Ep 2. Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike

As the title suggests, "Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike" revolves around a sanitation workers' labor dispute and its impact on the citizens of San Francisco. When the city's garbage begins to pile up in the streets due to the strike, Monk becomes obsessed with finding a solution.

The episode opens with Monk and Natalie driving through the city, discussing the garbage crisis. Monk is visibly distressed by the mess and insists that they must do something. When they arrive at the site of their latest case, Monk is distracted by the garbage truck parked nearby. He approaches the driver, hoping to learn more about the strike and the reasons behind it.

Monk's investigation leads him to meet with the union leader, who refuses to speak with him. Undeterred, Monk spends the night at the union headquarters, hoping to catch the leader in a compromising position. However, he quickly realizes that the man is not involved in any nefarious activities and decides to abandon the stakeout.

Meanwhile, Captain Stottlemeyer and Lieutenant Disher investigate the murder of a man found in a dumpster. The victim, a wealthy businessman, was known for his ruthless tactics in the business world, making him a prime suspect for numerous enemies. The investigation leads the detectives to a rival businessman who had a long-standing feud with the victim. However, when his alibi checks out, they are forced to look elsewhere.

As the garbage crisis continues to worsen, Monk becomes increasingly fixated on finding a solution. He spends hours poring over city maps, trying to find a possible location for a new landfill. When Natalie suggests they visit a landfill outside the city, Monk jumps at the chance. However, their visit proves fruitless, as the officials are not receptive to Monk's suggestion.

Back at the station, Captain Stottlemeyer is frustrated by the lack of progress in the murder investigation. When a witness comes forward with new information, the detectives are able to identify a suspect. However, when they arrive to make an arrest, they find the suspect has already been killed.

The episode ends with Monk and Natalie driving through the city once again, discussing the futility of their search for a solution to the garbage crisis. As they pass a pile of trash, Monk suddenly realizes the key to solving the case. He instructs Natalie to drive to a specific location, where he confronts the killer and solves the case.

In typical Monk fashion, "Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike" blends humor and drama in equal measure. The episode highlights the character's obsession with detail and his willingness to go to great lengths to solve a case. It also touches on his unique relationship with the city of San Francisco, which he regards with both affection and frustration. Overall, the episode is a welcome addition to the series and a must-watch for fans of the show.