When an attempt is made on the life of a former child star (Elizabeth Perkins) who recently published a tell-all biography, Monk is thrilled to act as her bodyguard -- until he learns exactly how different she is from her TV alter ego.

Last season Mr. Monk battled City Hall to save the parking garage where his wife Trudy was murdered from being torn down. Huge steps were made as far as Monk’s character development goes, some pretty sinister steps I might add (morphine drip anyone?). Where season 7 left off though season 8 begins with what I consider a step back. Instead of working off of that aberrant behavior Monk displayed last year he is reduced to his former brilliant but clown-like self which is a huge disappointment. The novelty has worked great but with Monk getting closer to answers about his wife‘s murder, and the fact that this is the final season of the show, it just seems right that leaps be made to bring Monk further out of his shell.

I had disappointment issues with story in this first episode as well. It’s a soft tale that has been told many times over so nothing that really wowed me, even after the reveal, but it seemed less plot oriented and more of a skit for Tony Shalhoub to do what he does, which is what the show is, but it just seemed to overpower the episode a little to much. Not much room is spared for Elizabeth Perkins to really solidify her character, which had some pretty great potential, and in the end when all is said and done there’s just a lack of personal investment in her character to really establish any enthusiasm. Worst off the end of the episode, though creative, managed to linger for far to long which ruined it for me. It just wasn’t the strongest opening episode for a season.

Guest-stars for season eight include Elizabeth Perkins, Rena Sofer, Dylan Baker, Meat Loaf, Bernie Kopell, Jay Mohr, Daniel Stern, Alex Wolff, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Eric Balfour, Kelly Carlson, and Reed Diamond. Special appearances will also be made by Tim Bagley as Monk's nemesis Harold Krenshaw and Bitty Schram (“A League of their Own”). Schram co-starred on the show from its inception as Monk’s beloved nurse and “Girl Friday” sidekick, Sharona Fleming.

The 8^th, and final, season of Monk begins Friday, August 7^th at 9/8 c only on USA.