As I was perusing my news websites yesterday, I stumbled upon an article that made me gasp:
“Stanley Kamel, ‘Monk’ Psychiatrist, dead at 65.”
I’m not really good at remembering actors’ real names, but when I saw ‘Monk Psychiatrist’ in the headline, I was alarmed. My first thoughts? Dr. Kroger died!? This is not good news! Who is going to tell Mr. Monk!?
He is not going to handle this news well.
At all.
This could set his therapy back years…
Then, I shifted into reality and thought about how shocking a death like this is for friends and family. I wondered how they’re going to write this into the show. I’m sure they’ll find a way, but talk about an unexpected twist.
I shouldn’t joke about this, and I’m really not. It’s just interesting when you make such a connection with the show…especially when it’s hard to see past that.
(It’s kinda like how Agent Doggett was always going to be the Melty Terminator Guy in my head. Always.)
Dr. Kroger wasn’t the main character, but he ranked right up there, and he was one of my favorites. They have replaced other key people on the show smoothly (Mr. Monk’s assistants have changed over the years), so it’s not a show-breaker.
Claire loves Mr. Monk. The show is pretty tame, so she’s watched them with us. The only part that may border on being inappropriate for her is the very beginning where the actual crime takes place, but we can usually distract her or say, “Yep, that lady fell down. She’s just pretending.” 
The good thing about TiVO is we can fast-fwd pretty quickly if need be. We really haven’t had the need with Monk.
She’ll even beg to watch Monk. (and Psych, another of my favorites. It comes on right after Monk. It is also witty, engaging and really funny if you really pay attention to the dialogue. Shawn Spencer has been my boyfriend for a while, he just hasn’t figured it out yet.)
I can’t wait for the new seasons of Monk and Psych to start. I think I saw an announcement somewhere about how both shows will be showing on NBC, too, so those out there who don’t have USA can get a taste. Check your local listings. (I’ve always wanted to say that.) And with this new development on Monk, I wonder where the story will go. Only time will tell, and I hope Mr. Monk is sitting down when he hears the news.
sent to your Email
