'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.
"Mr Monk and the Blackout" is an improvement over the previous two episodes "Mr Monk Takes Manhattan" and "Mr Monk and the Panic Room", which even with their faults were still enjoyable. While "Mr Monk and the Blackout" is not perfect either, it is very good nonetheless. Admittedly there are better mysteries in 'Monk', not that the mystery is a bad one (far from it), it is atmospheric and engaging and has one of the most memorable, brutal and chilling murders (the one with the tree) of the entire show.
It is somewhat let down by having too few suspects, eventually it was one of those it could only have been them situations, and the murderer's motive was a bit on the vague side. Wouldn't have said no to giving Sharona and particularly Stottlemeyer a little more to do, though they certainly are not wasted and make an impression, Sharona in her care for Monk and her matter-of-life-and-death situation and Stottlemeyer in his frustration and loyalty and seeming happy that Monk seems to be showing signs of moving on.
Where "Mr Monk and the Blackout" fares better actually and is particularly good is in the character moments. Loved the failed romantic subplot between Monk and Michelle Rivas, the character herself is played with feistiness and charm and her rapport with Monk is interesting and surprisingly sympathetic in places. The whole blackout idea is unique for the show and used to full advantage here with some genuine creepiness. The aforementioned murder is very memorable, while other standout character moments are the touching bit with the cards and the hilarious and tense elevator scene.
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. It is remarkable here that right from the first episode to when the show ended that one likes him straight away, even with his quirks and deficiencies that could easily have been overplayed, and also that he is better developed than most titular characters of other shows at this particular stage. Who can't help love Monk's brilliant mind too?
He is very well supported by a sharp and no-nonsense but also sympathetic Bitty Schram, whose Sharona makes for a worthy and entertaining partner for Monk's sleuthing and somebody with a maternal side. There is always a debate at who's better between Sharona and Natalie, personally like both in their own way and consider them both attractive though as of now leaning towards Natalie as the better acted and more attentive of the two. The two are so enjoyable together and the best detective duo of any show in recent years from personal opinion.
Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford are amusing, and the supporting cast are good (including an unrecognisable Judge Reinhold).
It's not just the cast though. Another star is the writing, which is also essential to whether the show would be successful or not and succeed it does here. The mix of hilarious wry humour, lovable quirkiness and tender easy-to-relate-to drama is delicately done mostly deft. Monk's plight is very poignant and makes one really sympathise with him.
Visually, the episode is shot in a slick and stylish way, and 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.
All in all, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
"Mr Monk and the Blackout" is an improvement over the previous two episodes "Mr Monk Takes Manhattan" and "Mr Monk and the Panic Room", which even with their faults were still enjoyable. While "Mr Monk and the Blackout" is not perfect either, it is very good nonetheless. Admittedly there are better mysteries in 'Monk', not that the mystery is a bad one (far from it), it is atmospheric and engaging and has one of the most memorable, brutal and chilling murders (the one with the tree) of the entire show.
It is somewhat let down by having too few suspects, eventually it was one of those it could only have been them situations, and the murderer's motive was a bit on the vague side. Wouldn't have said no to giving Sharona and particularly Stottlemeyer a little more to do, though they certainly are not wasted and make an impression, Sharona in her care for Monk and her matter-of-life-and-death situation and Stottlemeyer in his frustration and loyalty and seeming happy that Monk seems to be showing signs of moving on.
Where "Mr Monk and the Blackout" fares better actually and is particularly good is in the character moments. Loved the failed romantic subplot between Monk and Michelle Rivas, the character herself is played with feistiness and charm and her rapport with Monk is interesting and surprisingly sympathetic in places. The whole blackout idea is unique for the show and used to full advantage here with some genuine creepiness. The aforementioned murder is very memorable, while other standout character moments are the touching bit with the cards and the hilarious and tense elevator scene.
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. It is remarkable here that right from the first episode to when the show ended that one likes him straight away, even with his quirks and deficiencies that could easily have been overplayed, and also that he is better developed than most titular characters of other shows at this particular stage. Who can't help love Monk's brilliant mind too?
He is very well supported by a sharp and no-nonsense but also sympathetic Bitty Schram, whose Sharona makes for a worthy and entertaining partner for Monk's sleuthing and somebody with a maternal side. There is always a debate at who's better between Sharona and Natalie, personally like both in their own way and consider them both attractive though as of now leaning towards Natalie as the better acted and more attentive of the two. The two are so enjoyable together and the best detective duo of any show in recent years from personal opinion.
Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford are amusing, and the supporting cast are good (including an unrecognisable Judge Reinhold).
It's not just the cast though. Another star is the writing, which is also essential to whether the show would be successful or not and succeed it does here. The mix of hilarious wry humour, lovable quirkiness and tender easy-to-relate-to drama is delicately done mostly deft. Monk's plight is very poignant and makes one really sympathise with him.
Visually, the episode is shot in a slick and stylish way, and 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.
All in all, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
