A police detective named Yancy finds himself demoted to a restaurant inspector after colliding with a man and his golf cart off a pier in the Florida Keys. This sardonic premise sets the stage for Apple TV+’s “Bad Monkey,” featuring Vince Vaughn. Yancy is pulled back into his police duties when tourists out deep-sea fishing discover a dismembered human arm. The gruff captain comments, “We’re in the memory-makin’ business.”
Based on Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 comedic crime novel, the series comes from Bill Lawrence, known for shows like “Scrubs,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Shrinking.” Although Lawrence’s works often lean towards emotional sentimentality, “Bad Monkey” strives for a fresh tonal approach over its ten-episode run.
Yancy is portrayed as a witty and laid-back detective, reminiscent of characters from Thomas Pynchon or Elmore Leonard’s novels—confident yet often misguided. This premise holds promise, but the show would benefit from a different lead actor. Vaughn’s performance lacks depth, as he delivers his signature fast-talking style without conveying a genuine character beneath the surface.
Despite the quality of streaming content plummeting overall, “Bad Monkey” is likely to attract audiences looking for entertaining, if not intellectually stimulating, viewing options.
As Yancy deals with the disembodied arm, he is tasked with transporting it to Miami while making a few stops for popsicles and fresh crab. At the morgue, he meets medical examiner Rosa, played by Natalie Martinez; the two eventually collaborate on the case and engage in a romantic subplot that lacks chemistry.
In parallel, a young fisherman named Neville and his capuchin monkey lead a tranquil life in the Bahamas until developers plan to demolish his beach shack. The developers are tied to the arm that Yancy discovers. Seeking to thwart their plans, Neville consults with a priestess, the Dragon Queen, portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith, who is struggling with her own insecurities. Her storyline develops into the series’ most meaningful arc, especially in her relationship with her grandmother.
As Yancy and Rosa journey to the Bahamas, the intersecting plots reveal the series’ humor supported by an unseen narrator. The show presents a colorful array of morally ambiguous characters, set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys, an area significantly affected by climate change, which is largely ignored in favor of focusing on the human “sleazoids.”
“Bad Monkey” receives a rating of 2.5 stars out of 4, available for streaming on Apple TV+.