Explaining The Randy Disher Project Reference in Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie

The re-introduction of Leland Stottlemeyer in Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie came with a reference that may have perplexed some fans. It was a blink-and-you-missed-it moment for some, an innocuous throwaway line for others, and a highly appreciated inside joke for Monk fans at the same time!

One of the best parts of Monk is its overarching – and often absurd – dedication to the show's history. Credit it to the series' writers, showrunners, and the cast themselves, but Monk is among the tightest-written shows ever made. Of course, seeing as how the majority of the cast and crew went on to create Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie, fans were treated to more of the same with the film.

RELATED: Where You Can Watch Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie And What To Expect From It

SPOILER ALERT: The Remainder of this article will discuss the plot of Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie.

During a pivotal scene in the movie, Monk, Natalie, and Randy Disher arrive at a suspect's home – only to be stopped in their tracks by two security guards claiming to be huge fans of the Randy Disher Project! 

Of course, it was quickly revealed to be a prank by Leland Stottlemeyer, but that's neither here nor there. In that moment, Randy's reaction was real – and hilarious.

It's clear the writers wanted to give longtime fans a much-deserved easter egg with the Randy Disher Project reference. Still, many newer fans of Monk (as well as anybody with a less-than-stellar memory) probably need a refresher on what the Randy Disher Project is – thankfully, you've come to the right place. 

Although Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford) was often musical (to put it generously) throughout the series, fans were treated to the only glimpse of The Randy Disher Project in the season four episode "Mr. Monk Goes to the Dentist," which gave them a compelling look at the band Randy formed and their music video for their song "I Don't Need a Badge." 

While the reactions of Monk, Natalie, and Stottlemeyer are hilarious in their own right, we love Randy's hapless explanation of his failed musical endeavor even more:

"The band broke up anyway. We couldn't agree on anything. The name, what kind of music to play, or whether or not I should shut up."

(Sadly, the actor behind the character of Disher, Jason Gray-Stanford, never won an award related to his flawless comedic timing.)

The music video was so bad that Stottlemeyer quickly (and easily) coaxed Disher to return to the force after resigning from his lieutenant position earlier.

So there you have it – it's clear that even years removed from a joke revolving around Randy Dasher's hilariously misguided attempt to start a band, the Monk writers can't help but poke fun at one last time in their feature-length reunion. 

Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie and the entire original series's award-winning 8-season run are now streaming on Peacock.