Why Monk’s Last Case Confirms the Series Shouldn’t Be Rebooted

Fans of USA Network’s distinctive detective series Monk were treated to a welcome and long overdue revival of Adrian Monk’s story in 2023, when a movie sequel to the show dropped on Peacock. But Mr. Monk’s Last Case demonstrated a harsh reality about the franchise that many will find it difficult to face.

The movie brought back many beloved aspects of the original series. Indeed, the killer reveal in Mr. Monk’s last case was all too similar to the pattern Monk episodes tend to follow. What’s more, this feature-length sequel tipped its hat to some of Adrian Monk actor Tony Shalhoub’s favorite episodes of the show.

Yet, there was an air of finality to this chapter of Adrian’s story that must have made those fans hoping for a Monk reboot feel uneasy. With no sign of a series reboot in the pipeline, it seems as though the movie could well have been Mr. Monk’s last case, for real.

Mr. Monk’s Last Case Made It Clear That Monk Shouldn’t Get A Reboot

Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) smiling while walking with a crowd dressed in white in Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie — Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) smiling while walking with a crowd dressed in white in Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie

The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Monk movie generated buzz around a revival show being developed. But almost two years on, nothing concrete has materialized in this regard. In fact, Mr. Monk’s Last Case demonstrated beyond question that Monk absolutely should not get a reboot.

So much of what was great about the movie was effectively a homage to the original series. Carefully balancing nostalgia with a new storyline is easy enough to pull off in a 97-minute movie which marks the first TV revival of a beloved character in 14 years. But trying it with an entire follow-up series is a recipe for disappointment.

If Monk Returns, It Should Be With Another Movie

Given how well Mr. Monk’s Last Case executed the return of the small screen’s most neurotic detective, another Monk movie would be a better option for the franchise than a TV reboot. It might allow for Adrian Monk to mentor an equally obsessive young detective through their own criminal investigation, if he has, indeed, solved his last case.

This way, the original series could be left untouched, and another one-off feature-length release could continue to honor its legacy. Great British sitcoms such as Only Fools and Horses and Gavin & Stacey have had success with this model of one-off specials in recent decades.

Mr. Monk’s Last Case Was A Satisfying Ending For The Franchise

Mr. Monk sits with an apparition of his late wife Trudy in Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie — Mr. Monk sits with an apparition of his late wife Trudy in Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie

However, even if there really isn’t another addition to the Monk franchise, Mr. Monk’s Last Case provided a satisfying ending for Adrian Monk’s story. The movie was a compelling detective tale in its own right, while doffing its cap to the original show in all the right places, and bringing a rewarding sense of closure to its title character’s career.

Perhaps it’s best if Monk is left alone for good following this triumphant return. There a good chance that any further expansions of the franchise would ruin a perfect ending.

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