‘Monk’ Celebrates 100 Episodes
Happy Anniversary!
Tony Shalhoub’s quaint Monk, still immensely entertaining after seven seasons, reaches an important milestone tonight at 9pm EST: its 100th episode.
Since the big event also coincides with the detective’s 100th case, the title of the hallmark is simply and appropriately “Mr. Monk’s 100th Case.” [Oddly, however, the official website calls it “Mr. Monk's 100th Episode.” Hmmm…]
But that’s where the simplicity ends because USA has an onslaught of high-profile, memorable guest stars — some of whom have appeared on the series in the past — lined up to help celebrate this momentous occasion.
They include newcomers Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) as a reporter and Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives) as Monk’s former babysitter, in addition to repeat guests John Turturro as Monk’s agoraphobic brother Ambrose, Jarrad Paul as Monk’s neighbor Kevin Dorfman, Tim Bagley as Monk’s nemesis Harold Krenshaw, Howie Mandel as former cult leader Ralph Roberts, Sarah Silverman as Monk’s biggest fan Marci Maven, and Shalhoub’s real-life wife Brooke Adams as flight attendant Leigh Harrison.
Then there’s the infamous crooks from crimes solved by the brilliant detective over the seasons: Sharon Lawrence as Stottlemeyer’s ex-girlfriend Linda Fusco, Andy Richter as Hal Tucker, David Koechner as Joey Krenshaw, Ricardo Chavira as Jimmy Belmont, and Angela Kinsey as Arlene Boras.
The only criminal missing is Dale “The Whale” Biederbeck, so maybe all three actors who have played Monk’s archrival — Adam Arkin, Tim Curry, and Ray Porter — were otherwise engaged.
In any case, you know a show rocks when it can lure that many talented thespians to all appear in a single episode of a series that’s not their own, which makes tonight’s Monk the most important must-see hour of television this week. Sorry, 90210.
Tony Shalhoub and Traylor Howard/Monk photo courtesy of Trae Patton/USA Network
