Eh. she's Ok. But Shalhoub's character really does make the show, which is appropriate, it being named after him and all.

I disagree with her being "okay." I think she really works terrific as the Watson character. Obviously, the star is Shaloub, but I think Schram really contributes to the show. She's not like Potsie to his Fonzie. She's more like Richie.

My boycott of the entertainment industry has been near total, but Tony Shalhoub was the only actor that I just couldn't stop watching -- even though I know he's one of the most egregious moonbats in Hollywood. I even bought the 1st season DVD.

Now I don't have to feel guilty anymore about watching Monk. Without Sharona, there's no reason to tune in.

Thump THUMP thump thump THUMP thump...My Sharona!

Sorry. Had to get it out of my system. Please continue.

This sux. She was the perfect counterpoint to him.

Agreed, I understated her. But to say the whole show has jumped the shark just because she's leaving, that seems to be leaning a bit towards hyperbole. just sayin'.

Brian,

But if you read Jump the Shark, you know that one of the things that causes a show to jump the shark is a departing actor.

What makes it worse is that the studio is looking for "a world-weary but attractive thirtysomething widow who works as a bartender." Yech. THAT is what tells me that Monk has set up a shark tank and ramp and is revving up the motorcycle for the jump. Stupid TV. It's almost as bad as when they cancelled The Agency. (And Futurama, too, but if I say that you'll all know what a nerd I am.)

Yeah, that really sounds lame.

They had Amy Sedaris in a couple of episodes as Sharona's sister. The character, as we know her so far, is sort of one-dimensional, but Sedaris is a great comic actress. They should make a play for her, rather than trotting out some "tough-talking bartender" Sharona-clone.

There's another possibility, too. In the episode "Mr. Monk Goes on Vacation," a woman played the hotel's house-detective. She was very funny, and the chemistry between her and Monk was great. Why not bring her back?