I love this episode! I'm sure the writers got the idea from Hitchcock's Spellbound (and Mel Brooks's wonderful Hitchcock homage/parody, High Anxiety), but I don't mind that a bit. It isn't stealing if it's a tribute. Tony Shalhoub aces it as always, and the writing emphasizes Monk's sweetness and strength--more so than some other episodes do. Despite his fears, he comes through in the clutch, and he actually shows appreciation for Sharona! Kevin Nealon is a welcome guest star as another ex-cop with problems, and Ken Cheeseman and Dennis Boutsikaris are excellent in support. I came to the series with the later episodes, so I've seen more of Natalie than Sharona--I like Natalie a lot, but Sharona's grown on me. So I won't choose between the two of them. Bitty Schram's performance as Sharona is particularly good here. It would be nice to have seen Leland and Randy, but we have plenty of other episodes with them! Hitting "yes" on spoilers just in case.
Review of Mr. Monk Goes to the Asylum
