Mark Teich

Picking up approximately three years after the Season Six finale, Jess and Nick return from a European book tour for “The Pepperwood Chronicles.” Schmidt and Cece celebrate their daughter, Ruth’s (Rhiannon and Danielle Rockoff), birthday with a party, where Jess runs into her ex, Russell (guest star Dermot Mulroney). Meanwhile, Winston and Aly (guest star Nasim Pedrad) try to pick a pregnancy photo.

Inspired by her late grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit, Natalie decides that Monk needs to go into business for himself as a private investigator. Monk is surprised to learn that Natalie has already taken the initiative and rented out an office, complete with decor straight out of a Hollywood detective movie. Monk tries to object, but with Natalie's enthusiasm and so much already in place, he can do nothing but wait in his new office for his first client.

When he discovers the Weasels having a toxic waste fight at school, Principal Jenkins deduces that they are terrible influences on Tripp. Horrified that Beth left the rockers to look after her son, Jenkins sends a social services rep to investigate.

Jerry is defending a family man accused of murder, but the only eyewitness who can prove the man's innocence is stuck in Guatemala. There are those within the system working to keep him there. Michelle finally has the chance to try her first murder case after the primary attorney dies unexpectedly. But she risks forgetting that her first priority is not to get a murder conviction but rather to be a good lawyer. Meanwhile, Richard is defending a young man who is accused of assault in a racially charged case. Charlie runs into problems when a former lover turns up in Judge Kessler's courtroom.