To borrow a title from kids' novelist Wilson Rawls, this has turned into the Summer of the Monkeys.
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| Vince Vaughn and Natalie Martinez in 'Bad Monkey.' Apple TV+ |
Before we dive into HBO’s Chimp Crazy and Netflix’s Secret Lives of Orangutans, fans of primate-centric entertainment can look forward to Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey, an adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s work from the streaming service’s comedy guru, Bill Lawrence (known for Ted Lasso and Shrinking).
Despite what the show and novel's title suggests, the titular monkey is not actually bad. Portrayed by seasoned animal actor Crystal—familiar from Community, The Fabelmans, and more—she proves to be quite the opposite.
Reliable for amusing reactions and playful antics, Crystal (who plays a character that appears to identify as male, though we’re not delving into monkey pronouns here) may not always seem deeply integrated into the plot of Bad Monkey, but her presence is both charming and entertaining.
That pretty much captures my take on Bad Monkey: As a mystery or semi-thriller, it falls short. Its twists and turns are clumsy, the stakes feel weak, and the resolutions, especially in the finale, are unconvincing.
However, it is wry, laid-back, and sun-soaked, reflecting Hiaasen’s tone well. With a stellar cast led by Vince Vaughn, Natalie Martinez, Michelle Monaghan, and Jodie Turner-Smith, and an excellent eye for Florida locales, it's a pleasant way to spend 10 hours.
And let’s not forget the monkey.
Vaughn portrays Andrew Yancy, a former Miami detective demoted to restaurant inspector and sent to the Keys after a scandal. Yancy's relentless pursuit of truth and complete disregard for self-preservation both impress and annoy his friend and ex-partner Rogelio (John Ortiz).
Though Yancy's professional life is in disarray, he enjoys a charming cottage on a beautiful beach and has a spirited, if mysterious, girlfriend (Monaghan’s Bonnie), so he’s generally content.
This tranquility is disrupted by a slick developer (Alex Moffatt’s Evan) constructing a massive McMansion next to Yancy’s home and a severed arm Yancy must transport to Miami. The arm belongs to Eve’s (Meredith Hagner) husband, and Yancy finds her grief unconvincing. Together with the sharp-witted medical examiner Rosa (Martinez), Yancy starts to investigate.
Their suspicion is justified, as Eve is linked to the dubious Christopher (Rob Delaney), another developer aiming to acquire property in a quiet Bahamian town. There, we meet Neville (Ronald Peet), a Bahamian fisherman who shares Yancy’s yearning for a simple life and is determined to protect the island’s purity, even if it means enlisting the Obeah-practicing priestess known as the Dragon Queen (Turner-Smith).
And Neville has a monkey (Crystal) who has a fondness for grapes and funerals.
The story is narrated by a grizzled, Jimmy Buffett-style charter boat captain (Tom Nowicki) and features an ensemble of quirky characters including Charlotte Lawrence as Eve’s whimsical stepdaughter, Zach Braff as a sleazy doctor named Israel O’Peele, David St. Louis as a soulful thug named Egg, Ashley Nicole Black as a sardonic government agent, and L. Scott Caldwell as the Dragon Queen’s grandmother, Ya-Ya.
For several episodes, the narrator attempts to connect the Florida and Bahamas plotlines, persistently suggesting it’s one cohesive story despite the integration being somewhat awkward. A “reveal” at the end of the first episode fails to uncover anything substantial, while another at the end of the third episode is more perplexing than enlightening.
There’s a noticeable clash between director Marcos Siega’s flashier, darker instincts and the writing team’s more relaxed, lighter style. The former treats Bad Monkey as if it’s meant to be a gripping show, when it seems better suited for watching while reclining in a pastel-painted Adirondack. The series is most enjoyable when it focuses on character interactions and banter.
The dynamic between Vaughn, who is a bit too mature for his role but still manages to be convincingly roguish, and Martinez, who is refreshingly buoyant and flirtatious, is thoroughly engaging. Monaghan makes intermittent appearances with that mischievous sparkle in her eye, reminiscent of her underused potential since Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, adding real heat to a semi-love triangle.
Hagner, blending sweetness with a touch of malice, channels a classic Goldie Hawn vibe—especially notable since her mother-in-law is, in fact, Goldie Hawn. Her effervescent energy contrasts perfectly with Delaney’s towering, gloomy presence.
The Bahamas storyline, despite featuring the titular monkey, is more dramatic, highlighted by Peet’s understated sincerity and Turner-Smith’s fierce intensity. These two actors receive character moments unrelated to murder and deception. However, does Bad Monkey offer any deeper insights into the exploitation of the Bahamas or Obeah traditions? No.
The show falls short of capturing Hiaasen’s satirical sharpness and his unique take on Florida’s grifters and outsiders, opting instead for mild mockery of corrupt institutions and the nouveau riche.
It’s all surface-level, but with such a beautiful surface—white-sand beaches, sparkling blue water, and condensation on a cold beer—you might find it enjoyable to spend some time there.