Mr Monk’s Last Case creator hints at possibility of a sequel

Is this truly the conclusion of Adrian Monk's story? "Mr. Monk's Last Case" reunited the original cast to unravel one final murder - but series creator Andy Breckman and Tony Shalhoub offer fans optimism for what's next. It has been 14 years since Monk enthusiasts witnessed the renowned San Francisco detective crack a case. "Monk" was a beloved detective series that first aired on the USA Network in 2002 and ran until 2009. Adrian Monk is remarkable for his germaphobia and OCD traits - yet possesses the ability to solve a murder in a matter of minutes.

Monk finally solved Trudy’s murder and bonded with his stepdaughter before walking off into the metaphorical sunset at the end of the series. In 2020, the cast reunited for a Covid special, and Peacock later announced "Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie".

Set after the pandemic, the movie follows Monk as he tackles one "final" case involving his stepdaughter and confronts his own inner struggles. The finale hinted at potential future developments, as Shalhoub and Breckman discussed possible future plans in a Dexerto exclusive interview. Spoilers ahead!

Will Monk return?

Andy Breckman admitted he purposely left the door open during the movie finale to explore more of Monk – and he has an idea in mind.

The creator of Monk brought fans their favorite detective back in Mr. Monk’s Last Case, with a darker twist. While solving the murder of Molly’s fiance, Monk is plagued by the pandemic and contemplates suicide to be with Trudy. At the movie’s conclusion, Monk resolves the case but remains determined to carry out his plan.

However, Trudy intervenes and helps Monk realize the value of his life and detective work. He encounters the people he has assisted in moving on from their deaths, granting them closure. As he departs, observant fans may notice a small detail: a pass clipped to his pocket. Earlier, the precinct's new captain had bestowed Monk with an all-inclusive pass, signaling her desire for him to return as a consultant and continue his work.

There is a suggestion that Monk's story may not be finished yet, as Dexerto interviewed Breckmand and Shalhoub, and the creator confirmed that the ending was deliberately left open.

Shalhoub proposed a new twist for the movie, suggesting that the dog becomes a crime solver. In the movie's epilogue, Monk receives a note from Natalie under a dog bowl, gifting him the dog they had met at the animal shelter and urging Monk to take care of each other. Breckman chuckled at Shalhoub's suggestion, jokingly saying, "That's money in the bank," and not ruling it out.

Read more of Dexerto’s TV & Movies news here and read our Mr. Monk’s Last Case review here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I grew up watching reruns of "Mr. Monk's Last Case" with my parents and absolutely loved the show. Adrian Monk's quirky personality and exceptional detective skills made for an entertaining and heartwarming series. The recent news about the possibility of a sequel has me filled with excitement and nostalgia. I believe that there are still many untold stories and mysteries that Monk can solve, and I would eagerly tune in to watch a new season or movie.

However, I also understand that it has been a long time since the original series ended, and the cast and crew may have moved on to other projects. If a sequel does happen, I hope that it can capture the same essence and charm of the original while also bringing something new and fresh to the table. I trust Andy Breckman and Tony Shalhoub to make the right decision and deliver a sequel that will satisfy fans like me who have been eagerly waiting for more Monk adventures.