Within five minutes of the episode "Mr. Monk Is On The Run - Part 1," I wondered if I was watching the right show. Sure, it had all the same actors and the opening credits, and it started out with cute little banter between Monk and Natalie, but once they got to a crime scene it all changed. After this season finale everything about "Monk" may change -- and it's about time.

Years ago, Monk's beloved wife Trudy was murdered in a car bomb that he blamed himself for. He obsesses over her memory and is completely incapable of moving on. He lost his job with the police because his OCD behavior became out of control, and Monk required the help of a nurse, Sharona, and eventually Natalie, just to get through an average day. We've seen him struggle with his identity with his longing for Trudy's memory and whether or not being 'cured' of his OCD is worth losing what makes him special. Everything that Monk is now stems from the death of Trudy, and they never found the murderer.

Until now.

The crime scene reveals that a six fingered man stole items that would make a bomb similar to the one that killed Trudy. A letter is left behind to taunt Monk, and he unravels the code, going after the killer by himself. I was waiting for him to say "My name is Adrian Monk. You killed my wife. Prepare to die!" But instead he tries to get answers out of the bomb maker. Clearly someone hired him, but before Monk can get any answers the bomb maker is shot ... apparently by his own gun! The sheriff arrives and arrests Monk. There is a large amount of evidence against him, and his bail is set to $1 million. Who is framing Monk, and will he finally get to find his wife's true killer?

Wow, was this an intense episode. And while there were several attempts at the same brand of humor that "Monk" is famous for, none of it really fit. There was too much emotional weight lurking just under the surface, and Monk finally getting close to the truth, only to end up on the run from the police, was agonizing. I've said before that there is a very serious story underneath the fluffy gimmick of "Monk," and this episode proves it. What this means for the show in general, however, I am uncertain.

Once he finds Trudy's killer will he change or is Monk too far gone into his psychosis to ever come back? Perhaps Trudy's death was merely a catalyst, and this painful existence was always meant to happen sooner or later. Will it go right back to the show's safety net once Trudy's murderer is brought to justice or is it going off in a path that could be potentially risky? We may not know that for sure until the next season starts, but I for one am very excited to see where this may take the audience.

Tune in to part two of the season finale because this show could end up turning on its head!

Story by Chelsea 'Dee' Doyle
Starpulse contributing writer