When Apple TV+ announced Bad Monkey, the latest series from Bill Lawrence, fans of his previous work like Scrubs, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking were naturally excited. Based on Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 novel, Bad Monkey seemed poised to deliver a unique blend of dark humor, crime drama, and Florida’s tropical allure. With a star-studded cast featuring Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, and Jodie Turner-Smith, the show had all the ingredients for success. But despite the promising setup, Bad Monkey ultimately falters, leaving viewers frustrated by its wasted potential.
A Star-Studded Cast and a Captivating Setting
Bad Monkey follows the story of Andrew Yancy, a former Miami police detective played by Vince Vaughn, who has been demoted to a restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys. His mundane life takes a sudden turn when a severed arm is discovered by a tourist, pulling Yancy back into a world of crime, corruption, and intrigue that spans the Florida coast and the Bahamas.
The show’s premise is compelling, blending crime with dark comedy set against the backdrop of the visually stunning Florida Keys. However, instead of becoming a vibrant character in its own right, the setting feels underutilized, with the Keys failing to shine as brightly as they could have. This missed opportunity is a recurring theme in Bad Monkey, where potential is overshadowed by flawed execution.
A Pacing Problem and a Script That Fails to Deliver
In today’s television landscape, the decision to release a show weekly or all at once can significantly impact the viewing experience. Bad Monkey was released in a weekly format, which typically works well for suspense-driven narratives. Yet, the series’ slow development and lackluster script make it difficult to maintain viewer interest week after week.
One of the most surprising aspects of Bad Monkey is the underwhelming script. Bill Lawrence, known for his ability to craft compelling characters and engaging storylines, seems to have missed the mark here.
The show struggles to find its rhythm, and the characters never quite come to life in the way fans of Lawrence’s work might expect. Instead of investing viewers in the journey of its characters, Bad Monkey leaves them feeling detached and disinterested.
A Disappointing Use of Talent
Vince Vaughn, known for his charismatic performances and sharp comedic timing, feels stifled in the role of Andrew Yancy. The writing confines Vaughn to a box, preventing him from fully embracing the character’s potential for humor and depth. This lack of clarity in the show’s tone—unsure whether to lean into its comedic elements or fully embrace the darker aspects of the story—leaves Vaughn’s performance feeling flat and uninspired.
However, the show does have its moments of brilliance, particularly in scenes where Vaughn shares the screen with Ronald Peet. The chemistry between these two actors hints at what Bad Monkey could have been—a sharp, witty, and engaging buddy cop drama.
Unfortunately, these moments are too few and far between, buried under a narrative that struggles to find its footing.
Visual Disappointments in a Tropical Paradise
One of the biggest draws of Bad Monkey was the promise of stunning visuals, with the Florida Keys serving as the perfect backdrop for a crime drama. Yet, the series fails to capitalize on its location. While there are brief glimpses of the beauty of the Keys, they are often overshadowed by poor visual effects and uninspired cinematography. When storms roll through the series, the subpar CGI only adds to the frustration, pulling viewers out of the story rather than immersing them in it.
Is Bad Monkey Worth Watching?
Bad Monkey had the potential to be a standout series for Apple TV+. With a talented cast, a beloved source material, and a creator known for producing hits, expectations were high. However, the series falls short in almost every aspect, from its pacing and script to its use of setting and visual effects.
For those who were looking forward to Bad Monkey, it might be best to wait until all episodes are available and binge the series in one go. Watching it week-to-week only amplifies its flaws, making it harder to stay invested. While there are brief moments of entertainment, they are not enough to save the series from being a rare miss for Apple TV+.
Ultimately, Bad Monkey is a frustrating reminder that even the most promising projects can fall flat if the execution isn’t there. It’s a series that had all the ingredients for success but ended up being little more than a cautionary tale about the importance of script and direction in television.
