A Matlock Star Really Wants A Tracker Crossover, And I’m Even More In After Hearing His Pitch

by

2024 saw CBS achieve success with the debut of Matlock, featuring Kathy Bates in a critically acclaimed role that earned her one major award and put her in contention for her third Emmy. As Season 2 gears up in the 2025 TV lineup, another actor from Matlock has proposed an intriguing idea to merge his character with the series Tracker, injecting some action into the mix. I’m inclined… to a certain degree.

Jason Ritter, known for portraying Julian on the show “Matlock,” shared his thoughts with Us Weekly about potentially working alongside Justin Hartley on “Tracker.” Given that “Tracker” was the highly successful newcomer during the 2023-2024 TV season, while “Matlock” took the title in the following year (2024-2025), there would undoubtedly be an eager fanbase for such a collaboration! Ritter playfully quipped:

In case Tracker feels a need for a companion, perhaps Julian decides to depart from his current job and embarks on a new journey, forming a duo with the rugged character of Colter, who is played by Justin.

Julian and Colter working together on an episode of Tracker would be fascinating, mainly because it’d be hilarious seeing Julian so out of place in Colter’s world. It might make more sense for Jason Ritter’s character to meet Fiona Rene’s Reenie in a legal context, but it’d be much more amusing to imagine Julian tagging along with Colter in his truck. In fact, the word “rugged” isn’t one I’d associate with the Matlock character.

This version retains the original sentiment while using simpler language and attempting to make the paraphrase more conversational and easy to understand.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve often found myself daydreaming about a fusion of the captivating world of “Elsbeth” and the legal brilliance of “Matlock”. Airing on the same night, their unique tones have always sparked an intriguing contrast in my mind. However, if given the chance to influence Matt Ritter’s pitch for “Tracker”, I’d subtly suggest incorporating a hint of the charm and wit that characterized the two shows, making it an even more compelling watch.

I strongly oppose Julian departing from the firm. Although his role as Welbrexa’s mastermind was hinted at in the Season 1 finale, there are still many unresolved “Matlock”-related questions about Julian that need answers in Season 2. A temporary departure for a little adventure with a likely annoyed Colter is fine, but abandoning the firm permanently and losing Jason Ritter from the cast? I’d rather not. Furthermore, since “Tracker” recently let go of two main characters, it would be unfortunate to see another regular depart from the show.

Luckily, he hinted at some tales from Season 2, suggesting his character will continue to be present. As Ritter mentioned:

Julian finds himself in a challenging situation, whether directly or indirectly, due to this matter. It’s unfortunate that he chose to set it aside, dedicating himself to being a responsible father and caring for his family. Now, he must face the consequences of his actions, which have left him feeling quite fearful.

It seems reasonable for Julian to be fearful, given the situation with Olympia (Skye P. Marshall). Since he is her children’s father, it’s uncertain how she will react to the information, potentially making their already strained relationship even more complex. If Matty (Kathy Bates) discovers what Julian has done, his actions could certainly lead him to regret ever jeopardizing her daughter’s wellbeing, but he wouldn’t face any physical danger from her.

Jason Ritter teased about the exciting developments that Jennie Snyder Urman and the writing team are planning, while carefully avoiding any potential spoilers.

They’ve moved it along various paths. I’ve had the opportunity to reveal different aspects to Julian, and it’s been quite enjoyable thus far. The journey is just getting started, so I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing where this new path leads me further on.

It seems that Jason Ritter’s joke about joining “Tracker” won’t become reality, and intriguing storylines are being developed for his character instead. Tune in to find out what happens next for Julian following the revelation of his big secret to his ex-wife during the season 2 premiere of “Matlock” on Sunday, October 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The show will then move back to its regular 9 p.m. ET Thursday time slot on October 16. You can catch up on season 1 by streaming it with a Paramount+ subscription now.

Read More

2025-08-23 06:08