Florida has become a renowned backdrop for chaotic crime dramas, showcasing a blend of lenient law enforcement and tropical vistas. This setting has inspired various series like “Claws,” “Palm Royale,” and “On Becoming a God in Central Florida.” Author Carl Hiaasen has adeptly captured this essence, making his 2013 novel “Bad Monkey” a fitting choice for adaptation. The result is a 10-episode comedy series on Apple TV+, which mirrors the quirky charm of its characters through the lens of Vince Vaughn’s Andrew Yancy, a detective based in the Florida Keys whose bemusement overshadows his troubles in love and career.
“Bad Monkey” was crafted by Bill Lawrence, well-known for creating “Scrubs.” With Apple’s backing, following the success of “Ted Lasso,” Lawrence brings a fresh perspective to the absurdities of drug smuggling, land disputes, and insurance scams while maintaining his signature humor.
Yancy’s troubles escalate when he is placed on suspension after an incident involving his girlfriend’s husband. He receives a task that may redeem him: transporting a severed arm found off the Keys to Miami. Successfully resolving this case could lift him from his current job as a food inspector.
However, Yancy complicates matters as his chatter and curiosity lead him to flirt with medical examiner Rosa while pushing her to declare the arm’s origin a potential homicide. Once the arm’s owner is identified as a dubious businessman named Nick Stripling, Yancy begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, ignoring his partner Rogelio’s warnings to back off.
The show smartly resolves key questions early on, clarifying that “Bad Monkey” is not a conventional mystery. A mid-season flashback reveals how the arm came to be in the Caribbean, along with Yancy’s troubled history in the Miami Police Department. This structural choice allows the narrative to focus more on the dynamic between Yancy and his targets rather than dragging out suspense unnecessarily.
Vaughn has expressed nostalgia for the R-rated comedies of his past. After appearing in the recent season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and following a mixed reception from his role in “True Detective,” he has found a new groove in television. Although Vaughn’s performance may seem at odds with the relaxed setting of the Florida Keys, his portrayal of Yancy shares similarities with Natasha Lyonne’s character in “Poker Face,” showcasing an obsession that drives the narrative forward.
The series also features subplots in the Bahamas, where the unrepentant Eve has run off with her boyfriend and is determined to develop a beach resort. This storyline explores the effects of American interference on local residents, expanding on the novel’s premise. Characters like Egg, a local enforcer, and Gracie, an obeah mystic, add depth to the narrative, although the Bahamian scenes occasionally lack Yancy’s frenetic energy.
“Bad Monkey” embodies the concept of summer television—a light yet engaging series that offers a pleasant diversion. With an ensemble cast that includes eccentric characters who contribute to the overall atmosphere, it provides a blend of comedy and intrigue. Yancy epitomizes the carefree spirit of the show as he lounges with a view of the ocean, inviting viewers to experience that same relaxing vibe.
The first two episodes of “Bad Monkey” are currently streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes released every Wednesday.