Ep 23. Monk unhooks the moon

Monk season 1 episode 23, titled "Monk Unhooks the Moon," follows our beloved detective, Adrian Monk, as he tries to solve a murder case that seems to have stumped everyone else. The episode opens with Randy Disher, Monk's partner, getting a call from a man who claims to have information about a murder that took place two years ago. The man says he saw someone at the crime scene who was not supposed to be there.

Soon after, Monk gets involved in the case and starts investigating. He discovers that the victim, a woman named Marcy, was a brilliant mathematician who had recently solved a complex problem related to the moon's orbit. Her solution had upset a lot of people, including her colleagues at the university where she worked.

As Monk delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. He discovers that Marcy was involved in a love triangle with two of her colleagues, and that one of them may have killed her to prevent her from sharing her discovery with the world.

Along the way, Monk faces his usual challenges - his obsessive-compulsive disorder, his fear of heights, and his phobia of milk. But with the help of his assistant, Sharona, and his loyal friends, he manages to gather enough evidence to solve the case.

In "Monk Unhooks the Moon," viewers get to see the usual blend of humor, suspense, and heart that makes this show so popular. The episode features Monk's signature quirks - his meticulous attention to detail, his disdain for germs, and his inability to function without his lucky wipes. But it also shows his compassion, his loyalty, and his stubborn refusal to give up on a case.

As always, the supporting cast is excellent. Sharona, played by Bitty Schram, provides the perfect foil to Monk's eccentricities, balancing his idiosyncrasies with her practicality and warmth. Randy Disher, played by Jason Gray-Stanford, is the epitome of the competent but slightly hapless sidekick. And Ted Levine as Captain Stottlemeyer, Monk's boss, brings a no-nonsense approach to his role, providing a grounding presence amid the chaos of Monk's investigations.

Overall, "Monk Unhooks the Moon" is a solid episode that showcases the strengths of this wonderful show. It highlights the brilliance of its lead actor, Tony Shalhoub, who portrays Monk with just the right mix of vulnerability, humor, and genius. It also reminds us why we love this character so much - he may be flawed, but he's also kind, brilliant, and always determined to get to the bottom of things.