***Mr. Monk and the Debates***

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 There have been many debates about Monk, here are a few of the big ones.

 

 

***Sharona vs Natalie***

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                         Schram on the left and Howard on the right.                    

 

Bitty Schram (Sharona Fleming), left the show due to a contract dispute in the middle of season three. While many said, that she was paid less than the others actors on the show, no real reason was given. Many fans were upset because of her leaving and the new arrival of Schram's replacement Traylor Howard (Natalie Teeger), best known from "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place". Producer David Hoberman said, "We fell in love with her during her audition, and we're sure the audience will fall in love with her too. Tony said: "I love the whole freshness that Traylor brings. I feel the show is intact, that it's evolving and it's the next chapter." During her time on the show, Bitty was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of her character.

 

Here's an article from TV Guide that Bitty explains why she left the show. 

 

 

Courtesy of: TV Guide

 

 

 

***Theme Song Debate***

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Beal on the left and Newman on the right.

 

Monk's theme music in the first season was by Jeff Beal, performed by guitarist Grant Geissman. The theme won the 2003 Emmy Award for Best Main Title Music. When the second season came around, a new theme song debuted, entitled "It's A Jungle Out There" by Randy Newman. A lot of fans were upset over the change. Tony Shalhoub had this to say about the new theme song in USA Today, "There's a certain thing Randy Newman has, it's the dark and mournful sound, and there's this tongue-in-cheek, darkly humorous side. It completely fits the tone of the show. Newman was awarded the 2004 Emmy for Best Main Title Music for "It's a Jungle Out There."

 

 

 

***Stellina vs Melora***

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Rusich on the left and Hardin on the right.

 

 

During the first two seasons, Stellina Rusich protrayed the role of Adrian Monk's late wife Trudy Anne Monk. When the third season came along, a new actress, Melora Hardin took over the role. Stellina has had many television credits along with a few movie credits, while Melora is probably best recognize as Jan Levinson of the NBC hit show, "The Office" . Melora is also a singer, you can hear some of her songs at her website, melora.com

 

 

 

***Max vs Kane***

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Morrow on the left and Ritchotte on the right.

 

Max Morrow played the role of Benjy Fleming, Sharona's Fleming's son during the first season. Kane Ritchotte played the role in the pilot episode and from season two intil the middle of season three, when Sharona's character return to New Jersey to remarry her ex-husband Trevor.