A hooded ninja-type figure shoots a circus guy at a café then wheels away. Stottlemeye brings in Monk who hates circuses, especially the clowns. Turns out that Sharona has a problem with elephants. Problem is that Monk's main suspect has a broken leg. It just gets silly from there on in. The episode is saved when Monk's hostility to Sharona's elephant phobia result in her going on strike (no wipes provided). Lots of amusing moments ensue. The final scene is amusing, although I wish they's explore the selfish side of Monk's personality more often, because he comes across as caring and sympathetic in other episodes when he solves cases, rather than smug when he catches the bad guy which is what I think the writers are aiming for (his 'release' when he puts everything in order as part of his OCD).
Review of Mr. Monk Goes to the Circus
