Mr. Monk and the Miracle
- Episode aired Nov 28, 2008
- TV-PG
- 44m
Monk's Christmas spirit, or lack thereof, is challenged when he takes a case from three homeless men who believe their friend was murdered, and Leland's epiphany sends him on a mission.Monk's Christmas spirit, or lack thereof, is challenged when he takes a case from three homeless men who believe their friend was murdered, and Leland's epiphany sends him on a mission.Monk's Christmas spirit, or lack thereof, is challenged when he takes a case from three homeless men who believe their friend was murdered, and Leland's epiphany sends him on a mission.
- Reggie
- (as Jeremiah W. Birkett)
- Mrs. Parisi
- (as Faye Dewitt)
Storyline
Did you know
- Trivia[16:27]As Adrian Monk & Natalie are leaving the recycling, Natalie opens the trunk to her car. Just next to Monk's head, in the distance is a sign that reads, "Crown Pawn." This is the Pawn Shop in Pulp Fiction (1994) where Butch & Marcellus had their encounter with the owner and his brother Zed the security guard.
- GoofsMonk's cardboard tree shifts positions from the back left corner when looking straight at it to the middle of the room when shown from the back.
- Quotes
[Monk and Natalie notice that Randy has grown a mustache]
Natalie Teeger: What is that?
Lt. Randall Disher: What?
Natalie Teeger: On your face. On your lip.
Adrian Monk: It looks a little bit like a mustache.
Lt. Randall Disher: Well, I'm in charge. It comes with the job.
[Monk and Natalie continue to stare at him, fixed on his new mustache]
Lt. Randall Disher: Okay, you're making me a little uncomfortable.
Natalie Teeger: You're making me a little uncomfortable.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards (2009)
- SoundtracksThe Twelve Days of Christmas
(uncredited)
Traditional
Performed by Jeremiah Birkett, Geoffrey Blake, and Tracey Walter
Season 7 was a very mixed bag up to this point, "Mr Monk and the Genius" being one of its best while also having major disappointments like "Mr Monk Falls in Love" and especially "Mr Monk Takes a Punch". "Mr Monk and the Miracle" is not classic 'Monk', but is generally one of the better Season 7 episodes. Monk's initial treatment of the homeless men was cruel and uncharacteristically rude and while it was nice to have Stottlemeyer get a subplot it has its fun moments but was pretty absurd with a lot of suspension of disbelief needed.
The episode succeeds very well in the character moments. Mostly Monk with the homeless men was nicely done and his chemistry with Natalie is witty and charming. The monastery scenes are comedic delights. The highlights are the hilarious Disher/Stottlemeyer moustache scene and the very uniquely staged and clever reveal.
In terms of mystery, it's a pretty good one. Who did it was obvious but the motive and the significance of the fountain weren't and explained neatly and cleverly. It's also one of the least simple or predictable ones of the season and the holiday feel of the episode is heart-warming.
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, while other episodes have done that much better when Monk was in character Shalhoub still does wonderfully with what he's given.
As Natalie, Traylor Howard gets to show more range and has the sassiness down pat as well as the charm, she is not dull or annoying here, coming from someone who likes Natalie better than most but prefers Sharona's stronger personality. Jason Gray-Stanford makes the most of his material and Ted Levine shows adept comedic chops. The supporting cast are very good, particularly for the homeless men.
Writing has the usual wry humour, sympathetically treated quirks and tender easy-to-relate-drama.
Visually, the episode is slick and stylish as ever. 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.
Summing up, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 17, 2017
- Permalink
Details
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime44 minutes
- Color