What I’m Watching: Monk (Series Finale)

Monk: Season 8, Episode 16 “Mr. Monk and the End – Part II” (B+)

While this episode isn’t quite as thrilling or exciting as last week’s first part, it’s a more than fitting finale for one of USA’s best shows. A sickly Monk only hours away from his deathbed is still a sharper and more skilled detective than most other cops, and his ability to piece together the clues from his last case is quite impressive. His difficulty watching the tape of Trudy prolonged the revelation of just what happened that led to her death, and it’s somewhat unfortunate that it was so inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. The judge didn’t need to actually off those who knew his darkest secrets, and the choice to take such violent, fatal action seems over the line. Of course, without Trudy’s death, the Monk we’ve come to know and love would never have been created, and he wouldn’t have been able to close his one hundred plus cases and help so many others find the closure he desperately sought for years. Seeing Monk waveringly point a gun at someone is jarring, and though it was fairly obvious that Monk had a plan all along to reveal the judge’s crime, I was worried that he might let his jealousy overcome him and that he would actually kill the judge. Fortunately, Monk controlled himself and they were able to put things right and solve Monk’s most important case. Monk’s therapy session with Dr. Bell was particularly nice in the way it wrapped up the series. The discovery of Trudy’s daughter was a wonderful present for Monk, and just what he needed to cope with having lost her. Seeing him with his collar unbuttoned was a great way to indicate that he has loosened up a bit. It’s great that all three of the other main characters ended up happy too. Monk dying of poison would have been tragic, and it’s so much nicer that things worked out well for everyone. It’s been a great ride, and I’m glad that I only started watching “Monk” in its fifth season, so someday soon when I start getting nostalgic, I can go back and relive the first half of this spectacular show.

Season grade: A-
Series grade: A-
Season MVP: Tony Shalhoub
Series MVP: Tony Shalhoub

What I’m Watching: Monk (Series Finale Part 1)

Monk: Season 8, Episode 15 “Mr. Monk and the End – Part 1” (A-)

This last season has been making me feel like I’m going to dread the departure of this detective, but the first part of the finale has me more excited than I’ve ever been for the next and final episode of the show. I’ve seen the past four seasons of this show and a few scattered episodes from before then, and this is the most action-packed hour I think I’ve ever seen. It’s always a tremendously smart move to open a series finale, especially a two-part one, with flashbacks to old times because it evokes an effective sense of nostalgia (like the final installments of “Alias” and “Battlestar Galactica”). Seeing Trudy in what we know to be her last moments, and seeing that parking garage scene actually happen, both really signaled that this is the end for Monk, and we’re going to finally find out who killed Trudy. It’s still hard for me to see Melora Hardin as the beloved Trudy since I’m familiar with her mostly as the anything-but-lovely, completely bonkers Jan from “The Office.” Still, the flashback does a great job kicking off the episode, and it’s really fun to see Monk and Leland out on a case together as cops in the old days. Monk getting poisoned is quite unexpected, though the way it happens and the hospital scenes it produces are quite entertaining. Bringing Casper Van Dien back as the definitive man in Natalie’s life, as well as the definitive woman in Natalie’s life, her daughter Julie, signifies the closest thing to family that Monk has left, and the meal, however ultimately fatal it may prove, is somewhat touching in that sense. Monk’s hospital visit is much funnier, even though the subject matter is serious, and the highlights include the entire hospital staff holding Monk down to give him a shot and his continually-repeated preference for death to come before the vomiting. The train station search for the killer was a good intense string of sequences, and Leland demonstrated some impressive fitness skills in his high-speed foot pursuit of the perp. The undeniably best part of this episode was Monk’s decision to open Trudy’s final gift to him, only to find that it was a videotape of her explaining who was after her. Ending this first half of the finale at that point was spectacular, at just the right point to prepare for a big revelation and then holding off a bigger one for the big finish. The fact that Monk had the answer to the mystery of who killed his wife right in front of him for twelve years is pretty incredible, but what’s even more exciting than that is that we too will get to find out next week. I can’t wait.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 14 “Mr. Monk and the Badge” (B+)

This is one of those fitting tributes to Monk’s legacy, and a necessary stage through which he must pass before the character can be appropriately put to rest. The camping episode from two weeks ago seemed to address whether Monk would in fact ever be reinstated, and this second effort to get Monk reinstated takes a lot less work with Leland just announcing it at the beginning and proves just as unsatisfactory as Monk realizes that it just isn’t what he wants. It’s glaring how much Monk does stick out as a member of the regular force as compared with as a private consultant, and how disruptive to the general order of things he is. It would appear that his cases aren’t nearly as exciting and the bureaucracy of the chain of command gets in the way of Monk’s ability to solve cases, and therefore I wholeheartedly support his decision. The woman who kept calling to complain about her cat and the other hairy animal trying to kill her was a bit strange, but it was quite obviously one of those barely-connected plotlines that would eventually serve as a lens through which Monk could make a startling revelation about the case. The most touching part of the episode was the relationship between Monk and Natalie, with their heartfelt goodbye and failed attempts at chit-chat over the phone. The closing scene was perhaps the best, where Monk was relieved to see Natalie but still tried to cut her pay, and then quickly proceeded to wonder what the surprise, which was actually Natalie, was supposed to be. I’m sorry, Sharona fans, but I think Natalie is really here to stay. Monk, however, isn’t for long – part one of the series finale is next.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 13 “Mr. Monk is the Best Man” (B+)

It’s truly touching that Leland reaches out to Monk to be his best man. And it’s not as if Leland went to other candidates first and used Monk as a backup – he was actually his first choice. I wonder if the relatively unseen Randy was offended at not being chosen, but I guess that Leland and Monk go back a long time, presumably to long before Randy joined the force. The episode doesn’t contain anything terribly exciting, but it’s still a decent enough installment with no real faults. Monk ruining the surprise of Leland’s proposal isn’t quite disappointing, since T.K. has barely been seen on the show and therefore his popping the question might come as a big shock were it not prefaced by Monk’s clever detective work. Monk’s determination to protect the ring as if his life depended upon it is entertaining. It’s fun to see Teri Polo as T.K’s criminal friend, and even though her guilt is obvious from the very start, it’s still a nice guest spot. It’s also great to see Natalie get a chance to interact with some female friends, which is unusual, and to look at how put off by T.K. is by the danger of Leland being a cop since the lives of Leland and Monk seem so tame in comparison to some TV cops like any of the CSI guys or primetime drama detectives. These cases truly are fun, and Leland’s delighted singing on his way to see such a brutal homicide sums up the tone of this show well. There may be murders, but ultimately, there’s Monk, and it’s all about entertainment.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 12 “Mr. Monk Goes Camping” (B+)

The notion of Monk going camping seems like exactly the kind of thing the erstwhile detective shouldn’t do. It’s a setup that could result in familiar antics of Monk cleaning everything obsessively and being unable to function in the wilderness setting. Instead, his behavior, while unproductive, is absolutely entertaining, including spraying bug spray as a smokescreen in front of him, sleeping standing up, and screaming like a girl when the bear approaches. It’s fun to have Randy leading the charge in the middle of the woods and mentoring the kids in his own different way. His refusal to check his watch because he wanted to estimate the time by using the sun was both in character for the somewhat odd cop and someone who’s looking to educate kids on the value of appreciating nature. Monk’s reinstatement hearing starting out a bit slowly but came through as much more intriguing in the end. The stubbornness of the third decision-maker, played by Wade Williams (“Prison Break”), was an unfortunate hiccup for Monk, who spent the entire day in the courtroom to prepare for his hearing. Monk’s ability to win over the third guy by unexpectedly saving his life was a nice small victory for him, but the best surprise was saved for the decision hearing. The about-face of the other two was fantastic, and Monk’s inability to process the situation and actually hear their refusals to approve his reinstatement was amusing. Monk’s doing well enough as a consultant, so there’s really no need for him to be reinstated. I suppose it’s something the show had to touch on before the series clocks out for the last time in December, and this is a good way of sealing up that plotline.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 11 “Mr. Monk and the Dog” (B+)

The reclusive Monk’s unusual attempt to find a perfect companion was especially fun in this episode. The fact that he trained his dog to not do all of the tricks and things most dogs do was hilarious, and completely typical and fitting for the obsessive-compulsive detective’s distinct behavior. It was obviously going to be a short-lived phenomenon, but it was still enjoyable while it lasted. It’s important as this show winds down its run (only five episodes to go!) that Monk goes for broke and tries everything he can, the more outlandish the better. Unfortunately, what’s regrettable about this episode and its heavy focus on Monk’s new pet is that the case is second fiddle. It’s not an incredibly complex, surprised-filled mystery, though it does have its share of clever moments, most notably Monk asking outright for the suspects to raise their hands if they committed the murder after the culprit plants the cell phone. The element of the murder that’s given far too little screen time and deserved much more is the victim herself. Marguerite Moreau is a wonderfully charming and talented actress whose scene-long outburst at the beginning of the episode shouldn’t have been her sole appearance on this show. This series has featured its fair share of fabulous guest stars (check out my list of the best guest characters over at TV Tango), and hopefully its swan song will provide worthwhile showcases like the recent reappearance of Sharona, and give great actors and actresses a chance to show what they can contribute to this long-running stellar show.

What I'm Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 10 "Mr. Monk and Sharona" (B+)

Having Bitty Schram come back to the show is a wonderful tribute to the first few years of this innovative series that hasn't gotten stale after eight years on the air. I can't say that I have a particular preference for either Sharona or Natalie since I didn't watch the show regularly until midway through season five, long after Sharona left the show. Pairing her with Natalie is really fun both in the ways that they get along and that they clash, and as the Captain predicts, it really does tear Monk apart. The funniest scene of the episode was Monk's inane conclusion that, since Sharona and Natalie couldn't agree on what would be best for Monk to do, they should take the elevator up to the 18th floor and walk down 9 floors so that no one would be happy. That's the logic of the obsessive-compulsive Monk, and it's a pretty wacky but entertaining system. Monk's investigation into Sharona's uncle's death was amusing, though it couldn't top Sharona's episode-ending money-making pratfall of her own. The end reveal, however implied it may have been by the elevator scene in the middle of the episode, that Randy was dating Sharona was pretty shocking, though quite terrific at the same time. It's nice to see the characters get excited about reuniting, and to see the usually stoic Stottlemyer get up out of his chair to embrace Sharona and even show off a picture of his fabulous new girlfriend.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 9 “Happy Birthday, Mr. Monk” (B+)

There’s a point where Monk tries to hide and then eventually recounts some tragic experience from his past, and it seems like he’s already covered some similarly traumatizing base in a number of episodes already. Yet the fabulousness of this series is its ability to make it always seem fresh and entertaining, and a big part of that is due to the effective over-dramatization of Monk’s storytelling thanks to the talents of Tony Shalhoub. Natalie’s determination to throw Monk a surprise party and legitimately catch him off-guard was a great thread, and I really enjoyed each of her attempts. The ultimate way she tricked him into attending was spectacular, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t expecting it, though clearly something was up when Natalie boldly announced that she had something to say when the would-be hitmen asked her if she had any last words. The way she uttered her happy birthday wish to Monk was simply stunning delivery by the lovely Traylor Howard. Virginia Madsen was nothing short of wonderful as a woman barely related to the case who quickly won the heart of Captain Stottlemeyer, and I’m really looking forward to seeing much of her, especially because Stottlemeyer seems to step up his game every time he spots a lady he likes. The tie-in of the miracle vacuum to the case was fun, though this is one of those cases where having a well-known actor playing the villain makes his identity obvious from the start. When the no-name janitor and patent lawyer were knocked off at the beginning of the episode, it was clear that the supposed inventor, played by John Carroll Lynch (“The Drew Carey Show”) would ultimately be revealed as the culprit. I love how Monk hardly even has to try to establish that he was the villain, and that his “here’s what happened” speech comes to him while he’s at his own birthday party. Monk really is brilliant and he’s going to be severely missed when this show goes off the air in December. Even Cowboy Hank likes him, and that guy seems pretty cool.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 8 “Mr. Monk Goes to Group Therapy” (B+)

Monk’s discovery that he’s nearly out of therapy sessions makes for a great necessary chain of events, and Monk’s venture into group therapy is a particularly hilarious one. The reappearance of Harold Krenshaw is always welcome, and I’ve very pleasantly surprised with the way that the two of them finally actually become friends as they bond while overcoming their biggest phobias while locked in a trunk. It might seem a smidge suspicious that this is now at least the second time that Monk’s fellow therapy patients were involved in a major multiple murder case (it happened once with Dr. Kroeger) and that Harold has been directly involved as a potential suspect, but on this show, it all works. Hector Elizondo is a truly terrific actor who’s able to respond (and often not respond) with such subdued nonchalance to everything that all of his wacky, phobic patients throw out. The most entertaining part of the episode was the very unusual “here’s what happened” from someone other than Monk. Harold’s extremely excitedly-recounted version of events made surprising sense in terms of Monk’s potential motivations for offing his fellow patients, and the sheer brilliance of having Harold try to one-up Monk in what Monk actually does was great. Recurring characters on a show like this shouldn’t be so well-developed and fantastic, but somehow Dr. Bell and Harold are terrific, and their frequent reappearances really enhance the show.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 7 “Mr. Monk and the Voodoo Curse” (B)

It looks like the writers of USA’s two Friday-night comedies aren’t really communicating very well. This episode’s replica of the famous scene from “The Exorcist” under the street light was done exactly the same way in the episode of “Psych” from three weeks ago. That kind of supernatural episode is something far more likely to be found on the other show, and therefore seeing it as the central plotline on this show was pretty surprising. More so, it’s a sign that the resolution will be something far simpler than what’s originally suggested, like the UFO episode several weeks back. I also tend to worry about voodoo-centric episodes because, while it works on “The X-Files,” the result is usually both creepy and underwhelming. Fortunately, that’s not the case here, and the ultimate revelation of the culprit really enhances the episode. Monk’s theory, as always, makes immense sense, and it’s a cool way of connecting all the cases. The presence of the voodoo-vending reverend provided a nice foil to Monk, and the two of them riding together behind the ambulance was fun. The reorganizing of the desks at the police station is an amusing gimmick that recognizes Monk’s particular tics, but it does give the sense that this show really isn’t in a rush to get anywhere fast. This show’s never been about speed, but this episode really drives home the fact that “Monk” is ending this year, and they’ll be here right up until the first week of December when the show goes off the air. It’s still a good episode, but normal homicides are clever enough to sustain each week, and grounding the crimes in the real world might allow this show more opportunity to use all of its characters well, like in last week’s episode, without an unnecessarily outlandish introduction.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 6 “Mr. Monk and the Critic” (B+)

USA’s slogan is “Characters Welcome,” and while the leads are always spectacular, it’s great to see the little people who are just as interesting every once in a while. I’ve always championed the spotlighting of supporting characters on shows like this, and I’m happy when it happens. This is the most I’ve seen Natalie get involved in a case (even more so than the leper episode), and her immediate suspicion after hearing a negative review of her daughter’s performance is very much in character, though she rarely speaks up as boldly and loudly as in this episode. Her insistence on the critic’s guilt was extremely entertaining, and her excitement at the inevitable solving of the case was fun, though not as much as Monk’s warning that she’d want to hug him but shouldn’t. Dylan Baker is a superb actor, and casting him as a cruel (and murderous) critic is brilliant in typical “Monk” fashion. Monk’s trip to the bathroom at the start of the episode was funny but seemed disconnected at first, though that’s always the trick “Monk” pulls off so effectively, linking threads that seem to have nothing to do with each other and making them all relevant. Monk dusting the bathroom attendant’s jacket while the man cleaned Monk’s jacket was another classic Monkish move that proves that this show really hasn’t lost its cleverness in the eight years it’s been on the air. It’s going to be sad to the see the old guy go in just a few months, but hopefully more simple but fun episodes like this will air before then.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 5 “Mr. Monk Takes the Stand” (B+)

This episode isn’t anything special necessarily, but it’s still fun and, most importantly, effective. Jay Mohr is great at playing seedy (part of the reason he seems particularly uninteresting on “Gary Unmarried” since he’s not playing seedy), and therefore having him as the cocksure lawyer determined to take Monk down on the stand is an inspired casting choice. It’s also quite entertaining, and rather unusual, for things to begin in the middle of the action. It’s also very smart since opening the episode with Monk’s traditional “here’s what happened…” allows him to sum up the case without needing to introduce it. Revealing what may have happened through flashbacks is an impressive device, and here it’s utilized magnificently as the pieces are assembled despite the lack of an introduction. Seeing both Natalie and Monk object in court was amusing. Mohr’s takedown of Monk was almost reminiscent of Steven Weber’s cruel words about Trudy, but fortunately this is a less grave, serious affair, and Mohr’s an obnoxious but generally harmless guy. The case itself is nothing special, but like the second episode of this season, it’s cool when two seemingly unrelated murders turn out to have been committed by the same person. Randy’s side plotline trying to defend the kid he knew didn’t commit the crime was a nice additional touch to supplement Monk’s central story.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 4 “Mr. Monk is Someone Else” (B+)

I’ll admit that the setup for this episode is rather flimsy and silly, but it makes for a very amusing premise. Monk’s tried to act cool in the past, but never quite like this. It’s another instance of expert guest casting, utilizing Vincent Curatola, also known as Johnny Sack from “The Sopranos,” as the head mafioso. Monk’s traditional tics are hilariously used here as the very unorthodox methods of the hitman going about things the way he does them. Even more fun than Monk’s attempts to pose as a mafia honcho are the reactions by Natalie and Leland. Natalie seems to be enjoying herself very much as she gets the chance to play along too, and Leland’s efforts to protect Monk by trying to take care of him and keep him safe are both funny and moving. I’m a bit worried that Monk revealing himself to the mob so overtly will put him in danger in the future (or at least it might in real life), but fortunately Monk has a limited number of cases left, and I sincerely doubt that the writers would waste much time returning to an outlet they covered pretty well and fully in this installment.

What I’m Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 3 “Mr. Monk and the UFO” (B+)

It’s about time Monk saw something truly out-of-this-world that isn’t just peculiar and unbelievable, but truly impossible. Having UFO fanatics swarm Monk with attention and scanners is brilliant, and the fact that even Natalie and Leland consider the fact that Monk actually fits the profile of an alien is pretty hilarious. Monk’s interaction with the mechanic and his refusal to apologize for thinking that he was stupid rather than saying it were certainly highlights of an episode filled with spectacular moments. One of the UFO enthusiasts was immediately recognizable as Radzinsky from the Dharma Initiative on “Lost,” and it was fun because I think he was wearing the same goggles he was wearing at the Swan when he was last seen in the show’s season finale. It’s a terrific reference because sci-fi devotees (perhaps some of the same people who believe in UFOs) are likely “Lost” fans, and it’s cool to have the two tie in to each other. “Monk” has been on the ball with “Lost” guest stars this season after Mr. Eko’s spectacular spot last week. I’m looking forward to the remainder of this series – it’s really so much fun.

What I'm Watching: Monk

Monk: Season 8, Episode 2 “Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man” (B+)

The continuing parade of recognizable guest stars on “Monk” turns out to be truly terrific this week with the brilliant casting of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Mr. Eko from “Lost”) as a grieving husband from Nigeria who comes to the United States to find out who killed his wife. Akinnuoye-Agbaje is an extremely talented actor capable of displaying a broad range of emotions, but I had no idea he was comically skilled. It turns out he’s the perfect companion for Monk, eager to please and to learn what true Americans do, according to Monk, that is. Monk’s initial gesture of friendship to Monk was touching, and their further adventures were really great. The laundromat scene where Monk divided all the clothes into an absurd number of categories and used all the machines to run pre-wash cleansing cycles was particularly entertaining. I also loved Monk’s reworking of certain American phenomenon, giving Samuel the smoking bag and explaining that the woman’s middle finger was a thumbs-up gesture. This is a typical case for Monk, an accident and a coincidence mixed together and connecting two cases, but it still worked extremely well. I enjoyed Samuel’s summation of Monk’s character, declaring “sometimes you are like a big crying infant.” Monk’s refusal to take Samuel up on his offer to come visit him in Africa was expected but still terrifically entertaining. The inclusion of Randy’s attempt to impress the CSI woman with his incredible resistance to the smell of rotting flesh was a nice bonus; it’s nice to know that the writers on this show are committed to keeping the supporting characters in the spotlight.

What I’m Watching: Monk (Season Premiere)

Monk: Season 8, Episode 1 “Mr. Monk’s Favorite Show” (B-)

The final season of USA’s first big hit is now underway, and I’m sure there will be a number of wonderful installments before the big sendoff in December. This episode isn’t fantastic, especially in its role as a welcome-back installment to kick off the show’s final run. Guest star Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”) isn’t given much to do, and watching even a few minutes of Showtime’s dramedy shows that Perkins is capable of much more than the material she’s given here. Fortunately, Rena Sofer is given precious few lines as her publicist, and therefore isn’t able to inflict the same damage she did on shows like “24” and “Heroes” in the past. The episode’s storyline is one that just seems far too empty once solved – it just isn’t all that impressive, in regard both to the way it is committed and the way Monk solved it. The laugh-track sitcom dream with Monk and the wig really doesn’t fit in with the tone of this show, and felt terribly out of sync with the rest of the episode. Natalie crying for help through the mother’s voice in his dream was also very out of place, and felt more like some sci-fi hallucination. The whole fact that Monk would have a favorite show like this doesn’t seem likely, and that throws this premiere off. The great thing about “Monk” is that each episode operates on a case-by-case basis, and therefore this sub-par first installment shouldn’t doom the entire season.

Monk Final Season Begins Tonight

Are you watching "Monk" tonight as the final season begins its straight run through December? I am, and my review will be up in a few days. For the moment, check out my article on TV Tango about the five best guest characters to appear on the show. They're my choices - what are yours? Head over there and leave a comment. "Monk" airs at 9pm tonight. Also - don't forget to stay tuned for "Psych" at 10pm!

TV with Abe On Hiatus

I've been frantically watching as many episodes as possible in the midst of a whole lot of schoolwork, and for the moment I've fallen too far behind to catch up. As it happens, I'll be leaving the country for the coming week of Thanksgiving and won't be able to watch any of my regular television series, let alone review them. The week following that will be busy as well, but after that I'll have a chance to start reviewing on a regular basis, just in time for mid-season cliffhangers. I won't be going back to the episodes I neglected to review, but I would like to inform you of six notable television events this coming week which I'll be taping and reviewing once I get back:

1) The 2-hour TV-movie return of "24" a.k.a. "24: Redemption" Sunday on FOX from 8pm-10pm
2) The season finale of HBO's wonderful "True Blood" Sunday from 9pm-10pm
3) The season finale of HBO's so-so-these-days "Entourage" Sunday from 10pm-10:30pm
4) THE SERIES FINALE OF "THE SHIELD" ON FX TUESDAY FROM 10PM-11:30PM (I'm so excited!)
5) A special holiday episode of "Monk" on Friday on USA from 9pm-10pm
6) A special holiday episode of "Psych" on Friday on USA from 10pm-11pm

Besides that, don't miss episodes of "Dexter," "Californication," "Chuck," "Prison Break," "Heroes," "NCIS," "Pushing Daisies," "Gary Unmarried," and "Dirty Sexy Money" during the coming week. Happy Thanksgiving!

What I'm Watching: Monk & Psych (Season Finales)

Monk: Season 7, Episode 8 "Mr. Monk Gets Hypnotized" (B+)
Psych: Season 3, Episode 8 "Gus Walks into a Bank" (B+)

Great finishes to both these seasons. Seeing "Monk" get hypnotized is a lot of fun, though it actually took me a minute to realize that he was acting like a young kid since he just seemed far less stressed out. Great to see Harold Crenshaw again, and I'm especially impressed at how Monk is able to solve crimes even without the help of his maturity. I can't say that "Monk" actually progressed terribly far this season, but it's nice to see Monk actually trying to look for the pleasant things in life.

As far as "Psych" goes, Shawn is just such a terrific character. His inability to take any situation, no matter how grave, seriously is impossibly amazing. Gus' telling him he loves him was great. Both Alan Ruck (Cameron from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off") and Gary Cole (Lumbergh from "Office Space") were fun to see as guest stars, but I wish their talents had been more extensively utilized. I love Shawn's flirtation with Juliet, and I hope to see more of the two of them in the future.

Looking forward to seeing these shows return in January!

Season grade (Monk): B+
Season grade (Psych): B+
Season MVP (Monk): Tony Shalhoub
Season MVP (Psych): James Roday

What I'm Watching: Monk & Psych

Monk: Season 7, Episode 7 "Mr. Monk's 100th Case" (A-)
Psych: Season 3, Episode 7 "Talk Derby to Me" (B+)

What a delightful and surprising episode. It's much more refreshing than I ever might have expected to see a fitting tribute to the fantastic character that is Adrian Monk. Eric McCormack, initially obnoxious as the TV personality who profiles Monk, makes for an adequate if altogether obvious villain. It's amusing to see all of Monk's previous cases return in the form of prison interviews. I especially loved seeing the trio of Richardo Chavira, Andy Richter, and David Koechner being interviewed together in jail. In the end, Monk really is an unbeatable detective, and that's what makes him a terrific character. You have to love Natalie, Randy, and Leland listing out Monk's fears - that's why you love him.

On "Psych", I'm happy to see Juliet take the spotlight, since she all too often gets shafted in favor of other characters. Her derby undercover op isn't as drawn-out or complex as you might think, but it's all worth it to hear Shawn make up a whole story about her fan club or take Gus' test for him. What I loved most about this episode was Shawn's not-so-subtle flirtation with Juliet, cooking her a romantic dinner when she just came over to catch up on a case, and most significantly, the ending couples-only skate/dance. His attraction has been devastatingly clear since a scorned Rachel Leigh Cook guest-starred at the beginning of the season, and I'm hoping it will now come to a nice fruition. Shawn's always acted like he doesn't care about anything, but clearly that's not the case here.