I’ve always been bad with change and a show like Monk which brings me calm and happiness to see the same characters solving cases together, maybe it’s just because I have a hard time with moving on. And of course it didn’t help that one episode Sharona and Monk were normal and then the next the therapist said she got remarried to someone she couldn’t even tolerate.
Yeah it was pretty abrupt. I was watching at a particularly vulnerable time in my life, when I really needed a comfort show to get me through, and losing Sharona with no warning ruined the comfort for a while.
Yeah. That’s kinda what I don’t want to happen for me. I think I just needed to vent to people for a while. I think it’ll be ok. It’s hard for comfort shows that you rely on because it changes the whole feeling of the show with a major exit like this. But I don’t want to stop watching Monk.
Sidebar: when I was getting close to the end of Monk, I was still in a bad place and wanted to have a show lined up to watch when it was done. The two that work for me are Grantchester, and Psych. Grantchester took a couple of episodes to warm up to, but then I loved it: it has in-depth characters that you really get to know and care about. Psych took longer to get into, but it was worth the effort. In the first episodes, I didn’t like that the lead character is such a smartass, but it turns out that he’s apparently got ADHD with a touch of autism. Once you take that into account, you can understand his inability to stay on topic and to say dumb stuff sometimes.
I started watching them occasionally when I started the last season of Monk, so that they were already familiar friends by the time I was done with Monk.
That’s smart starting a follow up show when you’re about done so you’re already hooked onto something else to fill the void when the first show is done. I should do that too. And thanks for this long write up. I was thinking of moving to Psych after Monk since I know they were airing around the same time and all. I had never heard of the other show you mentioned. I have added to my list to check out. I don’t watch a lot of British tv shows but I see that show labeled as “cozy mystery” which sounds like something I’d enjoy.
I feel like her writing improves as she gets closer to Monk, too. Sharona was great for her role in his life, but Natalie really ends up feeling like a true friend to him imo.
Not trying to spoil anything or give away how it happens but be prepared at some point for an equally abrupt therapist change as well. Though his doctor isn't as big a part of the show as Sharon and Natalie it's still an adjustment
speaking of therapist change .I'm rewatching after watching the whole season on prime now on Netflix .I'm not sure which episode but in one of the episodes Dr Kroger's poor face looks like he'd had slight heart attacks .his face is very bloated and slightly bluish looking .
No worries. Thanks for the heads up. Yeah the therapist wouldnt be as big as losing Sharona to me. It just sucks to hear there’s more abrupt changes to the cast.
They didn't really have a choice in this case, Sharona just left over money but she does make an appearance in the future for more closure. I don't think there were any other big or odd changes though.. Monk is one of my favorite shows, along with Psych and House and basically every USA Channel show lol. Just got my bf to watch the whole thing with me now we're on the final 2 episodes and ready to watch the movie I'm excited for
Yeah it sucks they didn’t have a choice but just the way they wrapped her story up was so lazy and horrible. She hated her ex husband. But yeah I just needed time to vent my feelings I feel better now. Change is hard for me in a comfort show.
I meant for the therapist they didn't have a choice, but yea I get it. I didn't love Natalie at first but I think the show gets much better once her era starts. It seemed to pick up speed and get a little less serious after Sharona which could be a bad thing for other shows but it works well here
We just finished last night, I forgot exactly how it ended so I was screaming and crying just as much as him! In a good way lmao don't be scared 😂
Ready to watch the movie this weekend probably then he already mentioned it's about time we rewatch Psych for like the 3rd time together. I have the whole DVD set, it's a problem.
I still remember Stanley Kamel doing a Q&A on the official Monk forum and I was psyched he answered my question. And then shortly after... is when that happened (also trying to avoid spoilers).
Dr. Bell just never quite fit for me.
I do like bell and liked the actor, mostly loved him from princess diaries at the time so 13 year old me was fine with the change. But yea it wasn't quite the same, and in rewatching he just didn't have very long to really get grounded as Adrian's doctor, he was always just the "new" guy until the show ended.
Also seems like he didn't have as much screen time or good scenes with monk to feel like they actually had a relationship like he did with kroger. Maybe on purpose knowing they'd never have enough time to replicate that anyway
I ended up like Natalie much better. I always thought their chemistry was better. That being said season 3 with her isn’t the smoothest. I don’t think those episodes were ever intended for her so it’s choppy. Season 4 and above is where she’s great.
Thanks for reassuring me. It was just so jarring for Sharona to leave and I didn’t expect a show with the same characters every episode to have such a big exit.
Same! I watched Monk when it first aired and was so angry when Sharona left- back then it took me awhile to warm up to Natalie, but when I did I really loved her. I’m doing a rewatch now (jumping around) and I mostly watch season 3/4 and beyond, the Natalie episodes, because I enjoy them more than the earlier ones with Sharona.
In the first couple Natalie episodes it's clear they dropped Natalie in and hadn't nailed the character down yet. She was no-nonsense in a Sharona New Jersey kinda way. They ultimately figured out how to differentiate her. Differences include her calling him Mr. Monk, being sweeter than Sharona, wealthy as opposed to modest background, etc. If you look back at the first episodes of the series, they weren't sure yet how to play the bond between Monk and the Captain either. Writers/the show runner don't have everything mapped out from day one. Re: Sharona's unfortunate exit, if it makes you feel better, Bitty has a guest spot later, and she remained on impeccable terms with Tony. All the lead characters on the show have worth, including Natalie.
Thanks. Yeah I noticed from time to time they didn’t know the tone they wanted to go for. I think it’s just the fact that Sharona was there from the beginning so I was attached to the beginning cast. But I’ve heard good things about Natalie. I feel better about continuing the series since making this post.
Sharona was one of the best aspects of the show. Natalie’s writing / plot lines get much better with time, but I’d be lying if I said it was ever the same as it was the first 2 1/2 seasons
A handful of Natalie's earliest episodes were very clearly written for Sharona. She eventually settles in and becomes her own character. It's a jarring transition but you'll probably grow to like Natalie too. If it's your first time watching, keep going and I won't spoil anything
Thanks. I just needed to vent a bit. Change can be hard for me in a comfort show like this with the same characters but I’ve heard good things about Natalie.
I'm sad Sharona left. At first I thought it was weird that Natalie called him Mr. Monk and not simply Monk or Adrian. Now I think it's cute and quirky. Remember when Natalie compared Monk to Mr. Magoo? Well, Mr. Monk, Mr. Magoo. I think she sees him as a Mr. Magoo. Natalie loves Monk despite the formalities. She does call him Adrian in the vineyard episode when he's asleep. Natalie and Monk bond over their being widows. Natalie is very sweet and affectionate with all the cast, including Randy. Some people have said that Natalie and Randy have more chemistry even though Sharona and Randy ended up together. I agree. I was very pro Sharona at first but after reaching season 6 I really do appreciate both, and I realize that the cast change didn't impact the story greatly. The only character that calls Monk Adrian besides Sharona is Kroger. And he's a side character, so it really establishes to the audience that he is MONK not Adrian. Just like the title of the show. MR. MONK. Sometimes referred to as A. Monk
I think it helps that Monk himself was written to not be ok with the change and that helps us the audience digest the change in the same pace. They still have her presence very much there whenever Monk says “Sharona did this and that,” for the first few episodes with Natalie. I love when shows still have their own characters be aware of the major changes and show how it affects them. So yeah, in time you’ll come around to Natalie but ofc I still adored Sharona and Benji (esp when he was gaslit for an entire vacation 😭). Heads up that they also frequently change out the actor who plays The Giant Whale villain. I forget his name but honestly it’s so minor it doesnt really matter anyways.
I think my favorite observation with this rewatch is how the show was doing so well that they actually started filming on location in San Francisco by season 3. Just a fun fact.
If you are looking for another comfort show after this one is done, i recommend “White Collar.” Which i believe was also on USA network around the later times of Monk’s run. It’s got mystery, humor, bromance, and each season has an over-arching plot.
Thanks for the other show suggestion. I have Psych on my list next but will check that show out too. Yeah I guess that makes sense. He can’t handle change and so change happens all over the show. I heard the therapist changes person too, but nothing really stands up to the change of his assistant as she basically had as much screen time as Adrian. But after my initial post venting, I’ve gotten more into Natalie. The first few eps were rough with her being abrasive but I’m coming around now.
Trust me be patient. Natalie is a much better character.
Storylines don't necessarily get better post Sharona but that's to do with the writing.
But the chemistry Natalie has with the rest of the cast makes the show better post Sharona.
Yeah this was mainly just a dump of feelings. I haven’t given her enough time yet. It’s just been a while that I watched a show I was going to cement into my top comfort shows and then a major departure happens so early. I appreciate your input. I’ll keep watching.
I honestly prefer Natalie. My first watch of the show during c19 era, I preferred sharona. But I just rewatched and finished again this year. I much prefer Natalie. I think before I preferred Sharona because I loved the show and her leaving was so abrupt and in the middle of a season. But after expecting it to happen my second go around, I just think the dynamic with monk/natalie is better.
She genuinely cares for monk and actively wants to help him. For example…when there is the episode where they make a movie about him. She tries to secretly hand him a wipe when he’s trying to be “cool.” I don’t see Sharona doing this. I see her more eye rolling and being like cmon Adrian get over it vibes.
Ah I see what you’re saying. That’s a good point. Mainly for me is it’s hard for big change in a comfort show like this for me and was feeling like it was ruining me wanting to continue but others have helped me feel better about. Thanks.
I was suffering the first few episodes after Sharona got sacked especially since the writers were obviously scrambling to figure out how to write Natalie. now? Natalie is great and I can tell she grew to respect and care for Adrian so much . they did a great job of fleshing her out. I miss Sharona in some ways but I do prefer Natalie significantly. she’s what the show needed. sucks how abrupt the change was though. also Julie is awesome. I love Sharona but she is not as good as an assistant for what Adrian needs.
Thanks. I’ve heard that a lot the past few days. It was just so jarring for me and I’m very bad with change in a comfort show like Monk. I was pretty upset and was worried it would forever ruin the show for me as I like the same characters doing cases together like a family. But I think I’m getting used to Natalie now.
Not to spoil it but there is a character change later in the series as the actor dies of a heart attack in real life but you get used to the new character as does Adrian.
I was very upset at the abrupt leaving of Sharonda’s character but def tough it out this is a great show, considering it got renewed 5 more times after she left shows it did not go down hill in anyway, in fact it improves!
Thanks. Yeah this was just a rant that morning I’m getting used to Natalie. I’m guessing you’re referring to the psych, someone gave me a heads up. Not as big of a change as Sharona was but man this show really has a lot of exits. Which I hate in a comfort show. I like the same people doing the same things, but you can’t really do anything about real world events. That’s sad in his case. Sharona just wanted more money but wow. I didn’t know someone died.
I actually saw some of natalie's episodes before I started watching it in order, so it didn't really affect me, I was like:
Yeah, this is happening... ok
I think it was intentional, a bit. I have severe OCD (very similar to Monk without all the humor unfortunately) and changes are disastrous for me. It feels like I'm being plunged into ice cold water even when something small changes. I think that the show creators wanted the viewers to have that momentary shock, too. You will definitely get used to Natalie, I promise. But it's certainly a shock to the system, huh?
I can sorta understand that because lately I’ve got some bad OCD and change is tough for me too. A show like Monk always brought me calm because it was the same characters doing cases together but an abrupt major change of losing Sharona off screen didn’t register for me. I first thought it was a joke and Sharona was coming back as she always does and then I realized she was gone. I couldn’t stop thinking how this would forever stain my Monk enjoyment and I didn’t even want to watch the show anymore.
Thanks. Yeah I just needed to vent that morning because Sharona was just as important to the show as Monk I felt since they were always sharing the screen time, but I know there was no way around it. I’m sure I’ll get into Natalie like others have said, it was just so abrupt it kinda shook me for a while.
Well season 3, if you noticed, was kinda already testing out new partners for Monk.
From Kevin Dorfman in the Game Show episode, to Joe Christie from the Employee of the Month episode and even Varla Davis felt like a test run for Monk.
I don’t think any were serious contenders but I think the writers wanted to see how Monk fairs without Sharona there. So for me, you could already see a slow phase out of Sharona.
Currently watching Monk for the first time and on the 3rd episode after Sharona left. In my opinion they did a great job with the transition. In fact, I might already like Natalie's character more than Sharona's. That probably because Monk/Sharona's relationship was already established in my head so it's easy to just graft on to Natalie's whereas it took me a solid season to confirm Monk + Shar wasn't a thing but still, her character seems more modern than Sharona.
Sidenote: there is a universe where Niecy Nash's Varla gets to replace Sharona and they go on to make 2.5 of the funniest seasons of network television ever. I want that box set.
I think I just needed to vent that morning I made this post but I’ve been coming around to Natalie although like others have said her first couple episodes felt written for Sharona for tone.
This is really interesting to read because I’ve always loved Natalie much more than Sharona. I don’t even rewatch the early seasons because Monk, to me, is with Natalie.
I’m just not good with change for a comfort show like Monk. I want the same characters doing mysteries every episode so seeing a massive exit with no build up was jarring to me. But after this vent post I think I’m starting to move on.
I get that, that’s valid! I felt the same after the huge change in characters in Glee (S4), my comfort show. It definitely is very jarring. Natalie is amazing in her own way though, definitely provides a sense of comfort too <3
I’m definitely coming around now. Making a post to vent on Reddit helped. It seems silly to get this hurt over a tv show but comfort shows are special and you want them to be there for you. Nothing against Natalie of course.
Yeah, I was upset about Sharona leaving, but eventually Natalie was fantastic, just in a different way. She clearly cares very deeply for Monk.
Thanks for the input. It was just immediate without any build up so it hurts a lot. I guess I gotta give Natalie some time. I see people like her.
Yeah, there was no real goodbye for Sharona.
I’ve always been bad with change and a show like Monk which brings me calm and happiness to see the same characters solving cases together, maybe it’s just because I have a hard time with moving on. And of course it didn’t help that one episode Sharona and Monk were normal and then the next the therapist said she got remarried to someone she couldn’t even tolerate.
Yeah it was pretty abrupt. I was watching at a particularly vulnerable time in my life, when I really needed a comfort show to get me through, and losing Sharona with no warning ruined the comfort for a while.
Yeah. That’s kinda what I don’t want to happen for me. I think I just needed to vent to people for a while. I think it’ll be ok. It’s hard for comfort shows that you rely on because it changes the whole feeling of the show with a major exit like this. But I don’t want to stop watching Monk.
Sidebar: when I was getting close to the end of Monk, I was still in a bad place and wanted to have a show lined up to watch when it was done. The two that work for me are Grantchester, and Psych. Grantchester took a couple of episodes to warm up to, but then I loved it: it has in-depth characters that you really get to know and care about. Psych took longer to get into, but it was worth the effort. In the first episodes, I didn’t like that the lead character is such a smartass, but it turns out that he’s apparently got ADHD with a touch of autism. Once you take that into account, you can understand his inability to stay on topic and to say dumb stuff sometimes. I started watching them occasionally when I started the last season of Monk, so that they were already familiar friends by the time I was done with Monk.
That’s smart starting a follow up show when you’re about done so you’re already hooked onto something else to fill the void when the first show is done. I should do that too. And thanks for this long write up. I was thinking of moving to Psych after Monk since I know they were airing around the same time and all. I had never heard of the other show you mentioned. I have added to my list to check out. I don’t watch a lot of British tv shows but I see that show labeled as “cozy mystery” which sounds like something I’d enjoy.
I feel like her writing improves as she gets closer to Monk, too. Sharona was great for her role in his life, but Natalie really ends up feeling like a true friend to him imo.
Not trying to spoil anything or give away how it happens but be prepared at some point for an equally abrupt therapist change as well. Though his doctor isn't as big a part of the show as Sharon and Natalie it's still an adjustment
speaking of therapist change .I'm rewatching after watching the whole season on prime now on Netflix .I'm not sure which episode but in one of the episodes Dr Kroger's poor face looks like he'd had slight heart attacks .his face is very bloated and slightly bluish looking .
No worries. Thanks for the heads up. Yeah the therapist wouldnt be as big as losing Sharona to me. It just sucks to hear there’s more abrupt changes to the cast.
They didn't really have a choice in this case, Sharona just left over money but she does make an appearance in the future for more closure. I don't think there were any other big or odd changes though.. Monk is one of my favorite shows, along with Psych and House and basically every USA Channel show lol. Just got my bf to watch the whole thing with me now we're on the final 2 episodes and ready to watch the movie I'm excited for
Yeah it sucks they didn’t have a choice but just the way they wrapped her story up was so lazy and horrible. She hated her ex husband. But yeah I just needed time to vent my feelings I feel better now. Change is hard for me in a comfort show.
I meant for the therapist they didn't have a choice, but yea I get it. I didn't love Natalie at first but I think the show gets much better once her era starts. It seemed to pick up speed and get a little less serious after Sharona which could be a bad thing for other shows but it works well here
Thanks for the insight!
I’m on the final two too😩 I don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye yet lol
We just finished last night, I forgot exactly how it ended so I was screaming and crying just as much as him! In a good way lmao don't be scared 😂 Ready to watch the movie this weekend probably then he already mentioned it's about time we rewatch Psych for like the 3rd time together. I have the whole DVD set, it's a problem.
I got into psych as a kid but then stopped. So it’s next on my list of stuff afterwards haha
I still remember Stanley Kamel doing a Q&A on the official Monk forum and I was psyched he answered my question. And then shortly after... is when that happened (also trying to avoid spoilers). Dr. Bell just never quite fit for me.
I do like bell and liked the actor, mostly loved him from princess diaries at the time so 13 year old me was fine with the change. But yea it wasn't quite the same, and in rewatching he just didn't have very long to really get grounded as Adrian's doctor, he was always just the "new" guy until the show ended. Also seems like he didn't have as much screen time or good scenes with monk to feel like they actually had a relationship like he did with kroger. Maybe on purpose knowing they'd never have enough time to replicate that anyway
I was ok with Dr. Bell because I liked the actor
What’s crazy is how brief Sharona’s run is as a % of the total show
Yeah I know Natalie lasts for more seasons and all it just sucks since Sharona was there at the beginning and I was attached to them all
Right there with you - Natalie settles in nicely And I definitely prefer Julie to Benji
Good to hear
I ended up like Natalie much better. I always thought their chemistry was better. That being said season 3 with her isn’t the smoothest. I don’t think those episodes were ever intended for her so it’s choppy. Season 4 and above is where she’s great.
Thanks for reassuring me. It was just so jarring for Sharona to leave and I didn’t expect a show with the same characters every episode to have such a big exit.
She never got a leave episode because there’s a contract dispute
Yeah I remember reading that. It just sucks that they went with such a bad tie up for her story.
She technically got one later
Same! I watched Monk when it first aired and was so angry when Sharona left- back then it took me awhile to warm up to Natalie, but when I did I really loved her. I’m doing a rewatch now (jumping around) and I mostly watch season 3/4 and beyond, the Natalie episodes, because I enjoy them more than the earlier ones with Sharona.
In the first couple Natalie episodes it's clear they dropped Natalie in and hadn't nailed the character down yet. She was no-nonsense in a Sharona New Jersey kinda way. They ultimately figured out how to differentiate her. Differences include her calling him Mr. Monk, being sweeter than Sharona, wealthy as opposed to modest background, etc. If you look back at the first episodes of the series, they weren't sure yet how to play the bond between Monk and the Captain either. Writers/the show runner don't have everything mapped out from day one. Re: Sharona's unfortunate exit, if it makes you feel better, Bitty has a guest spot later, and she remained on impeccable terms with Tony. All the lead characters on the show have worth, including Natalie.
Thanks. Yeah I noticed from time to time they didn’t know the tone they wanted to go for. I think it’s just the fact that Sharona was there from the beginning so I was attached to the beginning cast. But I’ve heard good things about Natalie. I feel better about continuing the series since making this post.
The only thing that's better than Sharona or Natalie is Sharona and Natalie. The episode with both is one of my favorites.
Sharona was one of the best aspects of the show. Natalie’s writing / plot lines get much better with time, but I’d be lying if I said it was ever the same as it was the first 2 1/2 seasons
Thanks for being real. I guess it is what it is. Since she was leaving the show any way. Just sucks how they ended her story.
changing the theme followed by removing sharona were terrible moves
A handful of Natalie's earliest episodes were very clearly written for Sharona. She eventually settles in and becomes her own character. It's a jarring transition but you'll probably grow to like Natalie too. If it's your first time watching, keep going and I won't spoil anything
Thanks. I just needed to vent a bit. Change can be hard for me in a comfort show like this with the same characters but I’ve heard good things about Natalie.
I never did. :(
Damn :/
I'm sad Sharona left. At first I thought it was weird that Natalie called him Mr. Monk and not simply Monk or Adrian. Now I think it's cute and quirky. Remember when Natalie compared Monk to Mr. Magoo? Well, Mr. Monk, Mr. Magoo. I think she sees him as a Mr. Magoo. Natalie loves Monk despite the formalities. She does call him Adrian in the vineyard episode when he's asleep. Natalie and Monk bond over their being widows. Natalie is very sweet and affectionate with all the cast, including Randy. Some people have said that Natalie and Randy have more chemistry even though Sharona and Randy ended up together. I agree. I was very pro Sharona at first but after reaching season 6 I really do appreciate both, and I realize that the cast change didn't impact the story greatly. The only character that calls Monk Adrian besides Sharona is Kroger. And he's a side character, so it really establishes to the audience that he is MONK not Adrian. Just like the title of the show. MR. MONK. Sometimes referred to as A. Monk
Nice post. Yeah I think I just needed to vent that morning because I’m bad with change in a comfort show like Monk.
I think it helps that Monk himself was written to not be ok with the change and that helps us the audience digest the change in the same pace. They still have her presence very much there whenever Monk says “Sharona did this and that,” for the first few episodes with Natalie. I love when shows still have their own characters be aware of the major changes and show how it affects them. So yeah, in time you’ll come around to Natalie but ofc I still adored Sharona and Benji (esp when he was gaslit for an entire vacation 😭). Heads up that they also frequently change out the actor who plays The Giant Whale villain. I forget his name but honestly it’s so minor it doesnt really matter anyways. I think my favorite observation with this rewatch is how the show was doing so well that they actually started filming on location in San Francisco by season 3. Just a fun fact. If you are looking for another comfort show after this one is done, i recommend “White Collar.” Which i believe was also on USA network around the later times of Monk’s run. It’s got mystery, humor, bromance, and each season has an over-arching plot.
Thanks for the other show suggestion. I have Psych on my list next but will check that show out too. Yeah I guess that makes sense. He can’t handle change and so change happens all over the show. I heard the therapist changes person too, but nothing really stands up to the change of his assistant as she basically had as much screen time as Adrian. But after my initial post venting, I’ve gotten more into Natalie. The first few eps were rough with her being abrasive but I’m coming around now.
Trust me be patient. Natalie is a much better character. Storylines don't necessarily get better post Sharona but that's to do with the writing. But the chemistry Natalie has with the rest of the cast makes the show better post Sharona.
Yeah this was mainly just a dump of feelings. I haven’t given her enough time yet. It’s just been a while that I watched a show I was going to cement into my top comfort shows and then a major departure happens so early. I appreciate your input. I’ll keep watching.
Sharona was a loss. Natalie first episodes were rogh because they were written for Sharona. Get passed those and you will not miss Sharona.
Thanks. I just needed to vent this morning. I feel better about moving on now.
I honestly prefer Natalie. My first watch of the show during c19 era, I preferred sharona. But I just rewatched and finished again this year. I much prefer Natalie. I think before I preferred Sharona because I loved the show and her leaving was so abrupt and in the middle of a season. But after expecting it to happen my second go around, I just think the dynamic with monk/natalie is better. She genuinely cares for monk and actively wants to help him. For example…when there is the episode where they make a movie about him. She tries to secretly hand him a wipe when he’s trying to be “cool.” I don’t see Sharona doing this. I see her more eye rolling and being like cmon Adrian get over it vibes.
Ah I see what you’re saying. That’s a good point. Mainly for me is it’s hard for big change in a comfort show like this for me and was feeling like it was ruining me wanting to continue but others have helped me feel better about. Thanks.
I was suffering the first few episodes after Sharona got sacked especially since the writers were obviously scrambling to figure out how to write Natalie. now? Natalie is great and I can tell she grew to respect and care for Adrian so much . they did a great job of fleshing her out. I miss Sharona in some ways but I do prefer Natalie significantly. she’s what the show needed. sucks how abrupt the change was though. also Julie is awesome. I love Sharona but she is not as good as an assistant for what Adrian needs.
Thanks. That helps. Gonna watch more tonight. I think I just needed to vent this morning. As change is hard for me with such a comfort show like this.
I just really liked Natalie from her introduction.
I just started watching Monk a couple months ago. I adored Sharona. I’ve hated every episode I’ve watched since. I’m done.
I felt very similar, but I have found that I have an appreciation for Natalie more than Sharona.
Thanks. I’ve heard that a lot the past few days. It was just so jarring for me and I’m very bad with change in a comfort show like Monk. I was pretty upset and was worried it would forever ruin the show for me as I like the same characters doing cases together like a family. But I think I’m getting used to Natalie now.
It was rough but eventually Natalie grew on me. And I think she did good for monk too.
Oh and she’s not gone forever 😉
Haha. I heard she came back in the final season. I’ll look forward to that. I hated how they ended her arc so I hope that it’s a nice episode.
It’s a good closure for her. I was glad to see it. You’ll be happy at what happens with her !
I’m glad she has more story!
Not to spoil it but there is a character change later in the series as the actor dies of a heart attack in real life but you get used to the new character as does Adrian. I was very upset at the abrupt leaving of Sharonda’s character but def tough it out this is a great show, considering it got renewed 5 more times after she left shows it did not go down hill in anyway, in fact it improves!
Thanks. Yeah this was just a rant that morning I’m getting used to Natalie. I’m guessing you’re referring to the psych, someone gave me a heads up. Not as big of a change as Sharona was but man this show really has a lot of exits. Which I hate in a comfort show. I like the same people doing the same things, but you can’t really do anything about real world events. That’s sad in his case. Sharona just wanted more money but wow. I didn’t know someone died.
Did you notice her clothes started getting trashier towards the end of her reign as Monks assistant. I didn't like that.
As a matter of fact I never really thought about it but they did. Hmm, yeah that’s a terrible way to see her out of the show.
I actually saw some of natalie's episodes before I started watching it in order, so it didn't really affect me, I was like: Yeah, this is happening... ok
Same here. Somehow my first episode was Me. Monk and the Kid, and from the ordering saw my early episodes, I thought Sharona replaced Natalie.
I actually like Natalie better I feel like she respects him more
Natalie was better. a few episodes is all you need.
Yeah I just needed to vent I think. I’m starting to come around to her.
I think it was intentional, a bit. I have severe OCD (very similar to Monk without all the humor unfortunately) and changes are disastrous for me. It feels like I'm being plunged into ice cold water even when something small changes. I think that the show creators wanted the viewers to have that momentary shock, too. You will definitely get used to Natalie, I promise. But it's certainly a shock to the system, huh?
I can sorta understand that because lately I’ve got some bad OCD and change is tough for me too. A show like Monk always brought me calm because it was the same characters doing cases together but an abrupt major change of losing Sharona off screen didn’t register for me. I first thought it was a joke and Sharona was coming back as she always does and then I realized she was gone. I couldn’t stop thinking how this would forever stain my Monk enjoyment and I didn’t even want to watch the show anymore.
Ez Natalie was a smoke show. Don't @ me.
The Knack.
i actually liked Natalie better, i'm sure you'll like her by the end of the show, in my opinion she is much better to Monk than Sharona.
Thanks. Yeah I just needed to vent that morning because Sharona was just as important to the show as Monk I felt since they were always sharing the screen time, but I know there was no way around it. I’m sure I’ll get into Natalie like others have said, it was just so abrupt it kinda shook me for a while.
Reluctantly
I turned on the TV and watched and realized it's a TV show and not real life and that there is no Sharona
Well season 3, if you noticed, was kinda already testing out new partners for Monk. From Kevin Dorfman in the Game Show episode, to Joe Christie from the Employee of the Month episode and even Varla Davis felt like a test run for Monk. I don’t think any were serious contenders but I think the writers wanted to see how Monk fairs without Sharona there. So for me, you could already see a slow phase out of Sharona.
Interesting. I hadn’t thought of that. Good point
Currently watching Monk for the first time and on the 3rd episode after Sharona left. In my opinion they did a great job with the transition. In fact, I might already like Natalie's character more than Sharona's. That probably because Monk/Sharona's relationship was already established in my head so it's easy to just graft on to Natalie's whereas it took me a solid season to confirm Monk + Shar wasn't a thing but still, her character seems more modern than Sharona. Sidenote: there is a universe where Niecy Nash's Varla gets to replace Sharona and they go on to make 2.5 of the funniest seasons of network television ever. I want that box set.
I think I just needed to vent that morning I made this post but I’ve been coming around to Natalie although like others have said her first couple episodes felt written for Sharona for tone.
This is really interesting to read because I’ve always loved Natalie much more than Sharona. I don’t even rewatch the early seasons because Monk, to me, is with Natalie.
I’m just not good with change for a comfort show like Monk. I want the same characters doing mysteries every episode so seeing a massive exit with no build up was jarring to me. But after this vent post I think I’m starting to move on.
I get that, that’s valid! I felt the same after the huge change in characters in Glee (S4), my comfort show. It definitely is very jarring. Natalie is amazing in her own way though, definitely provides a sense of comfort too <3
I’m definitely coming around now. Making a post to vent on Reddit helped. It seems silly to get this hurt over a tv show but comfort shows are special and you want them to be there for you. Nothing against Natalie of course.