Wise counsel

Kathy Bates stars as legal eagle Madeline Matlock in a new version of the hit drama

- CAREN CLARK, TESS LAMCRAFT

NEW DRAMA Matlock Tuesday, 9pm, Sky Witness

Almost 30 years after Matlock last aired, the US legal drama returns to our screens this week with a brand-new version starring Kathy Bates in the title role of the brilliantminded lawyer.

The Oscar-winner plays charismatic septuagenarian lawyer Madeline 'Matty' Matlock, who has always had a skill for getting to the bottom of any legal case and is now keen to come out of retirement and reignite her law career.

The 10-episode drama opens with straight-talking Matty using her initiative and unassuming 'old lady' demeanour to gain access into prestigious New York law firm Jacobson Moore, where she promptly gatecrashes a senior partners' meeting and convinces them to give her a job on a trial basis.

'She wheedles her way in by playing the age-discrimination card, says Bates, whose credits include hit Hollywood movies Misery, Titanic, Fried Green Tomatoes and About Schmidt.