This episode shows the magic of TV. Such a sweet story about Monk and the kid who melts his heart and helps him in becoming more human. The little boy is precious. It's a classic! A different feel from the usual Monk episode with less police interaction and more personal elements. It's a gem. Also a little Trivia: Tony Shalhoub's wife plays the mother of the kidnapped violin player. The last scene will absolutely tear your heart out. This episode could be used as a sort of litmus test to sort out humans from hard-hearted people incapable of love or empathy. I almost fell off the couch during the 911 call scene. It's one I could watch over and over. Enjoy!
16 Reviews
The best of all the many excellent episodes
mts4327 April 2021
Despite the interesting plot involving the kidnapping of a violin prodigy, what every viewer will remember most is the sensitively portrayed relationship of the dysfunctional Monk and a 2 year old boy. The most memorable part of the episode is near the end when Monk reads a story to the little boy, some of the most original writing in any television series ever.
A Touch of the Heart
Hitchcoc22 March 2020
This is such a tender little story. If it had been done badly, it could have been so syrupy. But when Monk tries to explain the law to a two year old, it is hilarious. But what makes it outstanding is Monk giving up some of his phobias in the name of love. There is a hilarious call to a 911 dispatcher when the little boy poops. It's hard to imagine a dry eye during the last five minutes. Excellent.
This is why Monk is Monk
safenoe18 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I could not stop crying at the end. The way the kid (who found a finger) came into Monk's life was unexpected and really opened up Monk and his humane side. Monk's 911 call was hilarious "It's a number 3!!!!!!!!"
This episode deserved an Emmy big time. This is why Monk is Monk and not Psych. Natalie has now settled into her role (but I still miss Sharona) and is much more confident and supportive of Monk.
This episode deserved an Emmy big time. This is why Monk is Monk and not Psych. Natalie has now settled into her role (but I still miss Sharona) and is much more confident and supportive of Monk.
This one kills me (in a good way)
rham-975-64491716 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Regardless some inconsistencies with Monk's OCD behavior (and the fact that no foster agency would ever let him care for a child (however briefly)), the moment Monk realizes himself that it's not in the tot's best interest to be with him will crush even the most hardened heart. Watching Monk bond with the little boy may be some of the most endearing moments in TV history. This is easily a top-5 episode.
The case of the little boy and the human finger
TheLittleSongbird3 August 2017
'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.
Not many television episodes make me laugh and cry in the same episode, at least not in recent memory and in general actually there are fairly few. There are episodes and films that make me laugh, others that make me cry, but at the same time and in the same episode/film? Not always. "Mr Monk and the Kid" did exactly that and is one of the strongest ever examples of that being the case with me. It is not just an exceptional episode and one of the best episodes of Season 3 and 'Monk' in general, but it is also a special one.
What makes "Mr Monk and the Kid" so special? It's the rapport between Monk and Tommy. It was so sweetly charming and incredibly touching, Tony Shalhoub shows one of the best examples of an actor working with child actors (which is not an easy feat and hasn't always been achieved), there is a real natural-ness in their scenes, and the twins who play Tommy Preston and Trevor Shores are wholly believable being adorable and affecting.
Natalie, Stottlemeyer and particularly Disher don't have as much to do, but it wasn't a problem to me. They work well within the episode and are well acted. Ted Levine's Stottlemeyer has always been one of the best things about 'Monk', that hasn't changed. Disher is a bit bland but isn't in the episode enough to make it a flaw and it is not distracting. Natalie is settling in well in her best episode yet at this point, her chemistry with Monk is sparkling even more, her personality is starting to become more differentiated and more interesting, she's useful and the two characters function very well together. She has a down-to-earth-ness, sensitivity and sass that makes one warm to her as well as being more sympathetic to Monk's issues. Traylor Howard is doing just fine.
As said many times, 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's not just the cast or story 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. The quirks are sympathetically done and never exploited or overdone.
Regarding the character moments, they are particularly strong here. Loved the similarities Tommy has to Monk. The 911 operator scene had me falling me off the chair and nearly rolling about on the floor laughing, a hilarious scene and one of the funniest on 'Monk' easily. As for the touching moments, the standout is definitely the heart-breaking ending that had me bawling, it was clear what the outcome was going to be but it was so tenderly acted and written that that was overlooked entirely.
With the mystery, it's not as memorable as the character moments and the "who"-dunnit element is fairly obvious and easy to narrow down. The "how" and particularly "why" were a complete surprise though. The story-book summation was very clever, a very memorable denouement certainly, and it looks good on screen. Also liked that the crime itself was not entirely known straight away, with the severed finger having one than one thing.
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. Oh and a good job is done with the different opening credits sequence to accommodate the changes made.
Overall, simply brilliant and a show highlight. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Not many television episodes make me laugh and cry in the same episode, at least not in recent memory and in general actually there are fairly few. There are episodes and films that make me laugh, others that make me cry, but at the same time and in the same episode/film? Not always. "Mr Monk and the Kid" did exactly that and is one of the strongest ever examples of that being the case with me. It is not just an exceptional episode and one of the best episodes of Season 3 and 'Monk' in general, but it is also a special one.
What makes "Mr Monk and the Kid" so special? It's the rapport between Monk and Tommy. It was so sweetly charming and incredibly touching, Tony Shalhoub shows one of the best examples of an actor working with child actors (which is not an easy feat and hasn't always been achieved), there is a real natural-ness in their scenes, and the twins who play Tommy Preston and Trevor Shores are wholly believable being adorable and affecting.
Natalie, Stottlemeyer and particularly Disher don't have as much to do, but it wasn't a problem to me. They work well within the episode and are well acted. Ted Levine's Stottlemeyer has always been one of the best things about 'Monk', that hasn't changed. Disher is a bit bland but isn't in the episode enough to make it a flaw and it is not distracting. Natalie is settling in well in her best episode yet at this point, her chemistry with Monk is sparkling even more, her personality is starting to become more differentiated and more interesting, she's useful and the two characters function very well together. She has a down-to-earth-ness, sensitivity and sass that makes one warm to her as well as being more sympathetic to Monk's issues. Traylor Howard is doing just fine.
As said many times, 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's not just the cast or story 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. The quirks are sympathetically done and never exploited or overdone.
Regarding the character moments, they are particularly strong here. Loved the similarities Tommy has to Monk. The 911 operator scene had me falling me off the chair and nearly rolling about on the floor laughing, a hilarious scene and one of the funniest on 'Monk' easily. As for the touching moments, the standout is definitely the heart-breaking ending that had me bawling, it was clear what the outcome was going to be but it was so tenderly acted and written that that was overlooked entirely.
With the mystery, it's not as memorable as the character moments and the "who"-dunnit element is fairly obvious and easy to narrow down. The "how" and particularly "why" were a complete surprise though. The story-book summation was very clever, a very memorable denouement certainly, and it looks good on screen. Also liked that the crime itself was not entirely known straight away, with the severed finger having one than one thing.
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. Oh and a good job is done with the different opening credits sequence to accommodate the changes made.
Overall, simply brilliant and a show highlight. 10/10 Bethany Cox
The joys of fatherhood!
jotix1008 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
As Monk is with Natalie in a park, a little toddler goes missing. Monk offers his services to try to locate the boy, and he is lucky when he spots the boy walking toward him. The only thing is little Tommy Grazer hands him a human finger, which totally freaks Adrian Monk! When the police shows up, Monk is able to detect things that no one saw in the severed digit. Monk makes a guess the finger belongs to a musician, a violinist, to be more specific.
At the same time, little Tommy is being taken by the agency that placed the boy in their care. Adrian Monk who has come by to see the child he bonded is surprised by the development. The lady in charge offers to let Monk keep Tommy, something Adrian has no clue about what to do. Natalie tries to reason with him, to no avail.
Meanwhile, Monk has already made a list of possible musicians who might have suffered the loss of a finger. That brings him to the Carlyles. He has figured Jacob Carlyle, a violinist might be the one, but when he gets there, the mother calls her son, and he appears to be all right. Monk gets more interested when he follows the Carlyles and figures there is a kidnapping going on, but the family has not reported it to the police.
Tommy, indirectly, solves the case for his new dad when he gives a lipstick he took from Julie's purse while she was babysitting him. He volunteers to serve as the person that will bring the ransom money to the criminals holding Jacob. Little prepares him for having to go into the locker room of a gym and get naked in front of guys, and even put his bare feet on a floor!
Another winning episode of a series that is always entertaining because of the work of the creative minds behind it. Andrei Belgrader directed the screenplay written by Tom Scharpling, a frequent collaborator of the program. Tony Shalhoub is wonderful in the way he bonds with the tiny brothers Preston and Trevol Shores, who appear as Tommy Grazer. Brooke Adams, who is Mrs. Tony Shalhoub in real life, is an actress that should be seen more often. Traylor Howard and Emily Clarke are seen as Natalie and Julie Teeger.
At the same time, little Tommy is being taken by the agency that placed the boy in their care. Adrian Monk who has come by to see the child he bonded is surprised by the development. The lady in charge offers to let Monk keep Tommy, something Adrian has no clue about what to do. Natalie tries to reason with him, to no avail.
Meanwhile, Monk has already made a list of possible musicians who might have suffered the loss of a finger. That brings him to the Carlyles. He has figured Jacob Carlyle, a violinist might be the one, but when he gets there, the mother calls her son, and he appears to be all right. Monk gets more interested when he follows the Carlyles and figures there is a kidnapping going on, but the family has not reported it to the police.
Tommy, indirectly, solves the case for his new dad when he gives a lipstick he took from Julie's purse while she was babysitting him. He volunteers to serve as the person that will bring the ransom money to the criminals holding Jacob. Little prepares him for having to go into the locker room of a gym and get naked in front of guys, and even put his bare feet on a floor!
Another winning episode of a series that is always entertaining because of the work of the creative minds behind it. Andrei Belgrader directed the screenplay written by Tom Scharpling, a frequent collaborator of the program. Tony Shalhoub is wonderful in the way he bonds with the tiny brothers Preston and Trevol Shores, who appear as Tommy Grazer. Brooke Adams, who is Mrs. Tony Shalhoub in real life, is an actress that should be seen more often. Traylor Howard and Emily Clarke are seen as Natalie and Julie Teeger.
Right in the Feels
jeremymahoney10 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"But he also realized how the little prince could never live happily ever after if he stayed at Mr. Monk's house, because Mr. Monk can barely take care of himself... and so they're going to have to say goodbye."
As someone who at one point in my life could barely manage to take care of himself, this line killed me.
What every character in this episode seemed to miss was that love for and from a child changed everything. Monk dealt with an out of control B.M and a bonus number 3 with only a little help from emergency responders! What Monk needed is love and a purpose more important than whatever hang ups he usually clings to. Trudy provided that for him it at one point, why couldn't Tommy? It was sad to see Monk buy into the doubt.. well sad for Monk, good for us. A functional and happy Monk wouldn't make for very good TV.
As someone who at one point in my life could barely manage to take care of himself, this line killed me.
What every character in this episode seemed to miss was that love for and from a child changed everything. Monk dealt with an out of control B.M and a bonus number 3 with only a little help from emergency responders! What Monk needed is love and a purpose more important than whatever hang ups he usually clings to. Trudy provided that for him it at one point, why couldn't Tommy? It was sad to see Monk buy into the doubt.. well sad for Monk, good for us. A functional and happy Monk wouldn't make for very good TV.
Pass the tissues
kelly-31219 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is one of the best. The little boy is so sweet. My sister has seen this episode before, but it's the first time for me. Who'd of thought the Monk could let himself go?! This eppy had me in tears. I'm just glad my hubby wasn't in the room!!
I think the interaction between Tony Shalhoub and the little boy was really sweet. You have to see the way Monk is when he's reading to the boy. It melts your heart!
I thought it was quite funny when the boy would get upset over his trouser leg not being level!
I have to tape this eppy for my daughter as she too loves 'the Monk'.
I did miss Stottlemeyer in this one. The way Monk winds him up with all his habits, they just crack me up.
I'm quite pee'd off that this eppy is the last in this series. I hope the BBC bring it back really soon.
I think the interaction between Tony Shalhoub and the little boy was really sweet. You have to see the way Monk is when he's reading to the boy. It melts your heart!
I thought it was quite funny when the boy would get upset over his trouser leg not being level!
I have to tape this eppy for my daughter as she too loves 'the Monk'.
I did miss Stottlemeyer in this one. The way Monk winds him up with all his habits, they just crack me up.
I'm quite pee'd off that this eppy is the last in this series. I hope the BBC bring it back really soon.
As always Tony Shalhoub is amazing
dvdhound7915 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the episode that makes me cry like a baby. With beautiful performances from everyone involved, the bonding scenes between Monk and Tommy look effortless and sweet, particularly the final scene. Between this episode and when we are introduced to John Turturro's Emmy winning episode Ambrose Monk, the heart of the show was amplified. The "here's what happened" scene when he realizes he's not what's best for Tommy is heart breaking and as I said before, the final scene is both beautiful and tragic, with Taylor Howard also teary eyed. Love love love this episode and the series as a whole.
How to Make a 6'3" monster Cry (A Secret)
arthurmansolf25 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great episode one that makes Monk look a little less self involved and caring. The other episode which shows this side of Monk is Mr. Monk and the Dog which also made me happy I was watching it alone. The Kid seemed so intuitive and genuine that I am glad I never heard anything about him being hard to handle. The storyline is intriguing a foster child finds a finger, Monk notices parts that lead him to search for a kidnapped musician, violinist, and becomes like one with the Kid. One of the kidnappers is none other than comic actor Nicole Sullivan, one of my favorites who plays a darker and uncaring character than in the past. She is the foster mother of the Kid, which doesn't seem right but I've read the statistics, with other children in her and a partners care. I've babysat and cared for children during my long life and I wonder how they found the time to plan and execute a kidnapping. It wraps up happily for the violinist's mother and brother, heartbreakingly for the Monk when the Kid drives off with his new adopted parents.
The Epitome Of Bittersweet
mannap7 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This episode made me laugh and cry.
Monk's usual fears of touching other people, nature, dirt, and disorder fall away when around Tommy.
Monk even changes a poopy diaper, he calls 911 for assistance.
Monk realizes who "the guy" is when Tommy pulls lipstick out of Natalie's purse.
He tells Tommy what happened as a bedtime story.
During the story he also realizes that Tommy will be better off with another family because he, Monk, can barely care for himself.
The show ends with Monk and Natalie at the Children's Services waiting for the new foster parents.
Monk spends a few moments with Tommy as Natalie holds back tears watching the two play.
Monk hands the boy to the new family and tells them let Tommy "get dirty kids should get dirty".
Tommy hugs and gives Monk repeated kisses before leaving.
Monk waves a tearful goodbye as Tommy and his new family drive away.
Fun to watch but makes no sense
cjjohnson-8982222 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It was nice to watch him, smile, and interact with people that he was not used to interacting with, but there were a couple things that did not sit right first just because the kid has bonded with an adult doesn't mean you send the kid with this adult. There are rules and regulations, it felt like the kidnapping and the kid had nothing to do with one another which made the plots feel almost too fast-paced. Also, Monk did mess up royally a couple times, and the issues were fixed by Stottlemeyer and Natalie, which doesn't sit right. I think this episode would've done better if the kidnapping was in a different show and the kid was like related to Monk somehow. That would make way more sense and we could either see or hear about the kid again. Using the kid as a plot device felt gross.
Heartfelt but unrealistic
momdcb27 September 2021
As endearing as this episode is, it doesn't follow the logic of Monk's OCD. He touches things he could never touch before & never uses a wipe. He rolls around on the grass, while in other episodes he couldn't even sit on a bench because he had seen a bird on it. I love seeing the joy & happiness shared between Tommy & Monk, but he could not simply give up his very specific routines with no notice or preparation.
Another Side of Monk
jgalera1328 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Watching Monk a second time and saw this one again. It tugged at my heart strings. It showed a gentle and loving side of Monk. While we see how he deals with his own battles, Tommy, the little boy enters his life for a short period of time. Monk stops thinking about what bothers him and focuses on Tommy instead. This made me think if he did adopt him would it make a difference? But Monk knew he couldn't even take care of himself let alone a little boy if he adopted him.
In the end, it made me think Monk would've been a great father with Trudy alongside him. Without her, Monk wouldn't be able to be a single father. I recalled a flashback that Trudy was discussing with him about kids. Not sure if he agreed but it made me think how Monk has slight changes when it comes to someone who he cares about. Most of all, Tony Shaloub did an excellent job showing his acting abilities from being serious to hilarious to loving in one episode. This is one of the main reasons I started watching Monk again,
In the end, it made me think Monk would've been a great father with Trudy alongside him. Without her, Monk wouldn't be able to be a single father. I recalled a flashback that Trudy was discussing with him about kids. Not sure if he agreed but it made me think how Monk has slight changes when it comes to someone who he cares about. Most of all, Tony Shaloub did an excellent job showing his acting abilities from being serious to hilarious to loving in one episode. This is one of the main reasons I started watching Monk again,
Beautiful storyline, love conquers
wjz1081624 April 2024
This was a beautiful storyline, that shows Monk as a father figure to a 2 year old boy, named Tommy. For once, the show didn't focus on Monk's OCD, in fact I don't think he asked for a wipe once, and it showed that love could help him, not overcome, but certainly help with his OCD and other phobias. It is also probably why Trudy was such a big help to him, and he became helpless when she died.
I enjoyed this episode because it showed us a side to Monk that hasn't been shown before and it was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. One of my favourite episodes of the series and certainly memorable.
I enjoyed this episode because it showed us a side to Monk that hasn't been shown before and it was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. One of my favourite episodes of the series and certainly memorable.
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