User Reviews

The crime is the secondary story in this episode. The main story is Monk seeing his father for the first time in 39 years and how the two slowly re-establish ties Dan Hedaya, one of the better characters of our era, plays "Jack Monk," a long-haired sleazy-looking 68-year-old truck driver.

The murder case, which is shown primarily in the introduction, is one where a guy doesn't actually commit homicide but stands by and watches his nemesis accidentally kill himself and does nothing to prevent it, when he could have helped. In this case, he helps the accident finish off the guy by making sure the victim doesn't have a foothold when the man is choking as his tie is caught in the engine. The tie-in, pun intended, is that the elder Monk also drives truck for this company and his boss-murderer.

Monk, believe-it-or-not, reluctantly takes a long trip in his dad's big truck to Phoenix because Capt. Stottlemeyer convinces him this may be his only shot to ever connect with his dad. By the way, I've watched every episode up to this one and Monk would never go anywhere without all his necessities....but, that's the story here.

This one then blends humor, sentimentality, and suspense at the end as the two men's lives are in danger in the truck when it speeds down a mountain with no breaks!

In all, a very flawed because of so many things that are out of character here, but a very entertaining episode, and that's why we watch isn't it? I give it high marks, simply for the entertainment.

Hedaya was riveting and weird but then again, what male isn't strange in the Monk family? Speaking of that, I wish we'd see Adrian's brother "Ambrose" again. JohnTurturro was hilarious in that role.

'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.

While still a very enjoyable and touching episode, "Mr Monk Meets His Dad" was very nearly a special episode and had potential to be. The main focus of Monk getting to know his dad was wisely the main focus and it was done brilliantly. With that being said, this is not the first time in 'Monk' where we get to know members of Monk's family, there are the two previous episodes with Ambrose "The Three Pies" and "Goes Home Again". Now those were special episodes, not just because of how brilliantly the chemistry between Adrian and Ambrose was, but their quirks and problems and also the mystery in "The Three Pies" balanced with it just as believably.

The mystery here was a somewhat disappointing one here. Liked that it was atypical and it is intriguing, but it was not focused on enough and pretty much takes a near-complete back-seat to the main plot. Natalie, Disher and Stottlemeyer are fairly underused again. While not as much a fault, suspension of disbelief is needed here as there are parts that are silly and implausible.

However, as said, the main plot with Monk getting to know his father was done extremely well, almost as much as Monk with Ambrose. Tony Shalhoub and Dan Hedaya (in a wonderful performance) work beautifully together, and while there are humorous moments (like the incredibly funny moment with Monk's phone call to Natalie) and a suspenseful one when they are both in jeopardy it's the emotional moments that shine particularly. The standout scenes in the episode are the scene in the diner and Monk being taught to ride a bike, the latter bringing tears to my eyes and one of the most touching scenes on the whole of 'Monk'.

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.

Natalie is down to earth, sympathetic and sassy, also being sensitive to Monk's needs and quirks which Traylor Howard does well bringing out. Jason Gray-Stanford and Ted Levine are good as usual as Disher and Stottlemeyer.

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 wry humour, lovable quirkiness and tender easy-to-relate-to drama is delicately done, particularly the last one. The quirks are sympathetically done and never exploited or overdone.

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, very good and nearly special. If only the mystery was executed better. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I have no idea why Catherine Bach wasn't given very special guest billing in this episode. Catherine is a legend!! She has a brief but important role in this episode of Monk.

Here Dan Hedaya finally appears as Monk's Dad. Kind of like Jenny Piccalo from Happy Days, Monk's Dad was oft referred to, but finally now appears in the flesh.

The mystery plot in this snowless Christmas episode is weaker than usual, and the script as a whole is relatively slack; but Dan Hedaya is a welcome presence as Monk's truck driver father, whom Adrien is meeting for the first time since he was eight, and whom the audience is meeting for the first time ever. The engaging Christie Lyn Smith makes an impression in the small role of Val the secretary.

When Monk meets his father after a long time, it is sort of touching. HIs father is an over the road trucker who left the family alone after heading off to pick up some Chinese food. I thought that Monk's being was destroyed by this man, but it turns out, Monk was just like this as a child. There are some cool scenes in the truck as they sort things out. Hadaya is a great character, most memorably Nick from "Cheers." He paints a neat contrast with his wild hair and rough features to those of the straight laced Adrian. I was a little annoyed at the ending although I'm sure a lot of people found it cute.

An overall ok episode as it is once again Christmas and the content should be relevant. However, the choice of the actor playing Jack Monk is very unsuitable as -although an excellent actor- he was an only 13 years older than me. Shaloub who does not look younger than he actually is. In fact, he looks older therefore, the two actors would be more suitable as brothers rather than father and son.

This is a huge issue with the selection of actors all around. The actual age difference of the actors selected for various parts make the stories incredulous to say the least. This has developed into a hugely unfortunate issue in Hollywood.