Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
12-05-09, 09:58 AM
#51
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
No one is crazy enough to hire Randy as Chief of Police. I wasn't too crazy about this finale. It seems far fetched that a man would go so far as to use a car bomb to kill a woman over having a baby. It'd be different had she been shot or stabbed, but the outcome was a bit much.
Trudy's behavior at the start of part 1 of the finale made it seem like she was about to have a nervous breakdown. She made the video because after 15 years passed, the judge contacted her and sounded odd, so instead of telling someone, she decided to show up and get murdered (which it looks as if she knew good and well she was going to be killed), only to leave Adrian a gift of a video telling the truth and that the judge probably killed her. Damn, why couldn't she have told him that anyway? Really? You'd rather die than tell your husband that you had a baby, only to tell him on a video.
I liked the episodes that insinuated that she stumbled upon a conspiracy as a reporter and was killed because of that. This resolution reduces her murder to one of the stupid ones that take place in many episodes. In "Mr. Monk Goes Back to School", a teacher was killed by her colleague because she was pregnant.
I'm on the seventh book in the Monk novel series, and he's still chasing the six-fingered man all over the globe. I must have missed the season 7 finale, because I wondered where the six-fingered man fit into this finale as well.
When concluding a show like this, I wish the writers had composed the ending at the same time they wrote the beginning. The surrounding elements could've changed (Stottlemeyer, Disher and Natalie could've had stories written at the last minute), but Trudy's case should have been airtight from day one.
In the Badge episode, after years of longing to be back on the force, he quits. Why didn't the captain create a position for Monk where he'd be doing the same thing he'd been doing during the show, but as an official cop? I was hoping they'd do that, but oh well.
I guess this episode stands alone okay, but looking back at the start of the series, it's pretty lackluster.
Trudy's behavior at the start of part 1 of the finale made it seem like she was about to have a nervous breakdown. She made the video because after 15 years passed, the judge contacted her and sounded odd, so instead of telling someone, she decided to show up and get murdered (which it looks as if she knew good and well she was going to be killed), only to leave Adrian a gift of a video telling the truth and that the judge probably killed her. Damn, why couldn't she have told him that anyway? Really? You'd rather die than tell your husband that you had a baby, only to tell him on a video.
I liked the episodes that insinuated that she stumbled upon a conspiracy as a reporter and was killed because of that. This resolution reduces her murder to one of the stupid ones that take place in many episodes. In "Mr. Monk Goes Back to School", a teacher was killed by her colleague because she was pregnant.
I'm on the seventh book in the Monk novel series, and he's still chasing the six-fingered man all over the globe. I must have missed the season 7 finale, because I wondered where the six-fingered man fit into this finale as well.
When concluding a show like this, I wish the writers had composed the ending at the same time they wrote the beginning. The surrounding elements could've changed (Stottlemeyer, Disher and Natalie could've had stories written at the last minute), but Trudy's case should have been airtight from day one.
In the Badge episode, after years of longing to be back on the force, he quits. Why didn't the captain create a position for Monk where he'd be doing the same thing he'd been doing during the show, but as an official cop? I was hoping they'd do that, but oh well.
I guess this episode stands alone okay, but looking back at the start of the series, it's pretty lackluster.
As for the episode, I was very satisfied with it. Would love to see some films to go with the series.
12-05-09, 10:45 AM
#53
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
I agree. Especially with Sharona and Ambrose. Yes, she [Sharona] was on the phone throughout the episode with Randy, but it wasn't all that fulfilling. It makes no sense that they wouldn't come around with the presumption that Adrian had only a few days left to live. Sharona's episode aired a few weeks ago, and when she began taping that episode, I'm pretty sure that the writers and producers knew how it would end, so they could have taped a small scene with her at that time while they had her and edited it into the finale.
As for Randy, he's an idiot and isn't qualified to be a meter maid. That's one of the things about the show that drove me crazy. It isn't even believeable that he was a Lieutenant for the SFPD. When the show started he had to have been in his late twenties and he was smarter then, but it just went downhill from there. Had they tapered off the dumbness this season it would be different, but in part 1 of the finale he caused a riot in the train station by doing something dumb, and that just aired last week.
I will look forward to the possibility of TV movies (I expect one within the next two years), where the writers can come up with fresh, stand alone plots that don't stink up the place. I mean really, they've done 3 'twins' episodes.
As for Randy, he's an idiot and isn't qualified to be a meter maid. That's one of the things about the show that drove me crazy. It isn't even believeable that he was a Lieutenant for the SFPD. When the show started he had to have been in his late twenties and he was smarter then, but it just went downhill from there. Had they tapered off the dumbness this season it would be different, but in part 1 of the finale he caused a riot in the train station by doing something dumb, and that just aired last week.
I will look forward to the possibility of TV movies (I expect one within the next two years), where the writers can come up with fresh, stand alone plots that don't stink up the place. I mean really, they've done 3 'twins' episodes.
Last edited by mraw; 12-05-09 at 11:20 AM.
12-05-09, 12:32 PM
#54
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
People that are calling Randy dumb are forgetting specifically the episode where Stottlemeyer was having back problems and Randy took over running the Police Station. He did a great job and things were running smoothly and crimes were getting solved. He lacks some common sense, but he is still very good at his job, as we saw specifically in that episode just mentioned and other episodes in general.
12-05-09, 03:51 PM
#55
Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Trudy's wrapup was probably one of the weakest plots of the season. Was expecting A LOT more --- It would have been nice had they started gathering clues at the beginning of the season which culminated in a grand finale --- instead of pulling the preasent thing out of the air.
The ending was pretty good, with the kid. I thought maybe Monk was going to die and then he'd always be with Trudy (until I saw the previews from last week).
I'm sure there will be "specials" down the road. Even with the weakest epsisodes, the writing on Monk has always been one of the best (IMO) of the cop shows. USA"s emphasis on characters wll always get me to try their shows. Cop shows are the one thing on the regular networks I always avoid.
It was time for Monk to go. At least we'eve got Psych and White Collar now.
The ending was pretty good, with the kid. I thought maybe Monk was going to die and then he'd always be with Trudy (until I saw the previews from last week).
I'm sure there will be "specials" down the road. Even with the weakest epsisodes, the writing on Monk has always been one of the best (IMO) of the cop shows. USA"s emphasis on characters wll always get me to try their shows. Cop shows are the one thing on the regular networks I always avoid.
It was time for Monk to go. At least we'eve got Psych and White Collar now.
12-05-09, 04:54 PM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
I was dissapointed because of logical holes. Maybe I missed something and you guys can answer but:
So Trudy thought the baby had died, never saw a body and it showed up at an orphanage. WHY? Did the midwife take it? Was the judge after it?
Why would the judge kill trudy and NOT kill monk? As far as he knew she TOLD monk everyhting. He should be killed. Further questions come out depending on the answer to #1.
Wasnt it said that the bomb was intended for Monk?
The daughter still being alive was too gimmicky. And if I was her I would have been freaked out by his attention.
Oh and I hate Mallora Harding, or however the fuck you spell it.
So Trudy thought the baby had died, never saw a body and it showed up at an orphanage. WHY? Did the midwife take it? Was the judge after it?
Why would the judge kill trudy and NOT kill monk? As far as he knew she TOLD monk everyhting. He should be killed. Further questions come out depending on the answer to #1.
Wasnt it said that the bomb was intended for Monk?
The daughter still being alive was too gimmicky. And if I was her I would have been freaked out by his attention.
Oh and I hate Mallora Harding, or however the fuck you spell it.
12-05-09, 05:10 PM
#57
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Loved the final.
The last show I would say was a better wrap for a series was "Mary Tyler Moore", other than that I cannot name a better series final. "M.A.S.H." was no where nears as good, nor was "Seinfeld" (which may have been the worse ever for a big show).
Friends was a good ending, but I have a better connection to Monk characters than any other show.
The last show I would say was a better wrap for a series was "Mary Tyler Moore", other than that I cannot name a better series final. "M.A.S.H." was no where nears as good, nor was "Seinfeld" (which may have been the worse ever for a big show).
Friends was a good ending, but I have a better connection to Monk characters than any other show.
12-05-09, 05:25 PM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
I very much liked Tony Shalhoub's performance in these last two episodes. Very worthy of an Emmy. Didn't care for the writing. Not up to the standards of Levinson/Link.
12-05-09, 06:38 PM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
I thought the finale was tolerable. Not good, but a decent wrap-up. If the quality of the last four seasons was similar to the quality exhibited in the episodes contained in seasons 1 through 4, this show would go down as a classic; instead, it's a show that I'll be happy to watch when I see it on, but I really won't think much of it or recommend it to many people.
12-05-09, 08:57 PM
#61
Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Same here. I haven't watched the show in a while, but was pleased to see Shalhoub still shining as an actor, despite very pedestrian writing.
12-05-09, 09:34 PM
#62
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
IIRC, the ratings for the show has been pretty good for USA Network and it has loyal support, so I imagine that we'll get a 90 minute movie in the next couple of years. Depending on how that goes, could be a yearly special or something.
12-06-09, 03:43 PM
#63
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Good not great ending. The true reason Trudy was killed was a little lackluster and I agree that Molly should have been a little put off by Monk's smothering. The ending Montage was good, almost as good as Seinfeld's that was set to "Time of my life" by Greenday. Over all it was satisfying to a fan of the show but the best ending EVER for a show has to be "Newheart". I'm smiling just thinking about it.
How are the novels to Monk? I've read some novels that were based on TV shows but was underwhelmed.
How are the novels to Monk? I've read some novels that were based on TV shows but was underwhelmed.
12-06-09, 04:46 PM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
One thing I love about the Monk book series is
Spoiler:
12-06-09, 08:52 PM
#65
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Agree w/most of the sentiment here. Randy as Police Chief? No way. Liked the very end though, kind of like NYPD Blue finale, another crime and life just goes on.
12-07-09, 12:27 AM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
I liked the "aftermath," nice sendoff. But the episode, the Trudy thing was total crap. For reasons already mentioned. Too bad. Plot holes out the wazoo, disappointing reveal for who/why she was murdered, etc. I think the show has been pretty meh overall for years, but still entertaining somehow..I guess it's the characters I like.
12-07-09, 11:46 AM
#67
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
ive always really enjoyed monk.. although i cant say i watched all of the first couple seasons.. maybe through reruns i have by now..
i enjoyed the finale.. kindof closing everything up with a nice tidy bow
but the trudy killer stuff would have been better if they had stretched it out and puts parts of it into the whole season, rather than just dedicating the final 2 seasons to wrapping it up with some coincidences and back planted evidence.
the daughter part was interesting, in giving him something in his life.. but a chick might have been a better way to go.. definitly seemed to be a bit cheesy and overboard though.. but i guess thats always been a big part of the show.
i enjoyed the finale.. kindof closing everything up with a nice tidy bow
but the trudy killer stuff would have been better if they had stretched it out and puts parts of it into the whole season, rather than just dedicating the final 2 seasons to wrapping it up with some coincidences and back planted evidence.
the daughter part was interesting, in giving him something in his life.. but a chick might have been a better way to go.. definitly seemed to be a bit cheesy and overboard though.. but i guess thats always been a big part of the show.
12-07-09, 02:07 PM
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USA's long-running series Monk exited with a recording-breaking 9.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched hourlong series ever on basic cable.
12-30-09, 05:52 AM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Something that always struck me, was at the beginning of the show they seemed to say that the reason Monk got to be so weird and OCD was because of what happened to Trudy, which made sense. Then later on in the show, they showed he was like that even as a kid, and Trudy just sort of tolerated his quirks.
01-01-10, 10:26 PM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
One of my favorite shows but the finale was very disappointing. I've held off watching it until now because I knew I'd be upset, but not for this reason. The final montage was all I needed; I don't know if any resolution would have been fitting of the Trudy aura. Not nearly the travesty character send off that something like "Rocky V" was, but I'll be holding my breath waiting for a "Rocky Balboa" esque proper movie special or something. I will really miss these characters.
01-02-10, 02:04 AM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
I was kinda hoping that the final shot of the series would be a slow camera move down Monk's body to reveal that he, in fact, has no belly button.
03-23-10, 10:45 PM
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
My wife and I just watched the final two episodes last night. We both thought they did a pretty good job, could have been better.
They gave away the identify of Trudy's killer pretty quickly, it wasn't to hard to identify who was talking over the phone in the dark. Somehow, the resolution of that part of the plot didn't have the gravitas it needed.
I like the idea that Trudy had a daughter for two reasons: 1) The idealized Trudy became human and more approachable; and 2) What better way for Monk to move on, than with Trudy's daughter?
I would have liked to have that revelation made at the very end and we never see her, but know Monk will meet her. Let us imagine what their meeting and life as father and daughter might be.
I agree that Monk was smothering her and she has just met him. She couldn't understand him fully yet. It would have been reasonable for her to blow her top. Monk had been making progress, I think he could have been portrayed as less Monk-like with her.
Making Randy a chief of police was a bit of a stretch. Although he had been making progress lately, becoming less of an idiot. He had subdued the killers in the camping episode recently. I always thought his character was the worst written and least believable.
A question comes to mind. Trudy's daughter mentioned he was broke. I thought Monk was at least financially comfortable and was cheapskate because that's what he was, not out of necessity.
I do hope they make a movie in a couple of years.
They gave away the identify of Trudy's killer pretty quickly, it wasn't to hard to identify who was talking over the phone in the dark. Somehow, the resolution of that part of the plot didn't have the gravitas it needed.
I like the idea that Trudy had a daughter for two reasons: 1) The idealized Trudy became human and more approachable; and 2) What better way for Monk to move on, than with Trudy's daughter?
I would have liked to have that revelation made at the very end and we never see her, but know Monk will meet her. Let us imagine what their meeting and life as father and daughter might be.
I agree that Monk was smothering her and she has just met him. She couldn't understand him fully yet. It would have been reasonable for her to blow her top. Monk had been making progress, I think he could have been portrayed as less Monk-like with her.
Making Randy a chief of police was a bit of a stretch. Although he had been making progress lately, becoming less of an idiot. He had subdued the killers in the camping episode recently. I always thought his character was the worst written and least believable.
A question comes to mind. Trudy's daughter mentioned he was broke. I thought Monk was at least financially comfortable and was cheapskate because that's what he was, not out of necessity.
I do hope they make a movie in a couple of years.
03-03-13, 10:08 PM
#73
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Just watched Season 2 - Mr Monk and the Old Man
It must have been the 1st time I have watched this since the Final of Monk.
Very interesting how...
Captain Leland Stottlemeyer solved his very old case that caused him to dought himself by:
-Listening to an old Video tape
-If he had listened to the tape a long time ago he would have solved the case immediately
-His wife made the tape
-The victim died in a car
-At the end they had the killer stand there while they dug up something out of the ground to prove who the murderer was
-Other people died to cover up the 1st murder
-Killer worked for the Goverment
All of the above was in the Final Show of Monk and is how they solved Trudy's murder.
It must have been the 1st time I have watched this since the Final of Monk.
Very interesting how...
Captain Leland Stottlemeyer solved his very old case that caused him to dought himself by:
-Listening to an old Video tape
-If he had listened to the tape a long time ago he would have solved the case immediately
-His wife made the tape
-The victim died in a car
-At the end they had the killer stand there while they dug up something out of the ground to prove who the murderer was
-Other people died to cover up the 1st murder
-Killer worked for the Goverment
All of the above was in the Final Show of Monk and is how they solved Trudy's murder.
05-11-19, 09:19 AM
#74
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Re: Monk -- Series Finale --"Mr. Monk and The End" -- Starts 11/27/09
Sorry for the bump.
Finished off the series and I'm disappointed about the way it wrapped up. It took me longer to finish off this series as the last couple of seasons were a drag. They made the character of Monk just mean and petty especially to Natalie. It was quite annoying.
Then they wrap up the show with this out of character behaviour from Trudy to explain why she was killed. I didn't buy it.
I love Alona Tal ever since she appeared in Veronica Mars so I felt sorry for her, that she wasn't given much to do in her role by the writers.
The montage was really nice. Didn't really care about Randy becoming the Police Chief and getting together with Sharona. Randy became like a real life Homer Simpson character.
I will miss Natalie and the Captain.
The episode that she came back made me realize how annoying the character/actress was. I did not miss her at all and made me appreciate Natalie even more even though the writing, as some of you stated, was weaker in the later seasons.
Finished off the series and I'm disappointed about the way it wrapped up. It took me longer to finish off this series as the last couple of seasons were a drag. They made the character of Monk just mean and petty especially to Natalie. It was quite annoying.
Then they wrap up the show with this out of character behaviour from Trudy to explain why she was killed. I didn't buy it.
I love Alona Tal ever since she appeared in Veronica Mars so I felt sorry for her, that she wasn't given much to do in her role by the writers.
The montage was really nice. Didn't really care about Randy becoming the Police Chief and getting together with Sharona. Randy became like a real life Homer Simpson character.
I will miss Natalie and the Captain.
