Matlock episode 8 revealed the real reason for Madeline's revenge

Notice! SPOILERS ahead for Matlock season 1, episode 8, “No, There Are No Monsters”

Matlock Season 1, Episode 8, 'No, No Monsters' reveals the deeper reason for Madeline's desire for revenge. Madeline's plan goes off the rails when Olympia pulls her off the latest Wellbrexa case to help her defend a nanny who was banned from continuing to work after misleading photos were leaked suggesting she abused a child in her care. However, the real conflict for Madeline in Matlock episode 8 revolves around her difficulty being present for Alfie's special moment.

Madeline initially intends to go to Alfie's mock trial at school, but breaks her promise because she has work to do for Olympia. This seemingly small moment is fundamental to Matlock the end of episode 8, as it brings her closer to Olympia. Furthermore, it brings up feelings from the past that cause a conflict between her and Edwin and point to the real reason why Madeline is so determined to get revenge for Ellie's death.

Matlock episode 8 reveals Madeline's struggles balancing being a lawyer and mother in the past

Madeline missed a lot of moments with Ellie because she had to work

Madeline cancels her plans to support Alfie during his mock trial because Olympia is upset and needs her to help her get information from the private school without damaging her relationship with the principal or other people important to Olympia's twins' education. Initially, Edwin is understanding, telling Madeline that he covered for her with Alfie, just as he did for Ellie every time Madeline missed a work event. However, this triggers Madeline's defensiveness and they argue. Madeline's argument with Edwin reveals Maddie's guilt over the fact that she always worked during Ellie's childhood.

Madeline can no longer compensate for her lack of attention towards Ellie now that Ellie is dead, so she is extremely sensitive to this, which causes her to yell at Edwin. Furthermore, at the end of Matlock episode 8, Maddie tells Olympia that she claimed she was going to the doctor instead of spending time with her grandson because, in the past, she wouldn't have been allowed to take time off for child-related reasons. This confession gives the audience even more insight into Maddie's inability to be there when Ellie was a child..

Madeline's revenge on Ellie is rooted in her guilt over being a mother

It's the only way to make up for not arriving sooner

Madeline's previous work schedule and lack of quality time with Ellie led to deep feelings of guilt. She probably felt guilty while Ellie was alive, both during her childhood and later when Ellie turned to drugs. Although addiction is a complex mental health condition that does not have a specific cause, Madeline likely blames her previous inability to spend enough time with Ellie for Ellie's drug use and subsequent death.. Unfortunately, Ellie's death means Madeline can no longer talk about it with her and is stuck with powerful feelings about the past.

Now that Ellie is gone, there is only one way for Madeline to be by her side, which would help her make amends for the past and calm her feelings of guilt. If she fights with everything she has to get justice for Ellie after her death, it won't reverse the years she didn't spend with her. But it would help Madeline feel like she finally did something for her troubled daughter. So it seems to be like this MatlockMadeline justifies revenge even though she claims to be fighting for justice for Ellie and other victims of the opioid epidemic.

How the real reason for Madeline's revenge could cause her more problems

History may repeat itself with Alfie because of his obsession

Ironically, Madeline's obsession with revenge may cause her to make the same mistake with Alfie again as she did with Ellie. Although Matlock's Madeline needs her 12-year-old grandson's help to start the Jacobson Moore investigation; she doesn't have much time to spend with him because of work obligations. Her secret mission throws her back into the world of complicated cases and long work hours, making it impossible for her to spend quality time with Alfie like she did with Ellie.

Although Madeline risks damaging her relationship with Alfie due to her focus on Jacobson Moore, there's still a chance it won't work out the same way. Olympia made this clear in Matlock episode 8 that she wants Madeline to take time off when Alfie needs something, giving Madeline an outlet she never had with Ellie. However, It remains to be seen whether Madeline will be able to abandon her need for revenge be present the next time Alfie expects her at a school event.