(S08E13) Just three more episodes till the end of Monk, so it sort of feels like they're wrapping up some loose ends. Tonight, the focus was on Leland Francis Stottlemeyer, Monk's best friend, the guy who has been solidly behind Adrian through all the difficult years since Trudy's death, helping Monk to cope and remain gainfully employed as a police consultant.
Leland's always been a good guy, but not so lucky in love. As the title suggested, if Mr. Monk is the best man, that means that Leland was the groom. More about the nuptials after the jump.
So Leland had found a Trudy of his own, TK, played by Virginia Masden. In typical Monk fashion, however, before Leland could even pop the question, Adrian had picked up all the clues that something was afoot. Who else but Monk would connect Leland's premature mustache trimming to a marriage proposal?
The mystery was very serpentine, even though it was obvious that there was something not quite right about Stephanie, TK's supposed best friend of 12 years. She was troublesome and cranky and -- as with a lot of Monks -- she was a likely suspect just because she's one of the guest stars, Teri Polo. The question was how did the seemingly random burnt-to-a-crisp corpse in the park figure into the threats on Leland and TK's marriage plans?
The framework around the crime was more interesting than the crime itself. Leland's singing "Cheek to Cheek" like a country western Fred Astaire was adorable, especially as he danced onto the site of the gruesome murder scene. Then there was Randy's version of "Leland Stottlemeyer" to the tune of "Light My Fire" -- only he didn't realize it was the same song until Natalie pointed it out to him.
It was sweet and completely real that Monk would be so overjoyed about Leland's marriage. He truly cares about Leland, even if he can't tell a joke about him without trashing his love life. Of course, the business with the ring was completely over the top, and his attempt to throw a bachelor party was bizarre. However, I did love that he had a portable toilet in the bathroom. That was funny.
So was Disher playing the wedding march on a steel drum for the church rehearsal. Jason Gray-Stanford also played a nice guitar at the wedding on the beach.
Like I said, as the show is winding down, we seem to be getting some happy endings. Sharona came back, and she and Randy have something going on. Natalie mentioned that her naval doctor is due back in port shortly, so there might be a love connection there. And tonight it was Natalie's heartfelt memories of Mitch that convinced TK to put aside her fears and go ahead with the wedding.
But that was not until Monk -- with an assist from Stottlemeyer -- explained how Stephanie was the guy. TK didn't bother to mourn the end of that best friendship, she was too busy getting married. The show wrapped with the lovely beach wedding, complete with a heart-shaped ring of flowers and a very happy ending. They even gave us the sun setting on the Pacific.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-14-2009 @ 2:41AM
bruce said...
Why have they wasted so much time with so many pointless, meaningless episodes that didn't advance the plot one bit over the past few seasons (the entirety of this season thus far and all of last season). The last episode that advanced the plot one bit was "Mr. Monk is on the Run" where we got a few more clues about Trudy's murder (something to do with the Lt. Governor, it seems). Last week monk was about to get his badge back, but didnt - and had a complete freak-out break with reality. But apparently that was just to amuse us, because there wasn't a word of it in tonight's episode. And based on the previews for next weeks episode, it appears Monk does get his badge given back to him - despite the 3 panel commission ruling against his reinstatement 2 to 1 last week! I'll bet there won't be a mention of that in next week's episode, and it will be Stottlemeyer who says "monk, I've decided you're ready, so here's your badge" which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
The worst part is it's really looking like we won't learn anything about Trudy's murder until the series finale, which will basically be "Mr. Monk and the Sudden Solving of Trudy's Murder" - could anything be more lame?
You know, I've gotten to the point where I can come out and say I've grown to really hate this show - or at least what it's become. I used to love it, and after enjoying so many seasons of it I have too much invested to stop watching now, in its final season (so spare me the "if you hate it don't watch" crap). But it's gotten so bad, so incredulous, a complete mockery of itself. Monk has become a Jar Jar Binks - not the smartest guy in the room like he used to be. Fortunately there are only 3 episodes left. I don't think I could take much more than that at this point.
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11-14-2009 @ 6:32AM
tom said...
I absolutely love this last season What is wrong with happy endings? Should it end as the Sopranos, with the viewers being denied so many satisfying plots, such as Tony using his huge gun against the rival mobsters, not avenging Dr. Melfi's rape, etc.? David Chase did not respect the characters or the viewers, leading to the lame ending that some thought could mean something profound. Instead, Chase said that he would not lower himself to satisfying the viewers and calling Carmela a whore.
I love this show, the acting, the cinematography, the clues, the growth of Monk and am anticipating a wonderful, emotional ending
11-14-2009 @ 11:39AM
mj said...
TK simply realized that loving Leland wouldn't be as simple as someone else. His job isn't pretty, and she would worry all the time. For her not to be concerned about her 'friend' simply meant that nothing was as important as Leland. Which was sweet. The only part of this last season was Sharona coming back. I never really liked her character. She treated Mr. Monk a little too roughly. Natalie has done more to advance his mental health than anyone, with kindness and respect. And I thought the part with Mr. Monk and the ring was fitting. He was so proud of his part in the wedding that he was determined to do it right. Bless him.
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11-14-2009 @ 1:43PM
bruce said...
tom, who said I had a problem with happy endings? As far as trudy's murder goes, I'd be incredibly disappointed if it were not solved by the end of the series. I have no problem with Stottlemeyer getting married, either.
My point is that nothing really changes from show to show. In other words, it would be like X-Files without the alien conspiracy, Fringe without anything to do with the pattern, massive dynamic, etc (kinda like the last 2 crappy episodes), etc. No continuing storyline.
Stottlemeyer getting married is somewhat of a change there, though they're waiting till the last 4 episodes of the series to actually do anything, and I doubt we'll hear a single word about his new bride next week.
You tell me - after the panel voted 2-1 against reinstatement of Monk's badge last week, give me a plausible, logical, rational scenario for how he gets his badge back next week - after 8 years of pining for it. Come on - I'm listening.
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11-15-2009 @ 1:51AM
Axel Harris said...
I'm sorry, Bruce, but I'd like a plausible, logical, rational scenario for how you can compare a show like Monk to shows like the X-Files and Fringe.
I know Trudy's death is the catlyst of the program and everything, but it's not an ongoing thing that can be stretched out unto infinity like aliens or something. I'm sure the writers knew from day one how the mystery of her death would play out, just as I'm sure they know the right number of episodes they need to wrap the mystery up. Considering the final two episodes deal with her death, I'm sure that nothing will be any more rushed.
Did you only watch this show only so you could get resolution for that one thread? I came in around season four, I'm sure the reveal will be satisfying, but I watch episodes for the characters more than I do the plot.
11-15-2009 @ 4:38AM
tom said...
I agree with you about the next episode, I do not see a logical reason for him getting his badge. I will be disappointed if it does not make sense.
Thanks for saying that you like happy endings, I am so bummed about this series ending. What I like best is the character flaws that Monk displays.
I also agree that the plots have not been very complicated or hard to figure out. I just hope to be happy about the ending.
You have great insight, thanks.
11-14-2009 @ 5:38PM
Deb said...
The panel was deciding to reimstate him as a uniform cop, I believe. (Monk loving looks at his uniform hanging in the closet.) The badge that Stottlemeyer gives him is a detective's gold badge. Maybe this is the way Stottlemeyer can get around the panel's approval.
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11-15-2009 @ 4:58AM
bruce said...
Axel: I'm not "comparing" the show to X-files or Fringe insofar as Monk has nothing to do with sci-fi, but they are all shows that have an underlying mystery that is addressed from time to time, with "bad guy of the week" episodes (most of which are great) taking up most of the shows' run.
"I'm sure the writers knew from day one how the mystery of her death would play out, just as I'm sure they know the right number of episodes they need to wrap the mystery up."
You're completely wrong on that, I recall a DVD commentary or interview somewhere where the creator said they had no idea how they'd resolve Trudy's death at the time the show was started. And the idea that they planned it for 8 seasons from the beginning is just laughable. They planned to do it as long as it was profitable and as long as everyone involved (well, those who could not be replaced, like Bitty Schramm - though I suppose that's debatable as some feel Traylor Howard never adequately replaced her) would agree to stay on Tony Shalhoub wants to do other stuff which is the only reason the show is going to end now, and it almost ended last year for the same reason.
Deb: The panel was deciding whether he was mentally competent to be allowed back on the police force, whether as a chief, as a detective, as a uniform cop, or as a meter maid. If he's incompetent to be on the force, then he's incompetent to be on the force. Stottlemeyer, as captain of the homicide division, can't possibly have authority to go around the decision of that council (which ruled only 2 weeks prior) and give monk a badge - gold, silver, or plastic.
I predict they'll start off the episode and just explain it away by saying "the council reconsidered its decision and decided you should, in fact, get your badge back." Lame. They should have just done it then. Plus, after Monk's mental breakdown in front of everyone on the council, there's absolutely no way they would reconsider their decision, and the one guy who actually voted for him must have felt like an idiot.
A true fan doesn't hesitate saying he expects more from a show he likes. I'm not going to say I like it just because it's called "Monk." That's lame, even though I realize that's how most people operate.
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11-16-2009 @ 12:34PM
Sapphire said...
Did any of you happen to consider that next weeks episode might involve Monk solving a case that affects the two panel members that voted against him resulting in them having a change of heart? The same way it did the panel member whose son he helped. He saw Monk in a different light and he could see the good he would bring to the police force. We all know how they can make previews look one way and then when we see the episode it could be totally different. For all we know Monk might be dreaming he got his badge back from Stottelmeyer.
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11-16-2009 @ 11:03PM
been there done that said...
I can't be the only one who's figured out that Natalie is going to marry the submarine doctor and quit working for Monk at the same time Monk gets his badge back..
I don't think he'll to be ready to be completely on his own.. but we'll never know...
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11-17-2009 @ 3:56PM
Frankie said...
Oh for pete's sake! Get off your soap boxes! It's television and, need I remind you, not real life. So what if Monk gets his badge without a "plausible" reason? So what if it's not as strong a show as it was to begin with? Every single fan has or will be disappointed with at least one thing during these past 8 seasons. There are only 3 episodes left so just enjoy them while you can and quite complaining!
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11-17-2009 @ 5:55PM
YARNLADY said...
What is the name of the actors who played Leland's sons?
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11-18-2009 @ 6:44PM
aarraa said...
Hi.. First of all.. I definitely think this season was a hott mess.
I thought Sharona coming back would be more heart-felt but it made Monk more insane b.c of the personality conflict of Sharona and Natalie.
and then Sharona and Randy getting together, I wanted to barf. I thought Natalie and Randy made more sense.
As far as that badge part is concerned. Yeah that was a little odd, when he was 2 against 1, and then it reversed. I think they made it clear it wouldn't necessarily mean the end of all ends, but still.. and w/ this season they should have had one clue if not in each episode, at-least every other so it would make sense that he figures out the murder of Trudy, I mean its been what 8-12 years since she's passed, Yeah Monk needs justice, but his OCD isn't gonna get cured over it as well as any big break through, there's no significant relationship he's in which he can actually progress in knowing Trudy's murder has been solved, hes about 50 years old.. suffering tremendously and that basically summed up his life.
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