Matlock – “The Dare”

by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: October 27, 1994

Directed by: Leo Penn

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: In this unusual episode from the 9th and last season, multi-multi-millionaire philanthropist Malcolm Engle (Terry O’Quinn) cold-bloodedly murders a close friend of deceptively homespun Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith), purely as a taunt and a challenge to the prominent Atlanta-based lawyer — and uses a cat to help establish his alibi.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): At their first meeting in the millionaire’s home, Engle greets Matlock while carrying Mo, his long-haired tabby cat. The cat is visible throughout the scene.

Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn holding longhair brown tabby cat Mo
Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn holding longhair brown tabby cat Mo with Andy Griffith
Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn holding longhair brown tabby cat Mo

In Engle’s personal office, he takes Mo out of a satchel to rig a complicated alibi using the motion detector security system in combination with a scheduled phone meeting.

Matlock - The Dare - longhair brown tabby cat Mo inside briefcase
Matlock - The Dare - longhair brown tabby cat Mo inside briefcase
Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn taking longhair brown tabby cat Mo out of briefcase
Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn taking longhair brown tabby cat Mo out of briefcase animated gif
Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn setting longhair brown tabby cat Mo on floor

The cat is seen in closer shots walking on the desk and floor.

Matlock - The Dare - longhair brown tabby cat Mo walking past phone on desk
Matlock - The Dare - longhair brown tabby cat Mo walking across office floor

After the murder is committed, Engle returns to the office to greet Mo, who is waiting patiently on the desk.

Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn holding greeting longhair brown tabby cat Mo on desk of office

Outside, on a beautiful sunlit day, Engle calls Matlock to twist the knife, figuratively speaking, into the stunned lawyer, and is accompanied by his cat drowsing in a lawn chair.

Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn standing on lawn with longhair brown tabby cat Mo on chair behind

During the one-sided conversation, Engle picks up Mo and, sitting down, places the cat in his lap.

Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn picking up longhair brown tabby cat Mo from chair
Matlock - The Dare - Malcolm Engel Terry O'Quinn on phone with longhair brown tabby cat Mo on his lap

Final Mewsings: “Your honor, the kitty was just being loyal to his owner.” “Case dismissed!”

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