Ep 4. Mr. Monk Takes a Punch

Mr. Monk Takes a Punch is the fourth episode of the seventh season of the popular American TV show Monk, which aired on August 8, 2008. The episode follows Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), a former homicide detective turned private consultant, as he investigates the death of a boxing coach and uncovers a web of secrets and lies.

The episode begins with Monk and his assistant Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard) attending a boxing match in which the coach of one of the fighters, Sonny Cross (Shad Moss), is murdered right before their eyes. Despite being traumatized by the event, Monk is convinced to take on the case by Sonny, who insists that he is innocent and that his coach's death was part of a larger plot to frame him for a crime he didn't commit.

As Monk delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the coach, Terry Lennox (Bruce Altman), had a troubled past and may have been involved in illegal activity. He also uncovers a romantic interest between Lennox and Sonny's mother, who had also been romantically involved with another suspect in the case.

As the investigation progresses, Monk and Natalie encounter a number of colorful characters, including a corrupt boxing promoter, a promiscuous ex-girlfriend, and a shady gym owner. Through it all, Monk's OCD symptoms, including his fear of germs and obsessive need for cleanliness, continue to pose a challenge to his ability to solve the case.

In addition to the murder investigation, the episode also explores Monk's personal life and relationships. While he struggles to cope with the trauma of witnessing the coach's death, he also grapples with his feelings for his therapist, Dr. Neven Bell (Hector Elizondo), who has recently returned to San Francisco after a prolonged absence.

Despite the obstacles he faces, Monk remains determined to solve the case and vindicate Sonny, using his signature attention to detail and deductive skills. In the end, Monk succeeds in solving the case and bringing the guilty parties to justice, all while confronting his own demons and personal challenges.

Overall, Mr. Monk Takes a Punch is a compelling and engaging episode that showcases both the show's compelling mysteries and colorful characters, as well as its exploration of Monk's OCD symptoms and personal struggles. With its mix of humor, drama, and suspense, the episode is a standout in the show's acclaimed seven-season run.