On Childhood shows and Comfort

When my sister recently informed me of Monk’s arrival on Netflix, to say that I was ecstatic would be an understatement. But I proceeded with caution, preparing myself for disappointment as I opened that demonic red and black site, knowing that Netflix UK must surely boast of some advantages over its Indian counterpart. And unfortunately, I was correct: Monk had not yet arrived in India. I clicked on the Remind Me button mindlessly, knowing it held only false promises, and went on with the rest of my day.

This was only true until a few days ago, when Tony Shalhoub, a.k.a. Adrian Monk, occupied my TV screen on the Netflix home page - I realised with excitement that maybe the promises of the Remind Me button were not all that false. I settled myself down comfortably on the couch: this was a reunion of two long-lost friends; it was not going to be a brief one.

There’s a certain comfort in hearing the theme song of your favourite childhood show - in this case, the incredible It’s A Jungle Out There - after years, that takes you back in time. It feels like just yesterday when my sister and I would race back home from the school bus to be the first one to occupy the coveted spot of the sofa and put on the recorded episode of Monk that had aired last night.

I was just as enchanted by Monk’s Sherlock-esque talents today as I had been all those years ago. The show follows a brilliant former detective who lost his wife in a tragic murder that took place 4 years ago. The trauma manifested itself in the form of a severe exacerbation of Monk’s obsessive-compulsive disorder, as a result of which he was sacked from the San Francisco Police Department. We watch as he battles his condition, alongside his fiery assistant Sharona and lends his gifted mind to baffling cases as a private consultant seeking his reinstatement on the force.

I’ve spent more hours than I would like to admit re-acquainting myself with Monk and his gang over the last few days - Monk and Sharona, Captain Stottlemeyer and Lieutenant Disher, each with their share of endearing quirks that promise you a good laugh. Now over 20 years old, this heartwarming police drama has won several Emmys and Golden Globes during its run and continues to win hearts all over the world today.

Monk’s return led me to reflect on all the other shows that I voraciously consumed while growing up, and how my love for them has yet to subside. My childhood consisted of a steady diet of the charm of Modern Family, the thrill of Criminal Minds and the warmth of Schitt’s Creek, among several others. However, I can’t help but wonder if my bias blinds me from objectively assessing these shows for their real quality of entertainment.

They might not be rated a 9.8 on IMDb or have a score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the feeling of home that these made-up characters can evoke remains invaluable. From Monk’s neurotic nature to Phil’s childlike enthusiasm, and Moira’s eccentricity accompanied by Twyla’s naivety - we witness these people grow and change across episodes and seasons, inevitably holding a special place in our hearts. As the timeless magic of media continues to enthral, I’m grateful for the feeling of a familiar embrace that these old favourites can offer, steadfast in an otherwise changing world.