In the Florida Keys, a police detective named Yancy finds himself demoted to restaurant inspector after an incident involving a golf cart off a pier. However, his return to police work comes when tourists on a deep-sea fishing trip reel in a disembodied human arm. The show, titled “Bad Monkey,” stars Vince Vaughn and is adapted from Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 comic crime novel. It is produced by Bill Lawrence, known for “Scrubs,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Shrinking.”
Yancy is portrayed as a charming but reckless character who bends the rules while managing to catch criminals. The series consists of ten episodes and presents a different tonal approach compared to Lawrence’s previous work.
While the show has its merits, there are criticisms regarding Vaughn’s performance, as he seems to deliver a variation of his usual persona rather than truly embodying a distinct character. Despite the oversaturation of content on streaming platforms, audiences may find “Bad Monkey” appealing due to its entertainment value.
The narrative unfolds as Yancy is tasked with transporting the arm to Miami, stopping for popsicles and crab along the way. He meets medical examiner Rosa, played by Natalie Martinez, who will assist him in the investigation and develop a personal relationship with him, although their chemistry feels lackluster.
In parallel, a young fisherman named Neville, portrayed by Ronald Peet, faces challenges when his beach shack is demolished by developers looking to build a resort. He seeks help from a priestess called the Dragon Queen, played by Jodie Turner-Smith, whose story becomes an emotionally compelling part of the series.
As Yancy and Rosa eventually travel to the Bahamas, their storylines converge. The narration, which provides humorous insights, adds a unique flavor to the viewing experience. Scott Glenn makes a notable appearance as Yancy’s unusually calm father.
“Bad Monkey” profiles characters lacking moral integrity against a backdrop that highlights the challenges of humanity, while the looming climate crisis remains an ignored theme.
“Bad Monkey” is rated 2.5 stars out of 4 and is available on Apple TV+.