It's hard to imagine anybody other than Tony Shalhoub portraying Monk's best episodes all feature an exciting new investigation, but they also delve into the detective's dark past and his day-to-day experiences with a mental health condition.
While most installments offer some fantastic comic relief, there are also some truly heartbreaking episodes of Monk, too, especially the show's very last episode in season 8. Shalhoub clearly re his time playing Monk fondly, as the actor has frequently discussed the character and the show in general in interviews. However, there is one quote that cements the fact that nobody gets Adrian Monk like Tony Shalhoub does.
Tony Shalhoub Believes Monk "Doesn't Even Have A Comfort Zone"
The Actor's Favorite 5 Episodes Paint A Picture Of How Connected He Is To His Character
In an interview from 2023 discussing Mr. Monk's Last Case, Shalhoub reveals his favorite episodes of the original show (via Shalhoub's five favorite Monk episodes, which proves how well the actor understands his character, more so than even the writers of the show. The episodes "Mr. Monk and the End" (parts 1 and 2), "Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike," "Mr. Monk and the Kid," "Mr. Monk Bumps His Head," and "Mr. Monk and the Three Pies" all center on Monk's hesitant attempts to step out of his comfort zone.
Monk 2: Is It Happening? Everything We Know About The Mr. Monk's Last Case Sequel
Tony Shalhoub's beloved detective returned in Mr. Monk's Last Cast: A Monk Movie to great fanfare, but will there ever be a Monk 2?
Before Shalhoub announces his top five picks, he says: "Monk doesn't even have a comfort zone." While this is, of course, a joke on the actor's part, it is still very true. Adrian Monk as a character is complex and layered, but considering his past trauma and job, it makes sense that he no longer has traditional boundaries. However, this comment demonstrates just how powerful it can be when an actor truly knows their character. Shalhoub gets Adrian Monk, clearly, and this helps him provide a stellar performance throughout the show.
Monk Not Having A "Comfort Zone" Explains So Much About The Character
Shalhoub's Throwaway Comment Is Actually Very Accurate
The mystery of who killed Trudy Monk (Melora Hardin) in Monk is something that weighs on the titular character's chest for years, and paired with his difficulties with OCD, almost everything is uncomfortable for him in some shape or form. This is apparent in Shalhoub's performance. Most people are thrown off by Monk's demeanor, and even though his genius transcends their intelligence, it's still uncomfortable, no matter how much he tries to ignore it.
While it initially seems obvious that Monk would struggle with facing new people in every installment, as a detective, he's used to it.
One of the harsh realities of Monk is that the show is rather formulaic with its story-of-the-week format. While it initially seems obvious that Monk would struggle with facing new people in every installment, as a detective, he's used to it. However, his discomfort is demonstrated in other ways. Through Monk's therapy sessions, audiences understand more about living with OCD, especially how it is an ongoing daily battle. Natalie (Traylor Howard) and Sharona (Bitty Schram) are also great figures who Monk through each investigation, too.
Tony Shalhoub Understood Who Adrian Monk Was Right From The First Episode
The Actor Was Locked In From The First Time Production Called "Action"
Monk's first scene sets up the show brilliantly, but the titular character's introduction is even more spectacular. Shalhoub steals the scene. Even before he speaks or is properly introduced to viewers, the way Monk stands with his feet turned inwards and fiddles with his hands quickly explains the kind of person he is. His first line is his concerns about his stove, swiftly establishing his OCD, which, while a little stereotypical, is a great piece of exposition.
Tony Shalhoub's Award Wins For Monk |
|
|---|---|
Award |
Year |
Emmy Awards - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Episode: "Mr. Monk and the Airplane" |
2003 |
Emmy Awards - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Episode: "Mr. Monk Takes His Medicine" |
2005 |
Emmy Awards - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Episode: "Mr. Monk Bumps His Head" |
2006 |
Golden Globe Awards - Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy - Monk Season 1 |
2002 |
Screen Actors Guild Awards - Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - Monk Season 2 |
2003 |
Screen Actors Guild Awards - Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - Monk Season 3 |
2004 |
Online Film & Television Association Awards - Best Actor in a Comedy Series |
2003 |
PRISM Awards - Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series |
2010 |
Shalhoub takes these little quirks and implements them in every single performance he gives. From the first episode of Monk to Mr. Monk's Last Case, Shalhoub encapsulates the character's lack of comfort in every scene. In fact, at times, it's easy to forget that Shalhoub is playing a character and isn't really the eccentric private detective who is plagued by the enigma of his wife's death. I love Monk, and I've always believed Tony Shalhoub is the perfect actor to portray him, but his quote about the character not having a comfort zone only makes me more sure of this.
Monk
- Release Date
- 2002 - 2009-00-00
- Network
- USA
- Directors
- Randy Zisk, Jerry Levine
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Tony Shalhoub
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