'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 1 still goes strong for so early on, when so many shows have a finding their feet feel to begin with, and "Mr Monk Goes to the Asylum" is a perfect example of prime-'Monk'.
Personally think that not only is "Mr Monk Goes to the Asylum" one of the best episodes of Season 1 but also one of my favourite episodes of 'Monk'. Yes, even with Disher and Stottlemeyer not making an appearance, a very rare occurrence, but in no way does it impact the episode at all.
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. It is remarkable here that for an episode that only introduces him that one likes him straight away, even with his quirks and deficiencies that could easily have been overplayed, and also that he is better developed than most titular characters of other shows at this particular stage. Who can't help love Monk's brilliant mind too?
He is very well supported by a sharp and no-nonsense but also sympathetic Bitty Schram, whose Sharona makes for a worthy and entertaining partner for Monk's sleuthing and somebody with a maternal side (very caring about Monk she is here). There is always a debate at who's better between Sharona and Natalie, personally like both in their own way and consider them both attractive though as of now leaning towards Natalie as the better acted and more attentive of the two.
Very effective supporting turns from Ken Cheeseman, Stanley Kamel and Dennis Boutsikaris.
It's not just the cast though. Another star is the writing, which is also essential to whether the show would be successful or not and succeed it does here. The mix of hilarious wry humour, lovable quirkiness and tender easy-to-relate-to drama is delicately done but extremely deft. Personally didn't find it dumb at all.
Although the final solution was not that much of a surprise, the perpetrator was somebody that was guessable early on but the fun was proving they did it, the case is very compelling and remarkably complex for 'Monk' while still making sense. Love Monk's scenes with Sharona and Kruger, but it was the tension between him and Lancaster that stood out. Monk having to overcome so much in order to be listened to and being frustrated that he's not is very easy to relate to, especially if one has been through it themselves.
Visually, the episode is shot in a slick and stylish way, and the music is both understated and quirky. Much prefer the jazzy Season 1 theme tune to the later "It's a Jungle Out There", which always struck me before as one of my least favourite assets of 'Monk' but has since grown on me, which should have been kept. It's all very capably directed throughout.
To conclude, classic 'Monk'. 10/10 Bethany Cox
