'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.
Season 8 was a mixed bag. While there were disappointing episodes, particularly "Mr Monk Goes Camping" and "Mr Monk and the UFO", most ranged from average to very good. There were also a handful of outstanding episodes, they were "Mr Monk and the Foreign Man", "Mr Monk is the Best Man", "Mr Monk and the Badge" and both parts of the season/show finale "Mr Monk and the End". "Mr Monk and the End Part II" is a near-perfect send off to 'Monk' and more than lives up to the huge promise the first part showed. It is immensely satisfying but at the same time it's very sad saying goodbye to a generally great show (even with some not particularly good episodes) and characters we quickly came to know and love.
Not everything works. The murderer's fate and the outcome of the mystery felt too easy, rushed and anti-climactic and the outcome of the poisoning also seemed rushed. Also would have liked a nod to Dale "The Whale" Biederbeck and more done with the six-fingered man (potentially important but too briefly incorporated) for continuity's sake, as in earlier seasons they clues-wise were crucial to Monk's quest to solve Trudy's murder.
However, everything else works superbly. The mystery, even when we know who it is, is again one of the season's better ones, actually feeling like one and easy to follow without being simplistic. It is resolved with one of the most tense, poignant, suspenseful and darkest face-offs in television, where one really roots for Monk while having a villain that despite doing terrible things is not actually over-the-top evil. It is a shame though that the scene ended on an anti-climactic note. The Trudy twist was shocking but a great one, how Monk deals with it is heart-breaking but later inspiring.
Even better are the character moments, with everything feeling resolved and being given closure at last. The solving of Trudy's murder doesn't in any way feel like a cheat, quite the opposite. Monk conquering his problems and progressing (which actually happened gradually over the season rather than just like that all in one go) doesn't feel too pat and he was wholly deserving of, and quite frankly needed, a new and happy chapter in his life. All the other three regulars have plenty to do, serve a purpose (Natalie proves the most useful by far she's been all season) and are in character in prime 'Monk' fashion.
"Mr Monk and the End" (both parts) is one of the most dramatic 'Monk' episodes, perhaps THE most dramatic, and it is also one of the most emotional. Parts like how Trudy's death had affected Monk, especially when it is revealed the cruel reason for the murder, and how one really sees how Monk and Trudy love each other are so poignant that tears were streaming down my cheeks, no 'Monk' episode of the later seasons affected me in this strong a way. It's not just Monk's story that's resolved, the other leads have closure too particularly Disher (didn't mind Natalie's subplot not featuring though, that was one of the few issues of the previous part to me). The Randy Newman montage and the nod to Sharona were affectionate and touching.
One of the best things about 'Monk' has always been Tony Shalhoub, who was as Monk consistently one of the best things about every episode regardless of what material is thrown at him.. 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.
Traylor Howard is sassy and sympathetic, while Jason Gray-Stanford and Ted Levine are amusing (Levine also showing Stottlemeyer as a firm, frustrated boss but loyal friend, which is very "classic" 'Monk' Stottlemeyer). The supporting cast are good, especially Craig T. Nelson in one of the best guest supporting turns of the later seasons in a role that proves to be more than the over-the-top villain with no redeeming qualities, there are signs of a sympathetic edge too.
Both parts of "Mr Monk and the End" contains the most satisfying writing of the later seasons and of 'Monk' in general, the dramatic pathos really resonates and the chemistry between the characters incredibly believable. A touch of humour here too but never overt.
Visually, the episode is slick and stylish as ever with some lovely scenery. 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.
Overall, what an outstanding and near-perfect send off. While not quite one of the very best 'Monk' episodes, it is definitely in the top part of the 'Monk' quality spectrum and is quite special. 9/10 Bethany Cox
