The Ultimate Ranking: Top Monk Episodes You Can't Miss!

Summary

The primary cast members of Monk's revival movie, "Mr. Monk's Last Case," will be reuniting 14 years later in a featured film, allowing fans to once again see their beloved characters.

During its original airing, the show offered numerous outstanding episodes. One such notable episode, "Mr. Monk Gets Cabin Fever," stood out with its gripping culmination and intense shootout, breaking away from the show's usual atmosphere and delivering a fulfilling conclusion.

Monk, the innovative comedy drama, captivated audiences with its 125 episodes spread across eight seasons from 2002 to 2009. These episodes not only received critical acclaim but also solidified Adrian Monk (portrayed by Tony Shalhoub) as a cultural icon. Such is the impact of his character that he is making a comeback over a decade after the show's conclusion.

The highly anticipated Monk revival comes in the form of a feature-length special called "Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie," scheduled to be aired in December 2023. This movie reunites the primary cast members, who will portray their beloved characters, a remarkable 14 years later. Fans are eagerly awaiting this revival to relive the best moments and episodes of the show, longing for certain elements that made the series exceptional.

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15 Monk Season 1, Episode 3, "Mr. Monk Meets Dale The Whale"

In the third episode of Monk's first season, titled "Mr. Monk Meets Dale the Whale," the investigation into the murder of Adrian Monk's wife, Trudy, takes a significant step forward. Adam Arkin delivers a flawless performance as Dale "the Whale" Beiderbeck, Monk's primary adversary in the criminal world. While the central mystery may not rank among the series' best, "Mr. Monk Meets Dale the Whale" successfully expands the show's mythology and introduces a formidable villain who would make two more memorable appearances later on.

14 Monk Season 1, Episode 8, "Mr. Monk And The Marathon Man"

Monk season 1, episode 8 "Mr. Monk and the Marathon Man" showcased the comedic potential of the show early on in its first season. It served as a prime example of Monk breaking away from his usual introverted demeanor as he encountered one of his idols, portrayed by Zakes Mokae. A standout moment in the episode was Monk's hilarious attempt to recreate the murder, which drew plenty of laughs from Sharona's mounting frustrations - a recurring theme throughout the first season.

13 Monk Season 1, Episode 9, "Mr. Monk Takes A Vacation"

The ninth episode of Monk season 1, titled "Mr. Monk Takes a Vacation," pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. Through a telescope, a murder is witnessed, and even Monk believes the crime scene to be spotless, resulting in a compelling main storyline and a satisfying resolution. Polly Draper delivers an especially enjoyable performance as the hotel security officer, showcasing the influence she and Monk have on each other's behavior. Additionally, the episode stands out for its focus on Sharona's son, Benji (Max Morrow).

12 Monk Season 3, Episode 12, "Mr. Monk Gets Cabin Fever"

When Monk enters witness protection, he, Natalie, and Stottlemeyer are secluded in a remote cabin in the woods in episode 12 of Monk season 3, titled "Mr. Monk Gets Cabin Fever." The primary murder in the episode may be somewhat absurd, but it is not the most outrageous one Monk has encountered. Nevertheless, the conclusion brings a satisfying resolution and showcases a highly dramatic final scene, featuring an action-packed shootout that is quite unusual for Monk.

11 Monk Season 3, Episode 7, "Mr. Monk And The Employee Of The Month"

Enrico Colantoni delivers a memorable performance as store detective Joe Christie in Monk season 3, episode 7 "Mr. Monk and the Employee of the Month." The dynamic between him and Monk is particularly notable, allowing for emotional growth and a deeper exploration of Monk's past. The humor stems from pushing Monk outside of his comfort zone, which remains fresh and engaging in this point of the series. Although the resolution may not be Monk's strongest, the journey is enjoyable with the addition of entertaining supporting characters.

10 Monk Season 8, Episode 10, "Mr. Monk And Sharona"

Many viewers were both shocked and disappointed by the departure of Monk's first assistant, Sharona (played by Bitty Schram), in season 3. Her character had delivered several memorable quotes throughout Monk, causing audiences to take some time adjusting to her sudden absence. Consequently, it was a delightful surprise when Sharona returned for episode 10 of season 8, titled "Mr. Monk and Sharona." This particular episode not only provided closure for both Monk and Sharona but also showcased delightful interactions between Sharona and her replacement, Natalie.

9 Monk Season 6, Episode 9, "Mr. Monk Is Up All Night"

Monk encounters numerous seemingly impossible crimes, but the most unfathomable one occurs in Monk season 6, episode 9 titled "Mr. Monk Is Up All Night." Obsessed with a woman, Monk inadvertently triggers a bout of insomnia, leading him to witness an inconceivable murder. This episode, like all other captivating episodes of Monk, delves further into Monk's relationship with Trudy while simultaneously providing a gratifying murder mystery. "Mr. Monk Is Up All Night" also boasts a remarkable guest appearance by Donal Logue, portraying a con man whom Monk encounters in a bar.

8 Monk Season 5, Episode 1, "Mr. Monk And The Actor"

Monk season 5, episode 1 "Mr. Monk and the Actor" is an incredibly poignant installment in the Monk series. This episode showcases remarkable performances from Tony Shalhoub as Monk and Stanley Tucci as an actor portraying Monk in a movie. Tucci skillfully captures Monk's essence, portraying a method actor whose dedication to the role deeply affects Monk emotionally. "Mr. Monk and the Actor" remains highly regarded among viewers and received critical acclaim for its central performances.

7 Monk Season, 1 Episodes 1 & 2, "Mr. Monk And The Candidate"

The inaugural episode of Monk stands out as one of the finest, featuring a multitude of the show's most revered moments. The iconic opening scene, with its comedic brilliance and gripping climax, presents Monk at his breaking point while also establishing the nature of his condition. Episodes 1 and 2 of Monk's first season, titled "Mr. Monk and the Candidate," set an incredibly high benchmark for the entire series. This particular installment garnered immense acclaim and garnered impressive viewership numbers, solidifying Monk's success right from the start.

6 Monk Season 1, Episode 13 "Mr. Monk And The Airplane"

Monk's inaugural season finale was received so well that it garnered Tony Shalhoub his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, an accomplishment he would later repeat twice for Monk. Episode 13 of Monk's first season, titled "Mr. Monk and the Airplane," showcases the eccentric detective at his most neurotic, skillfully utilizing his phobias for comedic effect while also presenting a compelling mystery. Additionally, "Mr. Monk and the Airplane" introduces several notable supporting characters who went on to become some of the show's most memorable figures.

5 Monk Season 3, Episode 16, "Mr. Monk And The Kid"

Season 3, episode 16 of Monk, titled "Mr. Monk and the Kid," showcases a significant emotional transformation for the titular character. The discovery of a severed finger by a two-year-old boy leads Monk to become the child's foster parent, resulting in one of the series' most revered and poignant episodes. Tony Shalhoub's portrayal of Monk is particularly captivating, as his realization that he is not emotionally stable enough to care for the child becomes a standout moment in the entire show. "Mr. Monk and the Kid" is filled with tender performances and provides a successful departure from the show's usual tone.

4 Monk Season 2, Episode 11 "Mr. Monk And The Three Pies"

John Turturro's remarkable performance in episode 11 of Monk season 2, titled "Mr. Monk and the Three Pies," earned him an Emmy Award. Portraying Ambrose, Monk's brilliant brother, Turturro adds depth to the storyline by delving into Monk's past and eventually leading to a heartwarming reunion between the siblings. Additionally, the episode boasts other notable guest stars, including Leslie Jordan, who plays a genuinely sinister villain and contributes to the intriguing central mystery.

3 Monk Season 8, Episode 15 & 16, "Mr. Monk And The End"

Monk's two-part finale was a captivating and highly acclaimed storyline, captivating audiences and garnering numerous Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Resolving the seven-year-long mystery surrounding Monk's wife's murder, the conclusion had been long anticipated throughout the series, making the delivery even more satisfying. The episode brilliantly tied together various elements from previous plots, particularly highlighting the significance of Trudy's Christmas gift and its impact on Monk's character development and the overarching narrative. "Mr. Monk and the End" showcased exceptional performances from the main cast and served as the perfect finale for Monk.

2 Monk Season 5, Episode 2, "Mr. Monk And The Garbage Strike"

1 Monk Season 4, Episode 16, "Mr. Monk Gets Jury Duty"

Monk season 5, episode 2 "Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike" stands out as one of the show's most acclaimed installments, leaving an indelible impression with enduring visuals of Adrian Monk. Notably, viewers witnessed his serene composure inside a pristine room, juxtaposed with his valiant efforts to single-handedly restore cleanliness to San Francisco. In true Monk fashion, this episode tested his limits while weaving a mysterious central crime. Furthermore, it deserves recognition as one of the show's most amusing episodes, primarily centered around Monk's hilarious reactions to a city-wide garbage strike and his arduous quest to navigate through a city engulfed in trash.

The pinnacle of Monk's brilliance is showcased in season 4, episode 16 titled "Mr. Monk Gets Jury Duty." This particular installment encapsulates all the essential components that make a perfect Monk narrative: an intriguing crime that baffles the mind; numerous amusing distractions that test Monk's focus; a collection of peripheral characters bewildered and exasperated by Monk's quirks; and a climactic finale that skillfully weaves all these elements together. Monk's unparalleled ability to engage with strangers shines through as he navigates the confines of jury duty, surrounded by 11 people unmoved by his eccentricities, resulting in a plethora of memorable moments and captivating scenes. Widely regarded as one of the series' highest-rated episodes, "Mr. Monk Gets Jury Duty" is indisputably a standout gem within the Monk canon.