The unique circus backdrop makes this episode stand out, even if revealing the prime suspect right away shifts the focus entirely onto the mechanics of the crime rather than a traditional whodunnit.
Watching Monk navigate the overwhelming sensory chaos of the circus grounds provides plenty of great comedy, perfectly balanced by Sharona facing her intense fear of clowns. The dynamic between them shines here, especially when Sharona gives Monk a taste of his own medicine by telling him to simply suck it up and push through his discomfort.
Finally, utilizing the elephant to pull off the alibi is wonderfully bizarre, proving once again that the series thrives on clever, unconventional solutions. 7/10.
Where to watch
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