Ep 8. Mr. Monk and the Game Show

In Monk season 3 episode 8, titled "Mr. Monk and the Game Show," the OCD detective Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) finds himself in the world of game shows when he is selected as a contestant on the popular quiz show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

Monk, who has an amazing memory and knowledge of random facts, is confident that he will win big on the show and is determined to use the winnings to fund his search for the killer of his late wife, Trudy. However, his anxiety and compulsion to obsess over details, such as the correct spelling of words and the exact sequence of events, threaten to derail his opportunity to win the grand prize.

Along with Monk, other contestants include a flashy lawyer, a stay-at-home dad, and a paralegal, all vying for the chance to become a millionaire. The game show host, played by comedian Howie Mandel, adds to the tension as he tries to keep the contestants relaxed while also delivering witty commentary.

When Monk's friend and assistant, Sharona (Bitty Schram), notices a suspicious man in the audience who seems to be tampering with Monk's clothes, she becomes convinced that someone is trying to kill him. However, Monk is too focused on trying to win the game to pay attention to Sharona's concerns.

As the game progresses, Monk struggles to keep his nerves in check as he answers increasingly difficult questions. His obsessive behavior causes him to stall on several questions and uses all of his lifelines, much to the dismay of the audience and his fellow contestants. Nevertheless, the stubborn detective refuses to give up.

Just as Monk reaches the final round of the game, he is shocked to see a familiar face in the audience- his rival Harold Krenshaw (Tim Bagley). Krenshaw, who has a history of sabotaging Monk's cases, has suddenly become a genius and has been answering all of the questions correctly. He tells Monk that he has figured out the game's formulas and plans on winning the million-dollar prize himself.

In a dramatic finale, Monk and Krenshaw face off in a sudden-death round, where they must answer a question that neither of them is prepared for. The tension in the room is palpable as both contestants scribble their answers down. The suspense builds as the show goes to commercial break, teasing the audience with who will come out on top.

Overall, "Mr. Monk and the Game Show" is a suspenseful and entertaining episode of the show that showcases Monk's unique skills and quirks in a new environment. It also adds new layers to his character and his relationships with the people around him, particularly with Sharona, who continues to be his voice of reason and protector, and Krenshaw, who serves as his foil. The episode delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves the audience wanting more.