In this rather excellent episode, we see Natalie stepping into the spotlight as a lottery hostess when the previous occupant of the job is murdered. But dividing her time between this job and being Monk's assistant is the hardest part.
What makes this episode great is the constant use of running gags throughout the plot:
1. During the initial investigation, Monk signs an autograph for a police officer, using Natalie's back as a writing desk. Later, Natalie signs an autograph for a fan, using Monk's back for the same thing.
2. People say things that are normally other peoples' lines.
Randy writes down a zinger: "It looks like her number came up." The same police officer whom Monk has just signed an autograph for then says the same thing (Randy gets very angry hearing this).
Monk says "You'll thank you later," which is how Natalie signs off as a lottery hostess.
3. Monk twice mocks Natalie's drawing of lottery numbers, first while in session with Dr. Bell, and later while investigating a lottery fanatic's death.
All in all, a great episode!
What makes this episode great is the constant use of running gags throughout the plot:
1. During the initial investigation, Monk signs an autograph for a police officer, using Natalie's back as a writing desk. Later, Natalie signs an autograph for a fan, using Monk's back for the same thing.
2. People say things that are normally other peoples' lines.
Randy writes down a zinger: "It looks like her number came up." The same police officer whom Monk has just signed an autograph for then says the same thing (Randy gets very angry hearing this).
Monk says "You'll thank you later," which is how Natalie signs off as a lottery hostess.
3. Monk twice mocks Natalie's drawing of lottery numbers, first while in session with Dr. Bell, and later while investigating a lottery fanatic's death.
All in all, a great episode!