'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.
As said a few times, Season 7 was a very mixed bag up to this point, "Mr Monk and the Genius" being one of its best while also having major disappointments like "Mr Monk Falls in Love" and especially "Mr Monk Takes a Punch". "Mr Monk On Wheels" is one of the season's better episodes, and a contender for the funniest. The only real thing against it is Monk's treatment of Natalie. One can understand for once Monk being out of character considering what has happened to him and being in a wheelchair is frustrating for anyone (having been there myself after major back surgery which left unable to walk properly for two months), but Monk's treatment of Natalie is incredibly cruel and far too over the top, not even in "Mr Monk Gets Lotto Fever", where he was nasty to her too, did he treat her this badly.
However, "Mr Monk On Wheels" is very successful in the character moments. Natalie, Disher and Stottlemeyer have far more to do than in the previous episode "Mr Monk's Other Brother" where they sadly took a back-seat and they have worthy material. Stottlemeyer is very funny and one feels really sorry for Natalie here.
Monk's quirks, obsessions and phobias are on display and in an entertaining fashion and the mystery is engaging and one of the fresher ones of the season, if playing second fiddle to the comedy. It is the comedy however where "Mr Monk On Wheels" particularly shines, with the most hilarious use of a wheelchair ever on television in my opinion, boasting some of the season's funniest moments.
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, while other episodes have done that much better when Monk was in character Shalhoub still does wonderfully with what he's given.
Traylor Howard gets to show more range and has the sassiness down pat as well as the charm, she is not dull or annoying here, coming from someone who likes Natalie better than most but prefers Sharona's stronger personality. Jason Gray-Stanford makes the most of his material and Ted Levine shows adept comedic chops. The supporting cast are very good.
Visually, the episode is slick and stylish as ever. 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.
Summing up, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
As said a few times, Season 7 was a very mixed bag up to this point, "Mr Monk and the Genius" being one of its best while also having major disappointments like "Mr Monk Falls in Love" and especially "Mr Monk Takes a Punch". "Mr Monk On Wheels" is one of the season's better episodes, and a contender for the funniest. The only real thing against it is Monk's treatment of Natalie. One can understand for once Monk being out of character considering what has happened to him and being in a wheelchair is frustrating for anyone (having been there myself after major back surgery which left unable to walk properly for two months), but Monk's treatment of Natalie is incredibly cruel and far too over the top, not even in "Mr Monk Gets Lotto Fever", where he was nasty to her too, did he treat her this badly.
However, "Mr Monk On Wheels" is very successful in the character moments. Natalie, Disher and Stottlemeyer have far more to do than in the previous episode "Mr Monk's Other Brother" where they sadly took a back-seat and they have worthy material. Stottlemeyer is very funny and one feels really sorry for Natalie here.
Monk's quirks, obsessions and phobias are on display and in an entertaining fashion and the mystery is engaging and one of the fresher ones of the season, if playing second fiddle to the comedy. It is the comedy however where "Mr Monk On Wheels" particularly shines, with the most hilarious use of a wheelchair ever on television in my opinion, boasting some of the season's funniest moments.
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, while other episodes have done that much better when Monk was in character Shalhoub still does wonderfully with what he's given.
Traylor Howard gets to show more range and has the sassiness down pat as well as the charm, she is not dull or annoying here, coming from someone who likes Natalie better than most but prefers Sharona's stronger personality. Jason Gray-Stanford makes the most of his material and Ted Levine shows adept comedic chops. The supporting cast are very good.
Visually, the episode is slick and stylish as ever. 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.
Summing up, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox