I guess this is not an anything special item, but I want to type about this anyhow. Yesterday morning (saturday here) I got my usually low blood pressure rise up, when I read the tv criticism of the morning paper. The critic wrote: ´The American Monk has lowered with it´s satiric style the traditional detective program place of saturday evening such a way, that ...´ after that he began to write about an another series. I hope you understand, what I mean, ´cause my english isn´t so good. Surely he didn´t praise Monk!

´... has lowered...´ What a heck! Not a nice way to start a new day to read, when somebody is mocking your hero, without a better knowledge. So I sent him a reply, where I told him about some facts from the best tv show in the world. It was a very clean and matter-of-fact reply, but I told him about all the prices which the show has got, how long it has last, how popular it is, how it has helped people who have ocd and how a fine actor Tony is. That kind of things, and asked him next time to think twice before he said anything about Monk.

I have to say, this is not the first time when I have a different opinion with these critics. Of course everybody cannot have a monk obsession, but I feel sorry because of that kind of ´criticism´ made by ´professionals´.

Critics are supposed to be critical, but far too many are judgemental too (Wait.. could The Judge be a critic?) particularly when they have only a passing aquaintance with the show they're talking about.

Which is totally screwed up - because most of my daily medications are geared towards stopping me from being the same way - based on the idea that being like that isnt mentally healthy. In short - why should I care about the ravings of madmen/madwomen who really dont know whatthey're talking about.

...

I would be willing to add TV critics to my 'Hunt by Permit List'. You know, thin the heard so they dont all starve when the population goes wild in the spring.

It's just a thought.



And kind of a nice one at that.

-M

I must say that Monk is a great character-driven show, (to be honest, it's not even about how complicated the who-how-where-dunnits are, but it is about kooky Monk and his kooky friends, mostly. Oh, except for the Trudy Murder) It's not everyones cup of tea (although most sane/reasonable people like it), and the critic was expressing his/her opinion. I say, let it pass like bad gas. I read a "Plain Sight" review that kinda dissed Monk and I had to let it go or else I'd be obsessing over the review, and how 'wrong' the reviewer was. And what would that obsessing on the review have done for me? Made me upset. Made my ulcer worse? Cause me to snap at my neighbors. Give me the idea to buy a shotgun and google (insert critics name)? Would any of those things change the critics mind? Maybe the shotgun/google bit might, but that'd be under duress. Uh, I digress, I think. Hope you can get over it soon, though.

I just kind of appease myself by reiterating the fact that people who really don't like Monk just don't understand it because they're not very smart.

Now I said that with my tongue only partially in cheek because Monk is a pretty intelligent show. It takes more understanding to appreciate it than your average, ordinary crime drama or sit com. There's a lot going on, and you need a few episodes to get a handle on it. Some people just don't appreciate its brand of humor, and the multiple levels of the characters.

Yes, I mused that is what happened: the critic has watched five or ten minutes the show and decided
that he didn´t understand it and then dropped the subject.



Yes, of course I can. As I said, this is not so big topic. Monk is something special, not an average show. I don´t expect everybody understand it. I just was upset and wanted to react. They don´t know what they lose! It is just a pity. These critics don´t have the patience and they have learned to like just standard shows, which can easily classify.




Just as you said it.

Okay, I guess I can give you that stupid people hate Monk.

Oooooh, common ground.

(((high five)))

Feels kinda weird, huh?

Hey, does anyone know why the seas are boiling and the wind has become a demonic laughter tearing through the trees... Oh.

You two found common ground.

Explains it all really.

It's just the apocalypse.

-M

LOL out loud Mandeville...

This may be a coincidence...if there is another "coincidence" - I'm running for the Bible, some Holy Water and a Crucifix.

That could be fun to watch...coincidences... let me think....

Here's a coincidence: I wrote that post all joking - and now there's a heavy storm rolling in. It's been clear all day and now I can hear thunder coming down from the north.

...

I tell you what... If it gets really bad - you two might have to start arguing again. Okay?

<booming thunder, nervous looks>

-M

So, I've got two things I can boast about...I added "Breastually" to Lee Goldbergs vocabulary, and I helped usher in the Apocalypse. I'm good...or bad. I'm not sure.

The accomplishments of a lifetime...you must be very proud.

My only claim to fame is starting the fire at Universal Studios using only a laptop and a bad fan fic.

Funny thing about this coming from a guy named Damien but: I've always been rather, you know, anti-apocalypse.

...

Unless they want to put me in charge.

Mwahahahahaha...

-*Ahem*-

Like I said, anti-apocalypse.

But if left to me, I'd do it with an island beat and call it the Apocalypso!

-M

Oh, well I've been of the opinion that Post-Apocalypse is Pre-Paradise. Yayz!

But, y'know, that's just me.

"Yes, of course I can. As I said, this is not so big topic. Monk is something special, not an average show. I don´t expect everybody understand it. I just was upset and wanted to react. They don´t know what they lose! It is just a pity. These critics don´t have the patience and they have learned to like just standard shows, which can easily classify."

Now I have to correct myself. I was a bit provocative at the beginning. And I don´t always understand everything ´cause english is not my mother language. ( I just dropped from the boat). Of course I don´t think that all people who don´t care about the show are stupid or something like that (if the case is so, then I knew a lot of stupid people around me... hah hah haa). What I meant is that
...now I dont know, how I can say this...you know, it´s over midnight here, that these critics are expecting to watch just a certain kind (I have no idea is this the right way to say it) detective shows. Saturday evening is here usually time of british ´angst´ detective shows, full of serious detectives with all kind of problems, and terrible secrets and murders. Everything is very serious. They are good also, I dont deny it. I got enough of that stuff when in one episode the murderer drowned his victim by red wine torturing him and they showed this all very clearly. Then I think that I dont watch this show any more. All the murders were very brutal, they showed everything, and the main character was very boring, I have to say. Then I didn´t understand any more, why I watched that show. Then there is Monk, which is clever and funny and sad, many things, and not brutal at all. I love it because of that, but the tv critic couldn´t see why monk is a fine show, cause he wants different kind of stuff. He surely is a intelligent man and famous here, but he just has this limitation. Yes, I suppose, this is what I really meant to say.

I just ignore the critics, they obviously don't know everything that's good.

I have learned to ignore the critics. Everyone has their own opinion of what is good and what is bad. We all think Monk is the best show on television, the cast, directors, and everyone else involved know we love them and the show and that is all that really matters.

White vapor rose out of the warm wooded treeline in the distance and off the water around him in to the clear, damp night.

The tarp was louder than he liked but there was nothing to worry about as he hefted the bundle up off the end of the boat.

It his the water with a splash and the concrete blocks that weighted it down dragged it's foul cargo to the deep.

But that's just life in the dark of the night. When you've done somebody wrong the best that you can hope for is not to find yourself another name, forgotton ... up on Critic Creek.

-M

Whoa, this is deep Mandeville,

I can tell it is deep because I have no idea what you are talking about.

Who is in the boat? Are we drowning the critic?

Oh, really?

Sorry. Let me try and put a logic to ithis metaphore...

We said we should forget the critics and enjoy. Thereby nullifying thier power, and losing them in the stream of conciousness - leaving them <hehe> "Up a creek without a paddle"

...

I'm sorry, it's been a long day. What part of that wasnt really clear again?

-M

Any TV critic who can't understand the appeal of a modern-day detective show where the main detective still uses intelligence, deduction, and an eye for detail, in a day when other crime shows lean like a crutch on equipment, science, dna swabbing, and lab techs.....that person probably shouldn't be turned loose around small children or the steak knives. The guy's a waterhead. There's more depth and development of character on Monk than these other shows--some I like, some I don't. Even CSI, once one of my favorites, is boring me now. The Monk show reminds me of the old classic detective/mystery shows--I draw parallels to more than just Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps that's why Monk is not yet showing signs of burnout or stagnation. When I think about it, it's almost as if that guy said nothing of substance or consequence. It's almost as if he said nothing at all--you know, when you think about it.

I could swear I heard him say "Blub... Blub.... Blub!" But then he was pretty quiet.

-M

That's one very good sound coming from a critic--that cute little gurgle and squeak they make when you deprive them of oxygen.

Even critics you may agree with from time to time--you can bet you're not nearly as dazzled with their witty banter as they themselves are. And a lot of them actually think viewers pick and choose their programs based on their assessments. A bunch of power-drunk nazis. That's all. "I can't do anything myself but someone pays me to rip apart something other people work at and that millions of people love." Hope this guy got home quick, before Beavis started to really worry about him.

So I was right after all. We were drowning the critic!

They're scum. Sub-human scum.

Just name the time and place. I´ll be here with you, helping you. (By the way, the show I mentioned earlier is Midsummer´s Murders.)

Who cares what the critics say - they don't matter, but us fans do! I have noticed over the years that Entertainment Weekly doesn't treat Monk fairly. They see the show as a waste of time. I remember once in EW they said something to the effect of "is this show still on the air?"

You are so right, about the critics. Monk is going into season seven, if the show wasn`t great, it would never have lasted this long. I LOVE MONK!!!

You go girl! When I read the crack in EW about the show still being on the air, I shot an email to them. Of course I never heard anything back....

Maybe you didn't hear back because we already drowned him in the creek too.

You sound like me. A couple of years ago when Tony won an Emmy, I was watching The Today Show. They were making such a big deal about some of the actors who won Emmy`s. Not much was said about Tony, so I called The Today Show. I asked to speak to someone in charge, they told me to call back in one hour. I just left a message saying, why are you down playing Tony`s win? I don`t like it. Anyway, that`s what I do, call them and complain.

I think there is another category of people who don't watch Monk - They are those people who see themselves in Adrian and won't embrace it or even admit it. They are too UNCOMFORTABLE with their OWN fears to be able to relax and enjoy Monk.

I have a couple of family members who fit this category. I was surprised at first that these persons (who shall remain unnamed for my own safety -) wouldn't even watch a complete episode, until I realized that they are identifying with Monk's idiosyncracies and limitations and don't want to think about it. Said persons are also very ego-centric and socially inept. Too bad they can't get over themselves and open up about their issues. But I AM NOT GOING TO BE THE ONE TO CONFRONT THEM!

So we have: stupid people and phobics-in-denial, self-centered, socially inept people, don't like Monk.
Which makes those of us who love Monk: intelligent, honest, open, and able to grow emotionally.
Is that about right?

You are right on.

Good for you! What you said reminds me of EW again because when Tony won his last Emmy they were all ticked off about it. They just couldn't believe the academy gave him another one! I just wanted to shout out - gee perhaps he deserves it and that's why he has won 3 of them???? Morons, the whole lot of them.

Maybe, if they took the time to really watch a few episodes, they would have a different attitude. I don`t know of anyone who is as funny and diverse as Tony. In Monk, he does every emotion known to man, and then some. Go Tony!!!

I completely agree with you! You are right on! I hope he wins another one....if for no other reason than to tick the critics off. Of course, he is a great actor so he deserves another, but I know it would really tick the critics and people like them off. Go get'em Tony!!

So the show won three and had one on the cast.

...

I wonder if they ever get confused having so many around...

Not sure what you mean. Please explain. I will get back with you tomorrow.

Tony´s the most amazing actor in the world! Yes yes yes! You cannot repeat it too many times! I just wondered it, when I watched Mr Monk at the Hospital last night, how he made everything so perfect, how much his face express when he couldn´t speak at the end, he tried to prevent Natalie leave him, his fear and finally relief and gratitude, when Natalie came back and saved him. So many emotions by so subtle means and without words.
His expressions change all the time. he is very alive all the time. Nobody cannot match him. I just don´t any other actor, who is near like him. He deserves every prize, all the prizes are not too many. It´s so obivious, that anybody can see it. I just don´t know how they could miss it.

I agree with M that we should go and drop them all into the river of reality! They set and dissect a wonderful show like Monk and think that reality televison is great! Somebody is smoking something!! (they should share)


Anyway, Tony has deserved all his awards! He is a gifted actor and has been underutilized over the years! Critics can only speak about things they like and not everyone. I choose to make my decisions on my own. I am not a follower!

Enough said...I need some chocolate to make me feel better...

I'm not sure I'm understanding your post. You seem to be on the fence about Tony's acting. rofl.

Yeah, I put Tony just a sneeze and a hair below Jimmy Cagney--however no one unseats Cagney in my world. I posted on this subject about a month or so ago, comparing Tony's acting to a balloon. He's a very physical actor and uses the "whole machine" when he's acting. I can't even say Cagney did that.

If you consider the actor as the balloon/container, and the character to be played as being the filler--most actors are like watching balloons filled with air. No matter where and how they waft, wobble, flutter, and bounce, they always retain their original shape. That means you can see the actors inside the characters they play. Tony's balloon is filled with water. A balloon filled with water is fluid in movement--the container does not define, affect, or restrict its shape. It's constantly molding, reacting, and adapting to where it is, where it rolls, and everything it touches. It's the container that changes. When I see Tony in interviews or on TV as himself, he has completely different mannerisms and expressions. He carries himself differently in the way he moves around, even just walking. He's holding his hands differently and his stance is nothing at all like Adrian. Watching the show, anybody could be talking and I never take my eye off this actor. He'll fiddle with a button on his jacket or just flick his wrist slightly or there's a tic or a look or even a blink--and it's not Tony at all. It's not upstaging. I know about upstaging and I see actors do it all the time. He doesn't become the character just when it's his turn to say a line. I can't explain it without rambling, but he's just absolutely dazzling to watch. It'll be a subtle, extraneous movement or mannerism that doesn't draw focus off the character speaking at the moment, but that continues to express the character throughout the entire scene. That's what I mean by a "physical" actor--he's using the whole machine.

Remember the Can't See a Thing monkisode? He didn't switch to playing a blind character...he was playing specifically a blind Adrian. He didn't adopt mannerisms common to people who have lost their sight, which is what every single other actor on the planet does--he adapted those mannerisms to the way they would manifest themselves in Adrian. If he played a blind Jeebes, it would have been a different blind character. That's absolute brilliance. I don't know the man from Adam's house cat, but as an actor, he's brilliant. He's the most under-utilized actor in the industry today--they're just not paying attention, I guess.

I completely agree with you!! I couldn't have said it better myself. You are right, Tony is the most under-utilized actor in the industry.

I was talking about Emmys. He won three, had one on the show. <sigh> Nobody gets me.

-M

Sometimes people dont understand me either...guess we should start a club or something!

My hubby does not like Monk, but the self-centered thing is the only one he resembles. Wait a minute, he loves those "Action Adventure" movies starring Steven Segal, and Dolph Lundgren, etc, he watches "Walker, Texas Ranger" religiously and has seen every war movie ever made, good, bad or indifferent.
He tells me that Monk is just too far out---if a person was as phobic as Monk is supposed to be, then he wouldn't be a garbage truck driver, go down into sewers, etc. This from the man who thinks that the above-mentioned favorites of his are good viewing. Hmmmmm, maybe I should rethink my opinion of his intelligence.

Meme

My husband thinks Monk is a ok show but is not Head-Over Heels as I am about it....I guess he is half as smart as me!

I'm so sorry Meme. I didn't know. That must be really hard for you.

My husband doesn't dislike Monk, but he's not nearly the fan I am. But then again, the man hardly watches television at all. I think he's a long undiagnosed ADHD, since he always has to be up and doing something. He catches most TV shows and movies in little bits at a time, out of order, and then later puts them all together.

Perhaps we should stop saying that people who don't like Monk are stupid, and just leave it at people who like Monk are especially intelligent and insightful.