Whenever you access one of the "Monk" episodes - or the master listing - on this site, all are rated among the highest among any of the many films or TV series contained.
This one is no exception - clever, amusing and entertaining, as usual. In addition to the primary characters, it also adds amusing glimpse of Dr. Kroger's family, and his dysfunctional "shoemaker's kid" relationship with his rebellious son, and has a major appearance by Monk's arch-OCD rival, Harold, as possessive of his relationship with the doctor as is the title character.
This is also a special episode because of its centering around the Stanley Kamel character. Mr. Kamel and Dr. Kroger, respectively, represent one of the most engaging performers and characters in the history of television, movies, or any other entertainment medium in history. Seeing any of his past performances also, obviously, is special because of his sudden death between last season and the upcoming one.
An interesting sidelight to this particular episode is gained from seeing the brief biography in this site for Rick Curry, who played the role of Dr. Sorenson, the psychiatrist whom Monk visited upon Dr. Kroger's referral. Missing the lower portion of an arm, in the story it is cited as a boating accident he'd experienced a couple of years earlier (of which Dr. Kroger was unaware). This disturbed Monk, who was compelled to use the word "symmetrical" as he provided answers about others during Dr. Sorenson's brief questioning. The doctor noticed his obvious concern about the arm, and explained it - all done, in harmony with this program's treatment of handicap, with appropriate humor, while completely devoid of any disrespect (in the manner this series treats OCD affliction). In real life, Mr. Curry (now a member of the Jesuit Order) was born with this handicap, and has done significant work organizing theater workshops for the handicapped.
Monk's trying surreptitiously to peruse his file while at Dr. Kroger's office, investigating the cleaning lady's murder, and his reaction to the doctor's announcement of his planned retirement, are outstanding parts of this story, and it is overall one of the best episodes of the best show today.
I don't need more than two hands to count the television programs I'd place in the same category as "Monk," For me, there are only two - "The Larry Sanders Show," and the original "Columbo" series which I would place alongside it.
This one is no exception - clever, amusing and entertaining, as usual. In addition to the primary characters, it also adds amusing glimpse of Dr. Kroger's family, and his dysfunctional "shoemaker's kid" relationship with his rebellious son, and has a major appearance by Monk's arch-OCD rival, Harold, as possessive of his relationship with the doctor as is the title character.
This is also a special episode because of its centering around the Stanley Kamel character. Mr. Kamel and Dr. Kroger, respectively, represent one of the most engaging performers and characters in the history of television, movies, or any other entertainment medium in history. Seeing any of his past performances also, obviously, is special because of his sudden death between last season and the upcoming one.
An interesting sidelight to this particular episode is gained from seeing the brief biography in this site for Rick Curry, who played the role of Dr. Sorenson, the psychiatrist whom Monk visited upon Dr. Kroger's referral. Missing the lower portion of an arm, in the story it is cited as a boating accident he'd experienced a couple of years earlier (of which Dr. Kroger was unaware). This disturbed Monk, who was compelled to use the word "symmetrical" as he provided answers about others during Dr. Sorenson's brief questioning. The doctor noticed his obvious concern about the arm, and explained it - all done, in harmony with this program's treatment of handicap, with appropriate humor, while completely devoid of any disrespect (in the manner this series treats OCD affliction). In real life, Mr. Curry (now a member of the Jesuit Order) was born with this handicap, and has done significant work organizing theater workshops for the handicapped.
Monk's trying surreptitiously to peruse his file while at Dr. Kroger's office, investigating the cleaning lady's murder, and his reaction to the doctor's announcement of his planned retirement, are outstanding parts of this story, and it is overall one of the best episodes of the best show today.
I don't need more than two hands to count the television programs I'd place in the same category as "Monk," For me, there are only two - "The Larry Sanders Show," and the original "Columbo" series which I would place alongside it.