Ep 13. Mr. Monk Is the Best Man

Mr. Monk Is the Best Man is the thirteenth and final episode of the eighth and final season of the American comedy-drama television series Monk. The episode was written by Tom Scharpling and directed by Randall Zisk.

The story follows Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), a former homicide detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and a multitude of phobias, as he is chosen to be the best man at the wedding of his former boss Captain Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and his fiancee, T.K. Jensen (Traylor Howard).

As the best man, Monk is tasked with organizing a bachelor party for Stottlemeyer, but his compulsions get in the way of planning a successful party. Monk insists on keeping the party alcohol-free and insists on checking the temperature of the food at the restaurant. Meanwhile, Stottlemeyer is stressed out about the wedding and the fact that his wife-to-be is insisting on having her ex-husband perform a song at the reception.

Monk's former assistant Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard) attempts to help him plan the party, but their plans are foiled when they discover that the strippers they hired are actually undercover police officers. The party is quickly shut down, leaving the group without any form of entertainment.

However, Monk soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery when he discovers that the ex-husband slated to sing at the wedding is actually a former colleague of Stottlemeyer's who stole evidence in order to secure a conviction. Monk and Stottlemeyer set out to catch the former colleague and retrieve the stolen evidence before the wedding.

Along the way, Monk struggles with his compulsions and fears, but manages to take charge of the situation and prove himself as a competent best man. The climax of the episode takes place at the wedding, where Monk gives a touching speech and helps Stottlemeyer face his fear of speaking in public.

Finally, the wedding is a success and Monk is able to overcome some of his anxieties, allowing him to move forward with his life. The episode ends with Monk and Natalie driving away from the wedding, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and satisfaction.

Overall, Mr. Monk Is the Best Man is a fitting end to a beloved television series. It combines humor, drama, and suspense into a satisfying conclusion that leaves the audience feeling emotionally fulfilled. It is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and its ability to resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.