The Best Episodes of Monk Season 1

When monk's favorite singer, Willie Nelson, is suspected of murdering his tour manager, Monk steps in to clear his name.

Director: Adam Shankman, Milan Cheylov

Writer: Andy Breckman, Tom Scharpling

A former San Francisco police detective suffering from an extreme case of obsessive-compulsive disorder is called in to investigate an apparent assassination attempt of a mayoral candidate in which one of his bodyguards is killed.

Director: Dean Parisot, Eric Laneuville

Writer: Andy Breckman

When billionaire software magnate Sidney Teal is shot dead by ex-cop Archie Modine after allegedly turning mugger and another policeman mysteriously flees the scene, Stottlemeyer calls in Monk to investigate. Meanwhile, Sharona threatens to quit (this time for sure) when her paycheck bounces, and Stottlemeyer is hounded by reporters demanding information on "Fraidy Cop."

Director: Stephen Cragg

Writer: Timothy J. Lea

A woman is murdered during the San Francisco marathon and Monk suspects her married lover. But he was running the race, and his tracking chip says he never left.

Director: Adam Davidson

Writer: Mitch Markowitz

A police officer and friend of Stottlemeyer is framed for a crime he didn't commit involving a ferris wheel. Meanwhile Monk tries to convince Stottlemeyer to get him reinstated.

Director: Rob Thompson, Randall Zisk

Writer: Andy Breckman, Siobhan Byrne O'Connor

Monk is committed to an asylum, where he becomes convinced the chief psychiatrist committed a murder several years prior.

Director: Randall Zisk, Nick Marsh

Writer: Siobhan Byrne O'Connor, Tom Scharpling, David Breckman

Renowned philanthropist Henry Rutherford is killed when a minor earthquake rocks the city and sends a display case falling on top of him. But when Monk examines the scene, he finds clues that suggest foul play.

Director: Kevin Inch, Adam Shankman

Writer: Tom Scharpling, David Breckman, Hy Conrad

Monk's first flight proves to be harder than he anticipated when he begins to suspect that a fellow passenger murdered his wife.

Director: Rob Thompson

Writer: N/A

With an introduction to Monk's talent, his phobia's, and need for an assistant, Monk investigates the murder of the candidate bodyguard and a political worker. He determines the candidate was not the intended target.

Director: Dean Parisot, Eric Laneuville

Writer: Andy Breckman

A judge is murdered while placing a 911 call, but before she dies she names her attacker - notorious criminal Dale Biederbeck. The problem is, "Dale the Whale" is over 800 pounds and hasn't left his bed in years.

Director: Kevin Inch, Rob Thompson

Writer: Andy Breckman, John Romano

A very tidy woman who resembles Trudy turns Monk's head while he's investigating a triple homicide. The only problem is, she's the prime suspect.

Director: Adam Arkin

Writer: David M. Stern

While on vacation at a resort, Benjy claims he witnessed a murder. Monk believes him, but with no body and the cleanest crime scene Monk has ever seen, it's going to be hard to convince everybody else.

Director: Kevin Inch, Adam Davidson

Writer: Mitch Markowitz, Hy Conrad

When a woman drives off the road to her death, her body is mysteriously found the next morning by a psychic known for fudging the truth. Monk must discover if she's telling the truth this time, or else let a murderer go free.

Director: Dean Parisot, Eric Laneuville, Kevin Inch

Writer: Andy Breckman, John Romano