Phil Donahue featured a wide variety of topics on his show, from everyday subject matters to extremely controversial. Because his early audience was predominately female, he often chose topics that played on the female’s emotions. Such topics included feminism, reproduction, family themes and childbirth. As his audience broadened, so did his subject matters. Controversial guests, such as transsexuals, older strippers, and those involved in various scandals, frequented his show, as well as political figures and celebrities.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the talk show genre experienced a rapid rise in popularity. New shows, such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, Geraldo, The Montel Williams Show and Maury, began attracting large audiences, eventually leading to a drop in Donahue’s ratings. As a result, the show was canceled on May 2, 1996. During Donahue’s 26 year run, it received 20 Emmy Awards as well as several nominations. On November 20, 1993, Phil Donahue was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.

John William Carson was born on October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa. After serving in the United States Navy from 1943-1946, he accepted a position at WOWT-TV in Omaha, Nebraska. It wasn’t long before his career in entertainment was well underway, earning him guest roles on various television shows, eventually leading to his highly successful hosting role on The Tonight Show.

Carson had three sons, Christopher, Richard and Cory, with his first wife, Joan Morrill Wolcott. In 1963, his marriage to Wolcott ended in divorce. The couple’s son, Richard, was tragically killed in a car accident in 1991. Carson was married three more times, two of which also ended in divorce.  At the time of his death on January 23, 2005, resulting from emphysema, Carson was married to his wife of 18 years, Alexandra Mass.

Carson earned a number of awards during his 44 year career. Such awards include six Emmy’s, a People’s Choice award, a Peabody Award, a BMI Film & TV award along with several others. He was also honored with a Star on the Walk of Fame, an induction into the Hall of Fame of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Kennedy Center Honor. This television pioneer and king of late-night television will never be forgotten. His invaluable contributions to the arts throughout his career have helped to shape modern day television, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Thomas William Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan. Having relocated to Sherman Oaks, California, as a child, Selleck enrolled in the University of Southern California upon his high school graduation. A change in career plans prompted his continued education at Beverly Hills Playhouse where he pursued a career in acting. Selleck began his career with small roles which quickly earned him larger roles, soon landing him his most prominent role thus far on Magnum, P.I. Aside from playing in films and on television, Selleck appeared on Broadway in the production of  A Thousand Clowns in 2001.

Known as one of TV’s sexiest men of all time, this father of two currently remains busy on set. He has several works in the making such as the role of Mr. Kornfeldt in the 2010 film titled Killers (with Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl) as well as the role of Chief Michael Reagan on the upcoming television drama titled Reagan’s Law. He has won several awards in his 40 year career span including an Emmy, a Golden Globe as well as four People’s Choice Awards.  Selleck’s fans wait with anticipation to see what the future has in store for this hardworking, incredibly talented star.

In 1976, Dawson landed a hosting job on the game show Family Feud. It was during Dawson’s nine year stint on Family Feud that he became known as “The Kissing Bandit” for his regular practice of kissing the female contestants on the lips. Dawson hosted the show until 1985, and in 1994, he reprised his role for one season. Aside from television, Dawson has appeared in a number of films, including The Longest Day, Out of Site, The Devil’s Brigade, and most recently, The Running Man.

Born in Gosport, England, on November 20, 1932, Dawson left home at the early age of 14 to join the Merchant Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Dawson performed comedy on stage and eventually transitioned into television. On April 12, 1959, Dawson became married to British actress Diana Dors. The marriage ended seven years later. Dawson and Dors share two sons, Mark and Gary.  In 1991, Dawson became married for a second time to 1981 Family Feud contestant Gretchen Johnson (third family member in the clip below). Dawson and Johnson currently remain married and have a daughter named Shannon Nicole.

Dawson retired from television in 1995 after his second stint on Family Feud. His 35 year career proved to be exciting and successful. His hard work earned him several awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award, a Saturn Award as well as six Emmy nominations. Dawson will go down in history as one of America’s best television actors as well as one of the most memorable game show hosts of all time.

After guest starring on a number of television shows, Landon landed his first major role on the classic television western, Bonanza. His 14 year long role of Little Joe Cartwright, from 1959 to 1973, gave way to future major roles, including Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. Besides acting, Landon was  a director and producer. He directed and produced several episodes of  Little House on the Prairie as well as episodes of  Father Murphy and Highway to Heaven. He also directed several episodes of Bonanza as well as the 1984 film titled Sam’s Son.

Landon’s hard work and dedication throughout the years earned him a Golden Globe nomination, a Western Heritage Award, a Bambi Award as well as a Golden Boot Award. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though Landon is no longer with us, his incredible talent and fighting spirit lives on in our memories forever. His life is remembered in the books Michael Landon: His Triumph and Tragedy, written by Aileen Joyce, as well as I Promised My Dad: An Intimate Portrait of Michael Landon, written by his daughter, Cheryl Landon Wilson.

Before appearing in Sex and the City, Parker had recurring roles on shows such as Square Pegs, A Year in the Life and Equal Justice. Besides appearing on the small screen, Parker has also appeared in several well known films. Some of her most memorable film roles include Shelly Stewart in The First Wives Club, Claire Wellesley in State and Main, Paula in Failure to Launch as well as Meryl Morgan in Did You Hear About the Morgans?. Parker’s 36 year career has been successful, earning her two Emmy awards as well as six nominations, four Golden Globes and three SAG awards.

Sarah Jessica Parker was born on March 25, 1965, in Nelsonville, Ohio. Her earliest experience in front of a vast audience was on Broadway in the production of The Innocents, written by William Archibald. In 1979, Parker appeared once again on Broadway in the musical, Annie. These roles eventually led to her first recurring television role on Square Pegs. Aside from acting, Parker has modeled for companies such as Garnier and Gap. She currently owns two fragrance lines, Lovely and Covet, and owns a fashion line called Bitten. Parker is married to actor Matthew Broderick. The couple shares a son named James Wilke and twins, Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge.

Henry Franklin Winkler was born on October 30, 1945, in Manhattan, New York, to Jewish parents, Harry and Anna Maria Winkler. After graduating from Yale School of Drama with a Master of Fine Arts degree in the early 1970s, he relocated to California to pursue his acting career. In 1978, Winkler married the love of his life, Stacey Weitzman. The couple remain married today and share two children, Zoe and Max, as well as a stepson, Jed. Besides acting, Winkler has written a series of children’s books titled Hank Zipzer: The World’s Best Underachiever. He also supports a number of charities for children, one in which he co-founded, known as the Children’s Action Network. Winkler’s desire to work with charities for children with learning disabilities was brought about by his own childhood struggles with dyslexia.

Winkler’s incredible talent and 38 year acting journey has earned him two Golden Globe Awards, five Emmy nominations, two Daytime Emmy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as a place in the hearts of his fans forever.  His dedication and hard work, as well as his passion for children, will never be forgotten.

Growing up during the Depression wasn’t easy for the young Henderson. She spent a lot of her time working in tobacco fields alongside her father and siblings. At the age of 12, Henderson began singing at local stores in exchange for food. Her struggles as a child and her journey throughout the years later became the subject of Henderson’s one woman show titled All the Lives of Me…A Musical Journey.

At 17 years old, Henderson began performing on stage. Her incredible talent led to roles on and off Broadway as well as several television and film roles. Her first major television role was that of Carol Brady in the long running series The Brady Bunch. She later starred in several Brady Bunch spin-offs, including The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Girls Get Married, The Brady Brides, The Bradys and The Brady Bunch Movie. Most recently, Henderson has appeared in the 2008 movie For Heaven Sakes, the 2009 movie Venus & Vegas as well as the ABC television series Samantha Who? Henderson’s great works have earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as a TV Land Pop Culture Award for her role in The Brady Bunch.

In January 1956, Henderson married theatrical manager Ira Bernstein. The couple share four children, Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Elizabeth. After 28 years of marriage, the couple divorced. Henderson remarried in August of 1987 to Dr. John Kappas, a hypnotherapist. Kappas died in 2002 and Henderson currently remains single. Aside from acting, Henderson spends much of her time as a motivational speaker as well as a supporter of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana. She currently resides in Los Angeles. Henderson will be remembered for many years to come as one of America’s strongest women as well as one of television’s greatest and most loved mothers.

Sally Margaret Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California. She was the second child of Margaret Field, an actress, and Richard Field, a salesman. Her parents divorced when she was only four years old. Field graduated from Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California. She accepted a small role in the 1962 film titled Moon Pilot while she was still in high school. Wasting no time after graduation, Field soon landed her first major acting role in Gidget.

Field married construction contractor Steven Craig in 1968. A year later, Field gave birth to her first son, Peter. In 1972, Field and Craig welcomed their second son, Eli. Field and Craig divorced in 1975, and nine years later, Field became remarried to film producer Alan Greisman. She gave birth to her third son, Samuel, in 1987. In 1993, Field’s marriage to Greisman ended in divorce. Field currently remains single.

Field’s nearly 50 year career span has included many great works. Some of her earlier works include the unforgettable films Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, Places in the Heart and Steel Magnolias. Field has also tried her hand as a director. In 1996, she directed the television movie titled The Christmas Tree, and in 2000, she directed the film Beautiful. Besides acting and directing, Field has also found success as a producer. In 1991, Field produced the popular movie Dying Young, starring Julia Roberts. In 1995, she produced the television mini-series A Woman of Independent Means and in 1997, she produced the documentary The Lost Children of Berlin.

As of late, Field continues to star in film and television roles. Since being diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2005, Field spends a considerable amount of time promoting bone health and raising awareness. Passionate about the cause, Field is the spokeswoman for the “Rally with Sally Bone Health” campaign, as well as for GlaxoSmithKline’s osteoporosis drug, Boniva. Her hard work and dedication throughout the years has led to many successes. Field remains a favorite among her many fans that have followed her incredible journey. Her warm smile, gentle spirit and incredible works will be remembered for many years to come.

(Editor’s Note: The clip below from Ms. Field’s Emmy acceptance speech is unedited and should be considered NSFW because of the language she uses.)

Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington. His father, Byron John Barker, died in 1929 when Barker was only six years old. His mother, Matilda Kent Tarleton, remarried, resulting in a half-brother named Kent Valandra. Barker graduated from Central High School in Springfield, Missouri, in 1941 and enrolled in Drury University. His studies were cut short with his decision to train as a fighter pilot for the Naval Reserve during World War II. After the war was over, Barker continued his studies and eventually graduated with a degree in economics. In January of 1945, Barker married the love of his life, Dorothy Jo Gideon. The couple remained married until lung cancer claimed her life on October 19, 1981. Barker and Gideon never had children.

Barker was introduced to the world of media when he was hired to work at a radio station in Springfield in the early 1940s. This venture resulted in several broadcasting jobs, eventually landing Barker in California, where he began hosting his own radio show titled The Bob Barker Show. In 1956, Barker transitioned from radio to television. Little did he know that his career would span over half a century, resulting in 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, two Lifetime Achievement Awards and an induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

In 1979, Barker’s dedication to animal rights prompted him to convert to a vegetarian lifestyle. His activism has been apparent throughout his career, perhaps most apparent with his coining of the phrase “help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered,” quoted at the end of each The Price is Right episode. Today, Barker still remains loyal to the cause. His generous donations and undying dedication has gone a long ways in establishing animal rights programs, including the DJ&T Foundation, named after his late wife and mother, which supports low cost spay and neuter clinics throughout the United States. Barker will always be remembered as one of the best television hosts, as well as one of the most loyal animal rights supporters of all time.

Dressed in skin tight black leather pants and high heel platform boots, Carrie, accompanied by several male dancers, got her variety show underway with the song Cowboy Casanova. After giving a warm welcome to her studio audience, she enlightened them on what it takes to make it to the top of American Idol. Carrie credits her fourth season win to hard work, believing and having faith, focusing on the goal and doing her best. Scenes from her American Idol win was a great touch in getting this Christmas special off to a great start.

Carrie’s performances of her number one hit songs, Before He Cheats and Jesus Take the Wheel, as well as several songs from her latest album, Play On, were a few of the highlights included in tonight’s special. Other highlights throughout the evening included several comedic acts, such as her mother’s performance of Stand By Your Man, a 1960s trio melody consisting of Underwood, Applegate and Chenoweth and an impersonation of Dolly Parton, complete with wig, costume and large breasts. Carrie’s duet with “The Queen of Country Music” herself was perhaps the greatest highlight of the evening, as the pair performed Dolly’s single I Will Always Love You.

Carrie’s Christmas special drew to an end with performances of several holiday songs followed by special thanks to everyone who made her show possible. Former American Idol producer and So You Think You Can Dance judge, Nigel Lythgoe, did an awesome job as the executive producer, as did each and every performer on the show. Carrie’s closing number, Change, accompanied by a touching video of needy children, summed up the true meaning of Christmas as she urged her fans to give generously to those that are less fortunate.

The episode begins with Monk, still deathly ill from the effects of his poisoning, as he continues to watch the video tape left behind by Trudy. He’s shocked to find out that his wife had an affair with her law professor, now Judge Ethan Rickover (Craig T. Nelson), 16 years prior to her marriage to Monk. Even more shocking is the revelation that the affair resulted in a daughter that Trudy was told had died shortly after birth. Trudy, feeling uneasy and fearing for her life, decided to reveal her secret to Monk in the tape after receiving an unexpected call from Rickover asking her to meet him the following day. Tragically, Trudy’s meeting with Rickover ends in death as he attempts to silence her forever in order to keep the secret affair under wraps.

After some fancy detective work and a lot of determination on Monk’s part, Monk uncovers crucial evidence that proves Rickover is indeed Trudy’s killer. Overcome with humiliation, the judge decides to end his life by shooting himself in the head. Rickover’s last words, “take care of her,” leads Monk to uncover yet another shocking secret, a secret that would change his life forever. This amazing secret is just what Monk needs to make peace with Trudy’s death and give new meaning to his life.

The writers did an excellent job of bringing the eight season run of Monk to a close. In my opinion, this episode was the absolute best in the show’s history. I’m going to miss watching Monk during its usual Friday night time slot, but I look forward to catching the reruns of all the episodes I missed throughout the years.

Judge Judy’s court show premiered on September 16, 1996, and is currently in its 14th season. It has maintained high ratings throughout its run, resulting in 12 Emmy Award nominations as well as a TV Guide Award nomination. The show features Judge Judy as she resides over real life small claims cases chosen from viewers across the U.S. Not only has Judge Judy found success as a television judge, she has also found success as a writer. Her first book, Don’t Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining, based on her opinion of the family court system, was published in 1996. She has since published several other books including Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever, Win or Lose By How You Choose, Judge Judy Sheindlin’s You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover and Keep It Simple, Stupid: You’re Smarter Than You Look.

Currently married to former The People’s Court judge, Jerry Sheindlin, Judge Judy is mother to two children, Jamie and Adam, and three stepchildren, Gregory, Jonathan and Nicole. She and Sheindlin reside in Florida but also have homes in New York City, Naples and Connecticut. She commutes to Los Angeles, via her private jet, twice a month for the filming of her show. Her great success earned her a spot on Forbes’ 2007 “Celebrity 100” list as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Not only will Judge Judy always be remembered as one of America’s strongest and most successful women, she will go down in history as one of Hollywood’s greatest and most watched judges.

The season premiere, titled Wrong Turn, begins with Dog’s team searching for a 20 year old fugitive named Kelley Murphy. After locating and arresting Kelley’s close friend, Lionel, for falsifying information on a bondsman application, the team persuades him to give up information on the whereabouts of his friend. Lionel gives the name and location of Kelley’s girlfriend, and the team begins their search.

After following several leads, most of them false, the team finally gets close to the suspect. Trying to evade arrest and stay out of jail, the suspect takes off in his Jeep and the hot pursuit begins. Beth manages to stay on Kelley’s heels and watches as the suspect  loses control and rolls his Jeep.  Dog, following close behind, soon arrives on the scene only to find that the suspect has taken off running through a field. The police are called and the team steps back while they take over the search. Unable to locate the suspect, the police soon leave, making way for Dog’s team to resume their search.

Later in the show, Kelley shows up with his father to turn himself in. The emotional surrender ends with Dog telling Kelley how his daughter, Barbara Katie, was killed in a car crash exactly three years ago and that he doesn’t want Kelley to suffer the same fate. The team takes turns hugging the suspect and encourages him to change his life and get into a treatment program. Kelley’s father then hugs his broken son, kisses him on the cheek and tells him that he loves him.

This was a typical episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter, full of action and suspense. I enjoyed the show and especially liked the part at the end where the team shared their concern for the young fugitive and encouraged him to change his ways. I’m looking forward to watching more exciting episodes this season and following Lyssa throughout her pregnancy and the birth of her child.

The episode begins with flashbacks of Trudy’s death. Monk misses her more than ever. It’s been 12 long years and he isn’t any closer to solving her murder than he was in the beginning, or is he? Monk doesn’t realize just how close he really is, but Trudy’s killer, Judge Ethan Rickover (Craig T. Nelson), does. Rickover takes drastic measures to keep Monk from cracking the case. He decides to take Monk out by hiring a hitman named Joe Kazarinski to poison him.

Monk seems at peace with his pending death knowing that he could be reunited with his beautiful wife in a matter of hours. The story takes a dramatic turn after Monk decides to open the Christmas present his wife gave him right before her tragic death. Monk is surprised to find that the beautifully wrapped box he has kept for all these years contains a video tape revealing secrets of Trudy’s death. Could this be the missing link that will finally lead to an arrest? I guess we’ll have to wait until next week to find out, but my guess is yes.

I really enjoyed this episode of Monk. Lacking its usual comedic element, this episode was perhaps the most serious of any I’ve seen in the past eight years. I’m looking forward to next week’s final episode as I’m curious to see exactly how the writers will reveal Trudy’s killer.  I’m sure it will be a memorable event for all of Monk’s loyal fans, including me.

The episode begins with Capt. Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) calling Monk into his office to present him with one of the biggest surprises of his life, his police badge. An emotional Monk can’t believe his eyes as he stares at his beautiful shiny badge he now holds in his hand. Elation turns into frustration after Monk is informed that he will no longer be working with Stottlemeyer’s team, but will instead be partnered with Detective Doyle (Chris McGarry) from a different team. He is even more disappointed after he is given the news that he will temporarily be assigned to desk duty while he adjusts to his new position, and will not be allowed to work on the Pick Axe Killer case.

Monk quickly comes to the realization that a lot of things have changed in 12 years as he tries to figure out how to operate his new high tech computer system. His fellow workers become annoyed with his obsessive compulsive mannerisms and tell him that if he wants to stay on the force, he has to conform. Monk soon learns that the Pick Axe Killer case is solved after a window washer named Manny Alvarez (Mark Harelik) supposedly witnesses the killer in action. Alvarez’s story, however, just doesn’t add up, but Monk’s theory is quickly shot down since the supposed Pick Axe Killer confesses.

The story takes a drastic turn after a fellow officer, DiMarco (Jay Malone), turns up dead. Monk figures out what really happened and manages to back up his story with proof. He finds himself in a struggle with DiMarco’s killer, but is able to overtake the suspect after stabbing him with his badge. In the end, Monk decides that he was much happier as a consultant and turns in his badge. Natalie (Traylor Howard), who now works as an assistant for a concert promoter, decides to return to her old job as Monk’s assistant, despite her substantial pay raise that came with her new job.

I was a bit disappointed that Monk’s return to the force was so short lived, though I’m not surprised. I guess the important thing is that he now knows that being a police officer doesn’t define who he is, and that doing things on his terms, as a consultant, is what he really loves. Next week marks the beginning of the end with the first of a two part finale. It will be interesting to see how the writers bring this long, seven year run of Monk to a close. I am sad to see Monk go, but feel privileged to be a part of Monk’s vast audience as this great series bids farewell forever.

Stottlemeyer arrives to the crime scene of a man, who had been shot and burned, dancing and singing. His jubilant demeanor makes it obvious that TK accepted his marriage proposal. He announces that the wedding is taking place in nine days. Monk is a little surprised when the captain asks him to be his best man. Monk accepts and the captain hands him TK’s wedding ring to keep until the wedding. Monk, promising not to lose the ring, keeps it tightly clutched in his fist for nine straight days.

Monk throws a bachelor party for the captain, if that is what you want to call it. His idea of a great bachelor party is gathering a few guys to watch the movie Bachelor Party. Monk buys enough beer for each person to have just one. The guys decide it will be more fun to give their beer to Lt. Randy Disher (Jason-Gray Stanford) and watch him get drunk. The party is interrupted when Disher announces that the captain’s car is on fire. This incident, along with an earlier break-in at the captain’s house, makes TK a little leery about going through with the wedding. She is afraid that her life with Stottlemeyer will be filled with more unwelcome surprises such as this since he is a police officer. Stottlemeyer assures her that isn’t the case and that these are isolated events that she shouldn’t worry about.

The story takes a drastic turn when TK’s maid of honor (Teri Polo) is identified as the killer. She carries out the murder after the victim blackmails her and threatens to expose her involvement with a terrorist group 14 years earlier. In the end, she gets arrested and Natalie (Traylor Howard) takes her place as the maid of honor.

I think the show’s writers redeemed themselves after last week’s boring episode. This week’s episode is full of surprise twists, humor and lots of romance as the lovely couple exchange vows in a small ceremony on the beach. Next week’s episode is titled Mr. Monk and the Badge, leading me to believe that maybe, just maybe, Monk’s 11 year dream comes true and he is finally reinstated to the police department. I can’t wait to find out.

After arriving nearly six hours early to his preliminary reinstatement hearing, Monk nervously sits before the board, hoping for a miracle. He feels confident after receiving praise from the first two board members. Things change, however, when the head of the board, Director Willis (Wade Williams), tells Monk that he isn’t convinced that he’s fit to return to the field. The board takes a week to mull over the case before rendering their verdict.

More determined than ever, Monk comes up with a plan to win Capt. Willis over. After learning that Lt. Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford) is taking the “Buddies in Blue” camping, an outreach program for inner city kids, Monk volunteers to help. Willis’s son, Brian (Alex Wolff) , is among the campers and Monk hopes to score “brownie points” through him.

Disher, Monk and the campers arrive at Silver Lake to begin their adventure. Monk doesn’t waste any time turning on his charm in an attempt to befriend Brian. Brian quickly sees right through Monk’s plan and informs him that no matter what he does, his dad will not be impressed with him. The story takes a drastic turn when the group is approached by what appears to be two harmless hunters. Monk, sensing that something isn’t quite right, quickly figures out that the supposed hunters are suspects wanted for the theft of an armored car.

Upon the group’s safe return, Brian, now impressed with Monk’s crime solving abilities, puts in a good word for him and his father decides to vote in favor of his reinstatement. Unfortunately for Monk, the other two board members have now changed their minds and decide to vote against his return to the force.

This episode of Monk was very disappointing. After ranking the last two episodes among the very best, I have to say that this is among the worst. It lacked excitement and humor and was just downright boring. I hope the writers have something better in store for the final four. As for Monk being reinstated to the force before the show’s finale, it’s looking very doubtful. But who knows, maybe the writers will surprise us in the weeks to come and Monk’s dream will finally come true. We can only hope.

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.

Shortly after becoming married to Barbara, Griffith acquired a teaching job at Goldsboro High School. After teaching there for only three years, he and Barbara hit the road and began performing comedy and music routines. Becoming famous for his monologue titled What it Was, Was Football, Griffith appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show several times where he became even more well known. He eventually went on to perform on Broadway, where he met his future sidekick, Don Knotts.

After several guest roles on shows such as The Steve Allen Show and The Danny Thomas Show, Griffith landed the starring role of Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show. This CBS show was an instant hit, achieving high ratings throughout its eight year run, from 1960-1968. Griffith filled the role of executive producer for the show’s spin-off, Mayberry RFD, airing from 1968-1971. A year later, Griffith and Barbara Bray Edwards divorced. The couple shared two adopted children, Andrew Samuel Griffith Jr. and  Dixie Nan. Griffith remarried in 1975, just three years after his divorce from Barbara was final. He and second wife, Solica Cassuto, divorced in 1981. Griffith married a third time on April 2, 1983, to Cindi Knight. The couple remains married to this present day.

After a couple of short lived roles on shows such as Centennial and Salvage 1, Griffith landed the starring role of defense attorney Ben Matlock on the television series, Matlock. Matlock aired from 1986-1995, first on NBC and later on ABC. In 1996, Griffith’s son, Samuel, died after a long bout with alcoholism. With his own health failing and a near fatal heart attack, Griffith underwent quadruple bypass surgery in May of 2000, bringing to a halt his nearly 50 year acting career.

In 2005, Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. He has since managed to appear in a few movies, including the 2007 comedy titled Waitress and the 2008 comedy titled Play the Game. In October of 2008, Griffith showed his support for presidential candidate Barack Obama and vice president candidate Joe Biden by appearing in a Funny or Die video titled Ron Howard’s Call to Action.

Griffith and wife Cindi currently live on Roanoke Island in North Carolina, just miles from where he landed his first professional acting job in the longest running play in the nation, The Lost Colony. Enjoying the quiet life on his waterfront property, Griffith is content collecting antique cars, taking care of his three dogs and riding his John Deere tractor across his 70-acre property. Though he never won an Emmy during his long acting career, he received a number of other awards, including a People’s Choice Award, a Legend Award, a TV Land Award and a Star on the Walk of Fame. Andy Griffith will always be remembered as one of Hollywood’s best, and quite possibly, as America’s favorite sheriff.

The Cosby Show

The show focused on Heathcliff  “Cliff” Huxtable, an obstetrician, and wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad), an attorney, as they dealt with the day to day challenges of raising five children in an upper-middle-class household. The oldest child, Sondra Tibideaux (Sabrina Le Beauf), was a graduate of Princeton University, as well as the wife of  Elvin Tibideaux (Geoffrey Owens). The second oldest, Denise (Lisa Bonet), was a Hillman College student who eventually moved out of the Huxtable home and married Navy Lt. Martin Kendall (Joseph C. Phillips). Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), the third child and only son,  was one of my favorites on the show. He represented the typical teen-age boy, often getting into trouble, not making the best grades in school and trying to impress the girls. Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe), the fourth child, was a good student who, for the most part, stayed out of trouble. The adorable little Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam), the youngest of the Huxtable children, had her mom and dad wrapped around her finger, as well as her grandparents, Russell (Earle Hyman) and Anna Huxtable (Clarice Taylor), Cliff’s parents.

Cosby’s character reflected his real life comedic nature, one that fans had already come to appreciate before his stint on The Cosby Show even began. This element of humor kept the audience coming back for more, adding to the show’s huge success and high ratings. No other actor could have given life to the character of “Cliff Huxtable” the same way that Bill Cosby did.  I, for one, am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of The Cosby Show’s audience during its eight year run. Bill Cosby will always be remembered as one of the greatest television pioneers of all time.

The countdown to Monk’s final episode continues with more twists and turns than ever. With only six episodes remaining, this final season may very well be the best in the show’s long seven year history. Guest starring on this week’s episode are Bitty Schram, as Adrian Monk’s (Tony Shalhoub‘s) former assistant Sharona Fleming, as well as Jack Wagner as golf pro Perry Walsh.

Sharona arrives in town unannounced to take care of matters involving the accidental death of her Uncle Howie. What should be an open and shut case for the now New Jersey nurse turns complicated after Monk becomes involved. Proving that the case was no accident, but rather a cold and calculated murder, costs Sharona a hefty settlement, and possibly her son’s college education.

Sharona’s visit proves interesting as she and Natalie (Traylor Howard), Monk’s current assistant, goes from bonding and comparing notes to butting heads and constant bickering. Monk, who tries to keep the two apart, finally gives up and takes the next available taxi as far away as he can. Sharona and Natalie find Monk at his wife’s grave and tell him that they have decided to put their differences aside. The three of them team up in the end to find the man responsible for the murder of Sharona’s uncle.

As Sharona prepares to leave, she says her good-byes and shares an emotional hug with Monk. She admits to Natalie that she will now be able to sleep better knowing that her former boss is in such capable hands. One of the biggest surprises of the night takes place when Sharona’s driver, identified as Randy Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), pulls up and gives Sharona a big kiss on the lips. The two speed off together as Monk and Natalie watch in disbelief.

This was one of my favorite episodes ever. Sharona’s return was a very nice touch as well as the surprise kiss at the end. Jack Wagner did an exceptional job of portraying the killer, and I have to say, it was nice seeing him outside of his soap opera role. Next week’s episode is titled Mr. Monk and the Dog. I can’t wait to see it. I can tell by the title that it is going to be very interesting!

This HGTV Halloween special featured three families competing for the best decorations on the block. Led by designers Eddie Ross, Michael Russo and Kelley Moore, these families displayed some of the most spectacular Halloween creations I have ever seen, or even ever thought of.

Designer Eddie Ross headed up the Halloween transformation for the John family. Using the Headless Horseman as their theme, the team came up with some truly amazing ideas. The inside of the house was transformed into a cemetery with accents of tombstone wainscoting, spider web covered furniture, spooky window cornices and various displays of gourds, moss, carved pumpkins, hay and black candles. My favorite display by this team was the lifelike Headless Horseman that greeted guests on the front lawn. With a lighted jack o’lantern head and a long black cape that blew in the wind, actually by a hidden fan, the Horseman looked as if he were riding the streets of Sleepy Hollow looking for his next victim.

Lifestyle expert Kelley Moore headed up the designs for the Peterson family. This team chose to recreate a gingerbread house. Covered in pink floral sheeting with accents of wrapped pieces of colorful, sugary candy, this house was every sweet lover’s dream. The inside of the house wasn’t so inviting, however,  as the team did a magnificent job of turning it into a frightening, realistic witch’s cottage. With a faux stone covered wall, mummified  pieces of furniture, a smoky mirror, a cage for unsuspecting children and a bar dedicated to the witch’s potion, this room was the epitome of pure evil. A great added touch by this team was a UNICEF giving tree planted on the front lawn of this recreated Hansel and Gretel tale.

The Boscovich family was led by the very capable designer, Michael Russo. The family’s Victorian style home was the perfect setting for a classic haunted mansion. Going with an adult party theme, the inside of the house was decorated with panels of black toile hanging with huge creepy spiders. A ghostly photo of a woman was the perfect touch for one of the haunted living room walls. One of HGTV’s talented carpenters created the perfect bar, covered with faux brick material, great for serving bloody drinks enjoyed by the guests. Along with the drinks, the guests  enjoyed some creepy treats including appetizing eyeballs  and bat embellished sushi. My favorite design from this team was the mummified corpse constructed from crumpled newspaper covered with cheese cloth and webbing. The living statue, a daring, made-up neighbor, standing watch on the front lawn was also a great touch for this ghoulish mansion.

I really enjoyed watching this HGTV Halloween special and was grateful for all the brilliant holiday ideas.  I know I could never pull off the Halloween transformations that these families did, with the help of some very capable designers, but I think I will do a pretty good job of incorporating some of these projects into my own holiday plans. HGTV offers additional holiday tips on their website, as well as more information on this Halloween special.

I Love Lucy was one of the most watched television sitcoms of the 1950s, running on CBS from 1951 to 1957, at which time it was renamed The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show. The show continued to air new episodes until 1960. As a result of the show’s continuous high ratings, I Love Lucy earned five Emmy awards as well as many other awards and nominations. The show was written by Jess Oppenheimer, Bob Carroll Jr., and Madelyn Davis and was directed by Marc Daniels and William Asher.

I Love Lucy captured the attention of viewers all across America as on and off screen married couple Ricky Ricardo (Dezi Arnaz) and Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) dealt with unusual day to day situations, often brought about by Lucy herself. Lucy’s best friend and landlord, Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance), married to Fred Mertz (William Frawley), attempted to keep Lucy out of trouble, but her efforts failed time and time again as the hardheaded redhead’s obsession with becoming a show star often superseded her common sense. Life became even more interesting for the Ricardo’s after Lucy gave birth to the couple’s first child, Little Ricky.

The show ended in 1960, the same year that Arnaz and Ball divorced. Decades later, reruns of the show still manage to captivate and entertain audiences around the world.  Several shows starring Lucille Ball followed I Love Lucy. Such shows include The Lucy Show, which ran from 1962 until 1968, as well as Here’s Lucy, which ran from 1968 to 1974. An attempt at a third show in 1986 titled Life with Lucy fell short and the show was canceled because of poor ratings. However, none of these shows compare to the original classic that lives on in our memories forever. There has never been another housewife quite like Lucy Ricardo, nor will there ever be. Lucille Ball will always be remembered as one of Hollywood’s greatest.

On this week’s episode of Monk, Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) celebrates his 50th birthday, thanks to his persistent assistant, Natalie (Traylor Howard), who won’t take “no” for an answer. Guest star Virginia Madsen joins the cast as reporter T.K. Jensen, the new love interest of Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine), as well as John Carroll Lynch as Kurt Pressman, later identified as a cold-blooded killer.

Building manager Paul Wellman (Gregory Thompson) discovers the dead body of maintenance worker Bradley Foster, trapped inside of a huge trash compactor. Patent attorney Richard Meckler, who works the night shift with Foster, seems the likely culprit since he was supposedly the only other person inside of the building when Foster was murdered. The story takes an unexpected turn when Meckler falls dead with a heart attack at the unveiling of his client, Kurt Pressman’s, new self cleaning vacuum. The focus then turns to Pressman, and after some unconventional investigating by Monk, it’s discovered that Pressman killed Meckler by poisoning him.

Monk’s assistant, Natalie, and his coworkers attempt to set Monk up with a surprise birthday party. Monk becomes suspicious and figures out what Natalie is up to. He refuses to attend the party and tells Natalie that he doesn’t want to celebrate his birthday. Natalie assures Monk that she will find a way to give him a party whether he likes it or not. Natalie is soon caught a second time trying to surprise Monk. He finally reveals to Natalie that on his 10th birthday, his mother gave him a surprise party, and his idol, Cowboy Hank, was the guest of honor. When Cowboy Hank left, so did the rest of the guests, leaving Monk to celebrate his birthday alone. More determined than ever, Natalie schemes to give Monk the best birthday party he has ever had.

Natalie and Monk soon discover that they are being followed by someone in a black SUV. Stottlemeyer calls to inform Monk that there is a $20,000 contract out on his life. Bullets start flying as the pair try to outrun the SUV. Natalie pulls the car over and the pair run and jump into a close by dumpster. The driver of the SUV finds Natalie and Monk inside of the dumpster and lures them into a building. Upon entering the building, Stottlemeyer, and a room full of others, shout “Surprise!” After several failed attempts, Natalie finally got him. Monk didn’t suspect a thing, and for an added surprise, Cowboy Hank is among the guests at the party. In the end, Monk admits that it was the best party he ever had.

I enjoyed this episode of Monk very much. Unlike many of the previous episodes, it seemed a lot more action-packed with some extra unexpected twists. I am curious if Captain Stottlemeyer will continue to pursue a relationship with reporter T.K. Jensen, and if so, how will that play into the final episodes of the show? With only seven episodes remaining, it will be interesting to see what the writers have prepared for the show’s finale.