David Del Rio’s portrayal of Billy had a significant impact in the Matlock season 2 premiere, which featured a dramatic paternity scare storyline that was aired shortly after his departure due to alleged sexual assault allegations involving his co-star Leah Lewis.
In the episode that aired on Sunday, October 12, Billy was seen grappling with the surprising news of his ex-girlfriend Claudia’s (Bella Wholey Ortiz) unexpected pregnancy. He expressed to Sarah (Lewis), “She’s not sure yet. So I’m just left waiting to see how my life will unfold.”
Billy confided in Matty (Kathy Bates) and Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) that he would stand by “whatever Claudia” chose to do, although he did have his reservations.
“I guess I feel like Claudia broke my heart. But then I moved past it,” he remarked. “Sure, I was entertaining her late-night calls, but she was on the pill. How did this happen when all I want is to date others?”
As he contemplated the prospect of fatherhood, Billy expressed, “I do not want to be a father,” further exclaiming, “I want to opt out of this baby situation.” The episode concluded with an offscreen encounter between Billy and Claudia in which they made a decision regarding the pregnancy and their future together.
“We opted for the third choice,” Billy revealed. “We’re going to have the baby and get back together.”
Following the season 1 finale in April, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman addressed the implications of Claudia’s pregnancy on Billy’s character, suggesting a shift from self-pleasure to commitment. She stated exclusively to Us Weekly, “Those are the discussions we have in the writers’ room. But I can’t reveal much because it all unfolds in the premiere of season 2.”
Del Rio, age 38, expressed his enthusiasm in May regarding the new direction of Billy’s narrative with the paternity angle. “I’m eager to see how Billy copes with balancing work and personal life,” he remarked.
Lewis, 28, shared her thoughts on Sarah’s journey in season 2 during a joint interview.
“I remember my emotions while reading the finale, hoping Sarah would find some form of triumph. Of course, there were unexpected turns, and she may need to take responsibility,” Lewis hinted. “This season will truly test whether Sarah can rise to the occasion she’s been striving for. When you desire to be taken seriously, you also have to act the part. I feel we’ll see her grow significantly in that aspect. Her professional journey is far from over.”
Just ahead of the season 2 premiere on Sunday, reports surfaced indicating that Del Rio had been terminated following an inquiry into accusations of sexual assault.
The alleged incident involving Del Rio and Lewis reportedly occurred in late September, and Lewis informed CBS of the event shortly thereafter. Following this, Del Rio was “fired and removed from the premises the same day the allegation was reported,” according to Deadline. It is anticipated that Billy will be phased out during the latter part of the season.
Del Rio has not yet spoken on his firing, but Lewis addressed the situation on social media on Thursday, October 9.
“I’m moving forward with love and strength. I feel supported and safe,” she posted on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone for their caring and support. We’re strong and ready to move ahead. Strength is the key takeaway here.”
Matlock airs on CBS Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
