Oops, I wasn't clear. By "this episode" I was referring to the recent episode "Mr. Monk and the Badge."   See 85 other replies

This episode shows exactly what I was alluding to when I questioned whether or not Adrian “needs” his badge. Much like my response concerning Randy, this episode demonstrates that too often certain people are put in a superior rank above those that are clearly their superior in intellect. Those people often use their rank as a club to beat down those that disagree with them despite being wrong.Although rules have to be in place to keep things orderly within the police department so that the conviction of a criminal or the rights of an innocent aren’t jeopardized they might as well be a cage for Adrian. Unlike adapting “S.O.P.” to a given situation, “rules” are meant to be followed (not broken) and have little “give and take” so they would be stifling for Monk. Especially the rules regarding “chain of command” because they are certainly not “adaptable”, particularly in the hands of a “so-called superior” who thinks they know better.   See 85 other replies

I think what is meant when the term “the killer” is used in this context is the actual mastermind behind Trudy’s murder and not the lackey that pushed the button. This is, of course, the true culprit behind it all and is ultimately Trudy’s killer regardless of whether they “got their hands dirty.”Don’t count Dale the Whale out just yet! He has had a large impact on Adrian’s life throughout the series and is a well known character in the show. Unless the culprit is someone that we viewers are familiar with, I think it unlikely that the “reveal moment” will be satisfying in any way (e.g. And the killer is <drumroll> … “BOB!” … “Bob?” Who the %$#@ is “Bob?!”).If you find it to be formulaic (read: boring) that someone like Dale would be revealed as the killer keep in mind that the series (although much beloved) has always had storytelling elements that typically amount to “insert tab A into slot B.” Take for example the inscrutable “Mr. Barton.” The only logical reason they had Adrian on that call (something that should clearly have been handled by patrolmen and not detectives) was so that he could obtain a piece of evidence needed to solve the case of the episode.As far as the finale goes “Monk” will actually end next week (December 4th) not next year. Check your local listings. I have no idea whether or not that is an “election week” but we can always check with “The Judge” to find out.   See 85 other replies