

TheWrap: When Julian visits Matty’s home and sees the evidence she’s gathered, including a conspiracy board pointing at him, what is his reaction?

Ritter: First off, I’d never been on that set before either, so it felt as strange to me as it would to Julian. No matter who you are, seeing a conspiracy board linking everything to you is unnerving, even if it’s fabricated. It’s a powerful moment for Matty, showing her obsession and determination, rather than for Julian. For Julian, it’s the realization that this isn’t just about the Wellbrexa study—it’s a long, calculated crusade Matty has been waging to bring him down.

These intense developments signal a turning point for Julian, exposing vulnerabilities and secrets that will drive the narrative forward in Matlock.