Monk (TV Series) Mr. Monk Is on the Run: Part 1 (2008) User Reviews

Homage rather than theft

[kpatrick-6 · 8/10 · 1 January 2009]

I found the plot of this episode to contain more homage than theft. I am most familiar with "The Fugitive," so I'll limit my references to the similarities between "Monk" and "Fugitive": Sheriff Rawlins is what Gerrard mistakenly calls the Sheriff on the scene of the train wreck in the movie and the sheriff in "Monk" is named Rawlins; the flight through the woods was similar in both works; the search perimeter set up in both works is the same; the similarities between the searches demanded by Rawlins and Gerrard are evident ("every dog house, hen house. . ." "every tricycle . . ."); the request for a helicopter sounds similar in both pieces; the exhortation to search hospitals sounds similar in both as well. I've only seen this episode once, so I can't add more, but view the shared material as something that the writers did for fun rather than out of laziness.

On the run with Monk

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 8 September 2017]

'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.

To me "Mr Monk is on the Run" (the first part, liked the second part less) is one of Season 6's, and 'Monk's' high points. It is very much a different episode, having more of a crime thriller feel which gives the episode a darker and more serious vibe to usual, appropriate and perfect for the story. Other episodes have much more comedy and quirks (although this episode does have one of the funniest 'Monk' moments where Monk asks for the bail amount to be rounded up, much to Stottlemeyer's dismay), which are side-lined here in favour of a more dramatic story and emotional elements. Considering the seriousness of the story and Monk's predicament this was a good move.

"Mr Monk is on the Run" (both parts, but particularly this one) is a perfect example of the viewer rooting for Monk every step of the way despite it not looking good for him. Love the care and concern that the other three lead characters share for him and their loyalty to him. The story is taut and compelling, and the writing does wonderfully with the dramatic and emotional elements, both ringing true. The ending is tense.

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 supports him very well.

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.

In summation, terrific first part to the two-part season finale. 10/10 Bethany Cox

More Serious Stuff

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 12 April 2020]

Monk finally encounters the guy who killed Trudy. Soon the guy is shot and killed and an overzealous sheriff arrests Monk. This leads to Monk becoming a fugitive when he escapes custody. This first half of the final offering is much heavier. It ends when Stottlemeyer is forced to act as the law officer he is. But we will see as we move into the final episode of Season 6.

The Fugitive part 1

[safenoe · 9/10 · 14 January 2021]

Here Monk is, as the title suggests, on the run. It has the fugitive feel to it, and we're all rooting for Monk to get justice and survive being on the run and managing with his OC.

Monk is a smart guy. I wish Monk was rebooted so that we can see him experience the world of social media and so on. Monk on TikTok would be sublime.

He's on the run, literally

[xredgarnetx · 6/10 · 17 February 2008]

Monk is set up for the murder of a lowlife who may have been involved with the death of Monk's wife. A cornpone sheriff (Scott Glen of all people!) actually does the shooting, using Monk's gun (don't ask how). Monk escapes custody and takes off for Natalie's house. At the end of this first of two parts, Monk and Capt. S. face off on a pier, both brandishing weapons. It is clear that this is a ruse to trick the cornpone sheriff, but will he be so easily hornswoggled? Only Part 2 will tell. And close out the 6th season in the process. The episode lacked a lot of the humor that makes Monk so refreshing, and the plot has been lifted from a dozen or more crime flicks. I sensed the writers stretching.

i'm no famous detective but

[sandcrab277 · 1/10 · 23 September 2020]

It was patently obvious from the onset that the sheriff, played by scott glen was the guy ... it was way too obvious ... way too obvious ... i'll say again ... way too obvious ... its too bad it takes mr moron 2 episodes to figure what we all knew in the first 5 minutes ... give the writers a break, maybe a leg or an arm to start.