Ep 15. Monk and the trampoline
- January 1, 1970
Monk and the Trampoline is the fifteenth episode of the first season of the highly acclaimed TV series, Monk. In this episode, Adrian Monk is asked to investigate the death of a young woman named Jillian Hailpern. Jillian was found dead in her apartment building’s trash compactor, but Monk is convinced that she was not killed where her body was found.
As Monk begins to investigate the case, he discovers that Jillian was a trampoline enthusiast and belonged to a group of trampoline enthusiasts called the Trampoline Guys. The Trampoline Guys, led by their charismatic leader, Bobby Rafferty, exhibit reckless behavior while performing their stunts, leading Monk to believe that one of the members of the group may have killed Jillian.
Throughout the episode, Monk is troubled by a variety of distractions, including a noisy neighbor, an uninvited houseguest, and a personal crisis. His anxiety is further compounded by his own inability to confront his fears and phobias, including his fear of heights.
As he delves deeper into the case, Monk uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal within the Trampoline Guys, leading to a shocking conclusion that no one saw coming.
As always, the episode is richly textured with humor, mystery, and social commentary, and is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Adrian Monk, played brilliantly by Tony Shalhoub, is at his best in this episode, displaying his unique blend of obsessive-compulsive and detective skills in a way that truly showcases his brilliance as a character.
With its clever writing, exceptional cast, and engrossing mystery, Monk and the Trampoline is an outstanding addition to the Monk series and a must-watch for anyone who loves a good detective story.