Ep 1. Mr. Monk's Favorite Show

After a two-year absence, the hit investigative drama "Monk" premiered its eighth and final season with episode 1, titled "Mr. Monk's Favorite Show." As always, the episode begins with the infamous detective Adrian Monk, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub, getting wrapped up in a new case. This time, however, he is not the only one solving the mystery.

The episode takes an interesting turn when Monk becomes obsessed with a TV show called "The Cooper Clan," which he considers to be the pinnacle of television programming. In fact, he loves the show so much that he puts down his detective work to keep up with the Cooper family's latest antics.

After a robbery gone wrong at Monk's bank, he quickly realizes that someone may be trying to steal his life savings. As expected, Monk sets out to investigate the financial institution's security measures and becomes engrossed in examining the bank's closed-circuit television system. However, despite all of his efforts, he doesn't find any evidence of the robbery.

Meanwhile, Captain Leland Stottlemeyer, played by Ted Levine, and his team are investigating the death of a teenage girl who was found murdered in her car. Stottlemeyer turns to none other than Adrian Monk for his expertise in solving the case. Monk eventually agrees to help, but only after he finishes watching an episode of "The Cooper Clan."

At this point, the episode begins to reveal a unique twist. Essentially, the plot of the Cooper Clan begins to mirror the events of the investigation. First, a character named Chuck Cooper is accused of robbing a bank, and later, he is also suspected of committing murder.

Monk becomes convinced that the key to both cases lies in solving the mystery of "The Cooper Clan" TV show. He enlists the help of his trusty assistant Natalie, played by Traylor Howard, to scour the show's credits for any clues. Eventually, they come across a man who is connected to both the show and the murder investigation.

Without spoiling the episode's resolution, it can be said that "Mr. Monk's Favorite Show" manages to cleverly blend Monk's love for a TV series with his talent for solving crimes. The case is not only intriguing, but it's also emotionally and intellectually satisfying, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the end.

Overall, "Mr. Monk's Favorite Show" stands out as a standout episode of a series known for its intelligent writing, fascinating characters, and stunning performances. Whether or not you are a fan of the series, this episode is a must-see. It is a fitting tribute to the beloved character of Adrian Monk and a satisfying conclusion to the show's highly successful run.