Goodbye, Mr. Monk

Sharona...Is...Back!

I almost can't even believe it! In just a few hours, Sharona will be back on Monk! It's crazy! And, honestly, I know this isn't even the last episode, but in a way it kinda feels like it already and I seriously want to cry. Maybe it's just the fact that I know this is the Sharona closure episode which also means this being the last season is really, really, really sinking in. Also, seeing Sharona and hearing Sharona in the commercial just reminds me how much I've missed her as a character. I've always been a very big fan of Natalie and clearly ship Monk/Natalie, but I don't know if I've ever considered Natalie a replacement for Sharona like some have. I know there's the whole heated Sharona vs. Natalie war, but to me they will always be strong characters that each had different things to bring to the series. No matter what terms Bitty Schram left on, it doesn't affect the character she played. At least, not to me.

Wow, I could go on and on, but first, here's the epic commercial followed by the actual episode commercial (both of which make me squee until I'm out of breath, hehehe):

Don't you just love it!? It absolutely warms my heart to hear Sharona say, "Hello, Adrian." and to then hear him respond, "What year is this?" And just hearing Sharona use his name really, really gets me. As much as I love Natalie, that's always been one thing that bothers me. I think Adrian is a gorgeous name and it's not used nearly as much as it was when Sharona was on the show and that makes me sad... But no time to be sad. What about that second commercial? Don't you just LOVE the epic intro? "I'll never forget you." "You never forget anything." Wow, just wow.

Okay, now for some more video spam. Who wants clips from tonight's episode? Honestly, I don't know if I advise watching them, because they *might* take away from the magic of the episode, but if you're like me and get even more excited by spoilers, then watch at your own discretion.

Clip 1: Sharona's Big Entrance (if you watch this, you'll see the exact moment when Sharona returns into Adrian's life).

Scene from Monk on USA Network – “Mr. Monk and Sharona” ... - Watch more Funny Videos

Clip 2: Monk still hasn't changed (if you watch this, you'll get some back info on what Sharona's been up to as she tells Adrian).

There is a third clip in which Natalie Meets Sharona, but I can't find the embed code. If you really, really want to see it, check out the Monk Facebook page: http://lite.facebook.com/monk

Now...is anyone else as angry as I am that USA Network let these clips leak? Hahaha, I know, it's my fault for watching them, but I am a little afraid that now it won't mean as much when I see these clips tonight. On the other hand, I'm about to burst wanting to see them "for reals" tonight, lol. Also, if you watched clip number 2... feel free to read ahead. If you didn't watch clip number 2...this is the end of the blog ;)

SPOILERS AHEAD! TURN BACK NOW!!

OKAY! So Trevor and Sharona are separated for good!? What the heck! Why didn't she ever come back? Does this mean that she just really didn't want to? I hope the writers explain this! On the other hand, I'm like freakin' excited because I seriously want Sharona/Randy-ness in this episode! And if she's not married, it won't be as weird. *crosses fingers* Please, please, please, be Sharona/Randy-ness!

Well, that's all for now. I will probably blog again as soon as I can after the episode ends!

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Mr. Monk Goes To Group Therapy (Blog Along Commentary)

Since it was so fun last time, I thought I'd do another blog along this week too. Can you believe it? This is episode 8! Half way through the final season. *tears* Also, they wrapped the final week of shooting today :( But very appropriate given it's Tony Shalhoub's birthday. Speaking of, tonight's episode was actually supposed to be Happy Birthday, Mr. Monk. Guess U.S.A. missed the memo.

Okay, well it's on now. Hmm, curious. Uh oh, this can't be good. I'm guessing she's gonna die... You know, I think I probably wouldn't have even bothered to put on a towel. I mean if you were really freaked and wanted to shut the door asap...just saying. But given the fact that this is television, I guess that wouldn't have been a good idea :P

1 dish! A draught, eh? I really like Nat's dress. So different from what she usually wears, you know. Stupid HMOs...is this a covert way of pushing the health care reform?

BIG FAST TALK! So is Adrian really poor or something? Or is he just super cheap. After all these seasons, I'm still not sure, lol. GERMOPHOBIA! Pass! We have to cure something :P The door was locked and the key didn't fit, that's hilarious! Fear of bees in blenders...*cricket cricket*

I think Nat is wearing one of Monk's shirts again. I always find it amusing when she does so. She did in Mr. Monk On Wheels. Oh that crash was epic! Hehehe.

Well, well, well. Is that who I think...again? Harold! Yay! Harold! "And I don't feel threatened in the slightest." Oh, Harold, you're such a big old jerk. With any luck, Harold will be the killer... Wow, so many disturbed people in one room. SHUT UP, HAROLD, SHUT UP! Oh no he didn't. Oh no he didn't! Harold needs to stop like right now. Oh he's so jealous. "I'm gonna rezone your whole neighborhood!" Now that was hilarious.

Wow, that's a lot of product placement... I guess Windex wants to go out with a bang, lol. "Are you following us?" Well, there's the killer. Guess it wasn't Harold. Thanks for the save, Nat! "Sir, are you buying anything?" That cashier was surprisingly witty for such a small role.

Hey, the Captain and Randy have finally arrived. Oh no! There goes another member of the group. Why am I guessing Adrian is going to have to save Harold. OMG! What is the opposite of a spider? That was the funniest moment period.

The opposite killer! I take that back, THAT was the funniest moment! A falling rocket scientist! LOL! LOL! Oh no, don't smile, Monk. Don't smile *rolls eyes*

And then there were three. OMG! I seriously started typing "and then there were three" before Harold said it! No freakin' lie! Of course, the guy won't know about Monk since he joined after the fact. Hahaha, how is it up in Neven's butt? Let's all feel confused. Not quite sane. What is Harold doing? OMG! This is like one of the funniest episodes eveh! OMG! This here's what happened is hilarious! Adrian's the guy! Lol.

Wow, I can't believe that Adrian actually believes it. Okay, that makes sense Natalie. I am loving the hand fight with Nat. "God would never do that. It would make me too happy." This can't be good! Don't go in! They'll really think you did it, Monk! She's already dead of course! And there she is... With cleaning supplies? Dun dun dun, the cheap brands. There it is. OMG! Natalie! What the heck just happened? I'm enjoying the interaction! But what happened? Why isn't it affecting Monk? Aww, he's actually being sweet. Guess he learned from the voodoo curse. AH! He's been hit! Buried alive again? Only this time with Harold! "I still think it's you..." LOL. Wait...so then where's Natalie?! *panics* And can someone please explain to me why other people get hit on the head on this show and die, but Adrian never does when he's hit on the head?

And we're back to the show. That must be one very big trunk, you know? My side's carpeted. Hehehe. There's Nat. Did he think she was dead or something? I guess Harold isn't cured after all :P Aww, bonding moment. Too sweet. This is very touching. Slightly weird, but touching. Wow, that's very insightful Monk. Very insightful... "This trunk is our friend." Wow, they're totally geeking out about this. Woohoo group therapy.

Freedom! OH NO! Dr. Bell's house! "I didn't say that." "Don't ask." Lol. He's got a gun too. I'm actually loving this Monk/Harold super team :P Wow. Hey ho, let's have a therapy session because everything's hunky dory. Let's not mind we just escaped a trunk and this guy just confessed to killing three people.

Aww, Harold! Is he dreaming? Is this real? Aww this is such sweet closure for for the Adrian/Harold plot line. *tear tear* So cute. Wow, I can't get past how heartwarming that was. Of course it makes me all the more sad that their closure is just one more major signal that the series really is ending.

Well, can't wait to hear your thoughts on the episode :)

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Mr. Monk and the Voodoo Curse (Blog Along Commentary)

I thought I'd do something a little different since I've been having a hard time reviewing after the episode has ended. So this week, I'm going to leave real-time comments as I watch the episode. I figured this episode deserved a little something extra since for many fans, it's a much anticipated episode. For shippers, many are anticipating the fact that Mr. Monk is supposed to have to take care of Natalie for a change. And Monk fans in general are anticipating some sort of closure with the Mitch storyline (although there are no guarantees that it will happen, but merely speculation). Oh and don't forget Meat Loaf ;)

[Note: Tried to break up the paragraphs by scenes]

It's on! Let the commentary commence! Uh oh! The DVR was acting up and almost didn't get over in time. That was practically an emergency!

I absolutely hate it when old people die on this show. It always makes me sad. And, no offense, but the whole voodoo thing gives me the creeps. Too mystical and dark even for a crime series.

Haha, poor Monk can't get over the rearrangement. And, uh oh, looks like Natalie is about to have a heart attack. Lol! Move the furniture! Man, I've never seen Natalie so freaked! Of course, most of us already know why thanks to spoilers. Still, Traylor is doing some fabulous acting...just like last week. And omg, did Monk really just do that? And ooh, what a cold stare, Nat!

On to the crime scene. Oh poor Petey. Actually, I think Monk handled that way better than normally. I would have assumed him to literally accuse the kid more! Ooh, confrontation. She's clearly a believer O_o Dang, Nat. Dang. Next crime scene... Okay, I'm loving the Monk/Capt./Randy scenes so far. It's classic Monk seeing them working together like that.

WHOA! Natalie! Why are you taking Monk with you? Did I just hear a sharp shrill sound? Was that the squee of every Natalie/Monk shipper in the world? Yes, I think it was. Natalie, you are a liar. Just say it, Monk! Oh no, don't say it. Natalie's crying.

Another scene. Okay, since when does Randy wear blue gloves? Or is this just something I've never noticed before? Monk, please just be understanding. Okay, he's being slightly more sympathetic than usual. You know, I have a feeling I know what's going on here. Thanks, Randy. She's not coming in. Isn't that just was the level headed, brave one said? Haha. Bob's your uncle! LOL! They keep going too. Wow, Monk knows about the horseshoe thing? I didn't even know about the horseshoe thing. Aww, Natalie! The captain might be a little crazy wanting Monk to take care of her though...

Oh, cappy, isn't that the case. You can't afford the financial cure. MEAT LOAF!! Don't you know by now guys? The guest star is always the killer... ;)

Come on, Monk. Can't you see how desperately Natalie needs you :/And OMG! There's the voodoo doll with Nat's name on it! Even though, I knew it was coming. So...she's going to have her head karate chopped off? Or am I just misinterpreting? Hope to get an answer after the commercial break...

It could have been broken off in shipping. Oh wow, intense moment. Monk is promising that Nat will be okay. Here comes the Mitch backstory... Okay, it shouldn't be funny, but the whirling fan kind of is humorous.

OH NO! I can see where the cookie thing is going. And there go the Randy/Natalie shippers. My ears are officially ringing. Clearly, though, Natalie would prefer Monk ;P Just kidding, just kidding. "I'm a Pisces. We're not superstitious." Lulz!

A plastic dog funnel? Come on! Show it! Show it! Aww, Monk is trying so hard. I love you, Monk. At this point, is anyone else getting creeped out? I get nightmares just from commercials for scary movies so this is taking a lot of unction for me to sit through it (also using the blog along to keep my mind preoccupied, lol).

AWWWWWWWW! Monk tucking Natalie in. There go the squees again. These moments are really making up for the creepy factor. At least for me...a little... Traylor's a fabulous actress. After all that, Monk is just calm and collected. Good job, Monk. Don't buy the stupid voodoo stuff. Yeah, that's what you ask Natalie *rolls eyes* Hahaha, Monk you so funny.

I have a feeling Monk is about to solve the case...hahaha, hahahaha, hahahaha, OH NO! 911! 911! Didn't expect that! This is why you don't do black magic, children. So the guest star isn't the killer? Interesting.

Okay, now THIS is a good mystery. Creepy. But still clever. So that's why the horseshoe was upside down. Natalie just figured it out too! Oh Natalie! MONK! Save her! Save her! Run Monk! OH Embrace! Oh embrace! EMBRACE! SQUEEEEEEEE! Sorry for my biased blog along, but as a shipper, omg I just nearly fell off my seat. That epic embrace makes up for all of the creepiness BY FAR!

Okay, I'm back and calm...well, attempting to remain so. Oh my gosh, with Natalie's comment there at the end, how can I remain calm. Admit it Monk. You know you care :) I do wish we would have gotten more of an explanation about Mitch...

Well, that commences the blog along. Yes, this was probably incomprehensible, but oh well. I'd love to hear everyone else's opinions on the episode. Yes, even if you're a Randy/Natalie shipper, lol. Again, my apologies for getting carried away :P

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Mr. Monk and the Shippers

Okay, so I finally have everything caught up with school and I'm over my cold...so I can make time for this blog again!

Can you believe that there's already been 5 episodes? And I missed reviewing the past 3! If I were to score them, I would have given Mr. Monk and the U.F.O. a 7 out of 10, Mr. Monk is Someone Else an 8 out of 10 and Mr. Monk Takes the Stand an 8.5...wait, that would drive Mr. Monk crazy, so I'll go with 9 out of 10. None of these ratings are on humor alone, but a mixture of humor, heart, storytelling, semi-believability, etc. If I were voting on humor alone, I would have given U.F.O. a 10, Someone Else an 8 and Takes the Stand a 7.

Anyways, so why is my post titled, Mr. Monk and the Shippers? Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I think the writers have definitely been teasing Monk/Natalie and Natalie/Randy shippers both a lot this final season. Before, it was every now and then, but the past 3 episodes alone have been very Monk/Natalie driven with hints of Natalie/Randy thrown in. Are the writers trying to appease both parties? What do you think?

Are you a shipper of either couple or a different pair? What have been your favorite moments that hint in favor of your ship since the start of the new season?

As a Monk/Natalie shipper myself, I would have to say my favorite moment was the bellybutton banter at the end of U.F.O. If you're also a Monk/Natalie shipper, you might like to check out this fanmix (by moi) here: http://community.livejournal.com/jjtower/3024.html

Or you may be interested in my latest Monk/Natalie fanvideo, set to the song My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson. This is also the first "single" for the upcoming fanmix, "Losing That Girl" which will take a slightly more melancholy look at the pairing.

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Back To School Monk Style...

School just started back up. Which is the reason why I did not get around to posting a review for the absolutely FABULOUS episode, Mr. Monk and the U.F.O. Believe me, it's now possibly in my top 10! Or at least top 20...

Between scrambling to get books, trying to get adjusted to new schedules, etc. I haven't had much time to do anything Monk related. And that makes me sad. So, I've decided that tomorrow, I will make a Monk Megapost to make up for a week long absence.

Anyways, in my Tuesday morning Theater Appreciation class, we had to do improv introductions. Well, one guy created himself as a character that was definitely a cross between Rain Man and Adrian Monk. We then all talked about him being like Monk for a few minutes. It was definitely a cool way to start off the school year! When he did his character, he even didn't want to shake anyone's hand, lol. He wiped it off on his shirt!

So, anyone else a fan of Monk and heading back or already back in school? Do you have any Monkish stories? Have you ever been out and public and suddenly think, "Wow, this is just like Monk!" or something similar? If so, feel free to share :)

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Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man review

Okay, it's time to review latest episode of Monk. Would have done it Saturday morning, but my weekend (well actually all of last week) was pretty crazy. If you haven't seen it, be warned since this will definitely contain spoilers!

All episode scores are on a scale of 10 because Monk would want it that way :)

I would give Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man 9 out of 10 stars. This episode was classic Monk. The mystery, the heart, the humor, and everything else in between made for what, as I expected from the preview, should have been the season premiere. The only thing that I think kept it from being the season opener is the lack of heaviness. I guess they decided something slightly "fun" would be more appropriate.

First up, the mystery. Maybe I was just being incredibly slow, but for the life of me, I could not figure out what the murderer's motive was. Yes, I knew instantly that the two cases were connected, but I never suspected that he accidentally ran over Ansara and then "had" to go murder the housekeeper who overheard it. They did a good job of keeping the mystery a little more hush hush than usual.

Of course, next comes the heart. From the very first moment Ansara came onto the screen, I seriously wanted to cry. I don't know how they did it, but they did an excellent job of developing a very strong connection to this woman within only the opening scene. I knew she was going to die, but seeing the kind of character she was, it made me just as angry as Samuel or Monk! Maybe I'm just crazy, but it was like Kevin Dorfman (okay, a little less) all over again. Also, there was some other heartwrenching moments, all of which shared between Monk and Samuel. The moment Samuel explained to Monk about his wife was very endearing. Monk allowing him to touch him, smoke in his house, etc. was all very nice. Then there was the Monk breakdown in the back of the truck. It was sad to hear him say he doesn't feel Trudy anymore. And finally, the closing scene where Samuel told Monk he was next...epic dialogue...epic foreshadowing!!

Now, as much as this episode literally had me on the verge of shedding a few tears, it had some very humorous moments to balance it out. And, in my opinion, the humor wasn't forced. The laughs were more reminiscent of the good old days (not that I'm saying the show still doesn't make me laugh!!). I love subtle humor. For instance, I love when Captain Stottlemeyer plainly told Monk to "shut up." It was cutting, but witty. Similarly, the "San Francisco treat" line from the Captain was good for a laugh. I also enjoyed the teasing/biting remark that Natalie made in the beginning to Randy about impressing the CSI lady. I wish I could remember it word for word, but having only seen the episode once, I can't. Then, there was the absolutely hilarious moment with Monk and Samuel in the back of the truck where Samuel asks if Monk can put his hand in his pants. I usually don't like drawn out jokes, but when they were silent for so long, I actually thought my t.v. screen had froze! No kidding! BUT when Monk finally answered with a leary "yes" I nearly fell out of my chair as did my dad who was watching it with me. This was one of those times when delaying the punch line was genius.

So, overall, I was much more impressed with this episode than Favorite Show. I can definitely see myself wanting to watch this one on box set someday in the future. Now, I can't wait for this week's episode, Mr. Monk and the U.F.O. It definitely looks interesting to say the least.

What did you think of Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man?

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Mr. Monk's Favorite Show (Review)

Okay, it's time to review the final Monk season opener that will ever air. If you haven't seen it, be warned since this will definitely contain spoilers!

All episode scores are on a scale of 10 because Monk would want it that way :)

My score for Mr. Monk's Favorite Show is 4 out of 10. Yes, that horrific. From the lack of warning under the PG rating (e.g. L,D,S,V) of what to expect to the shocking lack of flow this episode seemed to have, I would have to say I label this episode as not only forgettable, but possibly the worst opener of all 8 seasons. At least The Other Detective and The Actor (also relatively lame openers of the past) had Jason Alexander and Stanley Tucci to make up for lack of real flare.

My first nitpick of this episode was the amount of suggestive material it contained. Now Monk has never been entirely innocent (it probably only appears that way in comparison to every other show on t.v. these days), but this episode seemed to push the envelope further than previous episodes. In fact, the entire first half an hour was nothing but innuendo after innuendo. Maybe they were going for the shock value, but, honestly, I felt just as embarrassed as Monk must have in this episode. The only bright side of the use of the dirty book was it gave the best dialogue of the episode: when Mr. Monk asked Natalie to burn his eyes out with her hot tea or said that everyone in the world had a motive to kill her.

Similarly, even if the suggestive material wasn't a turnoff for everyone, the fact that the entire story plot was based on nothing more than the questionable outcomes of child stars just seemed a little bland. Most of us already know what happens thanks to "Where Are They Now" specials and tabloids. And most of us have probably learned the hard way just like poor Monk that nothing is as it seems on any show past or present. But to make an entire episode about it? I'm beginning to understand what the writers meant when they said they were running out of ideas.

More proof that this episode was creatively shallow was the strange flow it had. The show within the show (Cooper Clan) segments came on without any warning which is okay, but seemed to drag on before getting to the point. It felt filler-ish. Also, the bit where Natalie was knocking on the already deceased man's door expecting an answer...I can't really tell if that was a joke or if the writers put it in and Tony Shalhoub adlibbed realizing it was an error on their part. Either way, it had me and my family stumped for a second as we watched on. We all looked at each other like, "Wait, isn't he dead?" It was just plain weird. And in my opinion the whole episode seemed that way.

Now, I'm not saying I didn't like this episode at all. In fact, had it not been dragged out so long, the Cooper Clan summation would have been the best part of the episode, and possibly one of the best episode summations ever, as Mr. Monk started telling the poor kids the tragic fates they would grow up to endure. And Monk shouting at the laugh track was a brilliant touch. But, again, did he really have to stand at the door listening to the applause for so long? That was at least a minute of wasted time, and then adding the incredibly long hug to boot?

Overall, this felt like a 3rd episode into the season kind of deal, and was hardly worthy of being the final season premiere. But, hey, those are just my opinions. What did everyone else think? Do you think this episode was awesome or are you like me and feel like it could have been better off aired later - or not aired at all?

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Tomorrow!! Tomorrow!! Tomorrow!!

I'm posting tonight because I will be sitting in front of the t.v. watching the Monk marathon tomorrow :) I won't post again until after the first episode has aired.

It seems so surreal. I can't believe that in almost 24 hours, the last season will have begun. For those who just can't wait until tomorrow, check out this YouTube playlist featuring clips from the season premiere episode, Mr. Monk's Favorite Show.

Also, if you don't want to be spoiled by watching that, or feel like you just need more Monk to hold you over (after all, premiere days just seem to drag on and on, right?) here are two fanfiction links...

Trudy's Bracelet - A Monk/Natalie oneshot based on Mr. Monk Goes to the Bank.

Mr. Monk Faces the Future - The first oneshot in The Mr. Monk and Julie Chronicles.

Okay, I'll be honest, those fanfiction links are to my works. But I figured, why not :) I would have posted a new fanvideo I wanted to get up before the premiere, but unfortunately, I just couldn't get it finished due to my current lack of laptop and having to share the desktop. But I'll definitely get it up before the second episode airs!

Well, the countdown's officially at epic stage, so see everyone sometime after the premiere :)

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Mr. Monk is on the Run Fanvideo

Okay, so I am pretty bored as I countdown the hours to the final season premiere. So, I've been taking out my boredom in creative ways. First up, a fanvideo solely for the "Mr. Monk is on the Run" episodes. I know it's been like a year and a half since those episodes premiered, but even to this day when I watch them, it's like watching them all over again. I know Mr. Monk is always going to win in the end, but I can't help watching from the edge of my seat, lol. It's definitely timeless.

Anyways, this video is set to a song that I'm not 100 percent a fan of (it's annoyingly catchy in my opinion), but as soon as I heard the lyrics, my mind kept coming back to these two episodes particularly and thus the idea was born. The song, Lost In Your Own Life, is by Alexa Vega. It's from the new ABC Family series, Ruby and the Rockits.

Like just about everything Monk-related I do, this video consists of Monk and Natalie as opposed to all characters. However, unlike most Monk/Natalie things I do, this one can be taken as either platonic or shippy - at least it can go either way in my opinion. So if you prefer one over the other, I hope you still give this video a chance.

This is just one of many fanvideos to come :) By the way, I want to remind everyone that starting tomorrow morning, there will be miny 2-3 episode marathons of Monk starting at 6 a.m. EST. This will go on until Friday. On Friday, the marathon will go for most of the day (still starting at the same time of morning).

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Top 10 Favorite Episodes

According to the Monk Countdown Calendar, there's 10 days to go! 10...such a great number ;) So it's inspired me to try to come up with my top ten favorite episodes. So, here's my top ten- man, it's REALLY tough to pick ONLY 10!! - ...

Mr. Monk and the Big Reward
Mr. Monk Can't See a Thing
Mr. Monk and the Election
Mr. Monk is at Your Service
Mr. Monk Gets Lotto Fever
Mr. Monk Goes to the Bank
Mr. Monk and the Other Brother
Mr. Monk Is on the Run (Part 2)
Mr. Monk and the Game Show
Mr. Monk Visits a Farm

Wow! Like I said, that was really, really hard. I love almost every episode just about equally. And picking the number 9 and 10 spot was probably the hardest. Also, I love Sharona, don't get me wrong, but I just prefer the storylines of the later episodes.

Other episodes that could have easily made the last two spots if not for just a few minor reasons: The Other Detective, The Kid, On Wheels, Goes To The Dentist, Takes His Medicine, and The Garbage Strike.

Feel free to share your own top ten, if possible, or just a few favorites if coming up with ten is too much of a task.