Matlock (1986)

Episode Overview

William Austin arrives in Atlanta from Chicago, determined to rescue his son, Dennis, from the cult that has taken hold of him. However, Dennis insists that the cult is now his family and rejects any notion of William as his father. Cult leader Joshua Bradbury advises Austin to accept Dennis's choice and step back. Unwilling to comply, Austin threatens Bradbury, resulting in police intervention to remove him from the estate. While watching, Dennis witnesses someone shoot Joshua and falsely claims to the authorities that his father was the one fleeing the scene. Seeking legal help, William consults Ben Matlock, who uncovers that Dennis has given his trust fund to the cult. Matlock is taken aback by Dennis's denial of his father and consults a de-programming expert, who suggests that Dennis's perception may be distorted due to the cult's influence.