[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk Bumps His Head"
Season Four, Episode Eleven
Directed by: Stephen Surjik
Written by: Andy Breckman
Original Air Date: January 20, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Monk and Natalie are looking into a hot tip about Trudy. Like all reputable meetings, this one takes place at a truck stop at 3:20 in the morning specifying cash and for Monk to be alone. Natalie goes off to a what she calls a restroom and Monk calls a facility. The informant has a picture of a six fingered man but wants money for a name. Monk realizes the picture is doctored at which point the informant knocks him out, takes the money and rifles through the wallet for good measure. Monk is left unconscious on a truck puling out just as Natalie comes back.

The truck stops and Monk comes to. The driver is very calm about having an unexpected rider but gives Monk some money before heading off. Not helping is the fact that Monk does not know who he is. Cora Little returns from a three-month vacation, which is news to barber Kirby. She watches as Monk fixes the mirror on a car only to be threatened by the driver, Randy Zisk. Monk wanders into a diner and is flummoxed at what to order, not recalling his brand of water. Little watches hm through a window.

The next morning, Stottlemeyer, Disher and Natalie look at the crime scene. They find the wallet but not much else.

Monk finishes his meal, with each item on a different plate but is short on funds. The waitress lets him go on the condition he pay her back as he seems like an honest guy. In the Sherriff’s office, Monk is seeking assistance when Little comes in saying that Monk fell victim to a paint can and bumped his head. And is her husband.

At the Little residence, Monk is renamed jerry, coincidentally Little’s favorite name. Little is quick to get Monk back on track and giving him a list of chores to do, including fixing the roof, something ‘Jerry’ loves as he is a roofer. Monk sees Zisk’s car rushing through the Little yard but does not see it run into a beekeeper’s estate.

The informant is caught by tracking serial numbers from Monk’s bills (just go with it) but they are no closer to finding Monk, though Stottlemeyer tries to cheer up Natalie.

At the Diner, Monk wants to pay back waitress Debbie Barnett, but finds out she ran away with her boyfriend. She left a note, but Monk realizes it was not written by her. He goes to her house with a key from another waitress, Gail. He finds signs of foul play including a discarded positive pregnancy test.

Monk and Little find Sherriff Bates at the crime scene. He is unwilling to hear Monk out, figuring Zisk was drunk. Monk sees a Wilie Nelson CD in the car before it is towed away.

Stottlemeyer prints out fliers to spread the word and involves Dr. Kroger with the search.

Sherriff Bates brings Monk along to question Zisk. Monk is sure he is guilty, but it is hard with no proof and Zisk running the largest feed store in the county. Still, Sherriff Bates is impressed, offering Monk a job as deputy. Little puts the kibosh on that real fast and then goes up to the bedroom. Monk has problems getting in the mood so Little recommends Lookout Point, but Monk dismisses that as there are a lot of hornets there, per Sherriff Bates earlier. That revelation leads Monk to solve the case.

Disher gets news that Monk is alive. After getting confirmation, he and Natalie get a ride of a private jet the FBI just happens to have available and fueled.

Barnett’s body is found at Lookout Point. Zisk got Barnett pregnant which is a problem for married Zisk. He killed her and dumped her body. Getting stung, he ran into the beekeeper to get an alibi. At the station, Monk sees Natalie, Stottlemeyer and Disher, bringing him back to his old self.

Sherriff Bates offers the departing Monk a job. Before leaving, Monk says his goodbyes to Little.

This Week’s Compulsion: Upon hearing he is married to Little, Monk looks at the wedding band on his finger and nods.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie’s plan to come if Monk calls for help is foiled by her being out of earshot when he is accosted.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemeyer sees the robbery as good news since a kidnapping would have ulterior motives. He also puts out fliers at drug stores thinking Monk has to buy wipes sooner or later.

Dishing it out: After offering a zany theory, Disher pulls a Jedi Mind Trick.

Let’s Talk it Out: Dr. Kroger notes that the amnesia described by Stottlemeyer is rare, but it could be a net positive for Monk who could meet himself for the first time.

Let’s Up the Rating: Little is eager to consummate her marriage, at one point asking Monk to hurry as he has “… chores to do and loving to make.”

Here’s What Happened: Ever in the throes of amnesia and covered in bees, Monk is able to say “Here’s that I think…”

One More Time: “Could I be honest? I wish you would focus this hard on your roofing work.”
Little trying to get Monk back on her track.

Dear Genre: Laurie Metcalf of Roseanne and The Conners fame is Cora Little. Jim Parrack of True blood fame is Zisk.

The Rainbow Treknection: Character Actor Charles Napier is a nice and friendly authority figure unlike his jerk is Little Green Men as General Denning. Gregg Daniel took a turn as friendly grifter in Life Fast and prosper is a friendly truck driver.

Trivial Matters: Monk is given five dollars for dinner. Early 2000’s, small town; not a bad deal.

We eventually find out Monk is in Prinell, Wyoming. The state is real, the town is not.

There is a rare instance of prosthetics as Zisk’s puffed face after he is stung will attest.

Monk follows up on the lead he got in Mr. Monk Takes Manhattan.

Zisk is named after the frequent director of the series, though not this particular episode.

The beekeeper is played by Shaloub’s real life brother Michael. It could have been anyone as he is in a suit the whole time.

When Monk is covered in bees, a queen was placed in Shaloub’s suit. The others are a rare instance of CGI.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “I don’t have an abundance of hope. Just let me enjoy the little I have left.” It does not take a great actress to deliver stunning dialogue. Quite often a great actor can elevate weak material, or at least salvage it. Then there are those that you can keep the camera on and they will give you great footage no matter what.

Such is the case with Laurie Metcalf. Even before she sets her plan in motion, we see her putting things together. She tries to talk with the barber after being away but is brushed off. Her wandering around town is purposeful. Even her drinking a slushie has merit. She establishes her character before even meeting Monk.

It only gets better from there. Little puts things together quickly but never contradicts herself. Metcalf fires off her dialogue quickly and expertly. She has great chemistry with Shaloub and is somewhat more eager to get the roof fixed than to consummate their relationship. She plays the role of someone for Monk to bounce ideas off, but she is quick to help Monk acclimate to her life and the life she is making for him.

There is not a sour not in the rest of the cast. We get a good slice of small-town life with a couple friendly waitresses and the jerk who owns half the town. Bates is someone who sees the good in Monk, going so far as to open a tab for him. Even the trucker has a kind soul taking pity in Monk and giving some cash before driving off.

No one ever went wrong with Charles Napier, and he is playing a little off type here as someone who is friendly, but it works. Like Stottlemeyer, he is amazed at what Monk can find, quickly getting him involved with the investigation.

Shaloub won an Emmy for this, and it is easy to see why. We are used to seeing Monk piece things together but here he has a lot more to put together than usual. The debate over nature versus nurture will not be solved here, but he has the mannerisms down even when he cannot explain them. His amnesiac state is reconciliatory, and he does not press charges in the end. It is always great to watch Shaloub but here he goes an extra mile.

The time back at the station could easily just be there to kill time, and indeed, a lot of those scenes are short, but they make good use of the cast. Stottlemeyer pulls out all the stops to follow the few clues he has and even brings in Dr. Kroger, a rare instance of him without Monk. It mostly works even though none of it is necessary. Being able to track serial numbers probably doesn’t exist and Natalie slept in the station for plot convenience. Who is looking after Julie? Also, Little trying to consummate her relationship has not aged well, not did it debut properly.

The amnesia plot is a tired trope but here it is done right by the show and right by the characters.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Captain's Marriage"
Season Four Episode Twelve
Written by: Jack Bernstein
Directed by: Philip Casnoff
Original Air Date: January 27, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Gerald Vengal is hanging out in the city dump with his pet mouse Devo. Suddenly, there is an argument which breaks out into a fistfight resulting in a death. Vengal makes a noise, attracting the attention of the victor. A chase ensues, but Vengqal is able to escape and alerts a nearby patrol unit.

Stottlemyer claims the crime scene is at an appliance store to get Monk there quickly. The victim is Jimmy "Chicklet" Botsdale who was set to testify against drug dealer Michael Karpov, though that conviction is now in danger. Vengal fled the scene, and they are on the lookout for him.

Stottlemeyer gets a call from Karen, and it is clear there is trouble in paradise. Sergeant Sharkey decides to run his mouth resulting in him getting decked by Stottlemeyer who then rage quits off home. After barging in on Karen doing yoga, he flatly accuses her of cheating and connects some dots. Karen pledges her fidelity and while their relationship is not perfect, she is not cheating.

Eager to jump back on the case, Stottlemeyer tries to take over the briefing, but Disher has temporarily been given those reins, leaving a despondent Stottlemeyer in his office.

Monk, Natalie and Stottlemeyer question Karpov at a park. He professes innocence and would not have done the murder with the attention he has. Monk postulates Karpov could have hired someone to do it but there is no proof.

Later, Stottlemeyer asks Monk and Natalie to tail Karen. Monk is initially skeptical but ultimately complies after Stottlemeyer invokes Trudy’s name. Monk gives Natalie a tutorial on tailing and a Wikipedia entry for the marriage. They see Karen meeting with a guy but do not get a good look at his face. Anger management class does not go nearly as well for Stottlemeyer who is given a yoyo to calm himself down.

Vengal is trying to enjoy a mystery novel, but the last two pages are torn out. He is approached by the assailant and tossed out a window. Devo is thrown out, box and all, as well for good measure.

Vengal survives and is taken to a hospital with Devo in tow. Vengal got a good look at the attacker and can identify him, so Disher wants him to come to the station for a lineup. Needing to fill in the ranks, Disher drafts a few officers including Sharkey who just wants to leave after a double shift. Stottlemeyer bullies his way in and takes out Sharkey, leaving the lineup in a bust even though Vengal can identify the killer.

Disher tries to cover but Sottlemeyer insists the report be accurate. Karen comes worried about Stottlemeyer and Sharkey confesses to the affair. Karen does not, claiming she never met Sharkey. Wondering why Sharkey is lying about the affair, Monk wonders why Sharkey lost his right tooth when Stottlemeyer punched him on the other side. Monk theorizes Sharkey lured Chicklet but could not shoot since the gun would be traced back. The fight resulted in his DNA being all over the scene but if he could pick a fight, that would make an excuse. There is little proof, but Vengal identifies Shakey as the killer.

Stottlemeyer goes to talk to Karen who says that she has been seeing someone, a divorce lawyer, but not for romance as she serves him with papers.

Packing up his life’s belongings into two suitcases, Stottlemeyer moves out. Monk gives him Natalie’s number which is greatly accepted.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk is unnerved by a car with only one broken headlight. Stottlemeyer shoots the other one.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie is not happy that Stottlemeyer outright lied to get them to a fresh crime scene.

Captain Moustache: When asked is Stottlmeyer thinks he is better than someone because he is a cop, Stottlemeyer replies “No, I think I’m better than you on general principle.”

Dishing it out: Disher offers the pointer to Stottlemeyer as a conciliatory gesture.

It Recurs to Me: This is the fourth and final appearance of Glenne Headley as Karen Stottlemeyer.

Let’s Up the Rating: This being basic cable, Sharkey and Stottlemeyer have to be picky about the words they use for amorous matters.

One More Time: “Number three, stop hitting. Number five, step forward. Number three, let go of number four and step forward.”
Disher trying to keep the lineup in order.

Dear Genre: Vengal is played by Bob Clendenin who was Dr. Tom on Cougar Town. Not to be outdone, Sharkey is Mischa Collins, better known for a handful of roles on Supernatural.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “Look at all this junk. They should put it somewhere and get rid of it.” An obvious vehicle for Ted Levine’s Stottlmeyer, this episode is a good showcase for Gray-Stanford’s Disher. We’ve seen Disher in charge before, usually when Stottlemeyer is out, but here, Stottlemeyer is very much around. Disher is very apologetic to his mentor/supervisor and does lead things well on his own. There is an obligatory being thankful for Monk comment, but it shows that he is strong when in charge. Disher is put in a tough situation, and it is played well.

Not to be outdone, Natalie gets in a few good barbs and moments in. She is put in the middle of the situation and does not tell Sotttlemeyer to not call her if it comes to it. She is also perturbed at the lies to get to the crime scene but swallows her pride. After getting a complaint out, of course.

This is a great turn for Stottlemyer. At the tail end of Season four, Levine better have the character under his belt by now. We’ve seen Levine is great comic moments, but his relationship is front and center this week. He does great with the material and unlike other times when things were played for laughs entirely, he this the dramatic beats. We know him as the confident detective, but his home life is anything but. We rarely see him vulnerable, but he plays it well. There are some moments that get a bit ragey, but those are more a fault of the script and Levine runs with it.

As a swan song for Karen, Headley plays the role to a conclusion. She obviously loves Stottlemeyer and while they have never been a perfect couple, they are able to work it out.

Until now, for reasons that are not explained to the viewer. We know they are not perfect, but their breakup is out of nowhere, kind of agreed on at the end just because. The show and script try to tell us why but after four years, we are invested in the two of them. It ending at the halfway point of the series just so the plot can happen is not good at all.

The remaining guest cast is up to the task. The main players of Nicky Katt, Bob Clendenin and Misha Collins as Sharkey, Vengal and Karpov are up to the task. A plot this simple gives the guests time to breathe and there Is a good scene letting us know Karpov in particular before he is brought in for questioning. Plus, the direction is good hiding Sharkey’s face for the most part while he is evil but not going full Austin Powers.

Pity it had to come at a cost to a main character.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Big Reward"
Season Four Episode Thirteen
Written by: Tom Scharpling and Daniel Dratch
Directed by: Randall Zisk
Original Air Date: February 3, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: The McMillan Museum is hosting a diamond worn by Queen Elizabeth at her coronation. The value is unknown, but it is insured at tens of millions. At night, two thieves, one of whom contorted into a desk credenza, steal the diamond. Unable to break the glass, they pick a lock and use a mace.

Monk does not have enough money to cover his groceries. Natalie cannot help much since he pays her, and they have not had a case for most of the month. Natalie thinks Monk should ask for a raise. At the station to ask for said raise, Monk introduces Natalie to cleaner Gladys. Monk offers suggestions to Gladys, including cleaning under the desk. Stottlemeyer and Disher are both interviewing museum staff, including guard Warren Landis who says he was three floors away when the theft occurred. Monk points out physical evidence that Landis cooks meth and Disher takes him to Interrogation Room B. Stottlemeyer is a bit strapped for funds but will look into a retainer.

A one-million-dollar reward is offered for the diamond’s return, leading all sorts of private bounty hunters to come out including former Scotland Yard St. Clare, newbie tech geek Rufus and self-described psychotic biker Dirk. They agree to work together (at least Rufus and St. Clare do, Dirk declines but hangs out with them anyway.) They follow Monk as he puts the details of the robbery together but does not identify the culprit. After introducing themselves, Monk and Natalie make a quick exit.

Jennie Mandeville comes to the station to confess to a bank robbery. In interrogation, which she wants to use another of the rooms, she confesses to stealing a pen. Disher cuts things short and lets her go.

At a meditation center, the contortionist is named Danny Chasen, found with various methods, including Dirk offering a two-hundred-dollar bribe. When Chasen is found in his cabin, he is dead.

As Gladys takes Monk’s notes into consideration before taking out the trash, Stottlemeyer confirms Chasen was poisoned making the investigation a homicide telling no one to withhold information. Disher escorts Mandeville out, after she confessed to finding a body in her apartment but once in Interrogation Room D, states that it is her hamster.

Monk and Dr. Kroger ponder what they would do with one million sollars when Dr. Kroger remembers a Hennie Mandeville at the mediation center, which prompts Monk to solve the case with the diamond being at the station, leading everyone to go there on foot as Natalie’s tires had been spiked. Dirk is on a bike and while he is the only one on wheels, they all get to the station at roughly the same time.

Rather than go to the diamond, they go to the observation room of Interrogation Room B. Landis is the thief and hid the diamond on his person. When he was questioned, he needed to get rid of the diamond, so he stuck it under the table, with some gum. Accomplice ‘Mandeville’ killed Chasen to keep the group small and kept coming back confessing to false crimes to retrieve the diamond. Unfortunately, Dirk, in his infinite wisdom, has locked them all in. Gladys comes in to clean and finds the diamond allowing her to claim the reward money.

‘Mandeville’ is arrested and Stottlemeyer spoke to the commissioner who offered a retainer.

This Week’s Compulsion: If Monk had a time machine, he would use it to take advantage of coupons. At Natalie’s prompt, he would also save Lincoln.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie has thirty-four dollars on her with paydays becoming more and more theoretical.

Captain Moustache: Gladys throws a sponge between Stottlemeyer and Monk. She is not disciplined for doing so to a police officer but instead spoken to about her aim.

Dishing it out: Disher is polite with ‘Mandeville,’ saying that the rooms are the same with none having a wet bar or jacuzzi.

Let’s Talk it Out: With one million dollars, Dr. Kroger would buy an island with no phone or docks for boats. Monk would put Dr. Kroger on retainer at all hours of the day, maybe build a house next to his.

One More Time: “What was I supposed to say? ‘Hey Lieutenant, there’s a drug dealer somewhere in this room; I’ll tell you who it is for twenty dollars?’”
Monk demonstrating his sarcasm and lack of business sense

Dear Genre: DJ Qualls guest stars as Rufus though he will appear in a lot of series, most notably Man in High Castle. Tyler Mane is Dirk but better known as Sabertooth in the first X-Men film.

Trivial Matters: This is one of Stanley Kamel’s favorite episodes.

The retainer is for sixteen homicides, coincidentally the exact number of episodes in a season. When Monk tries to choose between two cans of soup to put back, he references Sophie’s Choice.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “This is the crown jewel of the collection, pun intended.” There is no way we would ever get a Rufus-Dirk-St. Clare spinoff, but the actors are great to watch. Qualls is a little more subdued than usual but Mane more than makes up for it. He makes a big impression and offers a gruffness that the other two do not. Derrick O’Connor had a British regalness and the three balance each other out. They are good in small doses as watching them stumble their way onto the correct answer every week would be boring quickly. Each brings something and enhances each other’s performance.

Jamie Anne Allman is perfectly straight in her confessions as ‘Mandeville.’ She plays Disher like a fiddle and is great in their scenes. She does not break character and Disher tries to be conciliatory to her.

Stottlemeyer realizes that things are tough financially for Monk and Natalie. He manages to put them on retainer in the end, deepening their relationship even more. He does not lose sight of the investigation, particularly when things get murderous.

Natalie is at the center of the financial issue. The single mother who is not connected to the police work at all needs some certainties. She is the focal point of that matter, the one whom everyone looks to when money comes up. It does not help that she constantly says ‘ka-ching.’ The topic comes up with Dr. Kroger who is bordering on being unprofessional by saying he would want to live in seclusion when talking to Monk.

As strong as the performances are, they cannot hide the long stretches that go on. The chase sequence could have been excised and we do not know how a guy on a bike could not keep up with the rest. Rufus sneaks into Dr. Kroger’s place and listens in on a private session.

We learn more about him by virtue of Gladys. She is a new character to the series appearing in only this episode, but you can tell she and Monk have had issues. Daveina McFadden is great in the role having great antagonistic chemistry with Shaloub. She got away with throwing a projectile in a station. You can tell she has a good rapport with Stottlemeyer.

So many great performances both regular and guest.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Astronaut"
Season Four Episode Fourteen
Written by: David Breckman and Joe Toplyn
Directed by: Randall Zisk
Original Air Date: March 3, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Joanne Ralphelson is watching some newsposition about astronaut Steven Wagner’s upcoming mission. Her interest is more than cursory as they have been involved and Wagner is visiting her. She is so captivated by the news she misses him spiking her drink. She has a memoir coming out and there is a juicy segment on Wagner. As she fawns over him, she faints.

Days later, Raphelson’s hung body is discovered. It looks like a suicide, but Stottlemeyer notes she didn’t cash her advance check and a computer is missing. They also determine that Raphelson was too short to reach the noose, even with a stool.

A talk with neighbor Darrell Cain reveals a jerk who took some fruit from Raphelson’s porch, figuring it was fine as she died. He also yells at his son for not closing the garage door. Stottlemeyer gets a call log and the last call Ralphelson made was to Wagner, who is hosting a coming home party.

After some fangoobering courtesy of Disher and Natalie, Wagner admits to knowing Ralphelson but only in that she is a former flame who calls once or twice a year, depressed every time. He is not surprised by her suicide. He is married and his wife is carrying a drink similar to the one they saw in Ralphelson’s home, down to the garnish. Monk has a suspect but there is an issue with Wagner being in space when the death occurred.

Through a talk with the publisher, Monk realizes that Wagner might have put Raphelson in the hospital years ago which would be detrimental to a senate run, establishing a motive. Wagner agrees to show up for Career Day at Julie’s school and Monk tags along at Stottlemeyers’ suggestion.

Wagner wows the crowd with tales of his ingenuity, bravery and charm. He will be testing a rocket the following day and gives the students a branded laser pointer, all while his publicist takes pictures. Monk is much less of a success. Though he does get a barb in on Wagner, the laser pointers throw him further off. Later in the hallway, Wagner takes a victory lap (and verbal piss) on Monk, convincing Natalie that he is guilty.

A session with Dr. Kroger does not especially help as even though there is pride in public speaking, Wagner is too popular as evidenced by Dr. Kroger inadvertently quoting him. Though if Wagner is guilty, Dr. Kroger figures he is afraid of Monk.

Back at the crime scene, Natalie notes Ralphelson’s obsession with dolls. Monk finds fresh drill holes on the wall. Wagner is on the property to get a flower on his way to the test flight. They are interrupted by Cain again yelling at his son to close the garage door. Upon seeing Wagner, Cain wants a picture. Wagner tries to brush it off until he sees the doll Cain’s daughter is holding.

Everyone invites themselves to the test flight where a garage door mysteriously opens after Wagner makes a quick exit right after pilfering the doll. Monk realizes that Wagner drugged Ralphelson and set up a garage door contraption to hang her. He put the remote in a doll and mailed it to the home leaving her to be hung while he was in space. He came back later to disassemble the device but forgot the doll.

Monk and Natalie run to stop Wagner as the plane has a way to get rid of the incriminating doll but inadvertently trigger security measures since it is an active military facility. Monk stops Wagner by courageously stepping in front of the moving plane which stops but he is in the laser sights of armed officials. Stottlemeyer is on the scene to calm things down as a police captain outranks the armed forces on their own base. Wagner is arrested.

Julie makes a medal of valor for Monk.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk is afraid of speaking in public, but it is not on the list of things he gave to Natalie at the beginning of their partnership which came to 103 items.

White Courtesy Phone: Since extras have to be paid money to speak, Natalie introduces Monk to the class, and no one instructs the students to stop pointing their lasers at Monk.

Captain Moustache: For once, Stottlemeyer notices some irregularities and calls over Monk to confirm.

Dishing it out: Disher theorizes Wagner used an escape pod to commit the murder, though where he would have gotten one is unclear.

Let’s Talk it Out: Dr. Kroger tries aversion therapy with Monk who is afraid of thinking of the tall Sears Tower instead opting for a regular Sears.

The Innocence of Youth: Even though she is nowhere near the end of the classroom, the box of laser pointers winds up on Julie’s desk. She also tries to defend Monk but has spread too much information about him in the interim.

Let’s Up the Rating: Ralphelson went into detail about the affair as the publisher requested the steamier, the better.

One More Time: “You pay taxes, right?” “Yeah, sure. Sales tax.”
Wagner being sneaky and Cain being a jerk.

Dear Genre: Little more than a year later, Wagner actor Jeffery Donovan would go on to lead his own series on USA, Burn Notice. Also, a very young Ariel Winter plays Cain’s daughter a couple years before Modern Family.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “She died on Tuesday morning while your man was in space. Now, maybe we should take a few moments and think of a better alibi.” The idea of someone with an airtight alibi has been seen before this series with a sleeping suspect. There are even allusions to that in the script. Having a suspect not be the planet is solid and building the episode around that is workable.

Jeffery Donovan is leading man material and he has a charisma to him. You can see why people get along with him and the characters he plays. While he does not have all the opportunities to show off his full range of talents as he would on Burn Notice, he does a great job here. Plus, Wagner told his wife about Ralphelson, a nice twist.

The rest of the characters get time to shine. Stottlemeyer tries to see Monk’s point of view but is not convinced until the end. Disher has a crazy idea and is one of the first to fangoober over Wagner. Natalie is ecstatic at bringing two people in for career day. Even Dr. Kroger is happy to have inadvertently quoted Wagner. Randy Zisk has some fun shots not only with the laser pointers but framing the noose around Monk at the crime scene. It is not around him initially, but Shaloub walks into it.

As great as this it is, it is held back by some pretty big holes.

For one, did Ralphelson not tell her publisher the juicy bits? This is when e-mail started but are there no other copies than the manuscript? In addition to the issues in the classroom mentioned above, having kids tease the main character is not good in general and for this show in particular. Also, Monk and Natalie are able to pretty much have free roam of an active air force base despite having an escort. Finally, Monk runs in front of a jet taxing out. Was Wagner just trying to save on gas?

This cast and this script could have been a slam dunk but while the performances are great, the task of turning off the brain is too much.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk Goes to the Dentist"
Season Four Episode Fifteen
Directed by: Jefery Levy
Story by : Daniel Dratch and Joe Toplyn Teleplay by : David Breckman and Tom Scharpling
Original Air Date: March 10, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Two guys in an armored truck are ahead of schedule. One of planning a wedding and is encouraged to elope by the other. That would mean a mother-in-law would never talk to him, which is not bad news. Suddenly, they are hijacked into a larger truck and their radio is jammed.

The truck is discovered days later with most of the cash and the two bodies. Disher has a toothache which Stottlemeyer orders him to get checked. Monk puts the robbery together, including that the drivers were gassed.

Disher visits Dr. Oliver Bloom, on most police dental plans. The number three molar needs to be removed and Disher ops for it to come out that night. He is put under, but comes out of it during the surgery to see a man barge is asking about Barry Bonds, worth tens of thousands of dollars. There is a tussle, but Disher goes back under. When he wakes up, Dr. Bloom and his assistant do not recall a fight, other than with the removed tooth. Disher gets a prescription for some pain medication and a sticker.

The manifest for the armored car arrives and several banknotes worth tens of millions are gone. Disher tells Stottlemeyer the few details of the struggle he can remember but there is very little to go on. Stottlemmeyer gives Disher the day off after a folder Is dropped off at Monk’s. As a favor, Monk offers to investigate the dentist’s office. The only thing found in the room is new equipment which Disher believes is to replace the stuff broken in the fight. In the waiting room, Dr. Bloom meets Monk, having heard so much from patients.

The body of a hijacker is found in the woods, as evidenced by plexiglass being found on the body. Disher recognizes him as the assailant from the dentist but there is little to corroborate. Disher is fed up and quits on the spot, handing over his badge and weapon.

While Stottlemeyer looks into Dr. Bloom, Disher revives his high school band, the Randy Disher Project. Stottlemeyer visits offering to let Disher investigate, apologizing for being dismissive and all but asking Disher to rejoin the force. Disher declines but invites Stottlemeyer for a rehearsal. The lyrics to “Don’t Need a Badge (‘Cause Now I’m Free)” irk Stottlemeyer.

Dr. Bloom and hygienist Terri talk about kidnapping Monk, misplacing the nervousness for suspicion.

Stottlemmeyer brings in a suspect, Neal Graham, whose fingerprints are all over the car. Graham admits to the robbery and one guy got excited, shooting the guards. Unfortunately, that guy is both Grahams cousin and the body found in the woods, Denny Jardeen.

Terri kidnaps Monk leading Natalie to later question his whereabouts. Dr. Bloom is ready to kill Monk but needs to extract information. Monk figures out that Jardeen went to Dr. Bloom after the fight and told everything under sedation. Dr. Bloom and Terri would rob Jardeen but he remembered enough to come back to the office while Disher was there, only to be taken out by the pair. Disher mistook bearer bonds for Barry Bonds. Dr. Bloom is ready to sell the bonds but needs to be sure the purchaser is not under surveillance.

Disher realizes the naming mistake as his band tries to come up with a new name (of which Disher likes The Randy Disher Experience) and is off to help. He is able to (off camera) find Stottlemmeyer and (on camera) get to the dentist in time, arresting Dr. Bloom with Stottlemeyer’s handcuffs.

Disher screens a music video, complete with crappy green screen, and is offered his job back. Monk has a problem with his mouth, probably due to the tussle in the office. Natalie suggests going to the dentist.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk notes the oil in the garage. Stottlememyer asks if it is a clue and after being told it isn’t offers to call the E.P.A.

White Courtesy Phone: One of Natalie’s responsibilities is to read Disher the weather report for the following day each night.

Captain Moustache: Disher has a dental appointment for the weekend to which Stotttlemeyer thinks he is saving up sick days for days he is not actually sick.

Dishing it out: Disher asks Monk for his rates as an investigator before Monk offers to assist for free. Well, Natalie has to convince Monk to go to the dentist in the first place, but Monk winds up doing it pro bono.

Let’s Up the Rating: Disher totally flirts with Terri. She is either conciliatory or polite in response though we see her being fairly handsy with Dr. Bloom later.

One More Time: “Look Natalie, it’s not like we were going steady or something. He was just another cop.”
Stottlemeyer brushing off an affectionate moment and giving Human Resources a case.

Dear Genre: Jon Favereau played Dr. Bloom before he got involved with Iron Man and Spider Man, among others.

Trivial Matters: While under sedation, Stottlemeyer thought his mustache was a chipmunk. Detective Patterson thought he was the Green Lantern.

There are at least two Highlights for Children magazines in the waiting room, one of which Monk memorized decades ago.

Dr. Bloom mentions writing a book about what patients say under sedation. That probably would violate several privacy regulations.

Stottlemeyer asks to talk to the lead singer of The Randy Disher Project though he references Mick Jagger.

This episode had the unfortunate timing to air when the Barry Bonds scandal was gaining traction.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “It was a real as you are standing in front of me.” “Randy, I’m not standing.” There are some very odd directorial choices in this episode. We strangely go to the plastic tooth at the end of the final act. Also, no one really knows how to handle Monk’s interrogation in the dentist chair. This is an issue since it is the climax of the episode. When no one on set from the director to two talented actors cannot salvage it, you have a problem.

There are no problems with Favereau’s performance. He is a friendly guy when in dentist mode and he is also polite in murderer mode. Needing to extract information, he is a nice guy trying to figure out if he can move forward with the selling of the stolen bonds. In universe though, was this the first time he got profitable inside information? Either way, he has training on both sides of the camera and is a great performance to watch.

This is very much Disher’s episode, one of Gray-Stanford’s favorites. We see the talents with Natalie early on where he is suffering from the toothache and she thinks he is grieving over the crime scene is brilliantly written and acted by both. She later finds out he has a toothache and admonishes Disher who says he told her it was real several times. He can carry an episode and we will see more of it in the future.

Stottlemeyer puts up with a lot this episode. Disher is his right hand and being without is an issue. He knows Disher was being rash and offers his hand several times. Disher is a bit of a jerk choosing that particular song to sing and brings in later as a music video. While that is a sight to behold, it is pretty much directly aimed at Stottlememyer and is the very best fiction written for a show since Ode to Spot.

As the lead, Gray-Sanford takes every advantage and opportunity offered. It is a great showcase for him, even vocally at points. He winds up with his high school buddies recreating an old band long enough to put a video together. Disher finally standing up for himself is a long time coming but feels more like the writers trying to say something as opposed to the fictional character of Disher. This is one week after he proposed an escape rocket in a spacecraft, after all. Disher’s theories can be bad, but they are entertaining.

This is a great showcase as the show features a second-tier character and winds down the season.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk Gets Jury Duty"
Season Four Episode Sixteen
Written by: Peter Wolk
Directed by: Andrei Belgrader
Original Air Date: March 17, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Stottlemeyer and Disher are chasing Miguel Escobar, most wanted drug trafficker, through busy streets. Escobar eventually takes a hostage but he chooses poorly as she elbows him allowing him to be taken into custody. Escobar is determined to be at his wedding in the coming weeks.

Monk is arranging food in Tupperware when he gets a summons for jury duty. In the waiting area, they see a news report of Escobar being brought in. Monk’s name is called first to be on the jury.

Stottlemeyer and Disher are beside themselves when Federal Asshole, er Federal Agent, Lapidus comes with a federal order from the Attorney General. Escobar will be held locally but transferred on Thursday at the courthouse. He also, in the most asshole way possible, tells Stottlemeyer not to screw it up.

Monk and Natalie testify that he cannot serve on the jury, but Judge Rienzo thinks it is a scheme to avoid serving. The trial concerns Karl Pillemar who was stabbed and a security envelope stolen. Robert Perry is identified in court. We also see Monk tattle on three jurors and Natalie almost get put in contempt for trying to pass Monk a wipe.

In deliberations, Monk irks fellow juror Cobb, but they do a preliminary vote in such a manner that only Monk thinks Perry is innocent and everyone knows he is the dissenting vote. He wants time to think but works better alone. The jury foreman says that regardless of his desires, he has eleven partners.

As Stottlemeyer and Disher go over arrangements for Escobar, Monk looks at the evidence. The wound on the pants matches one sitting down, not standing up as Pillemar testified. There are also inconsistencies with wiping the handle of the weapon but not the blade and not fleeing the scene. Monk also believes there is a body in the dumpster outside the courthouse, but the bailiff tells Monk he is under double-secret probation.

Stottlemeyer is dubious that Monk would find a body while deliberating on another case but there is one found. There is no ID on the body, but Monk recognizes the shoes as another juror. At around the same time, Judge Rienzo sees Monk talking to a police officer out a window and sequesters the jury. Monk s paired with smoker Cobb who burns through at least five cigarettes for the night. Pat, another juror, takes time to confirm a flight reservation for the following afternoon.

The following day, Pat seems obsessed with the time. Monk has proof that Pillemar did not grab a towel for his wound but had one folded at the ready. This convinces everyone else except Pat, who switches her vote to guilty before taking a break. While she is out, Monk finds lime on her jacket, the same material on the body in the dumpster. Monk figures Pat murdered someone to get on the jury and is biding her time for reasons unknown. Monk theorizes that Pat will hang the jury no matter what but needs help to prove it. They all change their votes to guilty, but Pat pulls out a gun to prolong deliberations.

There is a media circus around Escobar being transferred but Pat ties up the rest of the jury. Escobar’s transfer to Lapidus goes smoothly but Natalie comes with Monk’s lunch and notices one of the blinds is uneven. Monk is able to get the knife, to the amazement of the jury, but uses it to even out the blinds, to the consternation of the jury. Natalie frees them while Pat takes aim at Escobar’s escort who are shot but protected. As Pat and Escobar are ready to exit, they are found by Stottlemeyer’s crew.

Monk gives his goodbyes to the jurors, some more than others but is dissuaded by Natalie from cleaning up.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk’s first thought at getting called is a draft for the Army at which he does not look forward to showering with guys.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie testifies as to Monk not being able to serve on the jury but is defensive when she overwatered a plant one time. By two ounces.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemeyer’s celebration consists of throwing paper balls into a trashcan.

Dishing it out: Disher is on the radio during the opening chase having problems finding the exact word for the color of Escobar’s shirt.

Let’s Up the Rating: We see a hairy leg with a gnarly wound. We also get more conventional sexiness with Pat showing off some sexy lingerie.

One More Time: “If I ever met the man who invented Tupperware, I would shake his hand.” “He’s probably dead.” “Well, I would shake it because it’s probably perfectly preserved.”
Natalie and Monk talking about the virtues of preservation.

Dear Genre: Bonita Friedericy of Chuck fame is one of the jurors.

The Rainbow Treknection: Clyde Kusatsu is more familiar to Trek fans as Admiral Nakamura.

Trivial Matters: As fate would have it, your humble rewatcher was summoned for a jury ten days before reviewing this episode.

Natalie supposes that the inventor of Tupperware is dead. To her credit, Earl Tupper did pass away in 1983.

Twelve Angry Jurors is an obvious inspiration for this, but the crew watched the Pauly Shore film Jury Duty in preparation for this episode as well.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “It’s a great system, I just don’t want to be a part of it.” “What if everybody felt that way?” “Everybody does.” Twelve Angry Jurors is a great play/film but it falls apart when you realize how much the jury gets away with. This finale keeps a lot of the good stuff and gets rid of a great deal of the bad.

For one, we have eleven people to get to know. Granted we know some of them more than others and at least a couple are just there to fill up seats, but we have the asshole, the sports fan, the teacher, the foreigner and the foreman who tries to keep everything on par. We get to know asshole Cobb the best, but even in the final moments we take time to get to know these people.

Whereas the play had a good two and a half hours to fill, we have less than a third of that and another case on top of it. We are shown how big a deal it is to get Escobar and both Disher and Stottlemeyer are not happy to have to give up a high-profile case. They give us two more characters to keep track of, but writer Peter Wolk keeps everything in line. Granted Escobar gets more time than some of the jurors, but the story is told well, and nothing feels rushed.

Disher finally gets the chase he has been waiting for and Stottlemeyer had things under control. You get the sense of a good team using their resources and operating efficiently even in the chaos of the final act.

Natalie gets some good moments in both as she rescues the jury but immediately notes something is off about the window. Monk is his usual self, managing to look at the evidence and be the juror who convinces everyone else. We get an apology from the bailiff as the alternates have been excused and Monk does make some good points. He is a former officer and knows how to look at things all without being unfair to either party.

Of course, from a real-world perspective, couldn’t Monk have gotten a note from Dr. Kroger to not serve? Or if he did not want to admit to a disability in hopes of getting back on the force, couldn’t Sotttlemeyer say something? Plus, Monk is involved in enough cases so he should be known to at least someone. Wouldn’t the judge be convinced of Monk’s issues at some point? Finally, the possibility of a jurist being murdered ends up in sequestration and not a mistrial?

Doing a jury story and a case for episodic stories can be rough and that before factoring in another case on top of it, but Monk threads that needle well for a great season finale.

[Faithful Reader]

Monk Season Four Overview
Original Air Dates: July 8, 2005-March 17, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Disher gets run over after being involved in an old case and goes to the dentist.

Stottlemeyer sees an old friend in a new light and gets a divorce.

Natalie takes the lead on a case while Monk is sidelined. We are introduced to her wealthy family at a wedding.

Monk reunites with his estranged brother and comes close to reminiscing with his father. He also meets a lookalike of his deceased wife, gets amnesia thinking he has a wife, flashes back to middle school, works with a trio of bounty hunters, and suspects an astronaut.

We got cases in an office, winery, fashion show, dentist office, courtroom (fittingly) and a first holiday episode.

Favorite This Week’s Compulsion: From Mr. Monk and the Other Detective: Monk accuses Eels of cheating and is told this is not the fourth grade.

Favorite White Courtesy Phone: From Mr. Monk Goes Home Again: When Natalie gets a call from Ambrose, he asks about Sharona and Natalie has no idea what happened or forwarding information.

Favorite Captain Moustache: From Mr. Monk Bumps his Head: Stottlemeyer sees the robbery as good news since a kidnapping would have ulterior motives. He also puts out fliers at drug stores thinking Monk has to buy wipes sooner or later.

Favorite Dishing it out: From Mr. Monk and the Big Reward: Disher is polite with ‘Mandeville,’ saying that the interrogation rooms are the same with none having a wet bar or jacuzzi.

Favorite Let’s Talk it Out: From Mr. Monk and the Other Detective: Dr. Kroger knows he is not the best as a better psychiatrist moved in across the street. His rate of four hundred dollars an hour deters Monk from a meeting.

Favorite The Innocence of Youth: From Mr. Monk Stays in Bed: Julie first complains of how long it takes the pizza to arrive then the ’starving’ child refuses to eat cold pizza.

Favorite It Recurs to Me: From Mr. Monk Goes Home Again: John Turturro makes his second appearance as Ambrose making him a recurring guest. We find out Ambrose was named after a family turtle with the exact same name.

Favorite Let’s Up the Rating: From Mr. Monk Goes to the Office: Natalie is impressed by Kemp’s car, which is probably not a euphemism. Kemp asks about Natalie which probably is.

Favorite Here’s What Happened: From Mr. Monk Stays in Bed: The explanation goes to murdered Dennison over a dropped cell phone, meaning it is entirely possible Natalie never found out how the murder happened.

Favorite One More Time: From Mr. Monk and the Other Detective: “Bay Area Center continuing education; is that a correspondence school?” “It's fully accredited...What school did you go to?” “Berkeley.” “That's a good school....I believe they're fully accredited too.”
Monk and Eels arguing over credentials

Dear Genre Highlights: Felecia Day of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Laurie Metcalf from The Conners, Mischa Collins from Supernatural, DJ Qualls of several works including Man in the High Castle, Jeffery Donovan of Burn Notice, Ariel Winter of Modern Family, Jon Favereau of several works, including both sides of the camera in the MCU and Bonita Friedericy of Chuck all make appearances.

The Rainbow Treknection Highlights: Kurros himself, Jason Alexander from both Voyager’s Think Thank and Sienfeld, Richard Libertini from Deep Space Nine’s Ascension as Akorem Laan, Peggy Milley from Regent Cuzar in Insurrection, Brett Cullen from Deep Space Nine’s Meridian, Malcolm McDowell from Generations, Charles Napier from Little Green Men and Clyde Kusatsu who played Admrial Nakumara all grace the screen again.

Favorite Trivial Matters: Mr. Monk Goes Home Again; a sentimental episode with a continuity error, an invented in universe award and a change to the ending theme.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “I’ve accepted your terms which means we now have an implied contract. By accepting this treat, you are committing to refrain from committing any tricks against this person or this property now or on the future. Now, are there any questions?” As the series goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that while the pressing murder of Trudy and Monk’s reinstatement to the force are the backbone of the series, at some point, you have to let the characters be free and tell their own stories if it is to be long running.

True to that, we only got a tiny sliver of Trudy and nary a mention of Monk coming back to the force. The bit of Trudy that we got was great with a lookalike, played by the same actress nonetheless. If there was movement on Monk getting his badge back, it was not especially evident.

Instead, we have castmembers getting their stories to tell. Although Monk is the title character, Natalie, Stottlemeyer and Disher essentially got their own episodes this season, pretty much and were all up to the task. The supporting cast were great as well with Dr. Kroger continuing to help Monk and Julie being a daughter.

Shaloub’s Monk would tie everything together. He still has his quirks and while some sequences are a little too long than they need to be, Shaloub performs the role perfectly.

The writing would allow expansion as well, including the first holiday episode. They are expected at some point for a long running series and while we got a Halloween one earlier, this time we had an adult office party.

We will have to get answers to long running questions eventually but for now, it is good to have some fun.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Actor"
Season Five Episode One
Directed by: Randall Zisk
Written by: Hy Conrad and Joe Toplyn
Original Air Date: July 7, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Michelle brings Jack Leverett home for some late-night fun. While they are both hammered, only Michelle knows they are being recorded until the camera falls. The playful fighting gets less playful, and Michelle dies after being pushed into the staircase. Leverett leaves.

Monk has a session with Dr. Kroger and the big news is that Monk will be going on a vacation for days, meaning he might go out of his hotel room on occasion.

The police are doing investigating stuff, but there is a producer there as they are making a movie about Mr. Monk and the Astronaut. Big time actor David Ruskin will be playing Monk. Ruskin also wants to shadow Monk to get a sense for the role. Monk does his thing and everyone at the scene fangoobers over Ruskin. Stottlemeyer believes the murder was a one-time thing that will not be repeated by Leverett.

Leverett for his part breaks into a pawn shop taking money from the register and a watch from the jewelry case. The owner arrives and a scuffle ensues with Leverett accidentally shooting the proprietor. Monk is able to find the details at the ship including Leverett stealing the least expensive watch, meaning it was targeted. Ruskin makes a point to get Monk’s mannerisms down.

Natalie has her fill with Ruskin getting into Monk and goes outside. Monk does not believe it will get too bad and then notices Leverett used the back door to exit and finds the gun nearby. It has been wiped but Monk is able to connect the two murders. Both Monk and Ruskin believe the watch was stolen to replace one broken in the fight with Michelle. After they leave, Ruskin levels out some beakers though is caught by Natalie.

A rehearsal for the movie proceeds but stops when Ruskin notes some disorder on set. He marches right down to his trailer and will come back when things are orderly. He eventually comes to Monk’s place in the middle of the night wanting to get below the surface. Talk turns to Trudy’s murder and we find out she was running an errand for Ambrose when it happened.

Monk later barges in on Natalie to complain about Ruskin barging in on him. Monk spends the night as Ruskin took over Monk’s bed. Monk finds a note Julie ripped up to prevent Natalie from seeing and has a eureka moment. The wall Leverett used to break into the pawn shop had drawings of patrons on the wall, including Leverett and Michelle. The drawing would have exposed him, so he used the robbery as a cover.

As Ruskin, now in a wig, looks into Trudy’s murder, there is a break as they identify Leverett. Ruskin, though miscommunication, believes Leverett killed Trudy and is off. Stottlemeyer sees an armed someone confronting Leverett, but it is Ruskin as proved by Monk showing up minutes later. They are distracted by a sticker which they both correct and get into a tussle with Monk saving Leverett who admits to the two murders.

Ruskin bows out of the movie opting for someone a little less conflicted to portray, choosing Hamlet. Having relived the tragedy of Trudy, Monk goes back to three day a week sessions before asking for the rest of the week one day at a time.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk gets spoiled on the movie and when he acts surprised, he emits a series of high pitched woos.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie wipes Monk’s hands out Ruskin’s eyesight.

Captain Moustache: With two murders, Sottlemeyer assigns all the overtime needed.

Dishing it out: Disher wants to be played by Brad Pitt, budget permitting. That is confirmed by Ruskin who was asked to be Stottlemeyer.

Let’s Talk it Out: Dr. Kroger is so proud of the progress Monk is making, he wants to add more sessions.

It Recurs to Me: Harold Krenshaw is unseen, but Monk asks Dr. Kroger about the progress, which Dr. Kroger cannot reveal due to confidentiality.

Let’s Up the Rating: The episode opens on a scrupulously recorded make out session. Also, the actress playing Disher is hot and makes out with the actor playing Stottlemeyer.

Here’s What Happened: Disher does the explanation to a cop who just happens to be hot. She knows how it happened because she heard Monk explain it to Disher ten minutes earlier. This is his second summation after Mr. Monk Gets Cabin Fever.

One More Time: “Is she dead?” “As a doornail.” “Bummer.”
Ruskin introducing himself to Stottlemeyer and us.

Dear Genre: Stanley Tucci receives the coveted Special Guest Star credit and has appeared in a multitude of works including Captain America: The First Avenger.

The Rainbow Treknection: Greg Grunberg played Kirk’s stepdad in 2009 Trek and Matt Parkman in Heroes played leverett. Peter Weller guest stars as the actor portraying Stottlemeyer in addition to John Frederick Paxton in the last two partner on Enterprise.

Trivial Matters: Monk and Ruskin both use a fun to flatten out a sticker on a window though it does not harm the glass at all.

Tucci was one of the final candidates to play Monk. He and Shaloub are also friends, having been in several productions together.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “Oh my god. There's another one? What are you guys from some kind of cult?” There are slow parts to this series that will recur. Monk doing his thing sometimes will go on for too long (and at some points, longer than that) but when you bring in another actor to do that along with Monk, it goes not work.

On top of that, we have actors talking about acting which gets a little rote after a while. We also have the bastardization of a great episode from last season. Disher thinking he will be played by Brad Pitt and then a hot babe who makes out with her superior officer is a chuckle but breaks all sorts of sense. The dialogue is pretty much straight from the already written and produced script, meaning we’ve already seen and heard it. Not just that, but it is one of the best episodes from the series which makes it a good idea to follow up on but does not work in the instance. Stottlemeyer sits outside the car dealership while Monk and Ruskin go at it and no one comes in to stop it, even when they are fussing over a sticker.

This is a waste of Tucci. He would have been a great Monk, but he does not get to put his stamp on the character, only imitate Shaloub’s. I am a fan of Tuccis, most known to me in ‘drag’ playing Bitsy Brandingham in the animated series Central Park. He has talent but it is not on display here. The fangoobering is a bit much by everyone. A trick this series will do is have a lighter mystery to cover more time with the plot, but that does not work here, though Grunberg does his job fairly well.

Natalie is the only saving grace. She is flummoxed when Monk barges in at night and knows the dangers of Ruskin by doing some homework because at least someone has to. The other saving grace is we get a reminder about Trudy but there is not a whole lot to recommend here. Not a great season premiere.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike"
Season Five Episode Two
Written by: Andy Breckman and Daniel Gaeta
Directed by: Jerry Levine
Original Air Date: July 14, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Through newposition, we learn of a garbage strike with no end in sight. Thankfully, citizens are coming together to overcome this issue. Monk is not adjusting well to it and quietly wishes ill will to Union Leader Jimmy Cusack. At Cusack’s office, a cleaner comes in to pick up Cusack’s trash, it takes her a while to notice he is shot in the head. (The angle was perfect for her to see it when she noticed him, but it didn’t dawn on her until the camera showed us the wound.)

Monk ships his garbage out after belatedly providing the driver with an address. Natalie brings news of Cusack’s death which might prolong the strike for years. Monk goes to a union meeting where the new management doesn’t buy the theory of suicide. He gives an impassioned speech and recognizes a few of the workers by name. The connection goes both ways as they are aware of Monk’s reputation and will go back to the bargaining table if Monk confirms the suicide postulation.

At the scene, Monk realizes Cusack met someone earlier that day. Also, there are hundreds of thousands missing from the pension fund though Cusack was blasé when confronted about it. Monk concludes a suicide, and everyone goes back to the bargaining table. Alone in the office, Monk realizes there was no way Cusack could have shot himself based on the forensics. Plus, the bullets are wiped clean, pointing to murder. Outside when confronted by the news, Monk claims it was a suicide just to get everyone back to negotiations.

Stottlemeyer holds a press conference closing the case as a suicide though Natalie confronts Monk afterwards. She throws the evidence in his face and does not see how she can work with a dishonest man. When Monk brings the information to Stottlemeyer, things do not go well since he announced to the press the suicide. When the Mayors’ office hears, they want to speak with Monk.

After a tour guide shows off the acoustics of the City Hall rotunda, two students whisper about him in the ‘Whisper Spot”, and it is loud enough for everyone to hear. Monk meets with Mayor Nicholson and proposes tearing down the city and starting afresh. Monk realizes that Nicholson was in Cusack’s office the night in question. Unfortunately, he tells Stottlemeyer at the Whisper Spot and reporters rush over.

The sanitation workers want Nicholson impeached and Monk turns to Dr. Kroger for help but is asked about mysterious boxes that have been delivered. They are full of garbage and frightening his family.

Monk tries to talk to the now accused mayor, but it does not go well, especially since the mayor was with his wife on the night of the murder. They track him going to a drugstore that night to purchase a wrist bandage leading Monk to conclude that Nicholson killed Cusack before realizing the victim was left-handed. A quick bandage would cover that up. The theory is good, but the cashier does not remember the mayor being there.

Being wrong hits Monk hard causing him to rent a garbage truck to clean up the city. He also talks about visiting musician Alice Copper whom Monk accuses of the murder to get a chair Cusack had. Needing solace, Stottlemeyer books time in a fabrication lab, the cleanest place in the city. Monk realizes that the accountant had been skimming from the pension fund. Needing the strike to go on, he murdered Cusack and covered it up, taking an umbrella from City Hall left by Nicholson who had secretly been meeting with Cusack to end the strike. Had the negotiations progressed, the books would have been examined.

Monk throws confetti at the Sanitation Workers’ return, and they are happy with the pension and new contract. Their mood goes down when Monk asks them to clean up the confetti.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk wants to drive out of town while the strike is ongoing.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie tries incense to cover up the smell, but it does not work and produces more waste.

Captain Moustache: While Stottlemeyer finds a special room for Monk to concentrate in, he is trying to help Monk through the ordeal, closing a window, offering the case file and such.

Dishing it out: Disher unknowingly steers the group to the Whisper Spot and later wonders is he should write down Monk’s Alice Cooper Theory.

Let’s Talk it Out: Dr. Kroger's first clue about the deliveries was the sorting by color and food. His second clue was that handwriting matching Monk’s.

The Innocence of Youth: Julie is unseen but is mentioned as a reason why they cannot just up and leave town.

Here’s What Happened: We get not one, not two, but three sequences this episode though the middle one not only has color, but a motion sequence in a magazine.

One More Time: “If you don’t write it down, you’ll forget.” “Oh, I don’t think I’ll forget this.”
Monk asking Nicholson to remember and Nicholson promising to do so.

Dear Genre: There are two huge guest stars in this. The first is Alice Cooper who plays a version of himself in here’s What Happened only. The second is Chi McBride of several shows from Boston Public to Hawaii Five 0.

Trivial Matters: In the first season episode Mr. Monk Takes a Vacation. Sharona had to rush home from a vacation during a garbage strike a while back.

This episode is one of Monk’s Shaloub’s favorites.

Stottlemeyer plays with a yo-yo, specifically the one he received in anger management in Mr. Monk and the Captain’s Marriage.

Garbagemen Ronnie and Morris make an appearance after Mr. Monk and the Captain’s wife.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “I don’t think Alice Cooper is his real name.” One sense that Is impossible to translate via moving pictures is smell. Like taste, you can describe it, but the audience cannot experience it. There were ways to make an attempt at it, such as cards to scratch off at the appropriate time in the work which was called Smell-O-Vision.

Thankfully, that was not the case here. The set dressers went above and beyond making sure we saw the strike happening. It was not in places we would not expect it, but every street and office had some measure of garbage distress, especially with Dr. Kroger where it falls into the outside atrium. The dressers rarely get a kudos but here you can see their work and appreciate it.

The plot is there to cause concern for Monk, and you can see him off his game. Even with that, his reputation precedes him both with the union and the mayor. This is not the first time Monk was wrong or even the first time he is called out on it. There are other inconsistencies like the cleaning lady not seeing the wound in Cusack’s head initially or Natalie waiting until Monk got home to call him out or even Stottlemeyer not picking up on Monk’s lying until too late, but it is a good hour.

There are two big guest stars that make this hour work. The first is musician Alice Cooper who has a more or less glorified cameo, but he chews up the scenery and reenacts that fake murder.

The big draw is Chi McBride whom you never go wrong with casting. He has a lot of smaller scenes, particularly when he sneaks into the City Hall. How you can mistake him for anyone else is amazing, but they pulled it off. Him and Shaloub share a great scene and you get the looks only McBride can give. They have a great chemistry and are wonderful actors who play off each other well.

That is not to say that the main cast slouched this week at all. Stottlemeyer is caught in a tight battle to make sure he gets thigs right and is waylaid by Monk several times. Disher is kind of there, but he is most active when Monk is spouting nonsense about Alice Cooper and wonders if he should take notes.

Shaloub has shown us a Monk off his game before, but this works much better than Mr. Monk Takes His Medicine. This is an unavoidable problem, and you can see Monk and Shaloub losing themselves in the role. He tries to hold it together though is ultimately unable to do so. We have some good recognition from both the union and Nicholson for his prowess. We also have some playing with the format as the show progresses with a great script by Andy Breckman & Daniel Gaeta

Natalie is rightfully peeved at Monk for lying to end the strike. She makes several great points, though why she waits until they get back to Monk’s is a mystery. She knows something is up and convinces Monk to do the right thing, eventually. We’ve seen her take the lead in a case before and here she is unable to do so but brings Monk around.

After last week’s debacle, things are back on track this week.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Big Game"
Season Five Episode Three
Directed by: Chris Long
Written by: Jack Bernstein
Original Air Date: July 21, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Julie is practicing basketball and Coach Lynn Hayden seems off, addressing both Emilys at once and talking about how great the team is no matter who is coaching them. Coach Hayden takes a quick shower but a mysterious figure sneaks in and electrocutes her with a leaky pipe and a hair dryer as she exits.

Suspecting foul play, Julie and the Emilys approach Monk. At the school, Monk looks enviously at the trophy case before going to the locker room. They find footprints on top of the lockers near an upper window and Monk sees that the panel on an electrical socket has been removed. Looking at the evidence, the hairdryer looks new, and the cord is taped. Also, a button is missing from Coach Hayden’s jacket.

There is no motive as Coach Hayden was universally loved by students and staff. The principal gives them a list of everyone with access to the locker room and mentions that they will have to forfeit the championship game. Natalie volunteers to coach and Monk is volunteered to be her assistant. Monk is enthused at the prospect of getting a trophy, even a little one. Also, it is clear Monk knows nothing about basketball or coaching.

Upon learning Coach Hayden was hiking in the valley weeks ago, Monk recalls an arson case in that area. A ranger shows them around with the fire shifting in accordance along the winds and damaging some summer homes. They find the missing button from the jacket at the site. Upon talking with Aaron Hayden, they learn that Coach was ready to confess. That would have been a felony due to the damage even though it was an accident.

Julie interviews Stottlemeyer and Disher about DNA. While most of the questions are basic, we learn that relatives will have very similar but not identical DNA. Also, they need something to match it against to prove identity. This will probably be important later. We get some newsposition of the police connecting the cases and the watchful Aaron turns off the program, burns an old ID of his with someone else’s name and an article about a girl missing from the same golf course as the identification.

Aaron is at the game where the principal honors Coach with a moment of silence, though Monk is more focused on a scuff mark. The game goes well, although Monk’s whistle is taken away by the referee. Stottlemeyer and Disher are there for support. Natalie talks herself out of the game leaving Monk to coach alone. In the locker room, Natalie notices something about the picture Aaron gave for Coach’s memory. She sneaks onto the court as the mascot with the tape proving Aaron committed the murders, both of Coach and at a country club years ago. Had Coach confessed, they would have her DNA which would have connected to Aaron. Julie scores the winning basket for the championship! Until the referee puts two seconds back on the clock letting the other team win.

The team gets Monk a trophy for every case he solved.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk is ironing three of his shoelaces when Julie comes to his door.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie explains several times that Monk cannot take Julie’s money, probably because of basic morals but also because part of it is money he paid Natalie.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemeyer plays the ‘I’m too busy’ card to avoid speaking with Julie about a project. Natalie calls his bluff.

Dishing it out: Disher is somewhat less helpful in the interview, to the point where he asks for a multiple-choice question.

The Innocence of Youth: Upon seeing Julie and the Emilys at his door, Monk thinks they want candy.

Let’s Up the Rating: Coach Hayden showers in the school locker room.

Here’s What Happened: We know this sequence took less than thirty seconds since there is a split screen with a countdown clock during a thirty-second timeout.

One More Time: “How are you?” “The same.” “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Principal Franklin catching up with Monk

Dear Genre: Jim O’Heir of Parks and Recreation is the unnamed park ranger. Also, Jennifer Lawrence has a brief cameo as the mascot. She has since gone onto The Hunger Games and X-Men film franchises.

Trivial Matters: With minimal funds, Julie says that the investigation can count as her Birthday present. Monk says he wasn’t planning on getting her one. He had not qualms about getting one for the admittedly younger Benjy Fleming.

Stottlemeyer gets a letter from his wife’s divorce lawyer at work for reasons not explained to the viewer. We saw them separate in Mr. Monk and the Captain’s Marriage.

We get a reference to Monk stopping by for career day which we saw in Mr. Monk and the Astronaut.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “Is there something I can do? That your mother can’t.” After the main cast, Emmy Clarke as Julie Teeger has the most appearances, and she is usually regulated to being with her mom. Until now.

A lot of this script lies on her shoulders. She takes it on herself to hire Monk and has some good scenes with the other cast members, including Stottlemeyer and Disher. There are no opening credit regulars in the teaser, just Julie and Clarke shows that she can stand on her own. While she is not in every scene, she gives great performances and proves that she can have the spotlight a little more as the series continues.

Stottlemeyer and Disher provide a good deal of background information that will of course become crucial later on. The interview scene is more that can be looked up in an encyclopedia, but it is information the audience needs to know so they have a scene to with the characters only they can have to get the information across. The information itself does not require Aaron to murder since getting DNA matches is more commonly used in paternity situation and the two do not share DNA, but it could still be matched.

Natalie has fun being coach mom, though the fact that she has a child on the team should disqualify, although it is late in the season. Wouldn’t they still be able to play due to extenuating circumstances? Also, Monk being her assistant is more due to the fact that he is the title character needed to solve the case than ability. What about the other assistant coach? What happened to them?

Looking at Monk, the main involvement is with a whistle. While it can upstage an actor, Shaloub integrates it into his performance, so it is present but not overshadowing. The gag with the trophy gives us insight into his motives but his coaching could stand to get better.

It is about time a recurring character got a chance to be in the spotlight and Clarke delivered.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk Can't See a Thing"
Season Five Episode Four
Written by: Lee Goldberg and William Rabkin
Directed by: Stephen Surjik
Original Air Date: July 28, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: The San Francisco Fire Department is cleaning their trucks while retiree Rusty treats the younger guys to some food. Monk arrives for his annual smoke alarm check, but the crew is called away on a fire. As Rusty checks the detectors, a guy walks in and starts looking at the uniforms. Rusty tells him to leave only to get assaulted by a shovel for his troubles. Monk hears the commotion and fights the attacker but gets a liquid thrown at his face. Natalie comes to check on Monk and finds Rusty dead. She calls Stottlemeyer to get help and asks Monk to sit down on a nearby chair, but he cannot see it; he is blind.

At the hospital, the prognosis is that Monk’s cornea is scratched. It might grow back, or it might not. Stottlemeyer and Disher have an empathy exercise to experience blindness and are told that the best way to heal Monk mentally is to get him back to work.

Monk is not doing well but is flat out told by Stottlemeyer that there is still a murder to solve. Monk reluctantly comes, not sure what help he can be. The investigation is rough, but he points out that a coat is missing from the rack. If they find that coat, they find the killer.

That theory is put to the test when they find a drifter wearing the missing coat, but he claims he found it in a dumpster. Monk cannot see the face, so he reluctantly feels it determining he is not the assailant. Monk and the former suspect have an argument about who has the worst backstory, during which Trudy is mentioned.

Monk is in bed as Dr. Kroger calls about multiple missed appointments. At the alley, Monk realizes that since he is blind, he is not disturbed by the scene, making him happy. Stottlemeyer mentions a fire that happened near that area, set ablaze by a cigarette held by a sleeping woman.

At that location, which is still structurally sound and does not have police tape, Monk determines that there was another person there, someone who attacked her and made it look like an accident. After the blaze started and the arsonist left, they realized they felt something at the house, but they could not simply go back unless they had the proper attire from the fire department.

Dr. Kroger is worried that Monk is too accepting of being blind, that it gives him a reason to cut himself further off from everyone.

At the construction site the woman worked at, there are no leads; she was just a temp taking over for someone on maternity leave. Monk hears the squeaking shoes similar to what he heard at the station and follows with Stottlemeyer in tow. Unfortunately, Stottlemeyer left, and he mentions it to a worker who goes back to work leaving Monk to follow on his own.

Monk eventually finds himself alone with the killer who tries to take Monk out but is taken down instead. A chase ensues and Monk finds himself needing to go up but chooses an out of order elevator and finds himself on a beam when he exits, though it is on the ground. He is found by his friends just as the assailant’s body comes crashing down, apparently slipping while looking for Monk.

Monk’s eyes appear to be healing. He and Stottlemeyer wonder about the motive when Monk remembers hearing that the assailant and the construction supervisor had switched cars. They find the supervisor’s keys with the arsonist but do not see the supervisor get up and knock out Stottlemeyer. Monk grabs Stottlemeye’s gun and his eyesight returns enough to fire.

At night, Monk reads a book while looking at pictures of Trudy.

This Week’s Compulsion: Rather than push a button, Rusty tests Monk’s smoke detectors by blowing cigar smoke into them. Must be nice to be retired.

White Courtesy Phone: Needing to cheer up Monk, Natalie names famous blind people. Though she runs out of names after Ray Charles and Mr. Magoo.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemeyer handles the empathy test with more professionalism than Disher, though when he is called out for cheating, asks how Disher knows Stottlemeyer is cheating unless Disher is (which he totally was!)

Dishing it Out: Disher is the first to talk to Monk after hearing about the injury. He promises to work on the case exclusively until he remembers a confirmation which he’ll need the whole week off for.

Let’s Talk it Out: Dr. Kroger suggests that Monk get ear and nose plugs before going further and suggesting that he go in a coma. Monk wants the earplugs.

Let’s Up the Rating: This episode features guys walking around blindly, often hitting their cotches as they bump into things.

One More Time: “What do you see?” “People. Not talking. Bloated. Kind of like Thanksgiving at my ex-wife’s house.”
Monk asking Stottlemeyer about the morgue.

Trivial Matters: Blindfolded guys walking around and getting hit in the crotch is a Survivor staple. And Jackass.

There is a tie in novel called Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse that many think is related to this episode, but they have little in common beyond the location.

This is one of Ted Levine’s favorite episodes.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “I was here first.” “There’s a house burning down three blocks from here. Don’t you think that should take priority?” In terms of characters, this is an amazing episode. This isn’t the first time Monk’s ‘powers’ have been taken away, but it is the best one we have thus far.

For one, Disher is on top of assuring Monk that everything will be all right from initially promising to do nothing but catch the assailant to giving Monk verbal cues as to what is happening. It is there enough to not get old too quickly.

Stottlemeyer spends the last act With Monk, reminding us of their past. It is a good pairing, one that we do not get enough of. It is a nice bookend as we have a scene earlier where he all but drags Monk off the couch to help with the case. It is not just giving Monk something to do, Levine plays it as getting his best guy out to solve a murder, blindness or not. We can easily see why this hour is a favorite of his.

We have a more professional look at things as Dr. Kroger is exasperated at how Monk is adjusting, skipping over at least three stages of grief. It is a fun change to see him at wits end for once. There is also a good scene where he leaves a message for Monk knowing Monk is listening. He talks Monk through walking to the door, but Monk is still on his bed. Either scene would have bene great but both show someone working to help his patient.

As for the titular character, this is an odd ebullience that we rarely see Monk have. This comedy-drama can lean more towards the drama end of things, but we have a happy Monk for a good chunk of this episode. Shaloub plays the disability well with having problems adjusting. You can see his journey and while it is a bit fast since he has to regain his sight at the end, it is a good performance.

Unfortunately, this worked better on paper than on screen. Characters come and go as the plot demands, starting with Natalie just happening to walk into the fire station at the top. The construction site is empty when needed for a brawl but filled with extras at other times. Also, someone can just walk into a morgue? Why isn’t it locked?

Due to the nature of episodic TV, we knew Monk would regain his sight by the end, or at least for next week. The writers did make sure to keep that option open but the only good thing about this is that he lost his eyesight in the teaser whereas Spock waited until the last act.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk, Private Eye"
Season Five Episode Five
Directed by: Peter Weller
Written by: Tom Scharpling and Daniel Gaeta
Original Air Date: August 4, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Doctor Jay Bennett is having a great time on a boat with his lover. Annie Pollard is not in the mood and ready to go back to her husband. Pollard did not tell anyone about their affair so Dr. Bennett does the only reasonable thing he can; knocks her out and gets rid of the body in the water.

Natalie approaches Monk with an idea to branch out and become a private detective. Natalie already spent money on business cards. And an office. Monk reluctantly agrees to try it out for a bit.

Disher has a break in the Pollard case. The mister says their marriage was solid but in reality, it was on the rocks.

After two days of not getting business, realtor Linda Fusco comes in with a case, a fender bender. Monk is not eager to investigate but she offers three thousand dollars if they solve. There is a twenty-minute window they are investigating at the marina but determine that a note was left due to a witness. They find Captain Gibbons who is combative but takes a card from them regardless.

While there are some clues on the note left, Stottlemeyer and Disher approach for help on the Pollard case, and to chew the scenery as Stottlemeyer asks for Sam Spade. While they are there, Fusco comes by with an estimate for her car. She and Stottlemeyer hit it off and leave for a ‘showing.’ Disher recognizes the logo from the back of the note as a local watering hole. The manager of the establishment is not cooperative, but a server is, identifying Dr. Bennett.

Dr. Bennett meets Captain Gibbard with a bribe, but the captain wants more of the action if he has to lie to the authorities. Dr. Bennett kills the captain and takes Monk’s card, looking at it menacingly.

Natalie and Monk confront Dr. Bennett and after some miscommunication as to how much the duo knows, Dr. Bennett scoffs and shoes them away asking them to prove the crime.

Fusco shows Stottlemeyer a place that just happens to be near hers. She all but throws herself at him as he ponders.

Monk goes on Dr. Bennett’s boat while Natalie keeps an eye out. She lasts several minutes until she is distracted by Captain Gibbard’s barking dog who is barking at his body. Natalie calls Stottlemeyer, who is signing papers with Fusco, not realizing that Dr. Bennet returned and is off with his boat, unknowingly with Monk in tow, at least for a few moments before aiming a harpoon to Monk.

Stottlemeyer, Disher and Fusco arrive putting the cases together. It will take too long to get a boat from the authorities, but Fusco has one at the ready. Monk holds his own, thanks to an eddy but eventually jumps off. Dr. Bennett is apprehended, and Monk is rescued, doubting Grandpa Neville’s mantra “Leap and a net will appear,” but knowing where Pollard’s body is.

Stottlemeyer is moving into his new apartment and breaks some dishes. He gets a call from Fusco across the way telling him where the broom is.

This Week’s Compulsion: When he is approached by Natalie, Monk is preparing lunch by examining the bread before cutting it. Roughly a fourth of the loaf makes the cut.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie mentions her Grandpa Neville who formed a toothpaste company out of London and is the third largest.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemeyer uses a dating website and is not having much luck, either making a match or keeping it secret.

Dishing it out: As it happens, Disher’s cousin is on the dating site and saw Stottlemeyer’s profile.

Let’s Up the Rating: Before killing his lover, Dr. Bennett is in the mood for some romance.

One More Time: “Adrian Monk Investigations, how can I help?” “I’m being kept in a room against my will.” “You’ve been kidnapped? Do you know who did it?” “Yes, it’s my assistant, Natalie Teeger.”
The first call.

Dear Genre: Graham Beckel plays the captain Gibbard who has few morals around the time he played someone else on a ship with few morals; Captain Fisk on Battlestar Galactica.

The Rainbow Treknation: Sharon Lawrence was Stottlemeyer’s love interest as Fulco and would be Janeway’s scientific interest in Voyager’s The 37’s Amelia Earhart.

Trivial Matters: Peter Weller appeared in the season premiere while he was directing this episode.

Colgate and Crest are mentioned as the top two brands of toothpaste.

The dating site Stottlemeyer uses, make-a-date.net, is available as of this writing.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “I don’t sleep on a coach.” “He sleeps on a futon.” “Thank you, Lieutenant.” The teaser to this episode is so clunky. There is so much exposition setting things up and while they are important, it is a huge information dump. It does not help that there is little chemistry between Frederick Weller (cousin to Peter) and Francesca Vannucci. They do what they can, but it is more of a lecture than a well-acted scene.

The blame cannot be put on Frederick Weller. He has talent in the family and went on to lead his own series. You can see his talent when he has in the parking lot scene with Monk and Natalie. The miscommunication scene is always a winner, especially when you have good talent doing the acting making comic gold, but there is a bit of a dark turn as Dr. Bennett is covering up a murder. To think if he just paid the nine hundred dollars, he would have gotten away with it.

Speaking of the chops, Sharon Lawrence makes a magnificent debut as Linda Fusco. She is great with the whole cast, particularly Levine but she has a good scene with Monk and Natalie. Why she pays thousands of dollars for hundreds of dollars of damage is an exercise for the viewer, but she takes charge and is a welcome addition to the cast. Plus, you could put a match between her and Ted Levine and it would light.

The Private Eye story is a fun one for some extra income and exposure. It fits given Monk’s skills, but his popularity is not well known outside the official circles. We’ve seen Stottlemeyer throw a case or two to Monk over the years, so it is not a great business endeavor. It offers a chance to see Natalie take the lead, which she takes several steps too far but leads to great scenes.

The boat scenes are not all that great and neither is Monk’s trying to swim, a common issue on the small screen. Still, this hour has some great dialogue and introduces a new recurring character for the mix, though it is a bit stalkery in the end.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk and the Class Reunion"
Season Five Episode Six
Directed by: David Grossman
Written by: Daniel Dratch
Original Air Date: August 11, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Retired nurse Katherine Rutherford is leaving her apartment when there is an out of order sign on the elevator. A kindly gentleman offers the nearby stairs but is less kindly when, after confirming her identity, pushing her down the stairs to her death, leaving some beads on the stairwell.

Stottlemeyer and Disher survey the scene, but it does not take long to realize something is amiss. A lapel pin is found but Disher cannot recall where he saw it.

Monk is at his twenty-fifth reunion wearing the same pin. Natalie is willing to stick around, but Monk thinks he will be fine. Monk runs into old classmate, Diane, who is now happily married. She forgot to fill out her registration and uses Monk’s back for support. As it turns out, Diane’s husband, Kyle, is eager to meet Monk.

The opening ceremonies go well, despite a loudmouth asshole, and Monk meets a group at the reception, but they do not remember him although they have fond memories of Trudy. As Natalie is getting ready to leave, she finds some keys for Monk and gives them to someone to pass along. In doing so, she overhears the truth behind Monk’s nickname, incentivizing her to stay. As Monk has a moment with someone who lost a loved one and remarried, Natalie comes back.

Disher has a eureka moment where he remembers Monk’s pin. But Nurse Rutherford wouldn’t have been wearing it so it must belong to the killer who is now with Monk at the reunion.

The cafeteria is largely unchanged, but Natalie notices the sneezeguard has a plaque from Monk though it is the result of a lawsuit, not a donation. They meet Diane who invites them to lunch with Kyle. It turns out the marriage is not the best, but they have a house and a dog. Amazingly enough, Diane had a dog while in school that was also named Tangerine. Kyle found her at a nearby shelter and she was called by that name.

Stottlemeyer interrupts Monk’s cleaning of the freezer to fill him in on the case. Disher has a suspect, someone who is going for the Olympics but tested positive way back when from Nurse Rutherford. Stottlemeyer and Disher check it out while Monk shows Natalie the library where he met Trudy. We flash back to him reorganizing the shelves and her needing a book, which he finds immediately. There is a moment, but some guy comes by and takes Trudy’s attention. He also forgot her number though she now has a new one which the guy writes down, using Monk’s back for support. Monk was able to recall her number from that moment and reached out to her.

Kyle and Diane approach Monk and Natalie to introduce a new friend named Gertrude, nicknamed Trudy by her aunt. Kyle practically forces everyone to go to a local eatery, even Gertrude who just ate but can have a coffee. That night, Kyle has a call in the hotel hallway with a lover. He confirms the dining experience and says that they need to play touch football before they can rake in the money.

Stottlemeyer goes to the clinic to get Nurse Rutherford’s file, but it is clean. The lead is dead since their suspect died over a decade earlier. They see a wreath from Diane for Nurse Rutherford’s passing. It seems Diane lost her mother senior year and wrote a suicide note before taking pills. Nurse Rutherford was worried and saved her life. Kyle comes to play a game of football during which, Monk is the MVP since he hates being touched. The LVP is Kyle who misses a pass that shatters a glass kiosk. Diane recalls breaking a window her senior year as well.

The evening reception goes well with a slideshow, although no one notices Kyle drugging Diane’s drink. Sottlemeyer takes the microphone to ask for help with an active homicide investigation, but he is undermined by slides of him quashing a protest minutes after the permit expired. Diane is feeling under the weather, so Kyle takes her back to their room.

After the reception, Natalie remembers holding Diane’s earnings from the game, but they match a set from the crime scene. Monk realizes that Kyle found Diane’s old suicide note and has been recreating events detailed therein to get away with killing her. Fortunately, he has Diane’s address from the registration form. They arrive just in time to stop Kyle from throwing her off the balcony.

That night, Natalie and Monk go to a bench in the park where Monk reminisces about the time he and Trudy first declared their love for each other.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk’s nickname was Captain Cool. He does not know that people gave him that nickname because he would defrost his refrigerator every weekend.

White Courtesy Phone: Natalie knows how awkward it can be at a reunion without a loved one as she went to several after Mitch died.

Captain Moustache: Monk must be rubbing off on Stottlemeyer; there are several clues as to something foul with Nurse Rutherford’s death from the use of the staircase to the lack of beads lower than where she fell.

Dishing it out: Disher does not know a lot about the crime scene and admits as such though it requires prompting.

The Innocence of Youth: Julie is unseen, but Natalie mentions her parents can look babysit for the day if Monk needs support.

Let’s Up the Rating: Monk thinks a tie on the doorknob means one is reorganizing their closet. Natalie asks if his roommate’s girlfriend ever helped, and Monk does not take the hint.

One More Time: “Captain, I just remembered where I saw that lapel pin.” “Where?” “Just now, at my desk.”
Disher making a break in the case but being a bit obtuse.

Dear Genre: Reginald VelJohnson for Family Matters fame as Carl Winslow guest stars as the man who moved on.

Trivial Matters: Berkely was not used as a shooting location, but a famous tower is visible in the slideshow.

With this episode Luiggi Debiasse becomes the third person to play Monk on the series after Shaloub and Grant Rosenmeyer from Mr. Monk and Little Monk. Similarly, Lindy Newton becomes the third actress to play Trudy after Stellina Rusich and Melora Hardin. Both are credited as ‘Younger’ versions.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “You haven’t changed at all.” “Neither have you. Except for your age.” Parts of this episode are great. The Class Reunion trope allows us to see how much has changed since graduation and Monk appears to have not changed that much. We see the college world through his eyes, and it is not the one we are accustomed to. He lets a lot roll off his back and Natalie is there to suffer through it as Monk takes her on a tour of his past. It says something that Natalie specifically comes back to help Monk through the reunion.

We also see Monk and Turdy meeting and it is a great as you would think. Luigi Debiasse nails Monk and while someone steals Trudy away, it is not malicious. Their meeting is cute, and they did have a moment. Plus, Monk and Trudy came together in the end, both literally and metaphorically.

There is also great characterization of Stottlemeyer who is very Sottlemeyer throughout. The scene with the slideshow is fun, with Td Levine nailing a deadpan delivery not once but twice with the expiring permit. though one wonders why they didn’t stop the slideshow while he was talking about an active murder investigation. Also, why were people booing him while there was an ongoing murder investigation? Granted he was the antagonist, but shouldn’t they put their feelings aside to prevent someone from being killed?

For that matter, the group is generally unlikeable. For every friend, there are at least two others who openly mock Monk. This is the kind of stuff they should have moved past after a quarter century, yet they still delight in torturing him at least one openly mock him to his face. Why would anyone want to spend time with these people?

This also introduces the dumbification of Disher. Granted Jason Gray-Stanford needs something to do, and he and Ted Levine have a good double act, but some of his choices are just plain stupid. It does not help that Stottlemeyer points these out. This will unfortunately continue through the series and while Gray-Stanford does a good job with the material, why do we have to laugh at him? His character is there for others to bounce ideas off, but while he made some mistakes in the past, he reaches a whole new level here.

This could have been great and there are some great moments but there are also some horrible ones that should have been left out.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk Gets a New Shrink"
Season Five Episode Seven
Directed by: Andrei Belgrader
Written by: Hy Conrad
Original Air Date: August 18, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: Dr. Kroger is at his office to open up, but Monk and Harold Krenshaw are arguing about who has the first appointment. Dr. Kroger tries to keep the two in line but eventually wonders how they got in and goes in the back to find a cleaning person, Teresa Mueller, dead.

After surveying the scene, Mueller’s shoes and vacuum are clean. It looks like someone committed the murder and then ransacked the office. Monk commits several violations of laws and ethics by looking at Krenshaw’s file before looking at his own. Stottlemeyer kicks him out but not before he sees the words ‘No hope” on the bottom of a page.

Dr. Kroger goes to the station for a briefing. Confidentiality goes out the window when murder is involved and Dr. Kroger remembers an ex-client, Joseph Wheeler, who insisted on seeing his file to prove Dr. Kroger was not talking to his ex behind his back. In the hallway, Dr. Kroger tells Monk he is retiring. Monk goes through all the stages of grief and back to the first.

Wheeler works in a toy store specializing in stuffed bears. Wheeler confesses admiration for Dr. Kroger, not wishing him animosity. Plus, he has an alibi from the store. Both he and Monk are distraught, taking their feelings out on teddy bears.

Monk goes to Dr. Kroger’s office to talk with Natalie, but it goes south quickly. He sees that Mueller vacuumed part of the office, meaning that the murderer walked in on her, not the other way around. They also meet someone else in the building, Francis Merrigan, who was a bit disturbed by some of Dr. Kroger’s clients.

Against Natalie’s advice, Monk goes to Dr. Kroger’s but is told to leave as Dr. Kroger will find him another therapist. That night, Monk and Krenshaw are stalking Dr. Kroger when someone throws a threatening note through the bedroom window. Stottlemeyer offers protection and everyone sees Dr. Kroger’s son, Troy, act out. Dr. Kroger has also set up Monk with a new therapist and made an appointment.

Dr. Sorenson makes a great first impression, but Monk has issues getting over an arm that went missing in a boating accident. He is able open up before remembering that he saw the rock at Dr. Kroger’s office.

As it happens. Dr. Kroger is there cleaning up a few things. Monk points out the missing rock and they see Merrigan has powdered milk which can be used for heroin. Merrigan shows up taking both hostage at gunpoint. Tied up in the back of a truck, Monk realizes the Mueller broke a figurine used to transport the drugs and vacuumed up the mess. Merrigan walked in on her as she was cleaning Dr. Kroger’s office and made it look like a break-in. Unfortunately, no one knows where they are, except Krenshaw who is tailing the truck and calls Stottlemeyer.

Monk and Dr. Kroger are held at bay while Krenshaw sneaks in and finds a weapon. Unfortunately, he is distracted by the figurines. Backup arrives and a shootout ensues whereupon Krenshaw takes a bullet for Dr. Kroger, telling Monk to “Beat that.”

Monk and Dr. Kroger have a session where it is revealed that the words ‘No Hope’ were actually ‘N. Hope’ as in the birthplace of Monk’s father. Monk is also having problems sleeping and may be developing a phobia of blankets, for which there is no name.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk volunteers to protect Dr. Kroger by staying on premises but Stottlemeyer suggests a couple cars out front instead.

White Courtesy Phone: Wheeler’s customer service leaves when confronted about the murder which he takes out on a bear belonging to a little girl. Natalie helps defuse the child.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemeyer tries to have Monk wait outside the crime scene, but Monk is insistent on staying, at least initially.

Dishing it Out: At the toy store, Disher wants a patrolman bear. Stottlemeyer suggests giving the bear Disher’s badge as it is not being used.

Let’s Talk it Out: In the teaser, we see something we have never seen; Dr. Kroger yelling at someone. Twice.

The Innocence of Youth: We meet Dr. Kroger’s son who is into punk metal dress and does not appreciate his father as much as Monk.

It Recurs to Me: Krenshaw thinks he has the first appointment on Friday but Monk believes Krenshaw has a topic for the start of his own appointment.

Let’s Up the Rating: If you like young Punk metal guys with piercings, DON’T watch this episode as Troy Kroger is too young for you!

One More Time: “Dad, close the [darn] door.” “Is that Troy?” “Yes, that’s my son.” “He sounds wonderful.”
Monk (and us) getting introduced to Dr. Kroger’s son

Dear Genre: The young girl in the store is played by Kiernan Shipka who would grow up to be Sally Draper on Mad Men and the titular character on the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Trivial Matters: The idea of a vacuum involved murder had been on the table for a while but took time to figure out how to do it.

Rick Curry is an amputee, one of several who were interested in Dr. Sorenson. One idea for a new therapist involved scream therapy.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “Oh no, I’m not stalking you. At least for the moment.” After Julie, it was only a matter of time before we get a Dr. Kroger focused episode. This gave us an opportunity to dig deep into his life where he not only has a wife, but a son, and a jerk at that.

Make no mistake, Tory Kroger is a horrible person. Kudos to Cody McMains for being so dislikeable, openly wondering if Dr. Kroger faked all the paternity tests. Writer Hy Conrad deserves credit for his script which has some voice overs so that we can get a (dis)taste before seeing him on screen. It says something that this man who makes a living by helping people get along cannot get along with his son.

Madeline Kroger is a supportive wife but is more of a side note. We see a lot of Harold Krenshaw. Tim Bagley inhabits the character and while he has great physicality; we see him arguing silently with Monk outside Dr. Kroger’s home. He is unable to overcome his compulsion in the climax to taking a bullet for Dr. Kroger, accompanied by a slow-motion shot.

The lens through which people see Dr. Kroger is front and center as Monk goes through the stages of grief and back again. Shaloub has a great moment acting it out, especially the multiple angers. He gets Natalie to play along in a session though that does not go as well as he would think. Stottlemeyer has a professional appreciation and the two are on a first name basis. They are connected by Monk but have a relationship outside that.

Stanley Kamel takes the role of his life when his character is front and center. He tries to end his profession, and the murder of someone in his office might do that, and to his credit he does try to break it off. He cleans up his office and even makes an appointment for Monk. Dr. Sorenson gets along with Monk but is no Dr. Kroger. He comes back in the end but is trying to tell Monk in nice terms that he is retired. He does not in the end, though he may have realized what he was missing.

The toy store scene shows just how much Dr. Kroger is admired but the bit with ‘No Hope’ is just there to set up the tag and should have a greater effect on Monk than we see. Plus, the ending is a little too pat, though it is to be expected with a series. Dr. Kroger could return from his retirement but Monk and Krenshaw were flat out stalkers. Granted, it saved Monk and Dr. Kroger in the end, but there should be consequences.

With Julie and Dr. Kroger getting an episode, plus Benjy waaay earlier in the series from a point of view, we are three for three when focusing on side characters.

[Faithful Reader]

"Mr. Monk Goes to a Rock Concert"
Season Five Episode Eight
Directed by: Randall Zisk
Written by: Blair Singer
Original Air Date: August 25, 2006

We’ll Need Some Help: The San Francisco Band Jam is getting set up, but roadie Greg “Stork” Murry is pissed at rock star Kris Kedder for plagiarizing a hit song. Kedder tries to brush it off, then offers a bribe but Stork has evidence and calls a lawyer. Kedder knocks him out with a nearby bottle, then takes a dose of his asthma medication.

Stottlemeyer gets a call from Karen. Their son, Jared, skipped school and went to a rock concert. Natalie and Monk pal along, the latter with experience going to rock shows. Monk waits by the car while Stottlemeyer and Natalie go in and get all access cards thanks to a helpful security guard.

Monk does not take kindly to waiting by the car, so he goes into the concert to call a cab. He goes into an outhouse after which he encounters Natalie and they wonder where Monk put the quarter when a maintenance staffer opens a locked outhouse and Stork’s body falls out.

Monk and Natalie are approached by Stork’s friend, Kendra Frank. The consensus seems to be that Stork overdosed, but he is in Narcotics Anonymous and would not have stuck a needle in his arm.

The search for Jared finds … Disher who is not sick at all. He takes one last swing of beer then goes off to help with the search.

An acupuncturist confirms that Stork was there looking for some heroin, which makes Frank distraught.

While Stottlemeyer and Disher find Jared, Monk and Natalie are at the first aid tent after Monk touches a heat lamp. Twice. They examine Stork and find there is no mud on his shoes plus someone tied his arm off as there are no teeth marks. They approach Stottlemeyer, Disher, Jared with Frank and news of a murder.

An examination of the outhouse finds that Stork was dead before he was put there. With the help of Disher and Jared, they connect Kedder to the murder. While Sottlemeyer thanks Jared for his assistance, it seems that they have grown apart with Stottlemeyer losing his family.

Monk questions Kedder but the rocker is a dick. Frank offers entrance to Stork’s tent and suddenly Kedder is interested in tagging along. He takes the envelope that has the proof of plagiarism and bolts. Monk puts together that Kedder stole the music, and they are off after him, but he is on stage. The evidence is burned in the pyrotechnics.

Over the music, Monk lays it out; Kedder killed Stork but realized Stork was sober. Needing to frame Stork, Kedder dressed as Stork and went to the acupuncturist after he planted evidence. There is little proof but there is the beach ball he blew up as Stork, filled with his asthma medication, which they can link to Kedder. They have little luck catching it, so Monk goes on stage and addresses the crowd. Kedder is in said crowd and grabs a screwdriver. Jared winds up with the ball and is confronted by Stottlemeyer and Kedder. One has the cool factor, but the other is good at his job and is Jared’s father. Evidence in hand, Kedder is arrested.

Stottlemeyer sends the evidence off and Disher grabs a t-short for the soon to be prisoner. Stottlemeyer and Jared step into a photo booth to get a current picture, of which Disher photobombs one.

This Week’s Compulsion: Monk went to rock events but were more geology based than music.

White Courtesy Phone: When giving a description of Jared, Natalie knows more than Stottlemeyer.

Captain Moustache: Stottlemyer tries to push off Natalie to Disher, who is the Disbursement Coordinator. With him not being around, it falls to the Assistant Disbursement Coordinator who is not present.

Dishing it Out: Upon hearing they have to stay and solve a murder, Disher and Jared fist bump. Then look crestfallen as Stottlemeyer checks.

The Innocence of Youth: There are a bunch of people who are happy to be at San Francisco Jam. One of them is not Jared, who looks like he is there more out of contractual obligation than interest.

Let’s Up the Rating: There are not a lot of people wearing shirts at this rock concert. Of all genders.

One More Time: ”It's a $34 dry cleaning bill to clean the shirt and jacket that Mr. Monk ruined when he ran through the poultry farm to recover the ransom money in the Jimmy Creskow kidnapping case. What are you going to do about it?” “Try to ignore it.”
Natalie submitting a reimbursement and Stottlemeyer trying to handle it.

Trivial Matters: It is listed on top but bears repeating; this rock concert episode was written by Blair Singer.

Stottlemeyer is confirmed to be dating Fusco from Mr. Monk, Private Eye.

Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplan and Jimmi Hendrix are name checked as famous deceased celebrities.

The band Novillero guest stars as themselves.

It’s a Jungle Out There: “This area is not for dancing. It’s for parking. And people waiting for the captain. I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules.” “No, you don’t.” This episode was more of an excuse to get our cast into a rock concert than it is a murder. After the first five mutes, we are on location and stay there for the duration of the episode. We don’t even get into the murder until the twenty-minute mark. There are fun moments to be had, though, and the extras are great. Usually, the music is added in post, meaning that hundreds of extras were dancing with no music, which is a good feat. Randy Zisk is a regular director on the series and does a good job capturing the vibe, with an overhead shot and such. Blair Singer’s script may have come up a bit short as the runtime is shorter than usual and there is an extended shot of the outhouse. Disher is already there and helps out with the case. The main ding is the crowd getting angry at Monk during an active homicide investigation.

This works as a detective story with Kedder being pretty clever about covering up the murder. Usually, it is an afterthought, but he goes all out with the frame job. Plus, he is able to get ahold of some evidence and destroy it. Aditionally, Brad Hunt has the singing chops for the musical numbers. He openly taunts Monk as he burns the crucial letter.

As a family drama, Stottlemeyer has never been the most emotive character, but he has nice moments with his son. We get a preview when he has difficulty describing Jared and reminders of how fractured the family is. Even though Karen is out of the picture, there are still two boys, and it is good that the show does not forget that. Jared acknowledges how good Stottlemeyer is at his job and although this is the final appearance of the character, the two handle it well. There was some good foreshadowing when Jared helped make a break in the case and Stottlemeyer paid him a compliment. Huge credit to Ted Levine and Jon Kyle Hansen.

There are some mistakes but can be overlooked with great performances and a bitching rock concert.