Mr. Monk and the Candidate

Monk is a very funny and very good Television show. The script and direction really fill up the screen well, combining excellent situations with hysterical moments. Tony Shaloub, who won a Golden Globe for his performance is at his best here as the phobic detective solving a new murder each episode. In good support is his aid, a women who sometimes gets sick of his phobia but is still a help nonetheless. Ted Levine, who's famous for films such as Heat and Silence of the Lambs is also an honorable mention as the head of the police department. He has a nerve to his character that kind of says "I don't want your BS." Even though he's a bit skeptic to Monk's theories, he usually ends up helping out in the end. There is also a human drama side to the series, on Monk's relationship with the people and how he's coming to terms with life since his wife died (not an episode, I don't think). Personally, I don't get around to watching TV all that much, but this is a show I must watch. Very enjoyable television, excellent cast and excellent storyline. Some episodes are a bit tedious though and have had the formula done before. 9.5/10

Best detective show ever. Tony Shalhoub is impeccable as the compulsive detective. He is able to solve crimes based on the thinest (and believable) threads of evidence. He is also able to draw you into the plot with ease - like an old friend who brings you into his trust you wait on every word.

Mr. Shalhoub is an enormously talented actor. Anything he has a role in is worth watching just to see him in it. You must watch this great program. 10+/10

-Zafoid

PS: ...sorry - I got so involved in Mr. Shalhoub's acting ability that I forgot - major kudos to the writers and supporting cast and the crew. :)

-Z

This show is awesome..I love the way it is acted out, and how out of the ordinary Monk is. I don't know if I could put up with him (the detective) irl, but its one of the most interesting shows that has been aired recently. This show has its own quirks, and is worth watching if you enjoy reading Robert Parker books. Please, watch this show so it can stay on the air.

Second half of the first episode of Monk, it's pretty much all there already. We learn about his deceased wife Trudy, and that her death might be the root of his obsessive-compulsive disorder. (I know now he had it before, and it became worse because of her death, but that seems not clear to me at the start of the series.) Tony Shaloub is great right from the start. It's worth mentioning, because in many TV shows, I have the feeling that the actors need several episodes (or even a whole season) to get the character right, e.g. Psych, or Lucifer.

Ted Levine is already very good and convincing as Captain Stottlemeyer. I seem to remember him being a little less serious in later episodes, but in the beginning he is a no-nonsense guy, and pretty hard on Monk, at least compared to later.

Monk has the goal of rejoining the force, I can't recall if this changes later in the series. In my memory, he was always just a consulting detective who happens to be an ex-cop.

The case itself is pretty interesting, kept me guessing for a while. I like the Sherlock-Holmes-vibe of some of Monks discoveries, and how he does not seem to mind other people eyeballing him because of his quirks.

Two highlights I remember: Monk 'fishing' for his keys in the church and lifting the hand of a dead man by mistake, and Sharona's "I never vote. It only encourages them." (I disagree, of course, voting is very important. Still a funny quote.)

I for one, will be heart broken if USA quits showing my favorite show. I'm usually drawn to shows like CSI - and A few comedies. MONK is the perfect mix!! The guy that

wrote the "theme" is a genius! Fits Adrian to a TEE!! It's been years since a show on TV has excited me so much. Tony is a multi - talented actor. He makes me laugh & makes me cry, & believe me, thats hard to do. Wish I could personally thank all that have their hand in this wonderfull show. Sincerely J. dohmen