I liked this episode, but mainly because of who the 'stranger' was. It is unlikely that Monk would be a country fan I think, but he plays the clarinet in this episode and I've got a soft spot for the clarinet. It is painful to watch him (Monk) attempt to play the instrument after someone else tongues the reed, but that is par for the course with this show. It's these elements that make it a show above the usual detective fare. But again, the person that is the suspect is obvious from the start, it's just left up to Monk to tell us how it was done. I give up on caring about the crimes but love to watch Monk and Sharona interact and think they are the best duo in a long, long time on television.
Review of Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger
