Ep 14. Mr. Monk and the Bully

Mr. Monk and the Bully is the fourteenth episode of the seventh season of Monk. The episode revolves around the infamous bully from Monk's childhood, Bobby "Bobo" Ferrara, whom Monk hasn't seen in 40 years. The episode starts with Monk receiving a call from an old friend, Jimmy Cusack. Jimmy informs Monk that Bobby has been released from prison after serving a 20-year term for robbery and that he's back in San Francisco.

Monk is initially apprehensive about his meeting with Bobby, but eventually agrees to meet him. The meeting turns out to be a disaster as Bobby hasn't changed a bit since he was a teenager. He remains just as abrasive and aggressive, and keeps reminding Monk of all the bullying he suffered at his hands. Monk, on the other hand, struggles to keep his cool, but ultimately walks away from the meeting, frustrated and angry.

However, things take a dramatic turn when Bobby is found dead the next day, and the prime suspect is Monk himself. The evidence against Monk is circumstantial, and all fingers seem to be pointing his way. However, Monk is convinced that he didn't kill Bobby and decides to clear his name. With the help of his assistant Natalie and his friend Captain Stottlemeyer, Monk begins investigating Bobby's murder.

As the investigation progresses, Monk comes across several suspects, all of whom had a motive to kill Bobby. Bobby had made scores of enemies with his abusive behavior and crooked ways. Monk discovers that Bobby was involved in several illegal activities, including a money-laundering scheme with a powerful criminal organization.

Meanwhile, Natalie discovers that Bobby's mother, Mrs. Ferrara, had lied about her whereabouts on the night of the murder. Further investigation reveals that she was involved in a hit-and-run accident on that night, and Monk suspects that it might be related to Bobby's murder.

The investigation takes a thrilling turn when Monk and Natalie meet with an informant who gives them information on the criminal organization that Bobby was working for. They discover that the organization was planning to kill Bobby as they felt that he was becoming a liability.

With this crucial piece of information, Monk and Natalie rush to Bobby's apartment, only to find that they're too late. The evidence is right in front of them, and Monk realizes who the real killer is and how Bobby's death connects to the hit-and-run accident.

With the killer revealed, Monk confronts him, and in typical Monk fashion, brings him to justice. The episode ends on a heartwarming note, with Monk finally able to put his childhood demons to rest.

In summary, Mr. Monk and the Bully is an intriguing episode that highlights the issue of bullying and its long-lasting effects on its victims. The episode is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and drama and is a standout episode in the series.