May I be permitted to complete the circle and make a few comments on Run 2 that was shown last night on NHK in Japan.
As some posters perdicted, I felt Run 2 was even better than Part 1 and in this one poster's opinion is the finest episode of the entire six year series in terms of the grand unity of drama, pathos, suspense and courageous action and was a perfect conclusion to the show's finest season.
Everyone's role was vital but I think it was the brilliant performace of Natalie that stood out and was her finest moment, It was without doubt equal to Marci's great performance at the start of Season 6 and (again in my biased opinion) deserved to be included in the category of individual perfomances along with her episode.
On the other hand, I also felt that the charactization of the Monk I was watching was a throwback to how he was before Trudy's death. The phobias were there to be sure but they were merely minor intrusions that did not inhibit him from carrying out acts of combat and bravery there are essential aspects of a police officer's duties to bring criminals to justce while protecting the weak and innocent.
In many respects the story played out like a symphonic piece with slow build up to the crescendo climax then ending with Monk and Natalie quietly walking away with her lovingly carressing his shoulder standing out in high contrast to the earlier kissing barrage scene (which I will not comment on in light of the controversial first episode of Season 7).
This final scene somehow seem to foresage how the series might ideally end with no demonstrable romantic statement but an open ended closure that would allow the fan the freedom to imagine what might be ahead for these two wonderful characters.
Full Version: One fan's Opinion, Run Part 2
I know, I loved last season's finale...and everything you wrote I agree with.
Okay, so that makes it 2 fans' opinions!
Okay, so that makes it 2 fans' opinions!
QUOTE (Kawasakifan @ Jul 22 2008, 04:05 PM) 
May I be permitted to complete the circle and make a few comments on Run 2 that was shown last night on NHK in Japan.
I'm glad you finally got to see it.
QUOTE
As some posters perdicted, I felt Run 2 was even better than Part 1 and in this one poster's opinion is the finest episode of the entire six year series in terms of the grand unity of drama, pathos, suspense and courageous action and was a perfect conclusion to the show's finest season.
See, now I thought the opposite. I was a little let down by the second when I first saw it -- but I think that was because of expectation. We were given a hint that there was going to be some 'kissage' and I was all looking forward to what that might mean -- and on top of it, I was in a compete Monk frenzy at the time. I think I watched On the Run part 1 over ten times while waiting to see part II. But now when I rewatch them, I think both episodes are on the same par -- awesome.
QUOTE
Everyone's role was vital but I think it was the brilliant performace of Natalie that stood out and was her finest moment, It was without doubt equal to Marci's great performance at the start of Season 6 and (again in my biased opinion) deserved to be included in the category of individual perfomances along with her episode.
I agree. This was Traylor's best episode to date. They put Natalie through an emotional roller coaster, and she did brilliantly.
QUOTE
On the other hand, I also felt that the charactization of the Monk I was watching was a throwback to how he was before Trudy's death. The phobias were there to be sure but they were merely minor intrusions that did not inhibit him from carrying out acts of combat and bravery there are essential aspects of a police officer's duties to bring criminals to justce while protecting the weak and innocent.
Yes, but he has a habit of rising to the occasion when it is really needed -- and this was for Trudy.
QUOTE
In many respects the story played out like a symphonic piece with slow build up to the crescendo climax then ending with Monk and Natalie quietly walking away with her lovingly carressing his shoulder standing out in high contrast to the earlier kissing barrage scene (which I will not comment on in light of the controversial first episode of Season 7).
Ah yes -- Breckman's comments -- there was really no shipper controversy in the first episode of season 7 -- just in the video commentary, which was put up to coincide with the airing of the first episode. But alas, if there is to be no Monk/Natalie on the show, at least we'll always have Nevada.
QUOTE
This final scene somehow seem to foresage how the series might ideally end with no demonstrable romantic statement but an open ended closure that would allow the fan the freedom to imagine what could ahead for these two wonderful acahacters.
If I can't see a Monk/Natalie ending, I'm hoping that they leave it open so those of us who wish can imagine them together (i.e. not putting either one in a long term relationship with someone else)
Nice you watched the second part already. I also think they both are a great way to finish one season!
Now I ask you if you changed your mind on the quiet approach of the sheriff on the shooting scene.
He was there already, Dale and him had set up the meeting, the sheriff was just waiting for Monk to come, then he could shoot Frank Nunn and frame Monk like, probably, Dale had imagined it'd happen.
Mi
Now I ask you if you changed your mind on the quiet approach of the sheriff on the shooting scene.
He was there already, Dale and him had set up the meeting, the sheriff was just waiting for Monk to come, then he could shoot Frank Nunn and frame Monk like, probably, Dale had imagined it'd happen.
Mi
QUOTE (BfloGal @ Jul 23 2008, 07:30 AM)
I'm glad you finally got to see it.
See, now I thought the opposite. I was a little let down by the second when I first saw it -- but I think that was because of expectation. We were given a hint that there was going to be some 'kissage' and I was all looking forward to what that might mean -- and on top of it, I was in a compete Monk frenzy at the time. I think I watched On the Run part 1 over ten times while waiting to see part II. But now when I rewatch them, I think both episodes are on the same par -- awesome.
I agree. This was Traylor's best episode to date. They put Natalie through an emotional roller coaster, and she did brilliantly.
Yes, but he has a habit of rising to the occasion when it is really needed -- and this was for Trudy.
Ah yes -- Breckman's comments -- there was really no shipper controversy in the first episode of season 7 -- just in the video commentary, which was put up to coincide with the airing of the first episode. But alas, if there is to be no Monk/Natalie on the show, at least we'll always have Nevada.
If I can't see a Monk/Natalie ending, I'm hoping that they leave it open so those of us who wish can imagine them together (i.e. not putting either one in a long term relationship with someone else)
See, now I thought the opposite. I was a little let down by the second when I first saw it -- but I think that was because of expectation. We were given a hint that there was going to be some 'kissage' and I was all looking forward to what that might mean -- and on top of it, I was in a compete Monk frenzy at the time. I think I watched On the Run part 1 over ten times while waiting to see part II. But now when I rewatch them, I think both episodes are on the same par -- awesome.
I agree. This was Traylor's best episode to date. They put Natalie through an emotional roller coaster, and she did brilliantly.
Yes, but he has a habit of rising to the occasion when it is really needed -- and this was for Trudy.
Ah yes -- Breckman's comments -- there was really no shipper controversy in the first episode of season 7 -- just in the video commentary, which was put up to coincide with the airing of the first episode. But alas, if there is to be no Monk/Natalie on the show, at least we'll always have Nevada.
If I can't see a Monk/Natalie ending, I'm hoping that they leave it open so those of us who wish can imagine them together (i.e. not putting either one in a long term relationship with someone else)
Dear Blfogal-san,
I must admit when I saw the notice that you had replied to my postng, I pushed the key with great trepitations expecting a good thorough verbal lashing so your generous agreement with most of what I had to say makes my Day - thanks.
Run Part 1 and 2 were quite different in their nuances. When part 1 had more ´simple´storyline, part 2 had a complicate plot, which put the story lines together. Somehow the two different kind of episodes compinated and made the unity.
There were a lot of little ´things´which all were justified in the main plot. Like when Adrian solved the murder in Nevada, he became famous there, got into a newspaper, Natalie read the article and realized, that Adrian is alive.
I have to admit, that the end of part 1 caused me a bit of thinking troubles. I tried to figure, betrayed Stottlemeyer really Adrian, or was it just a plot, which they have planned together. Of course it would have been against Leland´s character. How they could continue the show, if captain has betrayed so badly his best friend. Now I am ashamed, when I thought about it. But the end of part 1 seems always like bad, when Adrian ´died´.
But the beginning of part 2 explained what happened.
So there was just example for what you mentioned, that Monk seemed to be less obessive, less phobiac, than usually. Yes, maybe he was such a person, before got badly ill. He seemed be more functional than usually. In fact he is capable to swim, when it is matter of life or death. Hard to predict is it so just so in this two-part episode, or will we see also later more functional Monk.
I liked, when they have left more room for Natalie. Traylor acted just excellently. There was also the reference to Sharona. And at last Natalie met Dale the Whale.
The tune of the episodes was serious, only with some comedial scenes. I liked also that for a while. Like at the old times... one funny scene was when Randy wanted to sing his endless memorial song for Monk to captain, the words of the song remained, who shot Monk. The captain could´t stand it, and confess to Randy, that Monk was alive.
The final was very subtle, beautiful and well-done. It could have been tha final of the whole show. I have understood, that the seven season was unsure, when The Run was filmed, so maybe the writers thought, that this might have been the epilogue, which is open to many possibilities. And the little clue about Trudy´s murderer... interesting to see, how the writers will use the little clue later.
These are just some random thoughts, but I wanted to reply.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There were a lot of little ´things´which all were justified in the main plot. Like when Adrian solved the murder in Nevada, he became famous there, got into a newspaper, Natalie read the article and realized, that Adrian is alive.
I have to admit, that the end of part 1 caused me a bit of thinking troubles. I tried to figure, betrayed Stottlemeyer really Adrian, or was it just a plot, which they have planned together. Of course it would have been against Leland´s character. How they could continue the show, if captain has betrayed so badly his best friend. Now I am ashamed, when I thought about it. But the end of part 1 seems always like bad, when Adrian ´died´.
But the beginning of part 2 explained what happened.
So there was just example for what you mentioned, that Monk seemed to be less obessive, less phobiac, than usually. Yes, maybe he was such a person, before got badly ill. He seemed be more functional than usually. In fact he is capable to swim, when it is matter of life or death. Hard to predict is it so just so in this two-part episode, or will we see also later more functional Monk.
I liked, when they have left more room for Natalie. Traylor acted just excellently. There was also the reference to Sharona. And at last Natalie met Dale the Whale.
The tune of the episodes was serious, only with some comedial scenes. I liked also that for a while. Like at the old times... one funny scene was when Randy wanted to sing his endless memorial song for Monk to captain, the words of the song remained, who shot Monk. The captain could´t stand it, and confess to Randy, that Monk was alive.
The final was very subtle, beautiful and well-done. It could have been tha final of the whole show. I have understood, that the seven season was unsure, when The Run was filmed, so maybe the writers thought, that this might have been the epilogue, which is open to many possibilities. And the little clue about Trudy´s murderer... interesting to see, how the writers will use the little clue later.
These are just some random thoughts, but I wanted to reply.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
QUOTE (adrianna10 @ Jul 23 2008, 08:18 AM)
Run Part 1 and 2 were quite different in their nuances. When part 1 had more ´simple´storyline, part 2 had a complicate plot, which put the story lines together. Somehow the two different kind of episodes compinated and made the unity.
There were a lot of little ´things´which all were justified in the main plot. Like when Adrian solved the murder in Nevada, he became famous there, got into a newspaper, Natalie read the article and realized, that Adrian is alive.
I have to admit, that the end of part 1 caused me a bit of thinking troubles. I tried to figure, betrayed Stottlemeyer really Adrian, or was it just a plot, which they have planned together. Of course it would have been against Leland´s character. How they could continue the show, if captain has betrayed so badly his best friend. Now I am ashamed, when I thought about it. But the end of part 1 seems always like bad, when Adrian ´died´.
But the beginning of part 2 explained what happened.
So there was just example for what you mentioned, that Monk seemed to be less obessive, less phobiac, than usually. Yes, maybe he was such a person, before got badly ill. He seemed be more functional than usually. In fact he is capable to swim, when it is matter of life or death. Hard to predict is it so just so in this two-part episode, or will we see also later more functional Monk.
I liked, when they have left more room for Natalie. Traylor acted just excellently. There was also the reference to Sharona. And at last Natalie met Dale the Whale.
The tune of the episodes was serious, only with some comedial scenes. I liked also that for a while. Like at the old times... one funny scene was when Randy wanted to sing his endless memorial song for Monk to captain, the words of the song remained, who shot Monk. The captain could´t stand it, and confess to Randy, that Monk was alive.
The final was very subtle, beautiful and well-done. It could have been tha final of the whole show. I have understood, that the seven season was unsure, when The Run was filmed, so maybe the writers thought, that this might have been the epilogue, which is open to many possibilities. And the little clue about Trudy´s murderer... interesting to see, how the writers will use the little clue later.
These are just some random thoughts, but I wanted to reply.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There were a lot of little ´things´which all were justified in the main plot. Like when Adrian solved the murder in Nevada, he became famous there, got into a newspaper, Natalie read the article and realized, that Adrian is alive.
I have to admit, that the end of part 1 caused me a bit of thinking troubles. I tried to figure, betrayed Stottlemeyer really Adrian, or was it just a plot, which they have planned together. Of course it would have been against Leland´s character. How they could continue the show, if captain has betrayed so badly his best friend. Now I am ashamed, when I thought about it. But the end of part 1 seems always like bad, when Adrian ´died´.
But the beginning of part 2 explained what happened.
So there was just example for what you mentioned, that Monk seemed to be less obessive, less phobiac, than usually. Yes, maybe he was such a person, before got badly ill. He seemed be more functional than usually. In fact he is capable to swim, when it is matter of life or death. Hard to predict is it so just so in this two-part episode, or will we see also later more functional Monk.
I liked, when they have left more room for Natalie. Traylor acted just excellently. There was also the reference to Sharona. And at last Natalie met Dale the Whale.
The tune of the episodes was serious, only with some comedial scenes. I liked also that for a while. Like at the old times... one funny scene was when Randy wanted to sing his endless memorial song for Monk to captain, the words of the song remained, who shot Monk. The captain could´t stand it, and confess to Randy, that Monk was alive.
The final was very subtle, beautiful and well-done. It could have been tha final of the whole show. I have understood, that the seven season was unsure, when The Run was filmed, so maybe the writers thought, that this might have been the epilogue, which is open to many possibilities. And the little clue about Trudy´s murderer... interesting to see, how the writers will use the little clue later.
These are just some random thoughts, but I wanted to reply.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thank you for your comments written in what is a foreign language. You made many interesting observations.
QUOTE (Kawasakifan @ Jul 22 2008, 07:09 PM)
Dear Blfogal-san,
I must admit when I saw the notice that you had replied to my postng, I pushed the key with great trepitations expecting a good thorough verbal lashing so your generous agreement with most of what I had to say makes my Day - thanks.
I must admit when I saw the notice that you had replied to my postng, I pushed the key with great trepitations expecting a good thorough verbal lashing so your generous agreement with most of what I had to say makes my Day - thanks.
Trepidation? Verbal lashing? Moi?
QUOTE (Kawasakifan @ Jul 22 2008, 06:29 PM)
Thank you for your comments written in what is a foreign language. You made many interesting observations.
Thank you.
I have also wondered, why Adrian looked so sour in the great kissing-scene. He wasn´t with it at all. Maybe it was only that it came as a surprise to him, or what.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
QUOTE (adrianna10 @ Jul 22 2008, 09:10 PM)
Thank you.
I have also wondered, why Adrian looked so sour in the great kissing-scene. He wasn´t with it at all. Maybe it was only that it came as a surprise to him, or what.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I have also wondered, why Adrian looked so sour in the great kissing-scene. He wasn´t with it at all. Maybe it was only that it came as a surprise to him, or what.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You know, first I though it was because he was very surprised by her action, but now, after AB video, I do believe was so sour and grimacing so hard to show us there is no romantic implications on their relation.
Mi
I don't think Monk looked sour at all in the kissing seen. I just think he looked surprised/ shy as usual. He probably wasn't expecting that much enthusiasm on her side-uh and neither was I. He didn't swat her off and run away with his head in his hands, which is a plus! 
That, said I didn't see the scene as romantic at all...although most of the "flirting" does seem to come from Natalie's side which I find entertaining. Hahaha
That, said I didn't see the scene as romantic at all...although most of the "flirting" does seem to come from Natalie's side which I find entertaining. Hahaha
QUOTE (Jatelovr58 @ Jul 23 2008, 09:45 AM)
I don't think Monk looked sour at all in the kissing seen. I just think he looked surprised/ shy as usual. He probably wasn't expecting that much enthusiasm on her side-uh and neither was I. He didn't swat her off and run away with his head in his hands, which is a plus! That, said I didn't see the scene as romantic at all...although most of the "flirting" does seem to come from Natalie's side which I find entertaining. Hahaha
That, said I didn't see the scene as romantic at all...although most of the "flirting" does seem to come from Natalie's side which I find entertaining. HahahaI agree about your comments that Monk's reaction was basically one of surprise and if there was no romantic tints to be found neither was there rejection.
.
QUOTE (Kawasakifan @ Jul 22 2008, 03:05 PM)
May I be permitted to complete the circle and make a few comments on Run 2 that was shown last night on NHK in Japan.
As some posters perdicted, I felt Run 2 was even better than Part 1 and in this one poster's opinion is the finest episode of the entire six year series in terms of the grand unity of drama, pathos, suspense and courageous action and was a perfect conclusion to the show's finest season.
Everyone's role was vital but I think it was the brilliant performace of Natalie that stood out and was her finest moment, It was without doubt equal to Marci's great performance at the start of Season 6 and (again in my biased opinion) deserved to be included in the category of individual perfomances along with her episode.
On the other hand, I also felt that the charactization of the Monk I was watching was a throwback to how he was before Trudy's death. The phobias were there to be sure but they were merely minor intrusions that did not inhibit him from carrying out acts of combat and bravery there are essential aspects of a police officer's duties to bring criminals to justce while protecting the weak and innocent.
In many respects the story played out like a symphonic piece with slow build up to the crescendo climax then ending with Monk and Natalie quietly walking away with her lovingly carressing his shoulder standing out in high contrast to the earlier kissing barrage scene (which I will not comment on in light of the controversial first episode of Season 7).
This final scene somehow seem to foresage how the series might ideally end with no demonstrable romantic statement but an open ended closure that would allow the fan the freedom to imagine what might be ahead for these two wonderful characters.
As some posters perdicted, I felt Run 2 was even better than Part 1 and in this one poster's opinion is the finest episode of the entire six year series in terms of the grand unity of drama, pathos, suspense and courageous action and was a perfect conclusion to the show's finest season.
Everyone's role was vital but I think it was the brilliant performace of Natalie that stood out and was her finest moment, It was without doubt equal to Marci's great performance at the start of Season 6 and (again in my biased opinion) deserved to be included in the category of individual perfomances along with her episode.
On the other hand, I also felt that the charactization of the Monk I was watching was a throwback to how he was before Trudy's death. The phobias were there to be sure but they were merely minor intrusions that did not inhibit him from carrying out acts of combat and bravery there are essential aspects of a police officer's duties to bring criminals to justce while protecting the weak and innocent.
In many respects the story played out like a symphonic piece with slow build up to the crescendo climax then ending with Monk and Natalie quietly walking away with her lovingly carressing his shoulder standing out in high contrast to the earlier kissing barrage scene (which I will not comment on in light of the controversial first episode of Season 7).
This final scene somehow seem to foresage how the series might ideally end with no demonstrable romantic statement but an open ended closure that would allow the fan the freedom to imagine what might be ahead for these two wonderful characters.
I knew you would like the episode! Great post!
Bravo
I agree that Natalie had some of her best scenes ever in these two episodes. Traylor completely stole the show, in my somewhat biased opinion, with her blender scene in part one, and especially with all of her wonderfully played sad scenes in part two. Can you say "heartstrings"?
QUOTE (Foxtrot @ Jul 24 2008, 08:08 AM)
I agree that Natalie had some of her best scenes ever in these two episodes. Traylor completely stole the show, in my somewhat biased opinion, with her blender scene in part one, and especially with all of her wonderfully played sad scenes in part two. Can you say "heartstrings"?
Yes, I heartily agree. I felt that Run 2 was Traylor' s episode from her assault on the captain to her kissing her beloved boss and ending with her courageously climbing up the pole to switching off the camera. She played each scene with equal finesse.
I am sure that the writers - who wrote these scenes for her -, Tony, the captain and Randy were all immensely proud of her after the shooting was over.
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