SERIES REVIEW – Vince Vaughn, along with an outstanding ensemble cast, delivers a standout performance in this Apple TV+ series, creating a unique noir atmosphere filled with quirky and entertaining elements. While the narrative occasionally feels a bit scattered and repetitive, the intrigue and relatable characters manage to hold the audience’s attention throughout. The series strikes a distinctive tone, blending crime, comedy, noir, and a touch of the supernatural into an effortlessly enjoyable viewing experience.

Bad Monkey hits the mark in many ways. From the very first moments, this new Apple TV+ series draws viewers in with its engaging noir narrative set against the sunny backdrop of Florida. Vince Vaughn, beloved by audiences since Wedding Crashers, gives a breezy yet impactful performance, injecting fresh energy into the series. Based on Carl Hiaasen’s bestselling novel, Bad Monkey combines Vaughn’s charisma and production savvy with the refined character development of showrunner Bill Lawrence, known for Ted Lasso and Scrubs. The series clearly knows how to captivate its audience. Like many of Hiaasen’s works, this adaptation features an array of eccentric characters. Thankfully, none of them overstay their welcome here. It would have been easy to go overboard with this colorful cast, but the series’ success lies in its blend of mystery and the relatability of its characters.

Vince Vaughn and a Stellar Cast in Top Form

Andrew Yancy, a former Miami detective now working as a health inspector in the Florida Keys, stumbles upon a severed arm while on the job. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim his old position, he finds himself entangled not only in the investigation but also dealing with a troublesome monkey. Vaughn, a fan favorite since Swingers and Curb Your Enthusiasm, excels as Andrew Yancy, a fiery detective demoted to inspecting restaurants in South Florida. It’s a blow to his ego, but when a tourist discovers the severed arm on a fishing boat, Yancy can’t resist diving into the investigation. Suddenly, he’s navigating the murky waters of greed and corruption that threaten the region’s environment.

The impressive cast includes Michelle Monaghan (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen and Slim), Meredith Hagner (Search Party), Natalie Martinez (La Promesa del Retorno), L. Scott Caldwell (The Fugitive), Ronald Peet (First Reformed), John Ortiz (Fast and Furious), Alex Moffat (SNL), and Tom Nowicki, who serves as the series’ reliable narrator and grounding presence. And let’s not forget Driggs, the monkey, who in reality is named Crystal and has been in the entertainment business longer than some of the younger cast members. Together, this team delivers a viewing experience that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

A Sharp and Witty Crime Tale

Bad Monkey benefits greatly from having top-notch directors at the helm. With talent like Marcos Siega from Dexter, Liz Friedlander from Conviction, Colin Bucksey from Fargo, and Erica Dunton and Sam Jones from Ted Lasso on board, the series is in good hands, even if the narrative sometimes meanders. The episodic structure, with its recurring setups—Yancy chasing something, confronting someone, getting scolded, and overcoming challenges—is easy to forgive. Joseph Campbell would be proud.

Yancy’s heroic journey involves untangling a major mess. He’s determined to figure out how a severed arm ended up in the water—middle finger extended, thank you very much. This quest leads him to Rosa, the self-assured coroner (played by Natalie Martinez), who doesn’t hesitate to roll her eyes at Yancy’s attempts to charm her. Eventually, he ropes Rosa into solving what looks like a deeply layered crime, even though he’s been told to stay away. Vaughn and Martinez have great chemistry, bringing a fresh dynamic to the screen. It’s intriguing to watch as this duo works to unravel what appears to be a multi-layered murder case.

Meanwhile, Michelle Monaghan’s portrayal of Bonnie grows increasingly tense and exhausted as the days go by. As Yancy’s old flame, Bonnie struggles to piece her life back together after a troubled marriage. Monaghan does a great job bringing depth to Bonnie’s tormented soul, and it would have been nice to see her character given more screen time. Alex Moffat excels as Yancy’s obnoxious doctor neighbor, whose new, glaringly yellow house is a true eyesore on the otherwise peaceful shores. This real estate subplot weaves throughout the story, and the scenes between Vaughn and Moffat provide excellent humor, while other characters tackle more serious issues affecting the locals.

Bad Monkey: A True Florida Noir

Neville (Peet) is a local guy trying to make a living while outsiders and tourists increasingly invade the area, building new developments everywhere. Neville also owns the titular monkey. The Dragon Queen (played brilliantly by Jodie Turner-Smith) is a mysterious voodoo priestess, skillfully woven into the narrative by the showrunner, who occasionally makes viewers wonder when the noir-tinged story might cross into the supernatural. All of this ties into the deep roots the locals have set in this fast-changing environment.

Meredith Hagner is a standout, delivering one of the series’ most memorable performances. She plays Eve, a woman whose life has completely fallen apart. The joy comes from watching how Eve, Yancy, and Rosa’s storylines intertwine, and whether they can uncover a potential murderer and the true motive behind the death. Overall, Vaughn and showrunner Bill Lawrence have a great grasp of the series’ atmosphere. Bad Monkey is laid-back and undeniably Floridian, with sun-drenched beaches, casual attire, and breathtaking ocean views. The series moves at a brisk pace, never straying off course, while slowly and subtly building the tension.

It’s refreshing to see that the series maintains a sense of control throughout, with characters remaining believable even in the quirkiest moments. While the series could have wrapped up in one less episode, if you’re a Vince Vaughn fan and appreciate offbeat crime stories, this is a must-watch. Any way you look at it, Bad Monkey is a delightful surprise and yet another win for Apple TV+.

-Herpai Gergely “BadSector”-