'Monk' has always been one of my most watched shows when needing comfort, to relax after a hard day, a good laugh or a way to spend a lazy weekend.
While not quite as good as the previous episode "Mr Monk is Up All Night", "Mr Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus" is still great nonetheless. Again, it's a different episode, at this point there were few 'Monk' episodes where Monk tries and struggles to clear his name. One really feels for him and roots for him to have a successful outcome. There have been some obvious mysteries on 'Monk' lately, like the previous episode if not as much this one is one where things are not what it seems and it is a brain-teaser. My only complaint here is the character of the reporter who is rather annoying.
There are some nice character moments, with the main premise being done very well as are how people react to what Monk has or appears to have done. Particularly heart-warming moments were Julie trying to make Monk look good and Natalie trying to make him enjoy Christmas, both showing a lovely sympathetic side. "Mr Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus" while doing something different felt closer to the original 'Monk', where the mysteries and character moments were both equally strong rather than adopting what some recent episodes did in being successful in the character moments and the mystery taking a back-seat and being too obvious. The characters are true to how they were originally.
One of the best things about 'Monk' has always been the acting of Tony Shalhoub in the title role. It was essential for him to work and be the glue of the show, and Shalhoub not only is that but also at his very best he IS the show. Have always loved the balance of the humour, which is often hilarious, and pathos, which is sincere and touching. Everybody else support him very well.
Writing is tight and thought-provoking with some knowing humour and poignancy. Monk's situation is done in a sympathetic albeit suspenseful way, and doesn't feel overdone or trivialised.
The music is both understated and quirky. While there is a preference for the theme music for Season 1, Randy Newman's "It's a Jungle Out There" has grown on me overtime, found it annoying at first but appreciate its meaning and what it's trying to say much more now. The episode as always look slick and stylish.
Altogether, a great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox
While not quite as good as the previous episode "Mr Monk is Up All Night", "Mr Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus" is still great nonetheless. Again, it's a different episode, at this point there were few 'Monk' episodes where Monk tries and struggles to clear his name. One really feels for him and roots for him to have a successful outcome. There have been some obvious mysteries on 'Monk' lately, like the previous episode if not as much this one is one where things are not what it seems and it is a brain-teaser. My only complaint here is the character of the reporter who is rather annoying.
There are some nice character moments, with the main premise being done very well as are how people react to what Monk has or appears to have done. Particularly heart-warming moments were Julie trying to make Monk look good and Natalie trying to make him enjoy Christmas, both showing a lovely sympathetic side. "Mr Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus" while doing something different felt closer to the original 'Monk', where the mysteries and character moments were both equally strong rather than adopting what some recent episodes did in being successful in the character moments and the mystery taking a back-seat and being too obvious. The characters are true to how they were originally.
One of the best things about 'Monk' has always been the acting of Tony Shalhoub in the title role. It was essential for him to work and be the glue of the show, and Shalhoub not only is that but also at his very best he IS the show. Have always loved the balance of the humour, which is often hilarious, and pathos, which is sincere and touching. Everybody else support him very well.
Writing is tight and thought-provoking with some knowing humour and poignancy. Monk's situation is done in a sympathetic albeit suspenseful way, and doesn't feel overdone or trivialised.
The music is both understated and quirky. While there is a preference for the theme music for Season 1, Randy Newman's "It's a Jungle Out There" has grown on me overtime, found it annoying at first but appreciate its meaning and what it's trying to say much more now. The episode as always look slick and stylish.
Altogether, a great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox
