In 2013, Carl Hiaasen published a crime novel titled, “Bad Monkey.” Story is about a detective named, Andrew Yancy who gets suspended by the police force. Now working as a health inspector, he learns about a severed arm of man. Although out of his jurisdiction, he resumes back to detective work to uncover clues of the man’s family. Apple TV Plus produced a TV adaptation starring Vince Vaughn. Season 1 officially streamed in 2024, (same year Dandadan streamed) it received positive reviews from critics and streamers alike. A second season will stream in 2026.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever.
Innocent & Guilty Aspects
Innocent: Vince Vaughn did an excellent job for his performance. He also served as an executive producer.
Other Cast Members such as Rob Delaney, (Peter from Deadpool) Ronald Peet, Meredith Hagner, Michelle Monaghan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Tom Nowicki & Scott Glenn (Stick from Daredevil) all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Ted Lasso, Shrinking) mapped out all ten episodes.
Humor has some hilarious moments that made me laugh.
Random Thoughts
- I’m gonna come clean. I never read the book.
- Dragon Queen’s my favorite character.
Cinematography was shot in stable condition.
Yancy’s catchphrase is pretty funny. If you know, you know.
Zach Braff guest stars in episodes 4-5.
Character Development involving Yancy.
Besides Yancy, Neville & Rosa play key parts.
Keith provides tongue in cheek narration.
The title of the book/show is named after Neville’s pet monkey.
A few Tom Petty’s songs are used in certain episodes.
Nick’s wife, Eve reminds me of Paris Hilton. She’s blonde and carries a dog with her all the time.
Guilty: Episode 8 has one flaw.
Episode 1 – The-Floating-Human-Body-Parts Capital of America
Hilarious moments with the severed arm belonging to the victim, Nick. Don’t look at me. It’s somebody else.
Yancy meets Nick’s widow on what happened before he died.
Yancy attempts to get his job back by delivering the arm to the morgue.
The name of Nick’s boat is actually pretty funny.
A flashback reveals why Yancy got suspended.
Fits and the Tantrums’ “Even the Losers” plays in the background. They’re one of my favorite bands.
Episode 2 – A Hundred Bucks Say You Won’t
Outside investigating, Yancy works as a health inspector.
Caitlin talks about the last time he saw her father, Nick. Brings up some info.
Yanchy looks for evidence.
Episode 3 – Nobody Said He Was Alvin Einstein
Yancy & Rosa visit Phinney’s girlfriend, Madeline.
Yancy’s injury reminds me of a similar scene from “Wedding Crashers.”
Neville makes an exchange to get a new place.
Episode 4 – Nothing’s Wrong With It, I Just Don’t Need It Anymore
This episode shows how Eve met Nick. Plus, was Yancy was a detective.
The reason why Yancy got suspended makes clear sense.
Plot Points from previous episodes are linked.
Episode 5 – That Damn Arm Is Back
Neville intends to deliver an important item.
With the law on his tail, Yancy relocates to a discreet place.
A chase scene ensues.
Episode 6 – Yo, Would You Tell Ms. Chase I Still Love Her Like Crazy
Neville makes a run for it.
Rosa does some investigating.
Dragon Queen has a brief hot scene. I’ll give Jodie an Extra Point for her sexiness.
Episode 7 – A Total Cat Person
A funny as heck shootout.
Flashbacks show Dragon Queen’s origins.
Dragon Queen stands up for herself.
Episode 8 – The Russian Mob Is Very Active in Key West
Right: Yancy & Rosa fly to Andros.
Somebody makes an “explosive entrance.”
A funny moment with Yancy coming up with fake names.
Wrong: A dumb moment involving a Polaroid photo. If you’re gonna embark on a mission, you can’t take a picture. James Bond would never do something stupid.
Episode 9 – You Really Don’t Want to Kill This Scrumptious Little Puppy
Yancy has a very intense stand-off.
Towards the end, Yancy makes a drastic decision.
A hurricane pops up. Thus, the chips are down.
Dragon Queen confronts Eve.
Episode 10 – We’re in the Memory-Making Business
Season Finale opens with a shocking scene.
After nine episodes, Yancy undergoes Character Development.
Without giving too much away, a key character moves on.
The last scene sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: A-
Bad Monkey’s first season is a strong start of a series. If you wanna see something good on Apple TV Plus, this one’s definitely worth your spare time. Which Apple TV Plus series or movie should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 