Title: Monk: Season
3 – “Red Herring”
Stars: Tony
Shalhoub, Traylor Howard, Ted Levine, and Jason Gray-Stanford
Executive
Producers: Andy Breckman, David Hoberman, Tony Shalhoub, and Randy Zisk
Running Time: 45
minutes without commercials
Media: USA Network
Original Television Series (NTSC VHS Screener)
Premiere Friday,
January 21, 2005, at 10pm (ET/PT)
Network: USA
Network (Check your local cable/satellite listings for channel)
TV Rating: Not
Available At Time Of Review
Reviewer: Mark A.
Rivera
Tony Shalhoub returns as Adrian Monk, the brilliant detective who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, in “Monk” on the USA Network as one of the highest-rated original scripted shows in basic cable history. As season three continues, Monk’s longtime sidekick has moved back to New Jersey and remarried her ex-husband. Thus Monk is forced to search for a new assistant to help him meet the challenges of daily existence. He hires Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard), a single mother, who happens to be involved in a mysterious case that has left her home broken into twice within one week.
Tony Shalhoub continues to carry the series premise forward with a great mix of humor and understated pathos though I for one will miss his former sidekick. In addition to the episode “Red Herring” I also screened another episode entitled “Cobra” that really intrigued me since it featured a meeting of sorts between Monk and is deceased wife. You’ll have to keep tuning in weekly Friday nights to learn more. Unfortunately the airdate of that episode has yet to be determined at the time of writing this review. Guest stars for the second half of season three will include James Brolin, Larry Miller, and the rock band KoRn.
I do like the fact that Monk is still mentally ill enough that he is not always capable of making the best judgment calls when it comes to his personal/professional relationships without having something significant to prod him along. His new partner so to speak brings up points regarding Monk’s behavior that I’m sure fans of the series will enjoy hearing.
Tony Shalhoub the
Actor remains one of the most versatile thespians anywhere whether it be a
serious turn in theatrically released feature films like the Coen Brothers’
“The Man Who Wasn’t There” or silly turns in films like the hit DreamWorks
sci-fi comedy “Galaxy Quest.” He is also a Director and Producer. “Monk”
the series could go down in television history among the great detective shows
of all time. Monk returns to USA with new episodes on Friday, January 21, 2005,
at 10pm (ET/PT).
© Copyright 2004
By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.