Damon Jones

Just 45 minutes away from his scheduled execution, death row inmate Ray Kaspo dies in his cell from a poisoned last meal. Monk is brought in to investigate, but turns down the case - until he receives a call from his old nemesis, Dale "The Whale" Biederbeck (Tim Curry), who is locked up in the same prison as the murdered Kaspo. It seems that Dale is a prime suspect in the murder, and he needs Monk to find the real killer in order to get the authorities off his back. In exchange for Monk's help, Dale promises to provide information relating to the death of Monk's wife, Trudy.

The Reno Sheriff's Department gets a corporate sponsor: Hotty's Restaurants.

When Jerry starts sleeping with his maid, her work begins to decline; George decides he wants a nickname.

Reagan (Christina Applegate) and Ava (Maya Rudolph) are thrown into a spiral when rival talk-show host and former friend of the show, Shayna (guest star Megan Mullally, "Will and Grace"), is suspected of stealing their show ideas. At home, Reagan develops some jealous feelings towards Chris's (Will Arnett) new female friend. Jennifer Hall also stars.

It's Award season! Larry, Rachel and Hugh are going to the Annies… while all their Groundlings friends are going to the Emmys.