The afternoon double episode Monk repeats has reached the Natalie era (again)...

Mr. Monk and the Red Herring

Monk gives Natalie a knowing smile when she blows off a White Corpusle.

Monk agrees to aid in Natalie's lie to Julie's teacher about her fish.

Monk rescues Julie's fish rather than the Moon rock.

Natalie and Julie talk of how Monk saved Julie's fish, so much like what Mitch would do.

Mr. Monk Vs. The Cobra (shown out of order)

Monk and Natalie's barefoot banter at the Master Zee's establishment.

Monk refuses to pay Natalie's expenses, when it reaches a head at the cemetary she quits and returns.

Monk has a visit with Trudy as he nears death and she tells him to close her office and pay Natalie what she deserves.

Monk closes the office and after Natalie, who makes sure the movers get everything (tacks), closes the door as they follow them out of the office; he opens it and the final shot:

Monk and Natalie walking arm in arm down the hall.

And lastly...

I watched the first part of Tony Shalhoub's question/answer session (50 minutes is a little long for a straight sit through for me) and the question of a relationship between Monk and Natalie popped up. He responded that he expects more such "tension" between them in the coming season.

So...

My theory of what's going on just may be true.

I love that scene. I love that smile. I love that episode. I love Monk. I love Natalie. I love the idea of Monk and Natalie.

Can you see I need no convincing?

Bring on season 7!

I must admit I've been very against any shipping going on in the Monk world. But after seeing some of the first Natalie epis, they did bring it on rather strong in the beginning, (I wasn't really watching for it and now I have an excuse to rewatch all the others!) and I think I like it! They would make a totally cute couple!
However in the real world I think they will leave it open and a either way type ending.

I think I can.

Yes, I am looking forward to the next season. And I'm just a wee bit worried, too...

In the real world? But this is tv...

To be honest, and to repeat myself, it would be a big mistake to have Monk and Natalie dive into a romance...uh, sorry, ship during the series. It'd be a finale type thing.

They need to be careful too. If a believable relationship is to be established at the end of the series, they need to lay the groundwork for one. If in the final episode, they catch/kill Trudy's killer in the climax, and Monk and Natalie come together in the coda without any further preparation, it would be laughable.

I know there are certain devices that writers can use to ignite a fictional romance quickly, but not all of them would work well with the character of Adrian Monk.

I would actually prefer to see an innocent, hand-holding type relationship stretched over a longer time period, in order to to be able to believe the suggestion of a deeper relationship at the end. Just my opinion, though.

But I am among the number who would like to see these two crazy kids get together.

QUOTE (NataliesBuddy @ May 16 2008, 01:40 PM)

In the real world? But this is tv...

To be honest, and to repeat myself, it would be a big mistake to have Monk and Natalie dive into a romance...uh, sorry, ship during the series. It'd be a finale type thing.

I think Monk passed through so many hard and hartbreaking moments, specially on 6th season, we can feel he needs someone besides him to make him relax, to give him some real love, to rub his feet, to massage his shoulders....he definetly needs it!
C´mon, I keep imagining how hard is to go back home and stays alone....las season he was the most hated guy in town, he fought, he ran, swam at night, waited alone at the beach, ran and hide himself, was afraid of being caught, almost died, lost - in a way - one of Trudy´s memories, ran, I believe he was hugely tired, but kept on walking away from Leland to hide himself, 6 seasons already and he keeps on going through all this and nobody besides him to give him real love? And he is such a great character/man, he is capable to love deeply and not asking anything back...He definetly needs someone besides him, and this someone is Natalie. They look great together, both need someone to warm their feet at night, and I do believe it will be great to see them getting along BEFORE the end of the series, not like a finale type o thing. It´s nice to see them together, caring about each other, not like two brothers or siblings, but like a real couple. He deserves it.
I would like to seee Monk being loved again, and happy, side by side with Natalie...and, off course, some nice kisses!!

Hugs
Mi

I agree with, BfloGal.

I remember the romance between the characters Grace Van Owen and Jack McCoy on Law & Order. Viewers could tell that the two had great chemistry together but it wasn't until there was a scene at the end of an episode where we saw them sitting at a bar that we realized that there was indeed an ongoing romance. He was drinking with his left hand and she with her right while they were holding hands out of camera.

It was very subtle and tasteful. I think that will work here, too.

Besides, I just love a happy ending.

Jenn, a refuses-to-be-cured-romantic

Claire Kincaid was Law & Order, Grace Van Owen was L.A. Law ...

The best part about how L&O did the "romance" was I didn't want to believe it was there and there was no concrete evidence that it was ...

~~ Tami

OOPS! Brain cramp! Brain cramp! I knew that didn't sound right, but did I bother to figure out why? Noooooo.

Thanks Tami!

Giggling with embarrassment,

Jenn

I just had this idea this morning when I woke up. The end of the final episode of the series (season 10) after Monk and Natalie have grown closer. Monk and Natalie are walking out of a darkened building after just solving a particularly tough case. the double doors swing open (the kind with the metal kick boards on the bottom to prvent scuffing, and the bulky hinges on top) Natalie and Monk walk out into the sunny outdoors arm in arm. Suddenly Monk stops, lets go of Natalie's arm and leans down to the ground, he pulls a wipe out of his blazer and begins wiping something. Monk and Natalie are two silloettes now. Natalie gestures at Monk as if to say "It's gone now. I can't even see it. Let's go." he gestures back "hold on I've almost got it" he finishes, but instead of standing up he holds up his hand to her, she reaches out to help him up, but he opens his hand to reveal a ring box. Natalie covers her nose and mouth in shock then leans down herself and hugs Monk. The doors close. All you hear throughout all this is soft music in the background. Then the credits roll.

Maybe a photo album and captions saying things like when they got married etc... after the credits.

I've been wondering whether to post this or not. The following is an essay (of sorts) that I wrote for my own use when I contemplated beginning to write fan fiction. It details my take on the Adrian/Natalie relationship and discusses how to deal with that in plot development. I've shared parts of it with other people, but I've never posted it. I think, based on the way this thread has been going that some might find it interesting.

But during it, I speak somewhat directly about what has to happen. What this means in context is what has to happen in my own stories -- not that anyone else needs to agree, or there can't be other solutions. Okay -- so don't flame me. I'm not telling the writers what to do. This is kind of my to-do list.

A Roadmap to an Adrian/Natalie Romance
What needs to happen first?

The question came up on a recent thread as to why most Monk/Natalie fan fiction seems forced, inauthentic, or rushed. Upon writing my first fan fiction, I also found it nearly impossible to move the pair closer while maintaining authentic characterization. Why is this? Are they incompatible? Are we 'shippers permanently out of luck?

I want to propose that many of the romance fics don't seem genuine because not all the necessary groundwork has been laid to bring them together. Hence any attempt to do so doesn't seem to work in 'reality'. In order for such a relationship to seem authentic, some changes need to be demonstrated.

First, the easier piece of the puzzle: Natalie.

Natalie is a compassionate and sympathetic person, who has already developed a respect for and friendship with Adrian. In order to advance in the direction of a relationship, she will first need to see that she needs Adrian as much as Adrian needs her. Secondly, Natalie will need to see herself and Adrian as truly on the same plane. Then she will need to consider whether her friendship and need of Adrian could transition to a romantic one. In short, she will need to have a viable attraction to him. Finally, she will need to have hope that there is a possibility of such a relationship.

Natalie's need for Monk has already been explicitly indicated in "Mr. Monk in Outer Space" by Goldberg, but is more illusive on the show itself. Goldberg brought Natalie to this realization by placing Monk in peril, and sending Natalie to his rescue. Natalie then suddenly realized what he meant to her because of the thought of losing him. Perhaps it is parallel to Natalie's need for Monk in "On the Run" where she grieved over him, and then ran to his aid when she discovered he was really alive. Such a device has often been used to further relationships on other television series.

Adrian has already shown that he can be there when Natalie is in trouble, but the development of a relationship will need to rely on him being there when she needs him emotionally. I can see the possibility of several plot lines that could accomplish this. For example, what if something happened to Julie? I think this has been dealt with already in fan fiction. But a kidnapping of Julie, for example, would place stress on Natalie, and place her in close confines with Adrian, who would have to support her emotionally while working on the solution.

Another plot line that could draw us to see Natalie's emotional need of Adrian would be delving into the circumstances of Mitch's death. It almost seems like Mitch's back story, detailed in "Red Herring," was placed as a clue to be delved into later. The writers of Monk are skilled writers of mystery, who know they need to place their clues early in a story. Again, Adrian's involvement in a case in which Natalie is already emotionally involved could trigger her realization that she needs him.

While a mutual need could be realized suddenly, it would be something that would have to be nurtured, so that it didn't ebb away like the tide from our memories. They would need to become mutual caregivers. Natalie would have to, more regularly and routinely, rely on Monk to meet her emotional needs. She could start calling him in the middle of the night. She might ask his advice. I think we've already seen an increase of these things in season 6, namely "Birds and the Bees".

The result of such mutual need is a lifetime commitment, but not necessarily a romantic one. Goldberg has already taken us there in "Two Assistants" and "Outer Space." I find it ironic that it was Sharona's character in "Two Assistants" who first realized that Natalie leaving Monk would kill him. Sharona's leaving hurt him. Natalie's would be fatal. This contrast shows that there already is a differing quality of the Natalie/Adrian relationship that wasn't shared with Sharona, even though they were friends, and Adrian tried to be there emotionally for Sharona (Circus/Ballgame)

One major obstacle Natalie will have to overcome is to stop seeing Monk as if he were a poor little man who needs a mother. This is fatal to romance, and has been cited by others as a fault in certain fan fiction. While most of us probably know a couple who related better as mother and son, this pattern is neither romantic nor appealing. For an authentic romance to occur, Monk and Natalie must be on the same plane. Natalie's pulling Adrian along in "Private Eye" was hard to watch. She needs to move from sympathy to empathy. In past dealings, she has referred to visiting Ambrose, for example, as helping people. But there is a big difference between wanting to help someone and wanting to be with someone. Natalie must, in some way, run into the boundaries of her own mental limits and personal strength, and see herself and Monk as being on the same spectrum of human strengths, frailties, and limitations.

The third main transition Natalie would have to undergo would be to start seeing Monk as a potential romantic partner. This is a challenge for any two people who already know each other and are friends. In real life, I suppose, much of the transition is a thought process that the person cannot see. But in television, or in a limited 3^rd person fan fiction one must see this transition. There are several long-standing devices used to jump-start such a transition on television.

One romance jump-starter is the introduction of a romantic rival. This allows one of the pair to compare and contrast the friend with the prospective love interest (hopefully favorably) while allowing the other to feel jealousy. All of a sudden it dawns on them that they are in love. Often the love interest is similar in appearance or character to the friend, indicating the kind of person they are attracted to. There is a danger, however, that when taken too far, the audience can begin to like or conversely hate the rival, or simply resent being manipulated. Think Moonlighting.

The use of Randy as a rival is both convenient and dangerous. Any involvement between Natalie and Randy used to generate a triangle has the potential for exploding in the writer's face. A relationship between the two of them would have to be innocent, silly, short-lived, and mutually ended. They would both have to see that it was clearly a mistake. There is already a huge camp of Randy/Natalie 'shippers. Leaving Randy heartbroken would not be taken well by any fan of the show.

Another romantic jump-starter is forced contact/isolation. It can be as simple as accidentally bumping each other or being trapped in an elevator, being stuck in a storm, or being handcuffed together. Perhaps they need to hide out together. The contact, or just time spent together without any outside influences can cause the couple to realize what they have or can have.

Being alone together on the run is another form of the same. Being all alone, relying only on each other, was briefly explored in "On the Run." Although there were no explicit scenes showing it, it is remarkable that Natalie was willing to leave her home and her daughter, pack up, and run to help Monk, not knowing how long that it will take or what it will require of her. Such experiences not only give a pair time alone, but also serve to illustrate the idea of mutual trust.

A third romance igniter is masquerading as a couple. Detectives often go undercover or share a house as part of a stake-out. Or perhaps the pair is just mistaken for a couple. Masquerading as a couple may cause one or both to consider whether a real relationship is desirable or workable. Even if no advance is made in a relationship, it often will force a pair to do things that will cause the audience to want to see them as a couple. Think of Adrian and Sharona in "Gets Married."

Another fire-starter is the forced/drawn confession. A conversation may be overheard. Another person can notice an attraction and elicit a confession. Or the attraction may be brought to the surface through dreams or through some substance that lowers the inhibitions (and yes, this includes the drunken or drugged profession of love).

The final ingredient to romance, at least among most characters, is to see the hope of such a relationship. One must think that the relationship is possible. Often this is done in stages, with one seeing it before the other, and not wanting to say anything out of fear. Sometimes one or both deny the obvious, and tension and conflict arises that can often erupt into passion. That is what many refer to as sexual tension, although the definition can be made to extend to any attraction between two characters that could lead to a romance. Sexual tension between Monk and Natalie would not be a fiery passion, but a slow burning ember. In Natalie's case, she would have to think that Monk could have a relationship with someone again, and that she could be that one. It is more reasonable to think that a romantic interest would come of character and substance, rather than lust.

Now if all of this sounds a little juvenile and contrived, it probably is. If real life were like this, we'd all be in serious trouble. But long-time observation has shown that TV relationships are often progressed in these same ways.

Now, if it takes this much to get Natalie to the brink of a relationship, imagine what it would take to get Monk there, with all of his issues. In addition to the previous steps, which are pretty standard fare, Monk needs more help.

Overcoming Monk's Special Obstacles:

Monk would have to think that involving himself with someone else was good for him. He's taken advice like that from Dr. Kroger, Sharona, and Natalie in the past, so that is not the hardest obstacle to overcome.

Monk would have to think that involving himself with someone else would be good for her. He would have to know that Natalie was better off with him in her life, than without him. This is going to be really difficult, since Monk has the self-image of a turnip. He wouldn't wish himself off on his worst enemy. Monk would clearly have to see how he has enriched Natalie's life.

Monk must deal with his dislike of being touched. Monk hasn't been flinching at Natalie's touch for quite some time. So that's progress. But he doesn't really look like he's enjoying it much either. That would have to change. There have been notable exceptions. Natalie's kiss on the cheek at the end of "Secret Santa" was perhaps the most noticeable. Monk's positive reaction to touch seems to have a delay.

One of the largest obstacles will be Monk actually initiating a touch. For someone with a fear of touch, that is a big thing. A small touch is actually felt more intensely. Monk will not as casually initiate a touch as easily as another person. He will most likely need to be tricked or trapped into it, or have it happen accidentally, and then he might find that he liked it.

In order to have hope of a relationship, Monk must have some hope in general. Monk's conditions have never been entirely consistent. He's gotten better, and then slipped back. Progress in a relationship would have to take place when Monk was doing better. Totally healed? Not likely. He wouldn't be Monk. But he'd have to be visibly more comfortable and if not happy, then at least a little less sad. He needs to be smiling more (and I think he has been) and a genuine laugh – maybe even a surprise to him, wouldn't be a bad idea. It has already been revealed that he laughed all the time with Trudy. A real laugh, coming out of nowhere, could be eye-opening.

Monk must personally resolve his issues with Trudy. Monk's feelings toward Trudy seem to have three components: a genuine undying love, an obsession with Trudy, and an obsession with finding her killer. Only the second one is a real barrier to a future romance. If Monk could overcome his obsession with Trudy, and by this I mean the compulsive need to surround himself with her memories and perpetually live in grief, then I think he could begin on the road to romance before solving his wife's death. The most instrumental person in helping Monk to let go might actually be Trudy, or at least his psychological manifestation of her.

One of the hardest obstacles to overcome might be ridding his apartment of Trudy's pictures, pillow, etc. I cannot see Monk realistically taking down the pictures or disposing of Trudy's pillow. He would resent anyone else who did. And I can't see him getting anywhere in a relationship until he does. The only solution I can see to this problem would be to burn his house down.

Monk must be allowed to move with glacier-like slowness. He will be very nervous and uncomfortable with each new step, and must be allowed to be so. A suave and debonair Monk is not going to happen, although he might try (with humorous results). But care must be taken not to turn Monk into a child with Natalie as his mother. Monk is a grown man, and must be treated as such. When he moves it will be with hesitation and gentleness.

Monk must also not be taken past his own moral restraints. He is not likely to participate in sex before marriage, as I'm sure he would consider that adultery – a sex affair – which is something that he has shown disdain for. In my opinion, he is an old-time straight arrow. That being said, I disagree with the claim that Monk could never have or had sex with anyone. There is no evidence that his relationship with Trudy was anything but normal in that area. People point to the fact that Monk hesitates to talk about it, but fear of talking about sex and fear of sex are two very different things. That being said, I don't think I'd want to know in any detail what happens between them. Smut fic seems especially unsuited to Monk.

Others may disagree, but I'm not sure I'd want even a married Adrian and Natalie to have kids. Especially twins! (Don't all fan fiction couples eventually have twins?) Given Adrian's age at 49 in season 6, it seems a little bit too old to begin a family. But after watching the Tommy episode, and Takes His Medicine, where he says he want to be the one helping his kids with their homework, my mind is not fully cemented on this.

Nice take, Kawasakifan.
Well, Tony in his live chat told about romantic tension between the male and female lead characters, that make if not all, but great part of TV series much more tasty/enjoyable. And we are talking and re-talking about this same tension.
As you, BfloGal, Jenn, Monkophile are saying, I sign below it: they should settle the pavement ( I remember someone said that here in this board, do not remember who or where, so I am borrowing the idea) for building their relationship.
I really hope they ran out of concrete, petroleum and machinery this 7th season, leaving the conclusion of this pavementfor around 10th season....

Hugs
mi

I like the way you said that. It would just be wrong to stop at season 7 or even 8(a round number) 9 would go against every grain in Monk, but a nice round Season 10 would be perfect! Even FRIENDS had 10 seasons and I think Monk is WAY better. I coud be wrong, but, you know, I'm not!

What's the title of the FF? I'd like to read it.

I believe they could enhance Monk´s character with a bit of jealousy. It will be nice really feeling it when, hypothectically, Natalie dates someone -( hypothesis in a way that we do not see she actually dating, we hear she making appointments or something like that....). Not the comments we got from him when Sharona used to date, sort of an older brother picking up his sister. And by the way, Sharona did date a lot!!!
Ok, coming back, I will take nicely this enhancement. It is a nice feature to add to Monk´s character.

----
another by the way: I believe that for Monk is a big problem to kiss Natalie. I was sad when she dated the leper guy, because at that moment I realised that Monk will refuse to kiss her after the leper. I am not sure if he will overpass it, I do hope so, Natalie kissed his face in On the Run and he didn´t refuse it - or had no time for it? -as he did with Sharona´s kiss in Gets Married, cleaning his mouth compulsively later.
I hope the leper guy will not influence this bad!!!

BfloGal,

That was a very well thought out essay. I think you have done an excellent job of outlining the steps.

It made interesting Monday morning reading.

Jenn

Kawasakifan,

I just finished reading your pieces on this topic, too, and I again I say good job. Between you and BfloGal, I had a very enjoyable morning break.

Thanks, guys!

Jenn

Thanks Jenn. I was beginning to think I'd made a mistake posting it.

"Thanks Jenn. I was beginning to think I'd made a mistake posting it."

Oh no, I think you were spot on. I think you are completely right about all the steps it will take to get those two together. Many of the scenarios that you presented as ways of advancing the storyline brought to mind a number of different shows that I've watched that both successfully and unsuccessfully brought couples together. The ones that brought it along gradually worked but the ones that tried to rush it just left a sour taste. [That was my disappointment with those last few rushed episodes of Remington Steele. Everything seemed to be all over the map there.]

Keep up the good work.

Jenn

There is a lot of unhappiness still (20 years after) about the end of Remington Steele. Many fan fiction writers regularly leave off the last episode of season 4 and all of season 5.

I don't know. I kind of liked it, and that scene is Ashford Castle in the final episode is almost worn through my DVD. Admittedly the scenario of two red-blooded 'married' people who have been chasing each other for four years being unable to consummate their relationship for a whole season defies credibility. But it also mirrors the plot of one of my favorite movies "Without Love" with Spencer Tracey and Kathryn Hepburn. Tracey plays a scientist and Hepburn his wealthy assistant in a war project -- who marry and move in together as a convenience -- only later to fall in love.

Now, the funny thing is, such a device would probably be more well-suited to Monk than it was to Remington Steele, if someone could only think of a desperate reason for them to have to get married.

But the introduction of a romantic rival at that point was ludicrous, and just as disasterous as the string of friends and lovers in Moonlighting (although Brooke was delightful as David Addison's lamaze partner.)

I think Scarecrow and Mrs. King did a good job -- not only of advancing the relationship gradually, but also bringing us fully developed dynamic characters. Sadly the 'secret marriage' situation left me a little cold, until I learned later that it and the subsequent diminishing of Kate Jackson's role at the end of the final season were due to her suffering from breast cancer, and not any deliberate design of the writers.

Bflogal-

I have to second that your essay was amazing, and your thoughts are spot-on on what has to happen in order for Monk and Natalie to be together.

It's gonna be a long road, but I'm pretty sure they'll make it there in the end. [At least I hope so!]