'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.
Of Season 6, "Mr Monk and the Three Julies" is one of the highlights. One of my favourite 'Monk' episodes too. The mystery, with somewhat of a 'Psycho' influence, is one of the season's best, and one of the best of the show in a while with a particularly twisted motive. It is constantly engaging and at times suspenseful, one really roots for Julie not to be harmed and Natalie's concern and panic come over genuinely on screen and very understandable to anybody regardless if you're a mother or not.
The episode has a suspenseful tone but it is also one of the funniest 'Monk' episodes. Disher in drag (everything about it from the bra to the wire), the "I wish there were ten of them" line, Stottlemeyer's disbelief at the state at his car and asks for an explanation that he is not convinced by, the exchange talking about the Terminator, Monk and the underwear and Monk's exchange with Kroger about the stuffed body and never doing it himself are the highlights. Julie is developed nicely here too and the interaction and development of the four leading characters are a huge part of the charm as ever.
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. Everybody else supports him very well.
As Natalie Traylor Howard is sassy and sympathetic, as well as convincing in Natalie's concern and panic. Jason Gray-Stanford and Ted Levine are about equal in how truly funny they are here. Emmy Clarke is very charming as Julie.
Writing is tight and thought-provoking with some knowing wry humour and poignantly tender easy-to-relate-to drama and quirkiness.
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. The episode as always look slick and stylish.
Altogether, one of Season 6's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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