Just saw this over at TV Guide On-Line...
OBSESSIVE. COMPULSIVE. FIRED.: When Monk resumes the second half of its second third season in January, Tony Shalhoub's OCD-afflicted alter ego will be without his trusty sidekick. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bitty Schram has been let go for "creative" reasons. Although the split was said to be amicable, there's buzz that a salary dispute may have been behind her exit. In the meantime, Monk producers are looking to add a new female character, a widow who works as a bartender. Interested actresses must be in their thirties and be open to the idea of kissing Tony Shalhoub. From inside a bubble.
All I can say is--this may be the jump the shark moment for
Monk. As great as his character is, he won't be quite the same without Shirona. It also makes you wonder if this season's
Mr. Monk and the Game Show episode that was Shirona-less was an experiment by producers to see if
Monk could work without Shirona. I think it's OK for one or two episode, but long-term it's not a great idea...
Oh, and a small note to TV Guide On-Line...I made a small edit to your story.
Monk is in the third season, not the second.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 9/01/2004 08:47:00 AM |
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