The author of a polemic biographic book of the star The Cobra, John Ricca, goes to a talk show and tells the audience that Cobra's fights were performed by stunts, making the fans angry with him. During the night, a ninja kills him and leaves his San Tie Kan behind. Stottlemeyer calls Monk to help in the investigation since the hair they found in the crime scene belongs to Sonny "The Cobra" Shaw, who died six years ago. Meanwhile, Monk and Natalie are having problems in their relationship since Monk does not want to reimburse her expenses in gasoline, cellphone and tissues. Randy is a big fan of Cobra and tells that there is a rumor that Sonny Chaw is not dead. Stottlemeyer requests exhumation of Sonny's body while Monk talks to the master of martial arts and Cobra's mentor, Master Zi, that confirms that Sonny Chaw is dead. Monk and Natalie go to the Cobra's Museum and to the cemetery, and after the exhumation, Monk solves the case. But the killer attacks and buries him in a coffin.
"Mr. Monk vs. The Cobra" is the first episode where Natalie works as Monk's assistant and substitute for Sharona. The beginning is silly, with Monk refusing to reimburse her expenses, but the case and its resolution is good. The encounter of Monk and Trudy is the romantic part of the show. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Monk Enfrenta o Cobra" ("Monk Faces The Cobra")