Tony Shalhoub in "Monk" and James Roday in "Psych"
photos courtesy of the USA Network
“Monk/Psych” (USA Network)

My how time flies when you are having fun! It seems impossible that “Monk” is starting its eighth season and “Psych” is starting its fourth. Both of these shows are big hits on the USA Network and have cleared the way for other successful TV series to follow on this channel, such as “Burn Notice,” “Royal Pains,” and “In Plain Sight.” 

“Monk” was the frontrunner of the USA Network’s success in programming, and now sadly it is signing off. Season eight will be its final season. Next year we will not have the fastidious and fanatical Mr. Monk to watch and Tony Shalhoub will no longer be the front runner for the Best Actor Emmy each and every year.

In the premiere episode of the final season Monk (Shalhoub) is highly excited about the release of an autobiographical book by Christine Rabb (Perkins). Christine is a former child star who starred in Mr. Monk’s favorite TV show. Through a series of unfortunate events Monk actually gets to meet Christine. She is being stalked and threatened because of information in her book.

Watching the interaction between Shalhoub and Perkins is like getting a course in “Acting 101.” These two are at the top of their game and make the film totally entertaining to watch. Rena Sofer is also on hand as Christine’s publicist.

This episode is not the best written of the series but it is one of the best acted. Plus it gives Shalhoub a chance to do all of Monk’s twitches and turns. His performance is a joy to behold and amazing to study.

One further note, Bitty Schram will be returning in her role as “Sharona” for a guest spot. Sharona was Monk’s first assistant. Die hard fans of the show will be thrilled by Schram’s return.

“Psych” is also coming back for another season. James Roday and Dule’ Hill return as Shawn Spencer and Gus Guster. In the show Shawn has convinced the local police department that he has some special abilities as a psychic. Gus is there as his assistant of sorts.

In the premiere episode Shawn and Gus go to Canada on vacation. While there they spot a master thief (Cary Elwes) and decide to go after him. It is a matter of this man and Shawn matching wits. The thief has experience and maturity on his side while Shawn has youth on his.

This episode highlights the comedy skills of Roday and Hill and establishes once more that you too can be a psychic if you are just observant. After all this is what the “Mentalist” does much to Shawn Spencer’s chagrin. He takes a verbal shot at that show in this premiere episode.

For solid entertainment be on hand for the premier episodes of “Monk” and “Psych.” “Monk” premieres at 9PM, August 7 with “Psych” following at 10Pm on that same night. Both shows, of course, are seen on the US Network.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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