Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger

One of Willie Nelson's staffers may have embezzled some money and Willie threatens to fire the guy if the books don't balance by that night. Later in the afternoon, the same staffer sees a sign to not use the front door, to come around to the side door. When he does he is shot and killed - the audience does not see the actual killing. When the audience rejoins the scene there is a blind woman screaming murder and Willie Nelson bending over the body. Complications ensue.

Willie Nelson being slobbered over by Monk - a huge fan - takes up a good part of the proceedings as does Willy Nelson performing. Nelson is an OK actor - he's done several movies and he never embarrassed himself, but he's not Tom Hanks either. There are some humorous parts - Monk is invited to perform with the band on clarinet, and a streaker turns up a couple of times even though this is not 1974. I'd say this is one of Monk's blander season one episodes, but the quirky Monk humor keeps it at a 6/10.

THIS WAS A HILARIOUS EPISODE THAT INVOLVES WILLIE NELSON BEING ACCUSED OF KILLING A FELLOW MAN WITH THE WITNESS BEING A BLIND WOMAN WHO WAS THERE; MONK SOLVES THE CASE WITH HELP FROM THE STREAKER AND BENJY AND SHARONA

With Willie Nelson in the episode, it could have been ridiculous. But the fact that he is a murder suspect didn't diminish Monk's skill as a detective. There are several variables at work here and they work well. Of course, Willie gets to sing a couple songs and Adrian, his clarinet. And just enough OCD to make a point but not dominate.

I mean, come on, WILLIE NESON is the suspect? How dumb can you get? Although not a bad episode, it's a bizarre mishmash of pop culture that doesn't fit the show. Monk doesn't seem like he'd be a fan of a dirty, braided stoner, and how he was able to hang out with him without freaking out at the man's imperfections also goes against the premise of the show.

This is probably my all time favorite episodes of Monk. How can it not be when you have Willy Nelson singing and acting - as himself, and doing a great job of it all round. The reviewer who said this was an hilarious episode must be have been smoking the stuff from Willy's bus (he's real bus also making a welcome appearance). Because not only is this a great mystery, and a great acting job from Willy, it has many sad and emotional moments. One being Adrian 'blowing' his chance (no pun intended) playing the clarinet with Willy's band at a radio performance. However, there is a tender, lovely scene at the end that makes up for it.

It also is not that predictable as some say, sure it might point to a certain someone, but how and why? And you can't go past the streaker "What is this 1974?" as Stottlemeyer says; making two major contributions, one very funny, to the end of the story. And a great ending it is all round.