If there are two issues that unites all fans it is the wish for Trudy's murder to be solved and that the show continue as long a possible.

The fate of the show and its appeal seems so far to be dependent on the first question and the suffering of Monk as a result but I wonder if the show can continue after the murder is resolved or should they be considered one in the same? Should the show rightfully end with this question is answered or if not, how can the show survive once the main question has been solved?

I see no way the show could continue after Trudy's murder is solved. It's the linch pin of the story, what drew all the characters together and leads them on...

Without it, the show would be...well, empty. At least to me.

Ahhhh, imagination is infinite my friends.

Let's say the crime is solved.

We still have to catch the guilty party.

They still have to go to jail.

Escape would be a possibility.

Co-conspiritors could add intrigue and confusion.

The same could be said for shady allies or informants.

Revenge of the guilty party could be a factor.

In short... I dont believe that resolving Trudy's murder would resolve the Trudy's Murder plotline.

The storyline itself has the ability to restart from it's currently stalled position and take on any one of a number of tracks that could last for a season or more a piece.

But, in my opinion, that may mess with the chemistry of the show. Which I would assume is why it hasnt happened all ready.

However, if done correctly, I think that the resolution of the storyline could actually cement the status quo. For example - What if Trudy was killed because she was doing something that symbolized her love for Adrian? What if it turns out that she was keeping Dale off thier backs or from ruining Adrian professionally? If her life was given for his - it would be almost impossible for Monk not to lament her for the rest of his.

Dont'cha think?

I love this show because long after it's over and done it will retain timeless leigion of fans in the style of a true television classic. And those fans will pour wave after wave of enthusiasm in to this show with wave after wave of imagination.

When children being born just today are our ages, they too will be reading Monk Fanfic and debating Sharona vs. Natalie, to 'ship or not the 'ship, Disher's craziest theories, thier favorite episodes, the best of the novels and topics we havent even the insight or foresight to predict.

Fanfiction and novels will continue to feature 'guest stars' of the day like we had Snoop and Willie. Everyone who can write will want to weave thier favorite personalities in to the Monk tapestry and for every one person who can do it there will be 10 (nice round number - 10) more who are content to read, review and recommend.

And I feel that. With every episode.

We are only watching the firework sail in to the sky. Just wait. It still has to apex, explode and throw out a light that changes the entire landscape...

If only for a second.

That's why my favorite episode is always the next new one and my favorite character can shift to whoever is speaking the current line of dialog as a show progresses.

It's not good. It's not great. It's beyond marvelous.

It's a phenominon. And that makes it phenominal.

-M

I think the Monk gang...in unison, will say "We're goin' to Disneyland! Wooo!"

I don't think the show should end when Trudy's murder is solved. I think they should show a few episodes of how Monk functions and survives after the murder is solved. Also, with the murder being solved there are many other things that need to be completed. The guilty party/parties need to be caught, tried, and brought to justice. With this there could be many plot twists, such as and escape or something other than that. Also after the murder is solved and everything they need to show Monk getting reinstated and goes back to work, solving crimes as a member of the San Francisco Police Department. There is so much they could do after Trudy's murder is solved. However, I think the mystery of Trudy's murder is a driving point behind the show. I don't think the show will last for an extended period of time after "the gang" solves Trudy's murder, but I think it should last a while after solving Trudy's murder.

I agree with you and Mandeville. Many more things could happen. I wish the show would go on forever. I have a feeling that Tony will want to end the show, going out on top, when Trudy`s murder is solved. Like, Friends, Raymond, Fraser, and Seinfeld, just to name a few. They all stopped when they were still going strong.

Ten is such a nice round number. And very true to form in the true tradition of Monk.

In my humble opinion.

-M

I agree Mandeville, 10 is a nice even number, and I think Monk would agree it is the best one to end on.

We have a motion for ten seasons. History08 seconds the motion. All in favor?

Aye!

There are so many great episodes that have nothing to do with Trudy or her murder. I don't know why there couldn't continue to be more great episodes after solving her murder. Solving it would give Monk some sense of closure and justice. I would like to see at least one episode or more after he solves it.

I would say no; deep down my heart says it should end with him finding out who did it, since that's the be all end all of his very existence.

Now, if they did want to show how his life's going afterwards, that could be the possible main plot if they decide to do a movie afterwards much as Sex and the City will be this year. If the killer survives, they could be brought back in here as a dramatic plot point. Indeed, I would bring as many characters of note into such a picture as can be accomodated without going overboard, so if there's anyone connected to the plot he doesn't figure out in the series itself, they could be unmasked there.

At least season 10! so it's, you know, even. If they go to at least 10, they'll thank me later!

At the risk of getting rapped, I kind of think 8 is the maximum you can go with this without losing focus and originality. Now I'd love to be proven wrong, believe me, I do, but I'd rather they'd still go out on top, rather than go through the long painful slide of staying on too long (as ER has amply proved).

That's absolutely logical and reasonable. It kind of rings true and I can see where it probably is a very fair estimation.

At least that's my considered and adult opinion.

Which I am of course totally opposed to - just on principle alone.

-M

Depends on the show. Law and order has been on forever and IMO is still going strong.

The way the show is formatted it could go on for awhile as it's basicaly mr monk in some new adventure.

I don't think they will go past 8 though. They are starting the process of finding trudy's killer with the judge thing. Hopefully there will be at least a season 8.