ON TV CONTEST : Matlock’s the go-to guy for On TV winner
Posted on Monday, October 1, 2007
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Style/203104/
If you could choose any TV lawyer to represent you in court, which one would it be ?
That was the question for the last On TV Contest. All of the entries were excellent, but the judge decided that Loy M. Hoskins of Bentonville answered the question in the clearest, best manner. Here are excerpts from his entry:
“Given the wide choice of television attorneys from which to choose, if I should find myself in need of legal aid, I would hire Ben Matlock. Now Ben has been a favorite of the senior crowd for some time, but his wit and personality also cross generational lines. I myself am younger than 50 and have enjoyed his courtroom antics for many years.
“ I choose Ben Matlock because he is a goodol’, Southern breed boy — not a Yankee. During our sessions we might take in a game of horseshoes or a Braves baseball game at Turner Field.
“ I opt for Ben because he is frugal. Some might even call him a tightwad, but he will not spend my money on his expense account frivolously. We would be more likely to have a hot dog from the street vendor than an expensive lunch at some five-star restaurant while discussing my case.
“ I make Mr. Matlock my choice due to his keen senses, which seem to have grown sharper with age rather than diminishing at all. He is often the one to notice a hair lying on the carpet or the tell-tale signs of dust displaced when an object has been moved in a crime scene.
“ Of all my choices of lawyers, I choose Ben because he has a great sense of humor. Anyone needing a lawyer would undoubtedly also need a laugh. His ready smile and attempts at what are sometimes bad jokes can keep a smile on his clients’ faces. In addition, his ability to play the guitar and sing can lighten any dark mood. I would hire Mr. Matlock due to his staff as well, including his charming and beautiful daughter.
“ Another reason for me to lean toward Ben Matlock is that he has a good success rate — perhaps not as remarkable as Perry Mason, but Ben’s personality and character do more than overcome his few losses in the courtroom. Mr. Matlock always keeps things interesting in the courtroom, often on the verge of drawing the contempt of the judge. His arguments most often include another suspect, giving just cause for doubt that his client is guilty. And he is also very passionate, and his emotions show themselves in a variety of interesting ways.
“ But my best reason for hiring Ben is that he is just plain lucky. It seems that no matter how dire a case may be for him, something always occurs in the nick of time to help him make a case that will ensure his client’s acquittal.”