Adrian Monk last graced our screens with his presence all the way back in 2009. Now he’s returned clearly showcasing the passage of time and yet it's almost as if no time has passed at all. An isolated Monk begrudgingly comes out of retirement for one final case that’s unfortunately too close to home. 

 

Tony Shalhoub is phenomenal in his return to the iconic germaphobe and his emotional turn in this film truly made me tear up not once, not twice, but three times throughout the watch. It’s joyous to see one of the true greats return to the job for one final go - especially with a story that hits a tad close to home in modern times. The gravity of Monk’s relationship toward his “daughter” and the loss of an appetite to continue to take on cases since Trudy’s was solved is an emotional roller coaster, as we witness Monk fighting with a reason to keep going. 

 

The returning supporting cast members: Ted Levine, Traylor Howard, Jason Gray-Stanford, Hector Elizondo and Melora Hardin are all exceptional, as they provide the same kinetic energy from the original series. The chemistry is brilliantly on display and they all play their part just like in the old days to solve this sincerely personal case for Mr. Monk. 

 

Fueled with such love and care from all involved, everything has continued to evolve while we were away but everything’s all exactly where it should be from where we left it. It’s like a warm hug from friends you haven't seen in quite some time. The only issue with Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie is that it’s reignited my love for the series and now that it’s officially (?) over, I guess it’s time to begin the rewatch.