i just wonder if the writers have had an idea from the very beginning who killed trudy, or if it's something they thought they'd figure out as they went along..... any one have any information on this (probably lots of you do!). or any theories as to when her killer was actually created?

just wondering.....

~~jl (who's now a journeyman, even though she's not a man!:))

You have posited an interesting question.

The proper person to answer is, of course, Mr. Breckman, and I certainly don' t presume to answer on his behalf but I would think that since this was one of the founding concepts of the show (the other being the possibility of Monk's recovery) I think that he had a general idea of whom the culprit was, leaving only details to be filled as as circumstances required.

The problem is, however, I don't think he anticipated (1) the huge following of viewership the series quickly attracted and which lead to multiply extensions of the series and an increase in the need for new scripts and (2) how to incorperate a second assistant different from the first into the storyline.

These two variables which he couldn't have foreseen I believe could have had their affects in detailing how the Trudy murder case was to evolve if not on who the culprit was on the one hand and the appearance of occasional makeshift, improvised scripts as well and a lack of continuty sometimes in the general flow of the story.

Another matter to consider may also be that characters can seem to take on an existence that reflects the personality of the perfomer which is independent of what the writer had originally imagined so this could lead to an outcome that differs from what was original planned.

Anyway these are my thoughts

KF

He also couldn't have foreseen the death of Stanley Kamel (Dr. Kroger) who up until the time of his death, was my number one suspect.

I think the best stories evolve over time, and eventually, the story begins to reveal itself...the characters begin to take on a life of their own and they start to tell YOU the story. I don't think he's known since the beginning...I think it's something that's been discovered along the way with Monk.

Amen to that.

Wow, really?!!
How in the world did you come to that conclusion? that Dr. Kroger could have been Trudy's killer?

If I recall from much much earlier interviews, Andy Breckman knew who the killer was early on. But ... my memory may have conjured that up. Will have to review the DVD extras and find the truth!

interesting thoughts!..... wow, doc kroger. i never would have thought that. can you elaborate? why?

i tend to agree that the story has changed and unfolded over the years. though i do imagine breckman had some sort of idea in the beginning--even if only an inkling because the show took on such a personality of it's own (thankfully!).... the idea that the assistant changed could possibly have made an huge difference, or maybe none. that will be interesting to find out!

The reason I suspected Dr. Kroger was basically because as Monk's psychiatrist, he would be in perfect position to act like he was helping Monk get through his problems, but what if in actuality he was making sure he stayed, ill (for lack of a better word) enough to prevent him from solving the case? Who would be able to play with Monk's mind, be able to fool him any better than his own psychiatrist?

Now I don't think they'll go this route anymore, but I thought it was a good possibility.

I am 98.6% sure that Andy knew/knows who the killer was/is from the beginning.

My own belief at this juncture is that he had a rough idea at the start, and that eventually solidified around approximately the 2/3rds mark into whatever the final decision was.

Yes, I am thinking that Andy B. had in mind who the ultimate killer would turn out to be...but I think given the series success he has had time to develop the storyline better and throw in some more characters in the whole plot...one I believe to be Natalie....I think that Mitch Teeger was onto some type of drug and maybe gun smuggling going on involving possible use of Navy Aircraft...and that may be why his was framed and killed. I just think that Mr. Breckman is going to weave this altogether...going with the premise of everything happens for a reason...I think he decided to use the new Natalie character...destiny... or like the angels of Mitch and Trudy teaming up to make sure the truth was going to be told. I think that Dale was suppose to be there in this whole story ...but other than that some of the other characters thrown into the plot along the way may have been add ins after-the fact....