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Stanley Kamel, Doctor Kroger on “Monk”, has passed at 65

Its weird the things you don’t think others really pick up, but when stuff like this hits the news you realize who really pays attention

Longtime TV actor Stanley Kamel, who has played a number of creepy characters and most recently was the long-suffering psychiatrist on Monk, has died of a heart attack at age 65.
Monk’s psychiatrist passes at 65

I got eight contacts today (so far) that Stanley Kamel had passed. I guess people realized I am a HUGE fan of Monk. I know a few people, such as my parents and Donna, knew I liked of the show but I didn’t realize I had dropped hints to others, or had posted online that I was so fond of the show. Its one thing if a major character passes, but its another for a tertiary one to go like this and people still keep you in mind.

Honestly? I think it will be great for the program. For Season 5, we’ll see the show start again with Adrian devastated by the death or “relocation” of the psychiatrist he’s had for over a decade. There will probably be a sub-plot of replacing him, and going through a handful of substitutes until he finds a new doctor to fill the void. Probably one that offers a new slant on his condition. I forsee the search taking 2 episodes minimum, but probably 4-6 to make it clear that the change is difficult for Monk.

With today’s networks and low American attention span? I’ll settle on 3 episodes. If USA and NBC try to do it in 1, I’ll be very disappointed.

Charles Kroger wasn’t a primary character in the show, but still an important one. I’m sure the writers will have another psych cast, because leaving him out from the remainder of the series would leave a noticeable void.

Godspeed, Doctor Kroger. You will be missed.