Ep 5. Mr. Monk Is Underwater

Mr. Monk is Underwater is the fifth episode of the seventh season of the comedy-drama television series, Monk. The show revolves around the life of Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), a brilliant but extremely obsessive-compulsive former police detective, who now works as a consultant with the San Francisco Police Department. The series follows Monk as he uses his exceptional skills of observation and deduction to solve the city’s toughest crimes while dealing with his constant phobias and neuroses.

In this episode, Monk and his assistant Natalie (Traylor Howard) are called in to investigate the death of a scuba diver, Arthur Devane (Eric Lutes), in an unusual case where forensic science fails to find any signs of foul play. The circumstances of the case make it seem like Devane, who was an experienced scuba diver, drowned in a shallow pond and then resurfaced days later. However, Monk has a hunch that there is more to the story than the police are willing to believe.

As Monk and Natalie begin their investigation, they soon realize that there are several suspects with motives to kill Devane. The victim had recently sold his scuba equipment business to a large corporation, and his employees and competitors were not happy with the deal. Furthermore, the victim's ex-wife, Erica Bloom (Deborah Strang), was embroiled in a bitter legal battle with Devane over their property assets.

The investigation takes Monk and Natalie on a wild ride that involves a high-speed chase, breaking into a secret laboratory, and evading a pack of attack dogs. Along the way, they discover valuable evidence that complicates the case even further, leading them to uncover a shocking conspiracy behind the victim's death.

As the plot thickens, Monk becomes increasingly convinced that the key to solving the case lies in the victim's scuba gear. He enlists the help of his friend Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) to investigate the victim's diving partner, who was the last person to see him alive. Monk follows a trail of clues that takes him to a mysterious underwater location, where he must put his own life on the line to find the missing piece of the puzzle.

Throughout the episode, Monk's quirks and phobias are on full display, much to the annoyance of his colleagues and the amusement of viewers. His fear of water and lack of scuba diving skills add an extra layer of tension to the investigation, as Natalie struggles to keep him safe while he persistently pushes himself to overcome his fears.

The episode is filled with witty one-liners and hilarious scenes, showcasing the show's signature blend of comedy and drama. The supporting cast delivers outstanding performances, especially Ted Levine as Captain Stottlemeyer, who always manages to keep Monk grounded in reality.

Overall, Mr. Monk Is Underwater is an engaging and entertaining episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It highlights the unique character of Adrian Monk, who despite his many quirks and idiosyncrasies, always manages to solve the toughest cases.