for Season 9-1 - Mr Monk Takes the Next Step10/25/2023 c21 Monkwriter777
Hi MonknotJunk. I enjoyed your story. Very creative. I could hear each character speak although I had a little harder time with Adrian. It sounded like him most of the time. Don't be offended. Take this and learn. It's all good. I've been a writer for many years and if you'll take it, I have some things for you. I learned writing here by one of my fans. She taught me format etc. Read my story "Mr. Monk Changes His Name", and look at the format. It makes it easier to read. Also really go over your story and spell check, look at grammar and punctuation. I do it at least twenty times and still miss a couple of things. There were a few things things but it wasn't bad. I love that you brought God into the story. I do that too. So great job and I look forward to your other stories.
I was on FF back 2009-2011. I'm reposting my stories as whole stories in anticipation of the movie.
Blessings and good writing.
Monkwriter777
Hi MonknotJunk. I enjoyed your story. Very creative. I could hear each character speak although I had a little harder time with Adrian. It sounded like him most of the time. Don't be offended. Take this and learn. It's all good. I've been a writer for many years and if you'll take it, I have some things for you. I learned writing here by one of my fans. She taught me format etc. Read my story "Mr. Monk Changes His Name", and look at the format. It makes it easier to read. Also really go over your story and spell check, look at grammar and punctuation. I do it at least twenty times and still miss a couple of things. There were a few things things but it wasn't bad. I love that you brought God into the story. I do that too. So great job and I look forward to your other stories.
I was on FF back 2009-2011. I'm reposting my stories as whole stories in anticipation of the movie.
Blessings and good writing.
Monkwriter777
6/17/2021 c21 
40Annber03
Ooh, well, that's quite the cliffhanger to end on! Just when they thought they'd catch a break, huh :p?
I love that after all Monk's been through, he still freaks out being on an airplane. Never change, Monk :) (and, in his defense, given the way this story ends, and considering what he'd just been through on that spaceship, it's not exactly like he doesn't have good reason to be nervous).
I liked the answer for how he knew where Natalie was, too. See, that's what makes him so good at his job :). The little details.
Fun story, this! Look forward to continuing to delve into this world as time goes on :).
40Annber03Ooh, well, that's quite the cliffhanger to end on! Just when they thought they'd catch a break, huh :p?
I love that after all Monk's been through, he still freaks out being on an airplane. Never change, Monk :) (and, in his defense, given the way this story ends, and considering what he'd just been through on that spaceship, it's not exactly like he doesn't have good reason to be nervous).
I liked the answer for how he knew where Natalie was, too. See, that's what makes him so good at his job :). The little details.
Fun story, this! Look forward to continuing to delve into this world as time goes on :).
6/17/2021 c20 Annber03
Awwwwwwww, that ending scene :D. LOL at the thought of Monk trying to impersonate Rhett Butler. I'm imagining him saying his infamous phrase now :p.
Whew. That's quite a plot those guys cooked up there. But indeed, more than enough reason to put Wagner away for good. Should've just quit while you were ahead, bud. I wonder how awkward it must've been for the team on the day of the ship's return, being invited as "friends" of a governor who's got his own scandal to deal with now.
Eh, well. At least everyone's reunited and safe and sound again, so yay for that :)! I loved the little nod to "On the Run" with Natalie coming in with the wipe before kissing Monk. And I love that he just discards it entirely :D. Man. They really DID miss each other like crazy, didn't they?
And now they're together, and ready to start a whole new chapter of their lives together :). Yay! One chapter left now...interested to see how this all wraps up.
Awwwwwwww, that ending scene :D. LOL at the thought of Monk trying to impersonate Rhett Butler. I'm imagining him saying his infamous phrase now :p.
Whew. That's quite a plot those guys cooked up there. But indeed, more than enough reason to put Wagner away for good. Should've just quit while you were ahead, bud. I wonder how awkward it must've been for the team on the day of the ship's return, being invited as "friends" of a governor who's got his own scandal to deal with now.
Eh, well. At least everyone's reunited and safe and sound again, so yay for that :)! I loved the little nod to "On the Run" with Natalie coming in with the wipe before kissing Monk. And I love that he just discards it entirely :D. Man. They really DID miss each other like crazy, didn't they?
And now they're together, and ready to start a whole new chapter of their lives together :). Yay! One chapter left now...interested to see how this all wraps up.
6/17/2021 c19 Annber03
Well. That backfired pretty spectacularly on Grayson, didn't it? While I agree with Monk's sentiment about convicted perps versus dead ones, at the same time, I can't say I'm sad to see Grayson go. He should've realized just who he was messing with-Monk's gotten out of some pretty big scraps before, it's no surprise he'd do the same here. He's got people back home he loves and cares about that he's fighting to get back to, after all.
And all of this over a monitor that he wanted credit for. Really, Grayson? REALLY?
I like the rest of the crew. Thank goodness they were there to be aware of what was going on and to help save Monk as well. Poor Rachel, she didn't realize the kind of man she was with. I'm glad he didn't do anything to her-I fear it would've only been a matter of time. I also like Bryson. He gets Monk :D. And now they're heading home, at long last. I can imagine Monk's already counting the hours and minutes.
That speech of his as he was looking out at Earth, too. OH :')! What a beautiful sentiment. As was Natalie's, as she looked up at the moon. Somehow it seems very fitting that the relationship between these two would *literally* transcend space and time :p. I love that they were able to look out at the respective places where the other was, as a way to tether themselves to each other and remind themselves where they were, and to know they were safe (in Monk's case, relatively speaking).
But of course, it's much better to have them together, side by side, and luckily, we're getting ever closer to that happening. I can't wait for that moment.
Well. That backfired pretty spectacularly on Grayson, didn't it? While I agree with Monk's sentiment about convicted perps versus dead ones, at the same time, I can't say I'm sad to see Grayson go. He should've realized just who he was messing with-Monk's gotten out of some pretty big scraps before, it's no surprise he'd do the same here. He's got people back home he loves and cares about that he's fighting to get back to, after all.
And all of this over a monitor that he wanted credit for. Really, Grayson? REALLY?
I like the rest of the crew. Thank goodness they were there to be aware of what was going on and to help save Monk as well. Poor Rachel, she didn't realize the kind of man she was with. I'm glad he didn't do anything to her-I fear it would've only been a matter of time. I also like Bryson. He gets Monk :D. And now they're heading home, at long last. I can imagine Monk's already counting the hours and minutes.
That speech of his as he was looking out at Earth, too. OH :')! What a beautiful sentiment. As was Natalie's, as she looked up at the moon. Somehow it seems very fitting that the relationship between these two would *literally* transcend space and time :p. I love that they were able to look out at the respective places where the other was, as a way to tether themselves to each other and remind themselves where they were, and to know they were safe (in Monk's case, relatively speaking).
But of course, it's much better to have them together, side by side, and luckily, we're getting ever closer to that happening. I can't wait for that moment.
6/17/2021 c18 Annber03
LOL, I love how everyone can always tell if it's Monk just by his little quirks and unusual, and very specific, actions :D.
But ohhhhhh, man, what a way for them to find out he's alive! Thank goodness Randy called them into the room to see this, 'cause had he just told them, they could've easily brushed it off as on of his goofy theories :p. I loved Randy hauling off and kissing Leland when they were celebrating, too :D. And I also love the completely confused reactions and comments from the people reporting on and talking about the mission.
It's so nice to see them so relieved to know he's alive, and to see Natalie so happy for a change :). Now they just have to hope for his safe return.
As for Monk, I'm loving the image of him dressed in a spacesuit :D. Hehe. Bet Grayson's really regretting this part of the plan now, what with Monk making things all the more difficult for him and annoying him as he is, and now the revelation that he's alive (and if Wagner's heard that news, oh, he must be FUMING) :p. On the one hand, I love that Monk's giving him a hard time, even if unintentionally in some cases, but on the other hand, I now fear what Grayson will try and do to him when the time comes for them to go back home.
Three chapters left to go now, so guess we'll see how this winds down soon enough!
LOL, I love how everyone can always tell if it's Monk just by his little quirks and unusual, and very specific, actions :D.
But ohhhhhh, man, what a way for them to find out he's alive! Thank goodness Randy called them into the room to see this, 'cause had he just told them, they could've easily brushed it off as on of his goofy theories :p. I loved Randy hauling off and kissing Leland when they were celebrating, too :D. And I also love the completely confused reactions and comments from the people reporting on and talking about the mission.
It's so nice to see them so relieved to know he's alive, and to see Natalie so happy for a change :). Now they just have to hope for his safe return.
As for Monk, I'm loving the image of him dressed in a spacesuit :D. Hehe. Bet Grayson's really regretting this part of the plan now, what with Monk making things all the more difficult for him and annoying him as he is, and now the revelation that he's alive (and if Wagner's heard that news, oh, he must be FUMING) :p. On the one hand, I love that Monk's giving him a hard time, even if unintentionally in some cases, but on the other hand, I now fear what Grayson will try and do to him when the time comes for them to go back home.
Three chapters left to go now, so guess we'll see how this winds down soon enough!
6/17/2021 c17 Annber03
Leave it to Monk to turn a kidnapping into something positive and helpful. Of course he would take to helping keeping the place clean and organized and whatnot :D.
And now he gets to participate in a huge opportunity involving the moon. THE MOON! Imagine the story he'll have to tell everyone when he gets back home. Leland, Natalie, Randy, and Sharona aren't going to believe it :p.
But I'm glad to see he's still keeping an eye on Grayson. Very smooth on Grayson's part, making up an explanation for how he got there that keeps people from being suspicious. Though I do sense some of them know *something's* off, so hopefully that'll prove helpful to Monk's escape when the time comes.
As for the events back on Earth, good to see that Natalie's in good hands for the time being, with everyone looking out for her and helping out with stuff. And yay for Randy and Sharona coming back to help as well :)! Hopefully they'll be able to help figure out Grayson's motive in all of this. And when Monk does finally come back, oh, that is a party I'm looking VERY forward to :D.
Leave it to Monk to turn a kidnapping into something positive and helpful. Of course he would take to helping keeping the place clean and organized and whatnot :D.
And now he gets to participate in a huge opportunity involving the moon. THE MOON! Imagine the story he'll have to tell everyone when he gets back home. Leland, Natalie, Randy, and Sharona aren't going to believe it :p.
But I'm glad to see he's still keeping an eye on Grayson. Very smooth on Grayson's part, making up an explanation for how he got there that keeps people from being suspicious. Though I do sense some of them know *something's* off, so hopefully that'll prove helpful to Monk's escape when the time comes.
As for the events back on Earth, good to see that Natalie's in good hands for the time being, with everyone looking out for her and helping out with stuff. And yay for Randy and Sharona coming back to help as well :)! Hopefully they'll be able to help figure out Grayson's motive in all of this. And when Monk does finally come back, oh, that is a party I'm looking VERY forward to :D.
6/17/2021 c16 Annber03
Awwwwww, Bell :). He's such a good guy.
Wow, as if I couldn't despise Wagner enough already. "Kiss of death"? Ugh. What a creep! Poor Natalie...what an awful thought to internalize, and what a horrible thing to blame herself for. Bell's absolutely right, though, that she needn't do that. I can understand why she would feel that way, but he's right, none of this is her fault. Not a bit of it. Nor was any of the other tragedy that's befallen the other men she loved in the past. I'm glad he was able to reassure her of that a bit.
And I'm glad he was also able to let Natalie know just how much Monk loved her, and how all the things he'd done for her were proof of that love. The thought of him willing to risk a broken heart if it meant Natalie could be happy...oh, Monk :(. But indeed, that is a perfect example of his love for her.
And I can totally see him going on about Natalie to Bell once she'd gotten married :). That topic probably took up a good majority of their sessions, I'd bet.
But ooh, Natalie doesn't quite believe he's dead, eh? That's promising :D! Trudy's message would also explain her refusal to accept that fact, too. That and the fact that Monk's been presumed dead before only to show up again, so...certainly easier for her to believe the same thing happened here as a result.
Considering what he's going through on that spaceship right now, though, he may wish he were dead, 'cause, uh, yeah, this is terrifying. Being trapped up there like that, my god, it's like nearly every worst nightmare of his come to life or something. How he'll manage to escape this, I don't know, but I continue to look forward to seeing how it all pans out.
Awwwwww, Bell :). He's such a good guy.
Wow, as if I couldn't despise Wagner enough already. "Kiss of death"? Ugh. What a creep! Poor Natalie...what an awful thought to internalize, and what a horrible thing to blame herself for. Bell's absolutely right, though, that she needn't do that. I can understand why she would feel that way, but he's right, none of this is her fault. Not a bit of it. Nor was any of the other tragedy that's befallen the other men she loved in the past. I'm glad he was able to reassure her of that a bit.
And I'm glad he was also able to let Natalie know just how much Monk loved her, and how all the things he'd done for her were proof of that love. The thought of him willing to risk a broken heart if it meant Natalie could be happy...oh, Monk :(. But indeed, that is a perfect example of his love for her.
And I can totally see him going on about Natalie to Bell once she'd gotten married :). That topic probably took up a good majority of their sessions, I'd bet.
But ooh, Natalie doesn't quite believe he's dead, eh? That's promising :D! Trudy's message would also explain her refusal to accept that fact, too. That and the fact that Monk's been presumed dead before only to show up again, so...certainly easier for her to believe the same thing happened here as a result.
Considering what he's going through on that spaceship right now, though, he may wish he were dead, 'cause, uh, yeah, this is terrifying. Being trapped up there like that, my god, it's like nearly every worst nightmare of his come to life or something. How he'll manage to escape this, I don't know, but I continue to look forward to seeing how it all pans out.
6/17/2021 c15 Annber03
Oh, wow, he actually was still on the rocket! Dang. And he doesn't even realize that, he's so discombobulated and wonky from being shot and hit in the head. Poor Monk. I did chuckle at him thinking the rocket taking off was an earthquake, though, and his rant about his "vertical casket". Indeed, I think even the most non-claustrophobic person would be freaked out upon being stuck in such a small space like that.
And yet, even amidst his freakout over finding himself in that situation, he still worries about Natalie first. Of course he would :). She is safe physically, but emotionally she's a wreck, so, yeah, let's hope Monk will be able to get back to her as soon as humanly possible.
And Leland will be relieved to see him as well! Oh, my heart went out to him as he feared his friend gone for good, and how it took the fight out of him in regards to this case. Oh, Leland...:(. I love the bit about what he'd love to do to Wagner if he got his hands on him :p. Yeeeeeeeeeah, Wagner'd better hope and pray he never finds himself alone in a room with Leland. That would not be pretty. At all.
As always, ,I continue to love his concern for Natalie, and I liked his observations of her role in Monk's life and how her presence has changed him for the better. I especially liked the bit about how she wasn't afraid to call Monk out "when he was shoveling a pile of manure - not that Monk ever would've actually touched manure." LOL XD! But he is right, that is one of the great things about Natalie's relationship with Monk, but yes, there's so many other ways in which they complement each other as well, and you summed that up perfectly here.
And then Leland's thoughts about how, if it came down to Monk choosing between him and Natalie, Leland would be looking for another friend...wow. If that doesn't lay it all out there about the depths of Monk's love for Natalie, not just romantically, but on every level. Though of course, Monk could never bear to make such a choice in the first place, because they're both equally important to him, in very different ways, so...:). Still, I do like that Leland realizes just how special their relationship truly is. And I'm also not surprised that Monk himself wouldn't have fully realized the depths of his feelings for Natalie, for a whole host of reasons. That's a tough step to take under the best of circumstances.
But if this doesn't force him, and Natalie, to finally acknowledge those deeper feelings, then I don't know what will :p. And hopefully, they'll get that chance...once Monk finally gets himself the hell out of there!
Also liked the mention of the intense media scrutiny around this whole weird, freaky case. Oh, yes. I can just imagine the press is having an absolute field day. Makes me even more sympathetic towards Leland, and Monk as well, because once he returns to Earth, he'll have a lot of media scrutiny on him, too.
As for Greenway, all I can say is, choose your friends more wisely next time, buddy.
Okay! Now to see how they'll manage to get Monk out of here.
Oh, wow, he actually was still on the rocket! Dang. And he doesn't even realize that, he's so discombobulated and wonky from being shot and hit in the head. Poor Monk. I did chuckle at him thinking the rocket taking off was an earthquake, though, and his rant about his "vertical casket". Indeed, I think even the most non-claustrophobic person would be freaked out upon being stuck in such a small space like that.
And yet, even amidst his freakout over finding himself in that situation, he still worries about Natalie first. Of course he would :). She is safe physically, but emotionally she's a wreck, so, yeah, let's hope Monk will be able to get back to her as soon as humanly possible.
And Leland will be relieved to see him as well! Oh, my heart went out to him as he feared his friend gone for good, and how it took the fight out of him in regards to this case. Oh, Leland...:(. I love the bit about what he'd love to do to Wagner if he got his hands on him :p. Yeeeeeeeeeah, Wagner'd better hope and pray he never finds himself alone in a room with Leland. That would not be pretty. At all.
As always, ,I continue to love his concern for Natalie, and I liked his observations of her role in Monk's life and how her presence has changed him for the better. I especially liked the bit about how she wasn't afraid to call Monk out "when he was shoveling a pile of manure - not that Monk ever would've actually touched manure." LOL XD! But he is right, that is one of the great things about Natalie's relationship with Monk, but yes, there's so many other ways in which they complement each other as well, and you summed that up perfectly here.
And then Leland's thoughts about how, if it came down to Monk choosing between him and Natalie, Leland would be looking for another friend...wow. If that doesn't lay it all out there about the depths of Monk's love for Natalie, not just romantically, but on every level. Though of course, Monk could never bear to make such a choice in the first place, because they're both equally important to him, in very different ways, so...:). Still, I do like that Leland realizes just how special their relationship truly is. And I'm also not surprised that Monk himself wouldn't have fully realized the depths of his feelings for Natalie, for a whole host of reasons. That's a tough step to take under the best of circumstances.
But if this doesn't force him, and Natalie, to finally acknowledge those deeper feelings, then I don't know what will :p. And hopefully, they'll get that chance...once Monk finally gets himself the hell out of there!
Also liked the mention of the intense media scrutiny around this whole weird, freaky case. Oh, yes. I can just imagine the press is having an absolute field day. Makes me even more sympathetic towards Leland, and Monk as well, because once he returns to Earth, he'll have a lot of media scrutiny on him, too.
As for Greenway, all I can say is, choose your friends more wisely next time, buddy.
Okay! Now to see how they'll manage to get Monk out of here.
6/16/2021 c14 Annber03
Dang, Wagner is quite the sadistic SOB, isn't he? Pretty cocky, thinking he can challenge Leland. That's a fight you'd lose in two seconds flat, Wagner, so I wouldn't push your luck if I were you.
I had a sinking feeling that container Monk was in would be on that rocket! Ohhhhhhh, no... And Grayson's up there, too. So he's either at risk of the kind of death Wagner mentioned or he'll encounter Grayson. What a choice.
Of course, that's presuming that Monk didn't find a way to escape before the rocket took off, which I am hoping like mad is what's happened. He's gotten out of worse scraps before, after all, so...
In the meantime, somebody may want to sedate poor Natalie, 'cause at this rate she's going to collapse. This is so not good for her health.
Dang, Wagner is quite the sadistic SOB, isn't he? Pretty cocky, thinking he can challenge Leland. That's a fight you'd lose in two seconds flat, Wagner, so I wouldn't push your luck if I were you.
I had a sinking feeling that container Monk was in would be on that rocket! Ohhhhhhh, no... And Grayson's up there, too. So he's either at risk of the kind of death Wagner mentioned or he'll encounter Grayson. What a choice.
Of course, that's presuming that Monk didn't find a way to escape before the rocket took off, which I am hoping like mad is what's happened. He's gotten out of worse scraps before, after all, so...
In the meantime, somebody may want to sedate poor Natalie, 'cause at this rate she's going to collapse. This is so not good for her health.
6/16/2021 c13 Annber03
Aaaaaaargh...I mean, I get that, I sympathize with Briggs being between a rock and a hard place here, I know he means well. But there's got to be SOMETHING they can do to work around that.
In the meantime...*Breathes a sigh of relief* Thank goodness for Leland and the other officers showing up when they did. When Wagner had caught up to her my stomach sank. I was so torn, because I totally understood her wanting to run back and help Monk, but on the other hand, I was like, "No, just keep running! Monk will figure out how to get out of here!"
And oh! That voice! Trudy's voice! I don't blame her for thinking she's cracking up, but I do love the idea of her kinda feeling her spirit lingering about, so to speak. Thank goodness she'd heard that, too, as that was just the boost she needed. My heart broke for her with her fear and emotion over the thought of losing Monk, and the worry that he may have accepted his grim fate :(. Oh, Natalie...
Good on Greenway for telling Leland and the officers all they needed to know, and yay for them finding that camera footage, too. Now they just gotta figure out how to find Monk. And I would not be surprised if Monk does come to in that container and manages to find a way to escape. He's a fighter, he can figure out a way to get out of there! *Bounces anxiously in her seat*
Aaaaaaargh...I mean, I get that, I sympathize with Briggs being between a rock and a hard place here, I know he means well. But there's got to be SOMETHING they can do to work around that.
In the meantime...*Breathes a sigh of relief* Thank goodness for Leland and the other officers showing up when they did. When Wagner had caught up to her my stomach sank. I was so torn, because I totally understood her wanting to run back and help Monk, but on the other hand, I was like, "No, just keep running! Monk will figure out how to get out of here!"
And oh! That voice! Trudy's voice! I don't blame her for thinking she's cracking up, but I do love the idea of her kinda feeling her spirit lingering about, so to speak. Thank goodness she'd heard that, too, as that was just the boost she needed. My heart broke for her with her fear and emotion over the thought of losing Monk, and the worry that he may have accepted his grim fate :(. Oh, Natalie...
Good on Greenway for telling Leland and the officers all they needed to know, and yay for them finding that camera footage, too. Now they just gotta figure out how to find Monk. And I would not be surprised if Monk does come to in that container and manages to find a way to escape. He's a fighter, he can figure out a way to get out of there! *Bounces anxiously in her seat*
6/16/2021 c12 Annber03
Woo, yeah, Leland laying down the law! If Greenway's smart, he'll cooperate, and cooperate NOW. All of this certainly explains his main motive behind trying to get Wagner to stand down. He may not be a murderer/kidnapper, but he's still pretty shady.
Loved him working to help diffuse the tension of the situation, and trying to keep security from going after Monk. I imagine he'll have a few choice words for Monk when he finds him and he's recovered from his wounds and everything, but for now, it's great to see him so concerned about Monk, both on a professional level and as a friend.
I also liked his musings as he thought back to the craziness in Greenway's office, a mix of acknowledging he did the right thing in pulling Monk out of there (which, I agree, he did) and sympathizing with his anger and rage. And I love his deep concern for Natalie, too-so fatherly and protective. Aw. Leland :).
Thank goodness he's got Briggs on his side helping him out, too. And I'm glad that Officer Blake was able to give him some necessary information as well. This is why Leland is such a good captain, he knows how to get people to help out and talk and keep investigations moving.
Here's to hoping Greenway sings like a canary and they're able to find Monk as soon as humanly possible.
Woo, yeah, Leland laying down the law! If Greenway's smart, he'll cooperate, and cooperate NOW. All of this certainly explains his main motive behind trying to get Wagner to stand down. He may not be a murderer/kidnapper, but he's still pretty shady.
Loved him working to help diffuse the tension of the situation, and trying to keep security from going after Monk. I imagine he'll have a few choice words for Monk when he finds him and he's recovered from his wounds and everything, but for now, it's great to see him so concerned about Monk, both on a professional level and as a friend.
I also liked his musings as he thought back to the craziness in Greenway's office, a mix of acknowledging he did the right thing in pulling Monk out of there (which, I agree, he did) and sympathizing with his anger and rage. And I love his deep concern for Natalie, too-so fatherly and protective. Aw. Leland :).
Thank goodness he's got Briggs on his side helping him out, too. And I'm glad that Officer Blake was able to give him some necessary information as well. This is why Leland is such a good captain, he knows how to get people to help out and talk and keep investigations moving.
Here's to hoping Greenway sings like a canary and they're able to find Monk as soon as humanly possible.
6/16/2021 c11 Annber03
Okay, well, that's just cruel.
I KNEW I should be suspicious of Grayson! I knew it! And wow, that talk between Wagner and the governor...man, he's really got the guy over a barrel, doesn't he? I will give the governor credit for acknowledging Rickover as the scumbag he was. Maybe he could've had a chance to explain that to Monk back at the office, had Monk not gone off on him as he did. He'll definitely be in trouble for his role in the scheme that Wagner cooked up, but I do feel a little better knowing he doesn't want to actually cause any harm to Monk or Natalie, and tried to talk Wagner out of his plan (in part to help save himself, sure, but still). Small silver linings, and all that. IF I were the governor, though, I'd be a little scared-he could find a way to seek his own revenge on him, too.
And now Grayson and Wagner have Monk in their sights, and he's badly injured :(. This is not good. Not good at all.
At least he got Natalie out of there. And on that note,, YAY, they've reunited at last! Oh, their reaction to seeing each other again...:'). And OF COURSE Monk would be willing to sacrifice himself if it meant she could get away safe and sound. Of course. I loved Natalie wanting to stay by his side all the same, though, and not wanting to leave him alone and wounded. Luckily, she knows Leland's on the way, so he'll be there to help get Monk out as soon as possible, too. I liked her mouthing "I love you" to Monk before she left, too :D. Awwwww. Again, I say, these two. Just...these two.
I also loved the whole description of Monk sneaking his way into the building and knocking out the guard and taking his outfit and everything :D. I could picture the whole scene playing out in my head and it was very entertaining. I kept hearing the 'Mission: Impossible' theme throughout :p. Very clever way to get inside, and a perfect time to pick to sneak in as well. If only he'd managed to get in and out without Wagner and Grayson noticing!
At least Natalie's nearby, though, and as noted, Leland is coming. So hang in there, Monk. They'll make sure to get you out. Provided he doesn't manage to stir and find his own way out, that is.
Okay, well, that's just cruel.
I KNEW I should be suspicious of Grayson! I knew it! And wow, that talk between Wagner and the governor...man, he's really got the guy over a barrel, doesn't he? I will give the governor credit for acknowledging Rickover as the scumbag he was. Maybe he could've had a chance to explain that to Monk back at the office, had Monk not gone off on him as he did. He'll definitely be in trouble for his role in the scheme that Wagner cooked up, but I do feel a little better knowing he doesn't want to actually cause any harm to Monk or Natalie, and tried to talk Wagner out of his plan (in part to help save himself, sure, but still). Small silver linings, and all that. IF I were the governor, though, I'd be a little scared-he could find a way to seek his own revenge on him, too.
And now Grayson and Wagner have Monk in their sights, and he's badly injured :(. This is not good. Not good at all.
At least he got Natalie out of there. And on that note,, YAY, they've reunited at last! Oh, their reaction to seeing each other again...:'). And OF COURSE Monk would be willing to sacrifice himself if it meant she could get away safe and sound. Of course. I loved Natalie wanting to stay by his side all the same, though, and not wanting to leave him alone and wounded. Luckily, she knows Leland's on the way, so he'll be there to help get Monk out as soon as possible, too. I liked her mouthing "I love you" to Monk before she left, too :D. Awwwww. Again, I say, these two. Just...these two.
I also loved the whole description of Monk sneaking his way into the building and knocking out the guard and taking his outfit and everything :D. I could picture the whole scene playing out in my head and it was very entertaining. I kept hearing the 'Mission: Impossible' theme throughout :p. Very clever way to get inside, and a perfect time to pick to sneak in as well. If only he'd managed to get in and out without Wagner and Grayson noticing!
At least Natalie's nearby, though, and as noted, Leland is coming. So hang in there, Monk. They'll make sure to get you out. Provided he doesn't manage to stir and find his own way out, that is.
6/16/2021 c10 Annber03
"It was a picture of Governor Greenway putting a medal of honor on Steve Wagner alongside Judge Ethan Rickover."
No joke, I actually sucked in a breath and went, "...ohhhhhhhhh, CRAP!" at that part.
Well. So much for hoping this visit would go okay. That...went downhill pretty freaking fast! Greenway certainly wasn't making himself look very innocent with his nervous behavior and the way he kept harping on Wagner's abilities and talents. The fact that he likes to pretend to be richer than he really is is pretty telling, too, on a general level-like stated, he likes to put on a good show. Which would certainly describe some criminals as well.
But oooooh, Monk's anger. And here I'd thought Leland's words from earlier had sunk in. Maybe if he hadn't seen that photo Leland might've managed to restrain him a little more easily. Again, I'm torn, 'cause on the one hand, I love his righteous anger, and given his history with Trudy, it's certainly warranted-no way could he bear losing another woman he cared about. But on the other hand, I just hope it doesn't affect his chances of finding Natalie. Leland's right to worry about him running off on his own, and not letting him officially work the case, at least, not until he calms down. I like Monk's certainty that he'll manage to save Natalie by the end of the day, but I also can't help but be concerned, too. Just...be careful, Monk, whatever you do, okay? Please?
"It was a picture of Governor Greenway putting a medal of honor on Steve Wagner alongside Judge Ethan Rickover."
No joke, I actually sucked in a breath and went, "...ohhhhhhhhh, CRAP!" at that part.
Well. So much for hoping this visit would go okay. That...went downhill pretty freaking fast! Greenway certainly wasn't making himself look very innocent with his nervous behavior and the way he kept harping on Wagner's abilities and talents. The fact that he likes to pretend to be richer than he really is is pretty telling, too, on a general level-like stated, he likes to put on a good show. Which would certainly describe some criminals as well.
But oooooh, Monk's anger. And here I'd thought Leland's words from earlier had sunk in. Maybe if he hadn't seen that photo Leland might've managed to restrain him a little more easily. Again, I'm torn, 'cause on the one hand, I love his righteous anger, and given his history with Trudy, it's certainly warranted-no way could he bear losing another woman he cared about. But on the other hand, I just hope it doesn't affect his chances of finding Natalie. Leland's right to worry about him running off on his own, and not letting him officially work the case, at least, not until he calms down. I like Monk's certainty that he'll manage to save Natalie by the end of the day, but I also can't help but be concerned, too. Just...be careful, Monk, whatever you do, okay? Please?
6/16/2021 c9 Annber03
Yeah, it sure is :D.
Even if he's not involved in Natalie's disappearance, Monk's right to want to talk to him anyway, 'cause, yeah, some very suspicious stuff happening here. I can't help feeling like his inability to become an astronaut would've left him with some resentments that he'd need to take out somehow.
I also chuckled at Bellows' joke about how the governor may want to be the first one in space. Certainly would be one way to try and escape getting caught if you're involved in a crime :p!
I like all the detail about facility and space lab and such, too. Monk may be in awe of all the sanitary precautions involved, but why do I get the feeling that if/when he returns there for any further investigation regarding this case, he may come to regret it? At the very least, I've no doubt Monk's analysis and observation of the place will prove helpful in some way in regards to the case :).
I also perked up at the mention of the rumor about Grayson and Dawson. I wonder if that'll play a role, too. Hm.
As for Natalie, yes, uses those keen observational skills :D! Glad she's starting to put a few of the pieces of the puzzle together in regards to the connection to Wagner-keep on that track, Natalie. It's nice to see her and Monk both coming to the same conclusions even though they're not anywhere near each other-see, this is one of many reasons why they get on so well and make a great team! I love, too, that she's just as worried about Monk's safety as he is hers. These two...aw.
I also loved this line: "Yes, he could be infuriating, but, he was really a one of a kind combination of bravery and gentleness with a wickedly dry sense of humor and an unshakable sense of loyalty." If that isn't a perfect description of Monk, I don't know what is :).
Let's hope Monk's meting with the governor proves beneficial. And hopefully Natalie will get a chance to start thinking up a scheme to try and get herself out of there, too.
Yeah, it sure is :D.
Even if he's not involved in Natalie's disappearance, Monk's right to want to talk to him anyway, 'cause, yeah, some very suspicious stuff happening here. I can't help feeling like his inability to become an astronaut would've left him with some resentments that he'd need to take out somehow.
I also chuckled at Bellows' joke about how the governor may want to be the first one in space. Certainly would be one way to try and escape getting caught if you're involved in a crime :p!
I like all the detail about facility and space lab and such, too. Monk may be in awe of all the sanitary precautions involved, but why do I get the feeling that if/when he returns there for any further investigation regarding this case, he may come to regret it? At the very least, I've no doubt Monk's analysis and observation of the place will prove helpful in some way in regards to the case :).
I also perked up at the mention of the rumor about Grayson and Dawson. I wonder if that'll play a role, too. Hm.
As for Natalie, yes, uses those keen observational skills :D! Glad she's starting to put a few of the pieces of the puzzle together in regards to the connection to Wagner-keep on that track, Natalie. It's nice to see her and Monk both coming to the same conclusions even though they're not anywhere near each other-see, this is one of many reasons why they get on so well and make a great team! I love, too, that she's just as worried about Monk's safety as he is hers. These two...aw.
I also loved this line: "Yes, he could be infuriating, but, he was really a one of a kind combination of bravery and gentleness with a wickedly dry sense of humor and an unshakable sense of loyalty." If that isn't a perfect description of Monk, I don't know what is :).
Let's hope Monk's meting with the governor proves beneficial. And hopefully Natalie will get a chance to start thinking up a scheme to try and get herself out of there, too.
6/16/2021 c8 Annber03
Leave it to Leland to not-so-subtly make his point to Monk about his feelings for Natalie :D.
I really liked the talk between them, I could hear their voices as I read it. Especially Leland's, with that low, gruff, steady tone. I'm glad he was able to talk him down a bit-I too, of course, totally understand Monk's anger and desire to go after Wagner full force. I feel for him with how scared he is, and how much he wants to make those who are hurting her pay. And the guilt he's feeling, too, that he didn't do enough to protect her...oh, it breaks my heart :(. If these guys' aim was to make Monk relive the painful feelings he went through after Trudy, well, suffice to say they're succeeding.
Which is all the more reason why he needs to listen to Leland and try and stay calm and focused. Easier said than done, obviously, but he should never give those creeps the satisfaction of seeing him crumble. Plus, the less focused he is, the harder it'll be for him to think clearly enough to find and rescue Natalie. HIs anger is a good thing! He just needs to channel it in the right way, in doing everything he can to solve this case and get justice for Natalie.
Luckily, it seems Leland's words are getting through to him, which is good. I'm so glad he's got someone like him there to talk him down and bring him back out of his head when needed. I also liked Leland acknowledging how important Natalie was to the team as a whole, and how much the others love her, too. Nice touch to show that Leland does sympathize with Monk's feelings, and a good reminder that he's just as determined to save her as Monk is. Indeed, Natalie's very lucky to have three men who care about her so much and will do anything to help her.
All of the above being said, I will admit to liking Monk confronting Wagner as he did, simply because I like it when he gets all take charge and doesn't hold back in his utter contempt for these creeps :D. He may be a mild-mannered guy in general, but you push him far enough and he WILL fight back. If Wagner is indeed involved in this, clearly he forgot the memo when Monk made that clear in their first go-round :p.
And speaking of Wagner, gotta say, he's sure sounding pretty convincing with his alibi and everything. But Monk's judgment is good and sharp, so yeah, if he thinks he's involved, then I'm on board with that theory, too. Will be interesting to see how he goes about proving that, and who his accomplice is.
Also interesting to see what became of Wagner after he was nabbed for his first crime. Seven years definitely doesn't seem near enough time, but sadly, it's also not an unrealistic sentence for someone of his stature. Money and connections really do get you everything, don't they? Even the life he's living nowadays now he's out still sounds pretty okay, all things considered. At least most people have distanced themselves from him, so that's something.
Okay. On to see how Monk proves his theory, then!
Leave it to Leland to not-so-subtly make his point to Monk about his feelings for Natalie :D.
I really liked the talk between them, I could hear their voices as I read it. Especially Leland's, with that low, gruff, steady tone. I'm glad he was able to talk him down a bit-I too, of course, totally understand Monk's anger and desire to go after Wagner full force. I feel for him with how scared he is, and how much he wants to make those who are hurting her pay. And the guilt he's feeling, too, that he didn't do enough to protect her...oh, it breaks my heart :(. If these guys' aim was to make Monk relive the painful feelings he went through after Trudy, well, suffice to say they're succeeding.
Which is all the more reason why he needs to listen to Leland and try and stay calm and focused. Easier said than done, obviously, but he should never give those creeps the satisfaction of seeing him crumble. Plus, the less focused he is, the harder it'll be for him to think clearly enough to find and rescue Natalie. HIs anger is a good thing! He just needs to channel it in the right way, in doing everything he can to solve this case and get justice for Natalie.
Luckily, it seems Leland's words are getting through to him, which is good. I'm so glad he's got someone like him there to talk him down and bring him back out of his head when needed. I also liked Leland acknowledging how important Natalie was to the team as a whole, and how much the others love her, too. Nice touch to show that Leland does sympathize with Monk's feelings, and a good reminder that he's just as determined to save her as Monk is. Indeed, Natalie's very lucky to have three men who care about her so much and will do anything to help her.
All of the above being said, I will admit to liking Monk confronting Wagner as he did, simply because I like it when he gets all take charge and doesn't hold back in his utter contempt for these creeps :D. He may be a mild-mannered guy in general, but you push him far enough and he WILL fight back. If Wagner is indeed involved in this, clearly he forgot the memo when Monk made that clear in their first go-round :p.
And speaking of Wagner, gotta say, he's sure sounding pretty convincing with his alibi and everything. But Monk's judgment is good and sharp, so yeah, if he thinks he's involved, then I'm on board with that theory, too. Will be interesting to see how he goes about proving that, and who his accomplice is.
Also interesting to see what became of Wagner after he was nabbed for his first crime. Seven years definitely doesn't seem near enough time, but sadly, it's also not an unrealistic sentence for someone of his stature. Money and connections really do get you everything, don't they? Even the life he's living nowadays now he's out still sounds pretty okay, all things considered. At least most people have distanced themselves from him, so that's something.
Okay. On to see how Monk proves his theory, then!