Matlock: First Season DVD Review (2008)

Andy Griffith’s career--reborn.

After years of slogging through such humiliating guest appearances on such shows as “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island” and “Hotel,” Griffith took a cue from Raymond Burr’s “Perry Mason” and realized one of his greatest career successes in a similar show that ran from 1986-1995.

The first season includes the two-hour pilot, “Diary of a Perfect Murder,” as well as 23 additional episodes, most of which focus on one culprit, such as “The Stripper,” “The Cop,” “The Sisters,” etc.

Griffith’s easy Southern charm is in stark contrast to the grisly crime series pop culture now favors, but for many, that’s exactly what will sell it.

Grade: B+