On Sept. 5, the USA network series “Monk” hit 100 episodes.

Ever since the series began on July 12, 2002, Mr. Monk has become a familiar and favorite character in homes across the nation.

What is so enjoyable about another detective show? Monk, played by actor Tony Shalhoub, is no ordinary Sherlock Holmes. With amazing photographic memory, and a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder, Monk entertains audiences by solving crime cases in a delightfully unusual way.

Ever since the season premiere of the series, Monk has debuted a new phobia, quirk or fear in each episode. Monk’s lines are not particularly funny, but the way actor Shalhoub handles the role of expressing each piece of Monk’s character keeps the laughter flowing.

During the 100th episode, a nice tribute was done for Shalhoub’s character. In the episode, the television show “In Focus” decides to film Monk solving his 100th crime case. While filming the show, Monk realizes that out of a series of three murders in the 100th crime, one of them seems unlinked with the other two. Monk soon realizes that his 100th crime case really has an extra crime case attached, and the murderer sits right under his nose.

For anyone who has missed this series, the box sets are available at any Wal-Mart store or Target store. Episodes are also available online at the USA network’s Web site. Reruns of the series can be found every day on the USA network at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. with new episodes every Friday at 9 p.m. No doubt, Shalhoub deserves another 100 episodes as Monk, the witty but highly irregular detective.