Apple TV+’s series, Bad Monkey, created by Bill Lawrence is an adaption of Carl Hiaasen‘s 2013 novel into a 10-part series. Starring Vince Vaughn as the lead character Andrew Yancy, this comic detective drama is a blend of mystery and satire. It is set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
Also Read: It Ends With Us Review: Blake Lively’s Cinematic Journey Through Love and Resilience
Bad Monkey is set in the chaotic world of Florida, a setting that is rich with potential for satire, when dealing with themes of crime, corruption and environmental degradation.
The show follows Andrew Yancy, a former Miami detective who has been demoted to the less glamorous role of restaurant inspector after a scandal involving his lover’s husband.
Yancy is not content with his new job and longs to return to his old position. His opportunity arises when a severed human arm is discovered by a tourist on a fishing trip, setting off a chain of events that lead him on a wild investigation.
Vaughn’s portrayal of Andrew Yancy is one of the show’s strongest elements. He brings a laid-back, roguish charm to the character.
Yancy is a man of contradictions, a flip-flop-wearing, wisecracking former cop with a strong moral compass and a deep-seated desire to uncover the truth.
Vaughn’s performance is both engaging and entertaining, making Yancy a character that viewers can easily root for even when the plot takes some convoluted turns.
The show has great supporting cast including Natalie Martinez as Rosa Campesino, Michelle Monaghan as Bonnie, Jodie Turner-Smith as the Dragon Queen and Rob Delaney as Christopher.
Martinez shines as a local medical examiner who is bored with her job and eager for some excitement. Her chemistry with Vaughn’s Yancy is palpable providing some of the show’s most enjoyable moments as they team up to solve the mystery of the severed arm.
Monaghan plays Yancy’s girlfriend, Bonnie, who drifts in and out of the story with a mysterious allure. Turner-Smith’s portrayal of an Obeah-practicing priestess known as the Dragon Queen is intense bringing a touch of mysticism to the series.
Her character’s involvement in the Bahamas plotline adds a darker, more dramatic tone to the otherwise light-hearted narrative.
Delaney, as a shady real estate developer provides a perfect counterpoint to the more eccentric characters.
While Bad Monkey excels in character development and atmosphere, its narrative structure leaves much to be desired.
The series attempts to juggle multiple plotlines including Yancy’s investigation into the severed arm, his struggles with a local developer encroaching on his property and a parallel storyline set in the Bahamas involving a fisherman named Neville and his pet monkey.
The intertwining of these plots often feels clumsy with transitions between the Florida and Bahamas storylines lacking coherence.
The show’s attempts at creating suspense and mystery are frequently undermined by a lack of clarity with reveals that fail to deliver the intended impact.
The Bahamas subplot feels disconnected from the main narrative. Neville’s quest to protect his home from developers and his alliance with the Dragon Queen adds drama to the series, but it struggles to integrate with Yancy’s Florida-based investigation.
Also Read: Cartoon Network Website Shuts Down After 26 Years
One of the features of Bad Monkey is its eye for location. The show makes full use of its Florida Keys and Bahamas settings with stunning visuals of white-sand beaches, sparkling blue waters and sun-drenched landscapes.
These scenes contribute to the show’s laid-back, easygoing vibe, creating a visually appealing backdrop that contrasts with the corrupt world of the characters.
The show’s cinematography enhances the visual appeal with each shot crafted to highlight the beauty of the setting.
This attention to detail helps the audience to go into the world of Bad Monkey, even when the plot itself might falter.
Bad Monkey is at its best when it leans into its satirical roots, poking fun at Florida’s grifters, corrupt institutions and the absurdities of modern life.
The use of voiceover narration by Tom Nowicki, who plays a salty, Jimmy Buffett-esque charter boat captain, adds humor to the series.
The dialogue is another strong point with the characters engaging in witty banter that often steals the show. The interactions between Yancy and Rosa are a highlight.
The eponymous monkey played by the talented animal actor Crystal, is more of a side character than a central figure in the plot.
Crystal’s performance is charming and provides comic relief with her antics and reactions offering some of the show’s most delightful moments.
Filmed in South Florida and the Bahamas, the series showcases the region’s natural beauty. The soundtrack featuring Tom Petty covers by artists like Eddie Vedder and Weezer.
Fans of the novel will appreciate the series’ faithfulness to the source material with its preservation of the book’s humor, plot complexity and character eccentricities.
While staying true to the novel, the series also introduces new elements and characters enriching the story for both new viewers and longtime fans.
Bad Monkey has received praise for its engaging plot, strong performances and successful adaptation of Hiaasen’s novel.
Also Read: Cuckoo Review: An Entertaining Horror-Thriller
