This, for me, is one of the best Monk episodes. Imagine trying to prove an astronaut committed a murder while out in space. Seems impossible but Monk is not deterred, even after he is consistently shamed by the astronaut in public. This is when Monk feels he does not measure up to the manly persona the astronaut projects, the seemingly effortless self assured cockiness. And yet the viewers will be surprised as well as Monk , himself, at how hw can and will overcome for the sake of justice and ethics. Every time I see this, I rejoice at his eventual victory, when "everything was on the line" and there was no room for error. This episode defines what true manliness consists of and Monk is surprised at how he truly does conform to it when he is willing to stand for the courage of his convictions. Monk earns his spurs in a very unique way and does not stick his head in the sand to avoid confrontation but actually embraces it.
Review of Mr. Monk and the Astronaut
