Entertainment Article: Frasier And Monk: Comparing Two Great TV Shows
The highest compliment I can pay to a television show is to lament its ending years after the series finale. Such is the case with “Frasier” and “Monk,” shows that ran respectively on NBC and the USA Network for several seasons. The lead characters, Frasier Crane and Adrian Monk, were two of the fussiest characters who I liked despite their idiosyncrasies. Though “Frasier” ended in 2004 and “Monk” in 2009, the terrific acting and exceptional writing keeps me a fan all these years later.
“Frasier” ran for 11 seasons and featured an ensemble cast that included Frasier, his brother Niles, their father Martin and his health care aide, Daphne. Notoriously fussy, Frasier and Niles spent the series trying to outdo each other with purchases of tailor-made clothing, expensive wine, and fine art, often belittling those who lacked their refined tastes. Frasier in particular was guilty of elitism, choosing to make Daphne use the washers in the community laundry room rather than reveal his beloved hat closet disguised a hookup for a washing machine. Frasier would’ve been an unlikable character had anything in his personal life ever gone quite right. He often started ventures with Niles that did not go well, including opening a restaurant that featured a kitchen explosion on opening night. Frasier dated rather fruitlessly during the series, unable to find or hold onto a girlfriend for longer than a few episodes. As high as he sat on his pedestal, plenty came along to humble Frasier and bring him back to earth.
“Monk” lasted for eight seasons and also featured an ensemble cast – Monk, a former detective; his assistant Sharona Fleming (and later, Natalie Teeger); Captain Leland Stottlemeyer; and Lieutenant Randy Disher. Monk’s peculiarities resulted from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which severely impacted his life yet helped him solve crimes. Monk suffered from a whopping 312 phobias, including germs, elevators, and milk, and was stingy with money, often having to be berated into covering his assistant’s business expenses. Like Frasier, Monk would have been wholly unlikable had he often not gotten his comeuppance. As a result of his OCD, he was often uncomfortable and sometimes unable to function, yet always able to see intricacies of an unsolved crime that others had missed. The one time he was able to live tic-free was when he was medicated, which resulted in a different kind of hard-to-handle life. Monk’s solving of a case that has haunted him during the run of the series showed the character finally headed towards a place of healing.
Frasier and Monk’s bumbling adventures resulted in funny and enjoyable episodes each week they were on. The crisp writing made Frasier’s grandiose (yet ill-fated) plans seem possible and Monk’s quirks endearing instead of irritating. Though stuffy and stingy, the characters’ humanity continues my love for each show years after they’ve left the air.
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About the author: Kristine blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands, is very much in love with all things art, and is mildly obsessed with TV. When she is not watching all her favorite TV shows, she enjoys baking and walking her dog.
