Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger

Season 1

Episode 12: Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger

When country star Willie Nelson is accused of murdering his road manager everyone considers him to be guilty. Everyone that is except for Monk. The defective detective and his wife Trudy were big fans of the red-headed stranger and Monk is dedicated to proving him innocent.

"He's the Guy":

For the third consecutive episode the killer is a female. "Blind" woman Wendy Mass is our killer this time round.

"Here's What Happened":

The victim, Sonny Cross, had been the drunk driver of the car that had killed Wendy's parents and robbed her of her sight. A recent accident in a supermarket had reconnected her optic nerve and she'd opted to keep her returned sight a secret. She then lured Sonny Cross into an alleyway so she could have her revenge. She ensured one shot was taken at a distance no blind person could possibly be capable of making to prevent herself being a suspect. Unfortunately for Nelson he walked out just after the murder and to protect herself Wendy had to make him her patsy. Luckily with the aid of a streaker Monk was able to prove she was faking and saved.

In short:

An enjoyable episode that makes Monk appear a bit more human than usual as we find out Monk has been known to enjoy a spot of country music. Monk's dedication to those he admires is an incredibly endearing quality. It's also sad seeing Monk missing out on once in a life time opportunities because of his fears and phobias.