'Monk' has always been one of my most watched shows when needing comfort, to relax after a hard day, a good laugh or a way to spend a lazy weekend.
Of Season 6, "Mr Monk Paints His Masterpiece", like the brilliant previous episode "Mr Monk and the Three Julies", is one of the highlights. One of my favourite 'Monk' episodes too. The mystery is a complicated and clever one. On first viewing, how Monk's conclusions regarding the crime scene and how the murder was done did leave me confused. On repeat viewings, when observing and listening far more closely it makes much more sense and the reasoning is logical.
There are some delightful character moments too. The episode did such a great job portraying Monk's taking up painting with so much charm and humour. It was clear early on there was an ulterior motive for the stranger wanting the paintings rather than liking them but that wasn't an issue at all. The Dr Kroger scenes, the ones with the spider web, the translations from Spanish, painting the flat banana and the ending are gems. Natalie is at her funniest here, especially at the end, and along with the previous episode, Disher has his funniest moments in a long time.
One of the best things about 'Monk' has always been the acting of Tony Shalhoub in the title role. It was essential for him to work and be the glue of the show, and Shalhoub not only is that but also at his very best he IS the show. Have always loved the balance of the humour, which is often hilarious, and pathos, which is sincere and touching. Everybody else supports him very well.
As Natalie Traylor Howard is sassy and sympathetic while Jason Gray-Stanford and Ted Levine are as amusing as ever (Gray-Stanford here especially). Peter Stormare is a wonderful guest star and Victoria Tennant is suitably arch.
Writing is tight and thought-provoking with some knowing wry humour and poignantly tender easy-to-relate-to drama and quirkiness.
The music is both understated and quirky. While there is a preference for the theme music for Season 1, Randy Newman's "It's a Jungle Out There" has grown on me overtime, found it annoying at first but appreciate its meaning and what it's trying to say much more now. The episode as always look slick and stylish.
Altogether, one of Season 6's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Of Season 6, "Mr Monk Paints His Masterpiece", like the brilliant previous episode "Mr Monk and the Three Julies", is one of the highlights. One of my favourite 'Monk' episodes too. The mystery is a complicated and clever one. On first viewing, how Monk's conclusions regarding the crime scene and how the murder was done did leave me confused. On repeat viewings, when observing and listening far more closely it makes much more sense and the reasoning is logical.
There are some delightful character moments too. The episode did such a great job portraying Monk's taking up painting with so much charm and humour. It was clear early on there was an ulterior motive for the stranger wanting the paintings rather than liking them but that wasn't an issue at all. The Dr Kroger scenes, the ones with the spider web, the translations from Spanish, painting the flat banana and the ending are gems. Natalie is at her funniest here, especially at the end, and along with the previous episode, Disher has his funniest moments in a long time.
One of the best things about 'Monk' has always been the acting of Tony Shalhoub in the title role. It was essential for him to work and be the glue of the show, and Shalhoub not only is that but also at his very best he IS the show. Have always loved the balance of the humour, which is often hilarious, and pathos, which is sincere and touching. Everybody else supports him very well.
As Natalie Traylor Howard is sassy and sympathetic while Jason Gray-Stanford and Ted Levine are as amusing as ever (Gray-Stanford here especially). Peter Stormare is a wonderful guest star and Victoria Tennant is suitably arch.
Writing is tight and thought-provoking with some knowing wry humour and poignantly tender easy-to-relate-to drama and quirkiness.
The music is both understated and quirky. While there is a preference for the theme music for Season 1, Randy Newman's "It's a Jungle Out There" has grown on me overtime, found it annoying at first but appreciate its meaning and what it's trying to say much more now. The episode as always look slick and stylish.
Altogether, one of Season 6's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox