More than 10 years after the end of the series, Monk returned to the screens in 2023 with a film called Monk, the return (Monk’s Last Case : A Monk Movie in the original version). A way to bring the actors together one last time in an adventure full of nostalgia and to please the fans. However, some characters were not invited to the party, starting with Sharona, played by actress Bitty Schram.
Essential heroine of the series MonkSharona Fleming won the hearts of viewers from the first seasons of the show. First assistant to the strange investigator played by Tony Shalhoubthe young woman was one of the most popular characters in fiction, until her abrupt departure in the middle of season 3. Overnight, the latter announced her departure for New Jersey to join her ex-husband, leaving Adrian Monk alone in the world. This led him to hire a new assistant in the person of Nathalie. However, the spectators could never forget the sparkling Sharona and always kept the hope of seeing her return one day.
A hasty departure following a dispute with production
According to several media outlets, actress Bitty Schram had left the police program unexpectedly due to a dispute with the production regarding her salary. Having gained notoriety and popularity over the seasons, the actress is said to have asked for a raise which was refused, leading to a major conflict. Faced with the channel’s refusal to increase her salary, the star is said to have preferred to terminate her contract.
For its part, USA Network had, however, mentioned a ” creative choice ” from the writers, involving the removal of the character Sharona. Bitty Schram’s management agency had then confirmed that the separation between the two parties had been done in a benevolent and friendly manner. Moreover, The actress reprised her role in season 8 for one episodewhich was very popular with the public! Proof that she had indeed remained on good terms with the team.
Why Didn’t Bitty Schram Return for the Movie? Monk ?
After finding her before the end of Monkfans believed that Bitty Schram would also sign on for the film. Monk, the return. However, Sharona’s character is only briefly mentioned and ultimately has no role to play in the story. While some fans were disappointed to see her only through a brief flashback, series creator Andy Breckman justified this choice very clearly. It really felt like we were getting the gang back together. ” he first explained to Entertainment Weekly.
« We only had an hour and a half, so we had to be a little selective, but Sharona is in the film and we’re happy to see her. I wish it was more, but she’s there. “. Fans can therefore rest assured that her absence from the film is due to a time constraint and not to an internal conflict. Her name is however mentioned at the end of the unit, where we learn that she cannot attend Molly’s wedding because she stayed in New Jersey to take care of her son and his baby. Yes, Sharona is now a grandmother!
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