Los Angeles: In 2002, USA Network was on a sci-fi track with the successful launch of its first original series, `The Dead Zone,` when `Monk` came along.
The dramedy starring Tony Shalhoub as an obsessive-compulsive detective ushered USA`s new identity as a destination for lighter takes on popular franchises centered on quirky characters and became the first building block in the network`s current slate of series that has propelled it to the top of the cable ratings.
Now the veteran is heading into its final season, which promises to solve the ongoing mystery of the murder of Monk`s (Shalhoub) wife and to bring back for closure Monk`s first assistant, the sassy Sharona, who disappeared abruptly during Season 3 over a salary dispute between the show`s producers and actress Bitty Schram.
Neither of the two topics are even mentioned in Friday`s season opener, which plays as a regular standalone episode. The season premieres of "Monk" traditionally feature some of the show`s most memorable guest stints, including Jason Alexander as a rival PI in Season 4, Stanley Tucci as an actor playing Monk in Season 5 and Sarah Silverman as Monk`s obsessed fan in Season 6.
This time around, Elizabeth Perkins delivers a convincing performance as Christine Rapp, the star of Monk`s favorite childhood TV show whose tell-all book draws death threats. Following an assassination attempt, Monk is assigned to protect her. As it often is with "Monk," the mystery is pretty thin: The outcome becomes transparent 20 minutes into the episode.
But luckily, "Monk" is not your average detective drama and very few tune in for the crime investigation. It`s all about three-time Emmy winner Shalhoub, who has the character of Monk nailed down. The episode does a good job showcasing the show`s biggest star. Shalhoub is in virtually every scene, while the always-reliable supporting players Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford get very little screen time.
But while Shalhiub has proven solid improvisational skills in the role, it sometimes feels too much, with stretched-out, self-indulgent gags. The final-season premiere is no exception with several such moments, including Monk`s awkwardly long assessing of the purpose of a ceiling mirror above Rapp`s bed and equally excessive hugging moment when, in a hallucination, he appears in a scene of his favorite show, a Brady Bunch-esque family sitcom.
So, in its final season, "Monk" stays close to the formula that made it successful, offering more of the same. Which is exactly how its lead character would like it.
Bureau Report
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.