Just like last week, this week’s episode of Monk ranks among my very favorite. After eight long seasons and 120 episodes, it’s great to see that Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is finally turning the corner. Last week’s emotional hug with Sharona and this week’s breakthrough with man’s best friend is proof that this self-centered, uncaring man is evolving into one that is compassionate and tenderhearted. With only five episodes remaining, I’m convinced that the writers have indeed saved the best for last.

Monk does something totally out of character during this week’s episode. While investigating the suspicious disappearance of a woman named Amanda (Margeuerite Moreau), he befriends her abandoned dog, a terrier mix named Shelby.

Not only does he befriend Shelby, he adopts her. Who would have ever thought? Maybe all these years of therapy are finally paying off. After attending his assistant, Natalie’s (Traylor Howard’s), family reunion, Monk realizes just how lonely he really is, and how he wishes he had a family to call his own. After a little persuasion from Natalie, Monk agrees that Shelby may be just what he needs to help fill the void left from his wife’s death so many years ago.

After some fancy detective work and an attempt on Monk’s and Shelby’s life, Monk discovers that Amanda’s death is an accident that her lover, Steven Dewitt (Wallace Langham), goes to great lengths to cover up. In the end, a twist of fate, and nature, identifies Dewitt as the killer, leading to a full confession.

If the last few episodes are any indication of what’s to come, next week’s episode titled Mr. Monk Goes Camping should be very interesting. I have a feeling that the writers will shed more light on Monk’s transformation, possibly even leading to a full recovery by the final episode on December 4th. Okay, maybe not a full recovery, but at least hope that a full recovery at some point is not impossible.