Monk: Season Five

Most of the popular and well-known TV detectives have a flaw or two. Some are hard drinkers or womanisers, others simply old pensioners with time on their hands and one is even a cigar smoking scruff. All of them have one thing in common though - they seem to be able to solve crimes by simply noticing one little thing that the murderer/culprit missed. The main character in the superb US hit show Monk is one such person, but with just one or two more little phobias and quirks thrown in - well hundreds of them to be exact.

As the psychiatrist's dream, Tony Shalhoub portrays the OCD-suffering lead with such flair that you can almost feel for his fears when he encounters one of his numerous little problems, ranging from milk to water, taking in snakes, mess, dust and so many more day to day things along the way.

Monk offers ingenious little crimes in the vein of Columbo where we the viewer see who did it, or get a good hint, and the enjoyment is gained from watching the main character, his much put-upon assistant Natalie and the often bumbling Police he aids watch in awe as Monk does his thing and solves the crime in a way only he can. This fifth season offers more of the same and, instead of relying on past glories, seems to be growing in its inventiveness and enthusiasm. It's great to see such a wonderful show released on DVD, as it's virtually invisible TV appearances have actually helped it reach cult status and make it a hugely watchable piece of telly ‘tec drama.

Released 17th September 2007 by Universal Playback.

Written by Phil Allely.