TV Show Review: Monk - Season 1

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Outstanding performances, interesting characters, fun and mysterious plots

Cons: Extras could be better, a few weaker episodes and early inconsistencies

The Bottom Line:

Puzzling comedy

Or is it funny murder?

Either way, it's fun

Monk Starts Strongly

I blew it. I didn't start watching this show until it's second season. Little did I know what I was missing until I went back to catch up with Monk - Season 1.

Tony Shalhoub stars as Adrian Monk, a former police detective no longer on the force because of his obsessive-compulsive disorder and his phobias. He does still consult on some of their most bizarre cases, however. For example, how could an 800-lb. man commit murder? Why was a billionaire killed while mugging a man on a date? Did a fellow airline passenger really kill his wife? How could a man commit murder and run a marathon at the same time?

This series falls into the classic puzzle mystery genre, my personal favorite. Sometimes I have an idea why or how, but it takes the ending for me to know for sure. More often then not, I'm stumped. Along the way, we get plenty of laughs at the various situations we find Mr. Monk in and his reaction to things that are out of order. The obsessive-compulsive disorder and his fears are handled just right. They provide the clues needed and humor without being over the top or annoying.

Of course, the series is helped by its actors. Tony Shalhoub is excellent as Monk with a performance just slightly understated. He deserved his Emmy win for this season. Just as praise worthy is Bitty Schram as Monk's nurse Sharona. She mixes exasperated and compassion while providing a strong sidekick character that doesn't get lost behind the lead. Ted Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford as the police Monk helps and Stanley Kamel as Monk's shrink are equally excellent.

The writing is sharp and manages to find humor without mocking Monk, a subtle but clear distinction.

This DVD set is great for old and new fans alike. All twelve first season episodes are present, including the previously released two-hour pilot. They're presented in widescreen and look sharp. The sound, while presented in 5.1 surround, is nothing spectacular. Still, it gets the job done. Disc four has some short extras discussing the creation of the show, obsessive-compulsive disorder, the cast and crew's obsessions, the Emmy win, and the casting of Bitty Schram and Ted Levine. I would have loved a commentary track or two and some outtakes, but they aren't to be found here.

While the extras could have been just a tad better, this set is a must have for those who love light mystery. It was nice to catch the cases I'd missed. Season 1 of Monk is one mystery show you can watch time and time again for the humor and character even if you remember how it ends.

Season 1 Episodes

1. Mr. Monk and the Candidate (Two Hour Pilot)

2. Mr. Monk and the Psychic

3. Mr. Monk Meets Dale the Whale

4. Mr. Monk Goes to the Carnival

5. Mr. Monk Goes to the Asylum

6. Mr. Monk and the Billionaire Mugger

7. Mr. Monk and the Other Woman

8. Mr. Monk and the Marathon Man

9. Mr. Monk Takes a Vacation

10. Mr. Monk and the Earthquake

11. Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger

12. Mr. Monk and the Airplane