‘Matlock’ Boss Says David Del Rio’s Final Episode Already Aired
What To Know
- Matlock creator Jennie Snyder Urman reveals when David Del Rio’s final appearance as Billy Martinez aired.
- Del Rio was fired following an investigation into an alleged sexual assault, which he denies.
- New cast members Henry Haber and Sarah Wright Olsen will join the show in the second half of Season 2, but Haber’s character is not intended as a replacement for Del Rio.
Matlock executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman has revealed that David Del Rio‘s final episode as Billy Martinez has already aired. She said there will be another update on Billy later in Season 2 that will complete the character’s storyline. The midseason finale airs Thursday (December 11) night at 9/8c on CBS. Matlock has also cast Henry Haber and Sarah Wright Olsen in the second half of Season 2, premiering in February. Snyder Urman said that Haber’s character is not a “replacement” for Del Rio.
Del Rio was fired from Matlock in October after CBS investigated a report of an alleged sexual assault, reportedly involving Del Rio’s costar, Leah Lewis. Del Rio has denied the allegations. On December 11, TMZ reported that CBS reopened the investigation.
Matlock Season 2 Episode 7 was Del Rio’s last appearance as Billy, according to Snyder Urman. The episode aired on December 4. The showrunner said that there will be an update on Billy in an upcoming episode that will conclude the character’s storyline. She confirmed that the Welbrexa study storyline will also conclude in Season 2.
“I’m not going to discuss details, but what I can talk about is in terms of the show,” Snyder Urman told Deadline. “The last episode you see him is in 7, and then you find out how Billy’s story ends, which is in a very organic way that has to do with our whole office and how things are being shaped in this merger.”
There is a possible merger looming in Matlock Season 2. In Episode 7, Billy and Sarah discussed rumors of the merger. It seems that Billy’s exit could be explained as him losing his job in the merger, or something along those lines.
Wright Olsen and Haber’s characters are newcomers at the firm. Wright Olsen plays Gwen, “an efficiency expert analyzing the firm,” per Deadline. Haber plays Hunter, “a younger associate from the floater pool who is a total bro.” The characters will not appear in the midseason finale, but the actors have already started filming future episodes.
“We’re always bringing in new associates, new people, because we want to give our characters different energies to react to, and different obstacles to overcome,” Snyder Urman told Deadline. “And one thing that we were talking about in the writers’ room that we’ve been wanting to bring in is a bro, like a real bro.”
“What will it be like for Olympia [Skye P. Marshall] and Matty [Kathy Bates] to be around a bro?” she continued about Hunter. “They’ve been with characters that really see them as the pinnacle and do things their way. But what happens when you have somebody who spreads a little bit and shoots a basketball when he wants to have ideas flowing? What is that like in our ladies’ world? And I’ll tell you, it’s funny.”
Matlock, Season 2 Midseason Finale, Thursday, December 11, 9/8c, CBS
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network‘s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Conversation18 Comments
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T
They fired him before he was tried in a court of law. I don't like her and want to know if there's actual proof of what he allegedly, supposedly, maybe did. I hope he's proven innocent if he is.
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D
Due to the number of individuals who have lied in Hollywood, if there is an allegation both parties should be suspended/fired. My gut says she is lying.
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J
Don’t know if she is lying, but I agree both of them should have been fired or suspended until there is proof one way or the other.
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S
Leah immediately came off as a pain in the butt on Matlock. She is the worst character on the show, very unlikeable, and irritating as all get out. David was one of the best characters on the show. I think that the show will be noticeably different (not in a good way) without David.
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P
David doesn’t seem like he’d assault anyone, but if he did he should be fired. I hope a fair and impartial investigation was conducted.
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B
Is it a she said, he said situation or is there evidence? Watched episode 8 last night and liked Leah’s hair down for a much better look. If she was kicked off Olympia’s team then perhaps she will be leaving the show as well, or dropped back to a minimal appearance spot.
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D
Don't like Leah, she doesn't seem trustworthy. Climbing that ladder, body count doesn't matter.
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A
Should have fired Leah Lewis. She is a terrible actress and her character is so boring.
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L
I agree, should have fired Leah Lewis boring is an understatement
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R
She should be let go too.is there any proof or just her word. Any witnesses
Seems pretty quick to fire someone with no proof
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M
Is anyone really going to miss that storyline? Even his character's gf didn't like him! Why are we not believing victims in this day and age?
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J
We should believe evidence because anyone can claim something that never happened. Thats why we have a court of law.
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M
People lie all the time and don't give a thought about ruining someone's life. Just because a person is accused does not mean they are guilty!
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L
I agree with you 100%. She looks like trouble from the start
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W
Why don't we believe "victims"? Because too many people have had their reputations/lives destroyed over lies. #metoo
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J
That's kind of an idiotic answer. Never mind that the victims' lives have been ruined.
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D
There sure is an awful lot of people who are victim shaming. I, too , believe a thorough investigation was warranted before any firing. Like her character or don't. The allegations have nothing to do with their television roles, but rather the character of who they are offering set!
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B
Both should be let go!!
Classic HE said SHE said
Not sure if I will continue to watch.
Leah Lewis should be gone too.
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