Ep 11. Mr. Monk On Wheels

Mr. Monk On Wheels is the 11th episode of the seventh season of the successful and acclaimed comedy-drama television series, Monk. This episode follows the detective Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub, as he tries to solve a murder case while grappling with a new challenge - his fear of driving.

The episode opens with Monk reluctantly agreeing to take driving lessons from his assistant, Natalie Teeger, portrayed by Traylor Howard. Monk is convinced that he will never be able to drive due to his many phobias, including his fear of hitting someone, running out of gas, and not being able to find parking. Nonetheless, Natalie convinces Monk to get behind the wheel of her car and the two drive to a cemetery where they meet Adrian's brother, Ambrose, played by John Turturro.

Ambrose is there to investigate the theft of his dead wife's wedding ring from her grave. While digging, Monk discovers a body. The victim turns out to be a famous BMX biker named Sam Asher, who had been missing for a few days. Monk becomes fascinated by Sam's life and the world of extreme sports, and he and Natalie attend a BMX bike race where they meet Sam's friends and fellow bikers, including the arrogant and wealthy Mitch Ganz, played by Craig Bierko.

As Monk works on the case, he becomes more and more convinced that Mitch is involved in Sam's murder, but he is unable to find any concrete evidence. Meanwhile, Natalie continues to teach Monk how to drive, and they both become better and more confident drivers over time. In a humorous subplot, Natalie's daughter, Julie, is dealing with her own teenage driving issues as she learns to operate a manual transmission car.

As the investigation continues, Monk and Natalie discover that Sam may have been blackmailing someone, and they track down the person he was threatening, an extreme sports gear manufacturer named Leo Otterman, played by Tom Schmid. Monk and Natalie eventually uncover the truth about Sam's murder, but not before a thrilling action-packed chase scene unfolds near the end of the episode.

Overall, Mr. Monk On Wheels is a fun and entertaining episode of Monk that showcases the show's signature blend of mystery, humor, and heart. It features some great guest stars, including Bierko and Turturro, and provides viewers with an inside look at the world of extreme sports. At the same time, it also allows fans of the show to see Monk face his fear of driving head-on, leading to some hilarious and heartwarming moments between Monk and Natalie. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this episode's unique blend of quirky detective work and personal growth.