'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.
Up to this point of Season 7, the season was inconsistent, with a few good episodes especially "Mr Monk and the Genius" ("Mr Monk's 100th Case" and "Mr Monk Gets Lotto Fever" while with flaws were also enjoyable) and a couple of disappointing ones in "Mr Monk Falls in Love" and particularly "Mr Monk Takes a Punch". "Mr Monk Gets Hypnotised" is one of the better Season 7 episodes up to this point of the season.
While the mystery is fun and engaging, it is let down by again being too simple and being too obvious too early who the killer is, who, how and why could all be seen from a mile away (again taking away from the suspense). Disher has little to do and when he does appear he's too much of an idiot even for the "comic relief" role.
On the most part Monk is in character, even when made to act younger and more childish than he actually is. Thankfully he is never made to do anything embarrassing. There are a couple of parts where the personality he has here makes for writing that comes over as a bit too silly, especially when he outright accuses the wife without proof in an uncharacteristically immature way that may have fans squirming.
Character moments-wise, there are some delightful moments. Monk and Natalie have lovely chemistry together, having a sympathetic warmth and humorous edge. Likewise with Stottlemeyer, the character, Ted Levine's acting and his chemistry with Monk are some of my favourite things about 'Monk' and neither disappoint. The scene with the kids and the swing is both hilarious and poignant, and the bullfrog and Trudy-thinking elements have a good deal of pathos too.
The guest cast are very good. 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, both of which on full display here more so than anything else yet seen with Season 7.
Nothing bad can be said about the solid supporting turns of down-to-earth and sympathetic Traylor Howard, amusing and loyal Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford doing what he can with his material (which doesn't stretch particularly much).
Writing has the usual wry humour, sympathetically treated quirks and tender easy-to-relate-drama. The hypnosis concept was done very intriguingly and meshed with the rest of the episode well.
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.
In conclusion, pretty good and entertaining if not one of 'Monk's' high points. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Up to this point of Season 7, the season was inconsistent, with a few good episodes especially "Mr Monk and the Genius" ("Mr Monk's 100th Case" and "Mr Monk Gets Lotto Fever" while with flaws were also enjoyable) and a couple of disappointing ones in "Mr Monk Falls in Love" and particularly "Mr Monk Takes a Punch". "Mr Monk Gets Hypnotised" is one of the better Season 7 episodes up to this point of the season.
While the mystery is fun and engaging, it is let down by again being too simple and being too obvious too early who the killer is, who, how and why could all be seen from a mile away (again taking away from the suspense). Disher has little to do and when he does appear he's too much of an idiot even for the "comic relief" role.
On the most part Monk is in character, even when made to act younger and more childish than he actually is. Thankfully he is never made to do anything embarrassing. There are a couple of parts where the personality he has here makes for writing that comes over as a bit too silly, especially when he outright accuses the wife without proof in an uncharacteristically immature way that may have fans squirming.
Character moments-wise, there are some delightful moments. Monk and Natalie have lovely chemistry together, having a sympathetic warmth and humorous edge. Likewise with Stottlemeyer, the character, Ted Levine's acting and his chemistry with Monk are some of my favourite things about 'Monk' and neither disappoint. The scene with the kids and the swing is both hilarious and poignant, and the bullfrog and Trudy-thinking elements have a good deal of pathos too.
The guest cast are very good. 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, both of which on full display here more so than anything else yet seen with Season 7.
Nothing bad can be said about the solid supporting turns of down-to-earth and sympathetic Traylor Howard, amusing and loyal Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford doing what he can with his material (which doesn't stretch particularly much).
Writing has the usual wry humour, sympathetically treated quirks and tender easy-to-relate-drama. The hypnosis concept was done very intriguingly and meshed with the rest of the episode well.
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.
In conclusion, pretty good and entertaining if not one of 'Monk's' high points. 7/10 Bethany Cox