Monk Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man (2002–2009) Online

Monk encounters a man from Nigeria whose wife was killed by a hit and run driver in front of Monk's apartment building. Monk befriends the distraught man, and soon enough they are on the trail of the killer. At the same time, Monk is asked to look into the murder of a maid across town. Before the episode ends, the two deaths will be tied together. This is a very sad episode, with a poignant performance by Shalhoub. Monk begins confusing the death of the Nigerian woman with the death of his own wife, Trudy. Natalie and Captain S. are put on the back burner for this one. I am sorry to report that the episodes this season have not been up to the Monk of old. At least so far. Some posters have suggested this may be intentional, but I doubt it. I suspect the show has simply run out of gas, like ER and SCRUBS before it.

'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.

In many ways, "Mr Monk and the Foreign Man" is a special episode, one of Season 8's best, and very nearly became one of my favourites of the show. It is brought down only by the treatment of Natalie and Disher, they not only take a backseat in screen time but both of their roles in the episode are barely memorable. Stottlemeyer's screen time also isn't large, but he is much easier to remember here because his relationship with Monk is still very interesting and reminded one fondly of what makes their chemistry so enjoyable when 'Monk' was in its prime, something that was missing in a lot of the latter season episodes. In a way too seeing Monk in peril is on the predictable and forced side, though there are far worse cases of both in 'Monk'.

The story is a good one, it isn't too simple, neither is it confusing, and it isn't obvious either. The two mysteries work very well individually, with as expected the hit and run one having more emotional resonance, and tied up neatly but not too patly with an ending that could have been silly but felt like a satisfying victory and heartfelt. Monk's deductions are closer to the methodical ones in alternative to the baseless conclusion-jumping too fast ones, a good thing being reminiscent of "prime" 'Monk'. A particular example being the phone connection.

What really elevates "Mr Monk and the Foreign Man" to a greater level is the relationship between Monk and Samuel. Their friendship has so much heart and truthful warmth, making for one of the most poignant episodes on 'Monk' that wisely goes the dramatic route than the comedic one. Mainly because of Monk's want to help Samuel and that it becomes almost like a personal case for him too. The chemistry between Tony Shalhoub and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (in one of 'Monk's' best guest turns, a very moving performance with a bit of intensity) brings tears to the eyes.

As said too, it was great to see more of the chemistry between Monk and Stottlemeyer and that it's more interesting than of late.

"Mr Monk and the Foreign Man" is not without funny moments though, the television references are hilarious as are how Monk reacts to the flute playing and the stench incense. The restaurant confrontation and the interrogation which leads Monk to find the word poison being on the side of the van are also enjoyable, as is an ending that really satisfies.

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.

The writing has a great mix of humour, pathos, thoughtfulness and quirkiness.

Visually, the episode is slick and stylish as ever. 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.

Overall, great episode and a beautiful, near-special one. 9/10 Bethany Cox