The Biggest Difference Between Sharona And Natalie Is Why Monk’s Assistants Were Both Perfect For Him

While there is no doubt that Monk was a genius, many of his cases would have gone unsolved without the help of his brilliant assistants, Sharona Fleming and Natalie Teeger. Both Sharona and Natalie came to be a part of Monk's life and the intricacy with which he solves his cases. It is hard to imagine Monk without the two assistants because they were such a huge part of the show.

Despite their similar vocation, Sharona and Natalie had several differences, even within their job description. When Bitty Schram's Sharona left Monk, Traylor Howard's Natalie was able to shine in her new role as Monk's assistant because she could help Monk differently. As Monk learned to grow around his grief, following the murder of Trudy Monk, the two women were both there for him but in their own ways. Their differences made each character the perfect companion to Monk's brilliant skills.

Sharona Was Adrian’s Practical Nurse, Natalie Was His Assistant

Monk Did Not Need An Assistant Before Trudy's Death

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Sharona was first introduced alongside Monk in the Monk pilot episode as Monk's nurse/assistant. After Monk's wife, Trudy, was killed, Monk was absolutely devastated to the point where he had a complete breakdown and had to leave the police force. His friend, Captain Stottlemeyer, hired Sharona as a private nurse for Monk to help him following his loss. Over time, Sharona became Monk's assistant too, assisting him with daily tasks and helping him solve cases. Sharona helped Monk get out of the darkest time of his life and is regarded as saving his life.

Related The Decision That Saved Monk Avoided A Huge Problem And Made Sure The Show Would Continue For 5 More Years Monk had a massive challenge to solve in season 3, and the way the detective show handled it made sure it would continue for five more seasons.

When Sharona left, Natalie took her place as Adrian's much-needed assistant, but she was different from Sharona. Unlike her predecessor, Monk found Natalie on his own. While Stottlemeyer had tried to find a replacement for Sharona, it was Monk who recruited Natalie after she was involved in a case he was working on. Natalie was also exclusively an assistant to Monk. With no formal medical training, Natalie could not take over Sharona's medical tasks. Fortunately, Monk was at a point in his mental health where he no longer needed a nurse, making Natalie the perfect replacement.

Sharona And Natalie Helped Monk In Different But Equally Important Ways

Natalie Helped Monk Expand His Circle Of Friends

Sharona and Natalie were two amazing assistants for Monk, but they each helped him in different ways. Sharona helped Monk understand that he was capable of experiencing a full life after the loss of his wife. She helped him return to his daily routines and reignited his interest in solving crimes. Without Sharona, Monk would not have had the strength to return to his job. Even though she was only on Monk for three seasons, it is clear that Sharona was an excellent but sometimes tough assistant.

Bitty Schram's Sharona left because of a contract dispute in season 3. In the show, Sharona moved to New Jersey to be with Benjy's father.

Natalie was also an incredibly important person in Monk's life. She gave Monk the warmth that was missing in his life. Natalie was easier on Monk and more like a friend. She also helped Monk expand his circle of friends and try new things, something that he was too scared of doing in the earlier seasons of Monk. Both women had a lasting impact on Monk, and while he could have been more appreciative, it is still clear he cared about them deeply.