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 Vincent D'Onofrio and Tony Shalhoub
Tony, who seemed completely laid back, comfortable, and the polar opposite to the title character he plays -- while sampling the various hors d'oeuvres being thrust at him -- was eager to discuss the full circle moment Monk is coming up on in the show's seventh season this summer. As the show's executive producer and star, we naturally expected him to know all the goods and spill them after careful grilling while he was distracted by shrimp. No such luck.
It turns out that even he wasn't made privy to the developments we saw begin to unravel at the end of last season, when it looked like an uncovered clue was about to lead us (and Monk) to discover just who killed his beloved wife Trudy. "Unfortunately, the writers know the answer and they would not tell me. I've tried to bribe them, humiliate them... They're just being really closed mouthed about it. But, I mean it's sort of satisfying to know that they know, even though they won't tell me." We should have known this before asking. That's the answer you're usually apt to get whenever there is a top secret plot to protect. Still, it was worth a try.
Because it's a journey we have taken on for six years, we, like everyone else, have been waiting for Monk to finally be able to move past Trudy's death and to repair the damage the grief caused. Anyone who knows the story of Monk knows that he is a brilliant detective who worked for the San Francisco Police Department until his wife died in a car bomb attack, a plot Monk believed was intended for him.
Trudy's death led Monk to suffer a nervous breakdown. He was discharged from the force and became a shut-in, refusing to leave his house for over three years. He now works as a consultant for the homicide unit, despite having an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A huge part of the show's appeal stems from Monk's endearing ways of dealing with his OCD in order to solve crimes, his disorder's effect on his relationships, and his undying love and devotion to Trudy. Shalhoub agrees, and tries to break down, just what it is about Adrian Monk that gets to the heart of people. "I think one of the things that appeals to people about the character is that he is vulnerable and overwhelmed by so many obstacles in his life; and yet he presses on. And everyone, I think, feels, (especially nowadays) in the age of anxiety, a certain level of it that's been heightened in the last few years. So maybe that helps people relate to this character. Maybe in some small way he offers hope to people."
Hope that problems can be solved through adversity is what Monk's characters have represented for the last six years. A story like this is capable of being both tragic and funny at the same time. Monk's team of cohorts pulls the dramedy together beautifully from script to screen with awesome storytelling coupled with performances successful in grasping and holding our attention.
Though Shalhoub himself has been showered with praise and accolades for his performance on the critically acclaimed series, the three-time Emmy winner is well aware of the talent he's surrounded himself with and marvels at how lucky he is. "This group of actors that I work with is so great. We have the feeling of a real true ensemble. It's gotten to the point where we're open about critiquing each other and suggesting things to each other. We're all kind of feeding off of each other's energy. It feels almost like a theatre troupe that's worked together for years and years. It's a very healthy, productive, and very supportive environment."
While Shalhoub acknowledges the valuable fact that his positive working relationship with fellow actors helps Monk's ship run efficiently, he lays the series' staying power primarily at the feet of the devoted viewers who keep tuning in every week to keep it floating smoothly above water. "We are so gratified. Our fans, they may not be large in number, but they are almost as obsessive as Monk. I can't thank them enough for staying with us."
Being an obsessive fan could turn out to be doubly awesome in the coming season. The mystery of Trudy's death has been eating at us for six years and the possibility of it being solved is extremely exhilarating. Monk could find closure. He could finally be able to let his wife go and move on. Get better. Find love? Shalhoub is all for it, sensing, like we do, some significant changes for the better in Monk's relationships with people (women especially) that could shake things up a bit. And for him, it's agreeably about time.
"I would love to see that [Trudy's murder is] resolved, but the writers might save that for the series finale. I would like to see Monk get more courageous in terms of romantic interest, even though he holds fast to his love for Trudy. I think now, in the seventh year, we could start to explore more and see Monk kind of break out of that. And I think it might happen for him. Especially with the possibility of solving this mystery on the horizon."
Great. Despite trying very hard not to take that as a hint, we cannot wait to find out if our favorite anxiety-ridden detective can overcome his fear of communicable diseases long enough to woo a woman. We can just hear the intake of breath as an entire nation of Monk obsessives wait to see if our favorite assistant, Natalie Teeger (portrayed by Traylor Howard) might someday fall into the category of ‘romantic interest'. We think it's about time too.
The first episode of the new season airs July 18th. Check out the Official Site for more information.
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