Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie

Just as pure fan service, it’s a welcome return. If you liked “Monk” you’ll obviously want to watch it — and if you’ve never seen “Monk,” you should watch “Monk.”

Two decades later, we can all relate a bit to Adrian Monk. He may even be the perfect sleuth for the post-pandemic jungle we’re living in. Is this case truly his last? One can only hope the answer is, “No.”

While the title states (or at least implies) this is Monk’s goodbye, given how seamlessly Shalhoub and company slide back into it, Peacock might be well advised to keep a few extra gallons of hand sanitizer in reserve.

It's a sweet-as-pie (but not too sweet) reunion that captures the tone and spirit of the original show but also feels apt for 2023, a rare feat.

If the central mystery is unsatisfying, Shalhoub remains the reason to watch. He imbues this difficult, ridiculous man with so much humanity in a performance that is both clenched and silly.

Mr. Monk’s Last Case tries to split the difference between dragging its characters into 2023—with nods to the pandemic and to super-powerful tech bros—and giving fans the version of Monk they loved 14 years ago.

For casual viewers and the uninitiated, it's a cheap-looking and quite ludicrously plotted affair, with too many unnecessary characters, some really lame gags and an uncomfortably old-fashioned, almost cartoonish depiction of neurodiversity.

In what amounts to a TV Special, Monk’s Last Case gives the audience a good dosage of nostalgia by bringing the entire gang back one more time.

Ultimately, the sequel manages to deliver a strong message of hope, and those who enjoy the original series will find it entertaining (if not as upbeat).

A fun TV film, but the darker tone definitely rubs some people the wrong way.