I am a little baffled as to why this episode, has received so many poor reviews. It is quite a humerous episode - well I laughed.
9 Reviews
Why the harsh reviews?
Aroura645 September 2019
An okay episode
dmcreif1 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Not the best of the series. I mean, I have to agree with the last poster that Agent Thorpe is kind of harsh, but the point is this episode proves that Monk is smarter than the smartest supercomputer (I sometimes even wonder if he's smarter than Deep Thought. That is, he can tell us what the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything is, and not give us the vague answer of "42"). I could agree that Thorpe could have been made the killer. Sometimes, in my ideas, I often imagine a different concept that makes the Six Way Killer an actual serial killer, not just a diversion from an earlier murder, and which has Monk and Co. tracking out clues by themselves and sabotaging the FBI's side of things.
I do have to point out some other big issues with the episode: the first is Monk's ignorance to technology. He doesn't know how to use a computer. Given that he served on the SFPD for several years, Monk probably would have had to use a computer to submit arrest reports. Also, Monk has seen Natalie and Sharona use cell phones but when he tries to use one he can't do anything with it? Monk is a master of observation, and yet he can't recall one tiny thing about the operation of a cell phone? That's something I have a hard time believing.
The second thing is that in the tech van, Agent Thorpe and Agent Keao treat Monk as if he was a complete moron. They act like everyone would know that what Monk was writing on was a plasma screen TV. Well if it was off it looked like a clear blackboard, so Thorpe and Keao either have no respect for Monk or they are just plain stupid. Then they scream at Monk for using hydrochloric acid on the screen. Why in the world was it just sitting out in the open like that and why wasn't it clearly marked?
Also, all through this episode, Agent Thorpe constantly bellows at Monk, talks down to him, and in general treats him like a dog who just went poo on a white carpet. If I were in Monk's position, I would probably accuse Agent Thorpe of discrimination based on preexisting psychological disabilities. He would have as a result probably been fired and would have also been fined.
I do have to point out some other big issues with the episode: the first is Monk's ignorance to technology. He doesn't know how to use a computer. Given that he served on the SFPD for several years, Monk probably would have had to use a computer to submit arrest reports. Also, Monk has seen Natalie and Sharona use cell phones but when he tries to use one he can't do anything with it? Monk is a master of observation, and yet he can't recall one tiny thing about the operation of a cell phone? That's something I have a hard time believing.
The second thing is that in the tech van, Agent Thorpe and Agent Keao treat Monk as if he was a complete moron. They act like everyone would know that what Monk was writing on was a plasma screen TV. Well if it was off it looked like a clear blackboard, so Thorpe and Keao either have no respect for Monk or they are just plain stupid. Then they scream at Monk for using hydrochloric acid on the screen. Why in the world was it just sitting out in the open like that and why wasn't it clearly marked?
Also, all through this episode, Agent Thorpe constantly bellows at Monk, talks down to him, and in general treats him like a dog who just went poo on a white carpet. If I were in Monk's position, I would probably accuse Agent Thorpe of discrimination based on preexisting psychological disabilities. He would have as a result probably been fired and would have also been fined.
Mr Monk gets email!
safenoe28 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There are varying perspectives of this episode, but one important landmark is Monk getting email, just around the time Twitter was invented! It would be fascinating to see Monk engaging in social media (with his password "Trudy") through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and of course MySpace. Still, this episode was intriguing and the audience was kept guessing until the end.
Ridiculous, Ridiculous, Ridiculous
kerna_shopen1 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Just watched 15 minutes of this episode. It's really really bad. The FBI show up on the scene and the are wearing sunglasses in the middle of the night... Why?
The FBI introduce themselves and are acting really obnoxious from the first second. Why?
One of the federal agents has a device as small as a cellular phone, which e uses to pretty much everything. Even changing red traffic lights to green. Ridiculous.
Monk gets treated like a total moron, which he is not. The captain and Randy are treated along the same lines.
Even Natalie gets a few harsh words thrown at her.
It's just not plausible or even remotely realistic.
Skip this episode. It's spoils the show! Skip this episode as it spoils the show.
The FBI introduce themselves and are acting really obnoxious from the first second. Why?
One of the federal agents has a device as small as a cellular phone, which e uses to pretty much everything. Even changing red traffic lights to green. Ridiculous.
Monk gets treated like a total moron, which he is not. The captain and Randy are treated along the same lines.
Even Natalie gets a few harsh words thrown at her.
It's just not plausible or even remotely realistic.
Skip this episode. It's spoils the show! Skip this episode as it spoils the show.
Episode has more holes in it than Swiss cheese
MeAlexS9 June 2018
This may be the worst episode of Monk I've seen so far. It was ruined for me from that phone moment. We've seen Monk previously using a phone (the episode with the murdered judge and some others too), he also has seen plenty of times others using mobile phones. Monk is not stupid obviously and suddenly he has forgotten everything and can't even open the phone to answer it?!! The scene in the morgue where Captain totally ignores Monk's remarks about woman's body. Over caricature depiction of FBI agents. And absolutely not logic behavior of the agent towards Monk: he obviously has a lot of information about him but he acts as if he doesn't know about any of his quirks and problems. And it's just a third of the episode those holes are multiple and appear again and again throughout the episode. Really bad writing. I'm afraid that it can ruin the series for some viewers.
Seemed Endless
Hitchcoc7 April 2020
Sometimes I think the comments are way too harsh. But for this episode, I have to pretty much agree. First of all, why is the FBi involved deeply in this case, using vast resources and time to catch someone who only claims to be a serial killer. They represent a level of buffoonery, with their high tech gadgets and their tunnel vision. Or regulars are pushed aside and ignored. Monk is seen as a child. I did enjoy the scene at the slumber party, but that was about it. I also agree that Monk has been somewhat tech savvy through other episodes and probably was on the same level as others in 2007. My biggest criticism was the slow, plodding unfolding of the plot.
Worst show of the series !
fugazi-grrl6 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Forget all the fandom whining about Monk's assistants.... *this episode* is the worst thing that ever happened to the series. In my opinion, poor writing ruined a great show. I haven't been able to really enjoy Monk since I sat through this nerve-wracking mess ! The plot, quickly: A man is murdered in six different ways (very similar to the murder of Peter Campbell in the first season of soap, where Campbell, played by Bob Urich was "stabbed, shot, strangled, suffocated, and bludgeoned" to death). Monk, Natalie, and company are on the case, but they are stonewalled, sidelined, and bullied at every turn by a gang of tech-savvy "superfeds" who wear cheesy all-black outfits and drive around in a cartoonish version of the A-Team van suped up with impossible gadgetry. Monk finally solves the case, but there is one strong point in the story that is left decidedly unresolved, and in my opinion it ruins the episode.
All through this episode Monk is constantly bellowed at, talked down to, and in general treated like a dog who just went poo on a white carpet by the lead FBI agent. And even though Monk wins out in the end by solving the case where the Feds could not, there is no closure for a true Monk fan here.
Adrian Monk is supposed to have OCD- but he has never been written as a wimp, or a coward when it comes to his work as a cop and a homicide detective. He might have been picked on on the junior high playground, but when faced with a murder to solve Monk is always dogged and determined. He may have to re-tie his shoes 5 times, but he can stare down a killer and boldly proclaim "I know you did it, and I know how you did it." - even if the killer is a good friend of the Mayor (as per the episode, "Mr. Monk and the Psychic".) And yet when he is barked at by the vitriolic Agent Thorpe he just droops his head, and walks away ! This is not the same Adrian Monk who stood in front of an Air Force jet on the runway to stop a murderous Astronaut from escaping justice.
The writers could have saved this episode- they could have made Thrope the killer (which would explain his wild-eyed ranting and over the top bullying.... because he looks as if he is trying to stonewall the investigation and keep *something* from Monk, Stottlemeyer, and Co.). But instead there is no satisfaction. No ending scene where Monk shames Thorpe, and makes *him* walk away, not by bullying and shouting, but by being right, standing firm, and costing the agent his job due to Thorpe's failure to solve the case.
So- if they were gonna write Thorpe to be such a goon, they should have rewarded the audience by making him the episode's undisputed bad guy.
Seeing Adrian bullied this way, with no satisfying ending as per the Astronaut episode ruined this episode for me... and by extension, I have not been able to enjoy the series since. I still love, and still watch the old episodes. But when this perfect sample of sloppy script writing hit the airwaves, I swore off new Monks for good and all !
All through this episode Monk is constantly bellowed at, talked down to, and in general treated like a dog who just went poo on a white carpet by the lead FBI agent. And even though Monk wins out in the end by solving the case where the Feds could not, there is no closure for a true Monk fan here.
Adrian Monk is supposed to have OCD- but he has never been written as a wimp, or a coward when it comes to his work as a cop and a homicide detective. He might have been picked on on the junior high playground, but when faced with a murder to solve Monk is always dogged and determined. He may have to re-tie his shoes 5 times, but he can stare down a killer and boldly proclaim "I know you did it, and I know how you did it." - even if the killer is a good friend of the Mayor (as per the episode, "Mr. Monk and the Psychic".) And yet when he is barked at by the vitriolic Agent Thorpe he just droops his head, and walks away ! This is not the same Adrian Monk who stood in front of an Air Force jet on the runway to stop a murderous Astronaut from escaping justice.
The writers could have saved this episode- they could have made Thrope the killer (which would explain his wild-eyed ranting and over the top bullying.... because he looks as if he is trying to stonewall the investigation and keep *something* from Monk, Stottlemeyer, and Co.). But instead there is no satisfaction. No ending scene where Monk shames Thorpe, and makes *him* walk away, not by bullying and shouting, but by being right, standing firm, and costing the agent his job due to Thorpe's failure to solve the case.
So- if they were gonna write Thorpe to be such a goon, they should have rewarded the audience by making him the episode's undisputed bad guy.
Seeing Adrian bullied this way, with no satisfying ending as per the Astronaut episode ruined this episode for me... and by extension, I have not been able to enjoy the series since. I still love, and still watch the old episodes. But when this perfect sample of sloppy script writing hit the airwaves, I swore off new Monks for good and all !
Monk and the FBI
TheLittleSongbird24 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.
Am not sure about "Mr Monk and the Really Really Dead Guy" being the worst 'Monk' episode ever, but it is easily for me the weakest episode of Season 5 and one of the show's lesser episodes. It has its moments and good parts, but there were aspects that left a bad taste in my mouth. Starting with the good things, the mystery was a pretty good one this time round and isn't too obvious and not too silly or confusing. It's just right tonally and it was nice for it to not be too secondary to everything else.
Tony Shalhoub as always does a wonderful job as Monk. 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.
He is very well supported by Traylor Howard's sensitive and sassy Natalie (personally do not find her a dull or annoying character and that she has settled in well, do prefer Sharona though), Jason Gray-Stanford's endearingly goofy and never too stupid Disher and particularly Ted Levine as an amusing and here sympathetic Stottlemeyer.
"Mr Monk and the Really Really Dead Guy" does have some nice character moments, the highlights being the squat team being sent to the slumber party and Monk being taught to use a computer (the mouse pad is especially priceless). Stottlemeyer standing up for Monk was similarly a lovely touch and shows Stottlemeyer's loyalty when he feels it's right.
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. The episode is made with a lot of slickness and style as always.
However, the two agents are incredibly annoying characters and their treatment of Monk throughout the episode is over-the-top and distasteful. Especially Thorpe, who was little more than a cartoonish bully, with his behaviour fully warranting the sack and just seemed extremely unprofessional for an agent. That he is also wildly overacted doesn't help.
As great Monk is as a character, he seemed out of sorts here. Also had a hard time buying his obliviousness to technology considering his job.
Disher and his one man band came over as a little too silly for my tastes and while the denouement was clever the ending and outcome of the main plot just felt unsatisfying. A good job is done with the comedy and the quirks, but is severely lacking in the drama and the whole involvement of the FBI.
In conclusion, not as awful as said here but for 'Monk' it was underwhelming. 5/10 Bethany Cox
Am not sure about "Mr Monk and the Really Really Dead Guy" being the worst 'Monk' episode ever, but it is easily for me the weakest episode of Season 5 and one of the show's lesser episodes. It has its moments and good parts, but there were aspects that left a bad taste in my mouth. Starting with the good things, the mystery was a pretty good one this time round and isn't too obvious and not too silly or confusing. It's just right tonally and it was nice for it to not be too secondary to everything else.
Tony Shalhoub as always does a wonderful job as Monk. 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.
He is very well supported by Traylor Howard's sensitive and sassy Natalie (personally do not find her a dull or annoying character and that she has settled in well, do prefer Sharona though), Jason Gray-Stanford's endearingly goofy and never too stupid Disher and particularly Ted Levine as an amusing and here sympathetic Stottlemeyer.
"Mr Monk and the Really Really Dead Guy" does have some nice character moments, the highlights being the squat team being sent to the slumber party and Monk being taught to use a computer (the mouse pad is especially priceless). Stottlemeyer standing up for Monk was similarly a lovely touch and shows Stottlemeyer's loyalty when he feels it's right.
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. The episode is made with a lot of slickness and style as always.
However, the two agents are incredibly annoying characters and their treatment of Monk throughout the episode is over-the-top and distasteful. Especially Thorpe, who was little more than a cartoonish bully, with his behaviour fully warranting the sack and just seemed extremely unprofessional for an agent. That he is also wildly overacted doesn't help.
As great Monk is as a character, he seemed out of sorts here. Also had a hard time buying his obliviousness to technology considering his job.
Disher and his one man band came over as a little too silly for my tastes and while the denouement was clever the ending and outcome of the main plot just felt unsatisfying. A good job is done with the comedy and the quirks, but is severely lacking in the drama and the whole involvement of the FBI.
In conclusion, not as awful as said here but for 'Monk' it was underwhelming. 5/10 Bethany Cox
FBI goonsquad ?
michaelchikliscares28 August 2019
Hate this episode, the whole decoy of goon FBI agents show up , dumb as hell , also they have this cliche all powerful devices technology, ok first of all Monk Season 1 and 2 were not that cringe at all, you need good dialog that is it , not overdone goof acting.
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