Ep 7. Mr. Monk Goes to a Wedding

Mr. Monk Goes to a Wedding is the seventh episode of the fourth season of the popular American television show, Monk. The episode follows the titular character, Adrian Monk, a former police detective turned private investigator, as he reluctantly attends his former boss' wedding.

Monk is initially hesitant to attend the wedding of his former boss, Captain Stottlemeyer, due to his discomfort in social situations. However, he is convinced to go by his assistant, Natalie Teeger. Upon arriving at the wedding, Monk quickly becomes agitated by the noise and the large crowd of people, and he struggles to keep his obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in check.

The wedding ceremony is interrupted when the best man, who happens to be Stottlemeyer's brother-in-law, is killed by a hit-and-run driver outside the church. Monk, who is already on edge, is tasked with solving the murder, which becomes complicated due to the fact that the brother-in-law was a lawyer involved in a high-profile case.

As Monk begins to investigate the murder, he starts to uncover a web of lies and deception surrounding the victim's involvement in the case. With the help of his assistant, Natalie, and his friend and former nemesis, Harold Krenshaw, Monk slowly pieces together the puzzle and begins to suspect that someone within the legal system is involved in the crime.

Meanwhile, Monk's problems with his OCD continue to escalate throughout the episode. His anxiety is heightened by the stress of the investigation, and he finds himself struggling to maintain his composure in front of the wedding guests. He even goes as far as to refuse to eat any food at the reception, claiming that it is all contaminated.

With the help of Natalie, Monk manages to find the evidence he needs to solve the murder. He confronts the killer during an intense final showdown, which includes a car chase and a dangerous standoff with a gun. Eventually, the culprit is caught, and justice is served.

The episode concludes with Monk reflecting on the events of the day while sitting alone in his apartment. He realizes that while he may never truly overcome his OCD, he is capable of facing his fears and living a somewhat normal life. The episode ends on a somewhat bittersweet note, with Monk still struggling with his mental illness but showing signs of progress and growth.

Overall, Mr. Monk Goes to a Wedding is a gripping and intense episode that showcases the talents of both the writers and the actors. The murder mystery plot is complex and engaging, providing plenty of twists and turns for the audience to follow. At the same time, the episode also addresses the personal struggles of the main character in a thoughtful and empathetic way.