What a way to go! A choice of 10 or more “new” episodes each week to watch and enjoy!
How did I do it? It was easy. I just never watched the show until after it went off the air.
And to think I could have easily missed this show. A year or so ago, a friend suggested I watch Monk. I did watch an episode and thought it was strange. I never watched it again, until my son said, “Dad, I think you’d like this show, but you’ll have to give it some time. It grows on you.” I did watch a Monk show here and there. And, at one rather amazing point, I made the realization – this show is amazing. I find myself laughing out loud (the real LOL), and feeling angst for Mr. Monk at the same time.
I’m talking about probably the most entertaining show I’ve ever seen. Monk is a man with a case of rather severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. That’s his weakness, and also his strength. He is super-sensitive to changes in the way things were, and in the way things are supposed to be. Because of this, he notices clues that help him solve crimes. All at the same time, we feel sorry for Monk, and we are awed by him. We cry as we witness his disability, we laugh as he mocks his own limitations, and we are awed as he solves mysteries.
The Lieutenant and the Captain are characters much like Monk, in that they are set in their ways, appearing comical and frail at the same time. There were two actresses who played Monk’s assistant throughout the series. The first actress played the role with a touch of “roughness” and caring. The second actress, “Natalie,” in my humble opinion (IMHO), is one of the greatest actresses around. Why? Because she plays a person so very real and so very happy to be who she is playing. Natalie thoroughly enjoys helping Mr. Monk and, when he frustrates her, you still feel her love and caring underneath it all. When she is happy, she can become giddy — and that is where I feel emotional. It wells up inside of me and I, too, feel like being giddy and crying at the same time. Wow!
So, if you ever decide to give “Monk” a chance, remind yourself that it probably won’t happen too quickly. After watching a few episodes, you, too, may become hooked like me.
And here’s an added bonus: My wife and I now have something else to laugh about. When I go around closing all the kitchen cabinet doors, or lining up a row of items, my wife lovingly teases, “Hi, Mr. Monk.”
And to think – there are some 87 more “new” episodes to watch! Whoopee!
Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com
