Tony Shalhoub reprises his role as Adrian Monk in the TV movie “Mr. Monk’s Last Case,” which serves as a continuation of the popular series “Monk.” The movie, available on Peacock, follows Monk, an obsessive-compulsive crime solver, as he navigates life during an ongoing pandemic caused by an airborne virus.
Creator Andy Breckman acknowledges that Monk’s fixation on hygiene, which was often met with eyerolls in the original series, now makes sense in the context of the pandemic. However, the story requires viewers to believe that Monk would go without a face mask in post-2020 settings, which may be a challenge for some.
The movie begins with a clip from an old episode, where Monk fixates on his old stove. Monk is seen reading from his manuscript, as he scored a book deal to write about his career. However, his editor is not satisfied with the content and demands the return of the advance payment. This poses a problem for Monk, as he had planned to use the money for his stepdaughter Molly’s wedding.
Monk’s stepdaughter, Molly, moves in with him during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the death of her fiancé prompts Monk to come out of retirement. The old gang, including Natalie Teeger, Leland Stottlemeyer, and Randy Disher, reunites to solve the case.
While the movie maintains a breezy tone, it also delves into darker themes. Monk contemplates ending his life, exploring the character’s ongoing grief and the challenges of losing a spouse. Although the central mystery may be unsatisfying, Tony Shalhoub’s performance as Monk remains a highlight, infusing the character with both humanity and humor.
The ending of “Mr. Monk’s Last Case” leaves room for the possibility of another movie or a reboot of the original series. The movie is available for streaming on Peacock.