Fans all across America tune in once again to an episode of Monk’s last season. Hector Elizondo, who plays Dr. Neven Bell, and Tim Bagley, who plays Harold Krenshaw, join this week’s cast as Monk (Tony Shalhoub) attempts to unravel the mystery behind a string of murders.

The episode begins with a disappointed Monk finding out that his insurance company will no longer pay for his individual therapy sessions. Monk reluctantly agrees to try group therapy, with a little persuasion from the group leader, Dr. Bell. Not long after joining the group, several of his fellow members begin turning up dead.

Monk suspects that someone in the group is killing off the members. The tables turn when fellow patient and long time foe, Harold Krenshaw, points fingers at Monk. Monk begins to second guess himself as he realizes he could indeed be the murderer since he has a history of blacking out, as well as a motive and no alibi. His assistant, Natalie (Traylor Howard), manages to convince Monk that he isn’t capable of committing murder, and the two turn their focus toward other possible suspects.

After Monk and Harold are kidnapped by the murderer and locked in the trunk of his car, they decide to put their animosity behind them and work together. In the process, the two overcome their common affliction of claustrophobia and manage to escape from the trunk. Fellow group member, Xavier Danko, is identified as the killer. Dr. Bell uses his skills to talk Xavier down, and none too soon, as the doctor himself is the next targeted victim. In the end, Monk comes to the conclusion that group therapy isn’t so bad after all and with an unexpected stroke of luck, along with a  generous gesture from his former foe, Harold, Monk ends up being Dr. Bell’s only patient, which is what he wanted all along.

This episode of Monk was as great and entertaining as ever, as the countdown to the show’s final episode continues. With only eight episodes to go, fans everywhere, including me, are preparing to bid farewell to one of the best dramas in television history. I am looking forward to seeing what the show’s creator, Andy Breckman, has in store for viewers in the following weeks. Be sure to check back for a recap of the next episode, titled Happy Birthday, Mr. Monk.

On another note, have you seen the Little Monk webisodes that USA is promoting? Check it out and let us know what you think …