Mr. Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus

It's Christmastime, and Monk is having a hard time with all of the seasonal cheer considering it's the tenth anniversary of Trudy's death. He's in a car with Natalie and her daughter when stuffed animals start pummeling the car. It turns out a Santa is on a nearby rooftop throwing toys down to the crowd. Monk is annoyed. He says the guy is creating a public nuisance and goes up to confront this Santa. Later, shots ring out. When Natalie reaches the rooftop, it appears that Monk has shot Santa!

In fact, Monk admits to shooting this Santa. His story is that a gun fell out of Santa's waistband, that Santa then attacked Monk with a metal pipe, and that Monk then grabbed the gun and fired in self-defense. Santa's story is that Monk shot him as a result of no provocation on his part. Meanwhile a tabloid style TV journalist is talking up the story and as a result all of San Francisco hates Monk.

Monk started doing Christmas episodes several seasons in, and even though this is a comedy show with a murder mystery there just to hold the story elements together, it is pretty hard to weave a Christmas theme into such a show with such a bleak yet comedic central character as Monk. Also, I doubt that in a big city like San Francisco people are going to recognize, point at, stare at, and shame Monk every time he appears in public as though this is Mayberry where there is some kind of small-town shared community standard.

The show isn't taking itself too seriously in this episode. Note that in the final big chase scene there is a truck with "Belham Brothers Quarry" emblazoned on the side, which was the same quarry involved in the buried treasure episode earlier in the season.

The way the people especially the kids angry at Monk act is so bad it was hard to watch without cringing. I can't stand those cliché moments like a woman screaming over a gunshot in the distance for no reason and grown ups angry over Monk "shooting Santa" when they know he isn't real like the kids' terrible acting. Watching this after an amazing episode "Mr Monk is up all night" is a huge downgrade. It feels like some episodes are made safely for simple mature people watching TV instead of making an intelligent well made and well acted episode.

'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.

While not quite as good as the previous episode "Mr Monk is Up All Night", "Mr Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus" is still great nonetheless. Again, it's a different episode, at this point there were few 'Monk' episodes where Monk tries and struggles to clear his name. One really feels for him and roots for him to have a successful outcome. There have been some obvious mysteries on 'Monk' lately, like the previous episode if not as much this one is one where things are not what it seems and it is a brain-teaser. My only complaint here is the character of the reporter who is rather annoying.

There are some nice character moments, with the main premise being done very well as are how people react to what Monk has or appears to have done. Particularly heart-warming moments were Julie trying to make Monk look good and Natalie trying to make him enjoy Christmas, both showing a lovely sympathetic side. "Mr Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus" while doing something different felt closer to the original 'Monk', where the mysteries and character moments were both equally strong rather than adopting what some recent episodes did in being successful in the character moments and the mystery taking a back-seat and being too obvious. The characters are true to how they were originally.

One of the best things about 'Monk' has always been the acting of Tony Shalhoub in the title role. 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. Everybody else support him very well.

Writing is tight and thought-provoking with some knowing humour and poignancy. Monk's situation is done in a sympathetic albeit suspenseful way, and doesn't feel overdone or trivialised.

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. The episode as always look slick and stylish.

Altogether, a great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Part of the plot is that Monk spoils the secret of Santa Claus. If you have children who believe in Santa then do not watch with them.

Part of the plot is that Monk spoils the secret of Santa Claus. If you have children who believe in Santa then do not watch with them.

Part of the plot is that Monk spoils the secret of Santa Claus. If you have children who believe in Santa then do not watch with them.

First of all, most things are set in motion by Adtian's inability to leave well enough alone. While the Santa had ulterior motives, all he was doing was throwing stuffed toys off a roof. Of course, when Monk has to shoot him in self defense, he becomes the pariah of the entire city. People form mobs when he appears and kids begin to cry. Let's face it. This stretches believability to the nth degree. Things resolve themselves much too easily.