Melrose Place (1992) Season 7 Episode 8 The World According to Matt
- September 14, 1998
Matt Fielding takes center stage in this episode of Melrose Place, aptly titled "The World According to Matt." As a main character who has struggled with his sexuality and suffered discrimination in the past, it's refreshing to see Matt's story in the spotlight.
The episode's plot revolves around Matt taking on a new client at work - a self-proclaimed "prophet" named Walter. Walter's teachings center around the idea of creating a new world order, where everyone is equal and distribution of wealth is fair. While Matt is initially hesitant to take on such a radical client, he is swayed by Walter's charisma and genuine belief in his cause.
As the two work together, Matt begins to question his own beliefs and motivations. Is he really happy with his current job and lifestyle, or does he yearn for something more meaningful? Walter's idealistic vision of the world also causes Matt to reflect on his own past experiences with discrimination and prejudice, and he begins to see the world through a different lens.
Meanwhile, the other residents of Melrose Place are dealing with their own dramas. Amanda is struggling to balance her personal and professional life, as she's torn between her feelings for a coworker and her duty to her company. Alison is faced with a difficult decision when she's offered her dream job in San Francisco, but it means leaving behind her boyfriend and the life she's built in Los Angeles.
Throughout the episode, Matt's storyline remains the most compelling. The way he grapples with Walter's teachings and struggles to reconcile his own beliefs with those of his new client is both nuanced and thought-provoking. The episode does a great job of highlighting the complexities of social and political issues, and how difficult it can be to reconcile our personal ideals with the realities of the world we live in.
Overall, "The World According to Matt" is a standout episode that showcases the best of Melrose Place's storytelling and character development. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and a great entry point for those who are new to the series.