for Season 9-2 - Mr Monk Goes to Washington9/6/2021 c7 
5KittyKat06
Natalie telling Preacher that they were set to have breakfast with the gang that morning (the other members of the Core Four) and Monk immediately setting out to assure Preacher that they were just their friends from San Francisco and not an actual gang, cracked me up. I love Monk in snark-sarcastic mode. (even though he never thinks he is being snarky, which makes it even better!)
(Also, loved Preacher's comment to Sharona about her surviving being Monk's assistant. Hee!)
Randy pushing the issue of Monk/Natalie having kids is so like him, isn't it? XD
I would say that I'm surprised at Leland not commenting on Monk's behavior at breakfast re: Natalie and her food, but then again, Monk does a lot of things that are weird that Leland just rolls with, so it does fit that he just ignored Monk cutting Natalie's pancakes and inspecting her juice :p. I'm happy that Preacher brought up the note and the dream not only to Natalie but Leland and Randy, because Lord knows Monk wasn't going to. Now that Natalie knows a little bit of what is going on, she knows what she/they are up against.
(Also, Natalie? Monk sat at breakfast and withstood Randy's good-natured teasing about you and Monk and the idea of children, and Monk didn't freak. He's not ashamed to be with you.)
5KittyKat06Natalie telling Preacher that they were set to have breakfast with the gang that morning (the other members of the Core Four) and Monk immediately setting out to assure Preacher that they were just their friends from San Francisco and not an actual gang, cracked me up. I love Monk in snark-sarcastic mode. (even though he never thinks he is being snarky, which makes it even better!)
(Also, loved Preacher's comment to Sharona about her surviving being Monk's assistant. Hee!)
Randy pushing the issue of Monk/Natalie having kids is so like him, isn't it? XD
I would say that I'm surprised at Leland not commenting on Monk's behavior at breakfast re: Natalie and her food, but then again, Monk does a lot of things that are weird that Leland just rolls with, so it does fit that he just ignored Monk cutting Natalie's pancakes and inspecting her juice :p. I'm happy that Preacher brought up the note and the dream not only to Natalie but Leland and Randy, because Lord knows Monk wasn't going to. Now that Natalie knows a little bit of what is going on, she knows what she/they are up against.
(Also, Natalie? Monk sat at breakfast and withstood Randy's good-natured teasing about you and Monk and the idea of children, and Monk didn't freak. He's not ashamed to be with you.)
8/26/2021 c6 KittyKat06
Favorite line: "What kind of food does a joint like this have?" / "Very expensive." Of course even when everything about this trip is comped for him and Natalie, Monk would worry about prices. Rofl :p.
Preacher's a good one. (I know from future stories he's on the up-and-up, so I'll save my energy and not be suspicious of him :D) I hope he does find out one day who ended up setting the fire to his house, though.
So the person who broke in to Monk's hotel room (and strangled that poor innocent housekeeper) was after Monk's notes about the Stoddard/Haley murder. Whoever this killer is he certainly doesn't mind making a big scene, does he? If he thought he had problems with all the attention this case got because of the First Lady, imagine the attention that would be on him if he did get Monk killed!
Monk's nightmare about Natalie's funeral morphing into Trudy's exact death scenario in the parking garage (I remember Monk having that nightmare about Trudy in The End) was so sad, but understandable especially after that note :( That's what Hauser was counting on, I'm sure...
Favorite line: "What kind of food does a joint like this have?" / "Very expensive." Of course even when everything about this trip is comped for him and Natalie, Monk would worry about prices. Rofl :p.
Preacher's a good one. (I know from future stories he's on the up-and-up, so I'll save my energy and not be suspicious of him :D) I hope he does find out one day who ended up setting the fire to his house, though.
So the person who broke in to Monk's hotel room (and strangled that poor innocent housekeeper) was after Monk's notes about the Stoddard/Haley murder. Whoever this killer is he certainly doesn't mind making a big scene, does he? If he thought he had problems with all the attention this case got because of the First Lady, imagine the attention that would be on him if he did get Monk killed!
Monk's nightmare about Natalie's funeral morphing into Trudy's exact death scenario in the parking garage (I remember Monk having that nightmare about Trudy in The End) was so sad, but understandable especially after that note :( That's what Hauser was counting on, I'm sure...
8/22/2021 c9 40Annber03
Well! That was an intense chase! Oh, god, when the car went into the river...I was like, "NOOOOOO!"
Can't say I'm all that broken up about Hauser dying, but it is frustrating that he is dead given he's the key to finding the mastermind of this crime. Given he was dumb enough to talk to his boss while within earshot of the break in at the hotel, though, hopefully he's also been dumb enough to leave other evidence around for the team to make the necessary connections.
But oh, Natalie :(! Thank goodness she came to - now hopefully she just needs a little recovery time at the hospital before she's good as new. Yay, Monk, for jumping into the river as he did and going to such great lengths to save her. I wouldn't have expected anything less, of course, just great to see Monk's heroism on full display like that. I'm glad Preacher was there, too - he was just as determined as Monk, and they make a good duo. I also appreciate that Preacher didn't scold Monk for yelling at him while they were driving - not that I would've blamed him if he had, 'cause things are stressful enough as it is, that doesn't really help - but I do like that he didn't comment, probably because he understands all too well Monk's fear and desperation to save Natalie. If he were chasing down the person who murdered his family, he'd be just as urgent and demanding.
I am glad that he tried to talk Monk down from borrowing the gun, though. I totally get why Monk wanted to try that plan, of course, but...yeah. Preacher's also right that it would be very dangerous and risky.
Just. Whew. Wow. One criminal down, one to go (presuming that there aren't more people involved, that is). In the meantime, Natalie, you thought Monk fussed over you before? You ain't seen nothing yet :p. Tending to her is naturally the most important thing at the moment, so hopefully things will go okay with that, and Monk and the team can regroup and refocus and figure out their next move from here.
40Annber03Well! That was an intense chase! Oh, god, when the car went into the river...I was like, "NOOOOOO!"
Can't say I'm all that broken up about Hauser dying, but it is frustrating that he is dead given he's the key to finding the mastermind of this crime. Given he was dumb enough to talk to his boss while within earshot of the break in at the hotel, though, hopefully he's also been dumb enough to leave other evidence around for the team to make the necessary connections.
But oh, Natalie :(! Thank goodness she came to - now hopefully she just needs a little recovery time at the hospital before she's good as new. Yay, Monk, for jumping into the river as he did and going to such great lengths to save her. I wouldn't have expected anything less, of course, just great to see Monk's heroism on full display like that. I'm glad Preacher was there, too - he was just as determined as Monk, and they make a good duo. I also appreciate that Preacher didn't scold Monk for yelling at him while they were driving - not that I would've blamed him if he had, 'cause things are stressful enough as it is, that doesn't really help - but I do like that he didn't comment, probably because he understands all too well Monk's fear and desperation to save Natalie. If he were chasing down the person who murdered his family, he'd be just as urgent and demanding.
I am glad that he tried to talk Monk down from borrowing the gun, though. I totally get why Monk wanted to try that plan, of course, but...yeah. Preacher's also right that it would be very dangerous and risky.
Just. Whew. Wow. One criminal down, one to go (presuming that there aren't more people involved, that is). In the meantime, Natalie, you thought Monk fussed over you before? You ain't seen nothing yet :p. Tending to her is naturally the most important thing at the moment, so hopefully things will go okay with that, and Monk and the team can regroup and refocus and figure out their next move from here.
8/22/2021 c8 Annber03
Ohhhhhhhh, the irony of all ironies! Here Monk initially thought he was keeping Natalie safe by sending her off with Hauser, but nope. My stomach was actually sinking and I was mentally going, "No, no, no, Monk, don't let her go with him!". Thank goodness he caught on quickly to the fact that Hauser was bad news - here's hoping he and Preacher catch up to them in time!
But of course, now that begs the question - who is Hauser's boss wanting him to get Monk and Natalie out of the way. Initially Sal looked pretty good, given his weird behavior, but he almost seems *too* easy a suspect. And some of the others have their shady histories, but again, that doesn't necessarily make them murderers - just typical politicians :p. Fernandez saying he was "pure as the driven snow" did raise a brow - sure, he was making a joke, but still...
And yet I also can't help wondering if it's a suspect we haven't really considered yet, too. Hm.
The one person I feel so bad for in all of this, alongside Haley, is Gloria. You can really tell how rattled she is by all of this, and how much it pains her to see her marriage and its secrets on such public, embarrassing, tabloid-y display like this. I like how, despite the fact she didn't know Haley all that well, she still feels genuinely heartbroken over her death. She seems like a good woman (frankly, her husband doesn't deserve her), and I look forward to seeing how Monk helps to clear her name and set things right.
On a lighter note, I liked Monk talking about how he read that supposed Twain quote on the internet, meaning it must be true :D. And the ceremony for the astronauts was nice. Good to see them getting the honors and celebration they deserve. And I'm sure for Stoddard, it was a nice distraction from all the other craziness going on.
But yes, now the focus must be on trying to save Natalie! Go, Preacher and Monk! And if Natalie manages to find a way to get herself out of danger as well, I'm all for that, too!
Ohhhhhhhh, the irony of all ironies! Here Monk initially thought he was keeping Natalie safe by sending her off with Hauser, but nope. My stomach was actually sinking and I was mentally going, "No, no, no, Monk, don't let her go with him!". Thank goodness he caught on quickly to the fact that Hauser was bad news - here's hoping he and Preacher catch up to them in time!
But of course, now that begs the question - who is Hauser's boss wanting him to get Monk and Natalie out of the way. Initially Sal looked pretty good, given his weird behavior, but he almost seems *too* easy a suspect. And some of the others have their shady histories, but again, that doesn't necessarily make them murderers - just typical politicians :p. Fernandez saying he was "pure as the driven snow" did raise a brow - sure, he was making a joke, but still...
And yet I also can't help wondering if it's a suspect we haven't really considered yet, too. Hm.
The one person I feel so bad for in all of this, alongside Haley, is Gloria. You can really tell how rattled she is by all of this, and how much it pains her to see her marriage and its secrets on such public, embarrassing, tabloid-y display like this. I like how, despite the fact she didn't know Haley all that well, she still feels genuinely heartbroken over her death. She seems like a good woman (frankly, her husband doesn't deserve her), and I look forward to seeing how Monk helps to clear her name and set things right.
On a lighter note, I liked Monk talking about how he read that supposed Twain quote on the internet, meaning it must be true :D. And the ceremony for the astronauts was nice. Good to see them getting the honors and celebration they deserve. And I'm sure for Stoddard, it was a nice distraction from all the other craziness going on.
But yes, now the focus must be on trying to save Natalie! Go, Preacher and Monk! And if Natalie manages to find a way to get herself out of danger as well, I'm all for that, too!
8/22/2021 c7 Annber03
And understandably so!
Oh. Monk being extra careful and checking Natalie's drink and food and such to make sure it's all safe for her. He would totally do such a thing. And I completely understand, too, of course, him not wanting to tell Natalie about that chilling note, and not wanting to make her worry. I like seeing him so protective of her like this, scary though the reason why.
But Natalie's also right that Monk shouldn't carry all that burden on his own, and that since they're a team, in every way, they need to work as a team, and share things. Natalie's a tough person, after all, she can handle herself just fine, so yeah, as unsettling as it would be for her to hear about that note, it's also good that she knows so she can do more to protect herself as well. Because there may be a moment when Monk won't be hovering around and watching over her. What would happen to her then, if she didn't know?
And on that note, ugh, everything with Hauser is making me more and more nervous. If I were the team I might start looking for other modes of transportation...though doing that would probably tip Hauser off, too, and make him wonder if they suspected him, so...
On a lighter note, LOL at Preacher ribbing Monk a bit here and there. And Randy putting his foot in his mouth on the kids thing...:D. Yeah, that's Randy for ya. I also like Monk working (and struggling a bit :p) to remember to address both Leland *and* Randy as "Captain". It's nice to see him giving Randy the same kind of professional respect he gives Leland :).
Okay, so continuing to keep an anxious eye on the gang's travels going forward...
And understandably so!
Oh. Monk being extra careful and checking Natalie's drink and food and such to make sure it's all safe for her. He would totally do such a thing. And I completely understand, too, of course, him not wanting to tell Natalie about that chilling note, and not wanting to make her worry. I like seeing him so protective of her like this, scary though the reason why.
But Natalie's also right that Monk shouldn't carry all that burden on his own, and that since they're a team, in every way, they need to work as a team, and share things. Natalie's a tough person, after all, she can handle herself just fine, so yeah, as unsettling as it would be for her to hear about that note, it's also good that she knows so she can do more to protect herself as well. Because there may be a moment when Monk won't be hovering around and watching over her. What would happen to her then, if she didn't know?
And on that note, ugh, everything with Hauser is making me more and more nervous. If I were the team I might start looking for other modes of transportation...though doing that would probably tip Hauser off, too, and make him wonder if they suspected him, so...
On a lighter note, LOL at Preacher ribbing Monk a bit here and there. And Randy putting his foot in his mouth on the kids thing...:D. Yeah, that's Randy for ya. I also like Monk working (and struggling a bit :p) to remember to address both Leland *and* Randy as "Captain". It's nice to see him giving Randy the same kind of professional respect he gives Leland :).
Okay, so continuing to keep an anxious eye on the gang's travels going forward...
8/19/2021 c5 5KittyKat06
"So you got to see the president?! What's he like?"
"Tall."
SNORT. But of course Monk would be overtly literal about that sort of question. It's Monk :p Just like he himself said later, Leland, Randy, Sharona and even TK love him and accept him the way he is, quirks and phobias and all. On a related note, it cracked me up that Randy said he never trusted the First Lady as reasoning why he thinks she did when when Leland asked Monk whether or not she was 'the guy.' Never change, Randy xD
(But his story about the newspaper hoarder/newspaper stealer and how the piles of newspapers killed him in the end sounds like the perfect kind of case for 1000 Ways To Die, lol.)
NO. So it's obvious that whoever left that note did their due diligence on Monk to know about Trudy and that they wanted his notes on the First Lady case. They must not have done enough research on Monk if they thought something like this would get him to drop the case, lol. It most certainly will not!
5KittyKat06"So you got to see the president?! What's he like?"
"Tall."
SNORT. But of course Monk would be overtly literal about that sort of question. It's Monk :p Just like he himself said later, Leland, Randy, Sharona and even TK love him and accept him the way he is, quirks and phobias and all. On a related note, it cracked me up that Randy said he never trusted the First Lady as reasoning why he thinks she did when when Leland asked Monk whether or not she was 'the guy.' Never change, Randy xD
(But his story about the newspaper hoarder/newspaper stealer and how the piles of newspapers killed him in the end sounds like the perfect kind of case for 1000 Ways To Die, lol.)
NO. So it's obvious that whoever left that note did their due diligence on Monk to know about Trudy and that they wanted his notes on the First Lady case. They must not have done enough research on Monk if they thought something like this would get him to drop the case, lol. It most certainly will not!
8/19/2021 c4 KittyKat06
Well, that doesn't sound good! Who is sneaking into their room and why?
Natalie, lol, this is Monk! Of course he would want to make it clear to people that you and he were sleeping in separate rooms, even his friends! Especially his friends! I can almost guarantee it that it has nothing to do with you specifically or in any way means that he is ashamed to be with you. Silly girl.
Raised my eyebrows at Leland's reactive comment to Monk on whether or not they were staying there at that hotel, "Too rich of blood for us" and that he/TK and Randy/Sharona/baby Ophelia were staying at the Marriot three blocks over. Yes, Monk/Natalie have the bill paid for, but at the same time I wonder if on some level Leland feels jealous that Monk is able to get perks and/or afford things that Leland can't.
The singular thing about the Haley/First Lady crime scene looksie that stood out to me was the blood smear on the inside of the closet door and the notion that she only was hit on the head when she was put in the closet but not stabbed - yet - I'm getting the picture that she was alive when she went in the closet, stabbed, and struggled to get out, and that makes me so, so sad for her :(
Well, that doesn't sound good! Who is sneaking into their room and why?
Natalie, lol, this is Monk! Of course he would want to make it clear to people that you and he were sleeping in separate rooms, even his friends! Especially his friends! I can almost guarantee it that it has nothing to do with you specifically or in any way means that he is ashamed to be with you. Silly girl.
Raised my eyebrows at Leland's reactive comment to Monk on whether or not they were staying there at that hotel, "Too rich of blood for us" and that he/TK and Randy/Sharona/baby Ophelia were staying at the Marriot three blocks over. Yes, Monk/Natalie have the bill paid for, but at the same time I wonder if on some level Leland feels jealous that Monk is able to get perks and/or afford things that Leland can't.
The singular thing about the Haley/First Lady crime scene looksie that stood out to me was the blood smear on the inside of the closet door and the notion that she only was hit on the head when she was put in the closet but not stabbed - yet - I'm getting the picture that she was alive when she went in the closet, stabbed, and struggled to get out, and that makes me so, so sad for her :(
8/18/2021 c3 KittyKat06
Natalie, I've gotta agree with Monk on this one. Business partner does sound more professional than assistant in general, and especially when Monk is trying to get you into a top-secret emergency meeting in the Oval Office. If I'm remembering the series in canon correctly whenever Leland was introducing himself and the team to outside forces in a professional setting he introduced himself as captain, Randy as lieutenant, Monk as consultant (sometimes. Wasn't it just 'this is Adrian Monk' sometimes?), and Natalie just got her name as an intro but always after Monk like she was connected to him? Maybe Monk should stick to just "I'm Adrian Monk, this is Natalie Teeger, and we're here to see Whoever" for now :)
Monk focusing on the two uneven jars of candy and then pouring the fuller one into the smaller one to make them even was perfect and so very Monk :D
Stoddard does play the part of marriage-in-legalities-but not-in-love, doesn't he? He wants to get this case solved for his wife, yes, but mostly for the country and for the media to get off his back. Makes sense, of course, what with him being the president of the free world and all, but it does make me sad. It stood out to me, though, that Stoddard said that "we" would have no reason to go after Haley. Not just the First Lady, who was the suspect, but "we." *files that away for further consideration*
Natalie, I've gotta agree with Monk on this one. Business partner does sound more professional than assistant in general, and especially when Monk is trying to get you into a top-secret emergency meeting in the Oval Office. If I'm remembering the series in canon correctly whenever Leland was introducing himself and the team to outside forces in a professional setting he introduced himself as captain, Randy as lieutenant, Monk as consultant (sometimes. Wasn't it just 'this is Adrian Monk' sometimes?), and Natalie just got her name as an intro but always after Monk like she was connected to him? Maybe Monk should stick to just "I'm Adrian Monk, this is Natalie Teeger, and we're here to see Whoever" for now :)
Monk focusing on the two uneven jars of candy and then pouring the fuller one into the smaller one to make them even was perfect and so very Monk :D
Stoddard does play the part of marriage-in-legalities-but not-in-love, doesn't he? He wants to get this case solved for his wife, yes, but mostly for the country and for the media to get off his back. Makes sense, of course, what with him being the president of the free world and all, but it does make me sad. It stood out to me, though, that Stoddard said that "we" would have no reason to go after Haley. Not just the First Lady, who was the suspect, but "we." *files that away for further consideration*
8/18/2021 c6 40Annber03
Monk is just not having a good night here, is he :(? Not that I blame him for having such a horrible dream, of course - who wouldn't be shaken up after something like that? His worst fear is coming to pass, the idea that he could lose yet another person he loves to a violent death. I do like that he recognizes that danger is sadly a part of his life, though - and clearly Natalie's accepted that fact, too, given the risks she's taken and the dangers she's found herself in on the job over the years. So I hope he keeps that in mind going forward, and that he and Natalie can continue to lean on each other as they try to keep each other safe.
And luckily they have Preacher with them, too :). He's a good guy, I like him. Not surprised he'd have that particular nickname, given his name is Jedidiah :p. I like how he balances his work as an officer and his work as a preacher. Given all the tragedy he's been through as well, I'm glad he's got some outlets to help him deal with the pain and the loss. I really hope he gets closure on what happened to his wife and child, too!
As for the case...aha, so Jack's involved somehow, eh? I was wondering about that! Pretty risky of him to be talking about the crimes with everyone else so close by. That poor housekeeper, too - talk about wrong place, wrong time :(. I'm really hoping the "Armstrong is a problem" comment from that mysterious male voice isn't a hint of what's to come for him, too!
Good eye on Monk's part regarding the type of ink used on the note, hopefully that can get them a bit of a lead to work with. Agh! This case is getting more and more intense, I'm both anxious to see what happens next and deeply nervous all at the same time!
40Annber03Monk is just not having a good night here, is he :(? Not that I blame him for having such a horrible dream, of course - who wouldn't be shaken up after something like that? His worst fear is coming to pass, the idea that he could lose yet another person he loves to a violent death. I do like that he recognizes that danger is sadly a part of his life, though - and clearly Natalie's accepted that fact, too, given the risks she's taken and the dangers she's found herself in on the job over the years. So I hope he keeps that in mind going forward, and that he and Natalie can continue to lean on each other as they try to keep each other safe.
And luckily they have Preacher with them, too :). He's a good guy, I like him. Not surprised he'd have that particular nickname, given his name is Jedidiah :p. I like how he balances his work as an officer and his work as a preacher. Given all the tragedy he's been through as well, I'm glad he's got some outlets to help him deal with the pain and the loss. I really hope he gets closure on what happened to his wife and child, too!
As for the case...aha, so Jack's involved somehow, eh? I was wondering about that! Pretty risky of him to be talking about the crimes with everyone else so close by. That poor housekeeper, too - talk about wrong place, wrong time :(. I'm really hoping the "Armstrong is a problem" comment from that mysterious male voice isn't a hint of what's to come for him, too!
Good eye on Monk's part regarding the type of ink used on the note, hopefully that can get them a bit of a lead to work with. Agh! This case is getting more and more intense, I'm both anxious to see what happens next and deeply nervous all at the same time!
8/18/2021 c5 Annber03
WHOA.
Oh, my god. That note. I literally got chills. Ohhhhhhhh, dear :(. And the room being torn apart as it is, and his notes taken, and personal items being touched... I'm officially scared.
So the killer knows about Trudy, too? I suppose they did their research, but still...I can't think that's mere coincidence. Ugh. Natalie had better be prepared to have Monk watching her like a hawk.
And of course that has to happen after what had been a generally pleasant day, too! Sigh. I did love everything with the gang hanging out and having lunch together and sharing stories and whatnot, though. I'm glad they have managed to have a little fun thus far. Randy's story about the newspaper case sounds wild :D.
And awwww, Monk's thoughts regarding Natalie :). I love him wanting to see the world the way she does, and trying to learn how to follow her lead in that regard by taking time to appreciate the city and the places they're visiting. And the image of her walking down an aisle with a bouquet of flowers, and him at the end of it, dressed in a tux...oooh. That sounds promising :D!
Of course, it'll be much easier for him to enjoy that fantasy once they solve this case and he and Natalie are out of danger, so...yeah. Talk about time being of the essence! Onward we go!
WHOA.
Oh, my god. That note. I literally got chills. Ohhhhhhhh, dear :(. And the room being torn apart as it is, and his notes taken, and personal items being touched... I'm officially scared.
So the killer knows about Trudy, too? I suppose they did their research, but still...I can't think that's mere coincidence. Ugh. Natalie had better be prepared to have Monk watching her like a hawk.
And of course that has to happen after what had been a generally pleasant day, too! Sigh. I did love everything with the gang hanging out and having lunch together and sharing stories and whatnot, though. I'm glad they have managed to have a little fun thus far. Randy's story about the newspaper case sounds wild :D.
And awwww, Monk's thoughts regarding Natalie :). I love him wanting to see the world the way she does, and trying to learn how to follow her lead in that regard by taking time to appreciate the city and the places they're visiting. And the image of her walking down an aisle with a bouquet of flowers, and him at the end of it, dressed in a tux...oooh. That sounds promising :D!
Of course, it'll be much easier for him to enjoy that fantasy once they solve this case and he and Natalie are out of danger, so...yeah. Talk about time being of the essence! Onward we go!
8/18/2021 c4 Annber03
..uh-oh. Well, that doesn't sound good...
Good answer from Monk there regarding Natalie's concerns. It's Monk we're talking about here, he's always nervous and awkward when it comes to matters of intimacy :p. But I can see where Natalie would feel a bit hurt by his words all the same.
On another note, yay, the rest of the gang has arrived :D! I love the idea of them all getting to travel around together, see the sights and explore the city and everything. Y'know, when they're not busy working the murder case, that is.
I'm glad that Monk was able to instantly rule out Mrs. Stoddard. Poor woman, discovering Haley that way - how horrifying D:. Poor Haley, too, what an awful and violent way to go. Talk abut overkill with the dagger.
So Mrs. Stoddard is being framed, and the killer is taller than both her and Haley. Hm. Interesting. Sounds like the killer has some personal history with Mrs. Stoddard, then, if they're willing to go to such lengths to frame her. And I'm presuming they knew Haley to some degree, too, 'cause this murder seems the sort that would be committed by someone who had a personal connection to her, too. Will be very interested to get that list of everyone who was on the plane, and see what we can learn from there in terms of potentially narrowing down our suspects.
In the meantime, let's home Monk and Natalie are careful going forward!
..uh-oh. Well, that doesn't sound good...
Good answer from Monk there regarding Natalie's concerns. It's Monk we're talking about here, he's always nervous and awkward when it comes to matters of intimacy :p. But I can see where Natalie would feel a bit hurt by his words all the same.
On another note, yay, the rest of the gang has arrived :D! I love the idea of them all getting to travel around together, see the sights and explore the city and everything. Y'know, when they're not busy working the murder case, that is.
I'm glad that Monk was able to instantly rule out Mrs. Stoddard. Poor woman, discovering Haley that way - how horrifying D:. Poor Haley, too, what an awful and violent way to go. Talk abut overkill with the dagger.
So Mrs. Stoddard is being framed, and the killer is taller than both her and Haley. Hm. Interesting. Sounds like the killer has some personal history with Mrs. Stoddard, then, if they're willing to go to such lengths to frame her. And I'm presuming they knew Haley to some degree, too, 'cause this murder seems the sort that would be committed by someone who had a personal connection to her, too. Will be very interested to get that list of everyone who was on the plane, and see what we can learn from there in terms of potentially narrowing down our suspects.
In the meantime, let's home Monk and Natalie are careful going forward!
8/17/2021 c2 5KittyKat06
What on earth could poor Haley have gotten herself into in only three weeks that she was murdered for? But hey, what happened to her predecessor? Why did he/she quit or leave the position? Maybe he or she stumbled upon something that Haley found out and that was worth killing for. My first thought is that the First Lady seems too obvious a target-suspect, but wouldn't that be a national crisis story?! The President's Wife actually did murder someone!
So, yeah, I'm thinking the First Lady walked into something on that plane. Maybe she was witness to Haley being attacked? She did have the knife in her hand, though, could she have taken it away from the attacker or even Haley herself? Haley herself might have been the aggressor, though I don't have a clue why that would be.
I'm just theorizing out loud, don't mind me :p.
And now the President wants to use Monk and his brain to prove his wife innocent, I'm guessing :) So much for that sightseeing tour Natalie had planned! Though it's interesting that the President requested Monk, implying that he knows who Monk is and how he works, but doesn't want Natalie to come along. Hm.
5KittyKat06What on earth could poor Haley have gotten herself into in only three weeks that she was murdered for? But hey, what happened to her predecessor? Why did he/she quit or leave the position? Maybe he or she stumbled upon something that Haley found out and that was worth killing for. My first thought is that the First Lady seems too obvious a target-suspect, but wouldn't that be a national crisis story?! The President's Wife actually did murder someone!
So, yeah, I'm thinking the First Lady walked into something on that plane. Maybe she was witness to Haley being attacked? She did have the knife in her hand, though, could she have taken it away from the attacker or even Haley herself? Haley herself might have been the aggressor, though I don't have a clue why that would be.
I'm just theorizing out loud, don't mind me :p.
And now the President wants to use Monk and his brain to prove his wife innocent, I'm guessing :) So much for that sightseeing tour Natalie had planned! Though it's interesting that the President requested Monk, implying that he knows who Monk is and how he works, but doesn't want Natalie to come along. Hm.
8/17/2021 c1 KittyKat06
You and I became friends, miss Janine, at about story 9.9/9.10 of this universe so I decided I needed to binge-read and binge-review from the beginning. Leah should binge-review too if she has time; I need to know how this universe starts now that I know the big things that happen later. Hee.
Onwards and upwards...
Monk's not wrong about the ventilation system on planes, just sayin. And Natalie saying she seriously doubted anyone had the bubonic plague on-board reminded me of a Diagnosis Murder episode I just watched. Lol.
I know it's standard procedure but the notion/idea of FBI agents taking down names and contact information for the Senate majority/minority leaders and everyone that is in contact with the First Lady amuses me :D The FBI's standard answer of "we aren't allowed to say" in response to a question of what happened also makes me laugh. Everyone knows someone was murdered!
I'm so glad that Monk and Natalie made it to the hotel safely! Monk/Natalie accepted the chauffer of the limo as legit too fast for my liking considering what they'd just been through, what Monk's career is, etc. Good to know that dude really was the chauffer and wasn't kidnapping them :p.
You and I became friends, miss Janine, at about story 9.9/9.10 of this universe so I decided I needed to binge-read and binge-review from the beginning. Leah should binge-review too if she has time; I need to know how this universe starts now that I know the big things that happen later. Hee.
Onwards and upwards...
Monk's not wrong about the ventilation system on planes, just sayin. And Natalie saying she seriously doubted anyone had the bubonic plague on-board reminded me of a Diagnosis Murder episode I just watched. Lol.
I know it's standard procedure but the notion/idea of FBI agents taking down names and contact information for the Senate majority/minority leaders and everyone that is in contact with the First Lady amuses me :D The FBI's standard answer of "we aren't allowed to say" in response to a question of what happened also makes me laugh. Everyone knows someone was murdered!
I'm so glad that Monk and Natalie made it to the hotel safely! Monk/Natalie accepted the chauffer of the limo as legit too fast for my liking considering what they'd just been through, what Monk's career is, etc. Good to know that dude really was the chauffer and wasn't kidnapping them :p.
8/16/2021 c3 40Annber03
"The clock is wrong."
"It's their clock. Let it be wrong."
"They work for us, so it's our clock."
LOL, that is a classic Monk/Natalie back and forth if ever there was one XD! I could totally see them having an argument like that.
On to the more serious matters - of course there'd be the whisperings of an affair. To be fair, sadly, it's not an unreasonable theory to consider, but at the same time, yeah, any professionals worth their salt would hold off on the salacious rumors and theories and just focus on the straight facts of the situation. But that doesn't make for a good story, so...:/.
Interesting backstory on the president and his wife, too. Again, not an unlikely setup for a marriage, especially in a high profile job such as this one, and if it works for them, then fine. But I can also see the president being wary of that aspect of their lives being made public, since it would fly in the face of the relationship they put out to the world and since it would also further feed all the rumors about an affair and everything.
So yeah, if it isn't the president or his wife, then who? I'm still going to keep an eye on all the other people, sans Natalie and Monk, who were on that plane - Haley was killed on the flight, so logic dictates *someone* on that flight had to be involved somehow. Hm. Very intriguing mystery setting up here - and a very high stakes one, too. Lots of pressure on Monk, but I think he's up to the challenge :).
As for the opening bit with Monk and Natalie, oh, I didn't even think about how awkward his choice of words at the end of the last chapter might've sounded! I can understand Natalie being a little hurt, but of course, Monk didn't mean it the way it sounded, and with all the abrupt craziness of the situation, hard to really get a chance to properly explain their working relationship at that moment. He did recover nicely later, though, by calling her his right hand and talking about how he couldn't make it without her :). Hopefully that made Natalie feel a little better.
In the meantime, I'm anxious to see where this case goes! We're in for a wild ride, I can tell.
40Annber03"The clock is wrong."
"It's their clock. Let it be wrong."
"They work for us, so it's our clock."
LOL, that is a classic Monk/Natalie back and forth if ever there was one XD! I could totally see them having an argument like that.
On to the more serious matters - of course there'd be the whisperings of an affair. To be fair, sadly, it's not an unreasonable theory to consider, but at the same time, yeah, any professionals worth their salt would hold off on the salacious rumors and theories and just focus on the straight facts of the situation. But that doesn't make for a good story, so...:/.
Interesting backstory on the president and his wife, too. Again, not an unlikely setup for a marriage, especially in a high profile job such as this one, and if it works for them, then fine. But I can also see the president being wary of that aspect of their lives being made public, since it would fly in the face of the relationship they put out to the world and since it would also further feed all the rumors about an affair and everything.
So yeah, if it isn't the president or his wife, then who? I'm still going to keep an eye on all the other people, sans Natalie and Monk, who were on that plane - Haley was killed on the flight, so logic dictates *someone* on that flight had to be involved somehow. Hm. Very intriguing mystery setting up here - and a very high stakes one, too. Lots of pressure on Monk, but I think he's up to the challenge :).
As for the opening bit with Monk and Natalie, oh, I didn't even think about how awkward his choice of words at the end of the last chapter might've sounded! I can understand Natalie being a little hurt, but of course, Monk didn't mean it the way it sounded, and with all the abrupt craziness of the situation, hard to really get a chance to properly explain their working relationship at that moment. He did recover nicely later, though, by calling her his right hand and talking about how he couldn't make it without her :). Hopefully that made Natalie feel a little better.
In the meantime, I'm anxious to see where this case goes! We're in for a wild ride, I can tell.
8/16/2021 c2 Annber03
Well, that quiet downtime was fun while it lasted!
Wow, poor Haley :(. Sounded like she was really going places in her life, she was taken far too soon. Shame to hear about her parents, too. That headline is pretty damning - I imagine that's a large part of what the President wants to speak to Monk about, as naturally he'd want to get his wife cleared of suspicion. Unless he himself shares those suspicions as well? Guess we'll soon see. I share Monk's thoughts about living life to the fullest - indeed, he would know all about things suddenly coming to an end :/.
On a lighter topic, I liked the detail about Monk's morning routine as he got ready. I've heard a few of those horror stories about hotels, too, so honestly, he's got the right idea with bringing his own things and whatnot. I chuckled at how some of his items took up half of his smaller suitcase, LOL. Oh, yes, I'm sure packing for this trip must've been FUN :p.
Also love this whole thing of him branching out a little more and wanting to change up his wardrobe a bit. No doubt some of that change is due in no small part to his burgeoning relationship with Natalie, and the confidence he's developed as a result :D. The flirty banter between them was cute - it's nice to see Monk so genuinely happy and lighthearted, and being a bit more playful with Natalie and everything :). I like your description of their relationship as that of an "easy camaraderie", that's a great way to put it. And yet, I also appreciate that they're still being careful and taking things slow, given all Natalie's been through recently and everything. Lucky for Natalie that Monk's a very patient, understanding man and knows how important it is to take as much time as needed to sort through that kind of pain and grief and struggle. He'll be there for her just as she's always been for him :0. That's the great thing about these two, whenever one's struggling, they're not doing so alone, the other is always there to support them.
Also liked how Monk had to stress that he and Natalie weren't married. That's gonna be fun, no doubt, having to constantly make that clarification :p.
All right, so, let's see just what the president wants to talk about with them.
Well, that quiet downtime was fun while it lasted!
Wow, poor Haley :(. Sounded like she was really going places in her life, she was taken far too soon. Shame to hear about her parents, too. That headline is pretty damning - I imagine that's a large part of what the President wants to speak to Monk about, as naturally he'd want to get his wife cleared of suspicion. Unless he himself shares those suspicions as well? Guess we'll soon see. I share Monk's thoughts about living life to the fullest - indeed, he would know all about things suddenly coming to an end :/.
On a lighter topic, I liked the detail about Monk's morning routine as he got ready. I've heard a few of those horror stories about hotels, too, so honestly, he's got the right idea with bringing his own things and whatnot. I chuckled at how some of his items took up half of his smaller suitcase, LOL. Oh, yes, I'm sure packing for this trip must've been FUN :p.
Also love this whole thing of him branching out a little more and wanting to change up his wardrobe a bit. No doubt some of that change is due in no small part to his burgeoning relationship with Natalie, and the confidence he's developed as a result :D. The flirty banter between them was cute - it's nice to see Monk so genuinely happy and lighthearted, and being a bit more playful with Natalie and everything :). I like your description of their relationship as that of an "easy camaraderie", that's a great way to put it. And yet, I also appreciate that they're still being careful and taking things slow, given all Natalie's been through recently and everything. Lucky for Natalie that Monk's a very patient, understanding man and knows how important it is to take as much time as needed to sort through that kind of pain and grief and struggle. He'll be there for her just as she's always been for him :0. That's the great thing about these two, whenever one's struggling, they're not doing so alone, the other is always there to support them.
Also liked how Monk had to stress that he and Natalie weren't married. That's gonna be fun, no doubt, having to constantly make that clarification :p.
All right, so, let's see just what the president wants to talk about with them.