Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5.0
4.5
Well, that’s another fascinating plot point of “the only thing about this title is the connection to the source material,” isn’t it?
Seriously, monkeys are getting further and further away from relevance.
It’s worth noting, though, that the primate who plays Driggs has some acting chops.
Still, that doesn’t excuse calling the show “Bad Monkey” since the titular character is just hanging around eating grapes and showing how easily he can be caught.
Then again, the absurdity of the show’s title matches the series’ cool and casual vibe.
While Bad Monkey is entertaining, that doesn’t excuse its somewhat uneven storytelling.
After a chaotic start, Bad Monkey is shaping up to be a story of substance and endurance.
Some shows can have a million different plates spinning in the air without any risk of falling.
These stories often involve more serious plots, such as House of Cards.
But when a show like Bad Monkeys tries to keep so many parts running at once, the results can be a little clunky.
Such is the case with this series, which is finally starting to find its footing.
After a chaotic start, Bad Monkey is shaping up to be a story with substance and endurance.
Adding more arcs doesn’t add more momentum to the plot, and it took the writers five episodes to realize that.
If nothing else, we need an explanation for why we should care that Bonnie is on the run.
The character is not on screen for more than three minutes, but for some reason she appears in every episode.
Considering we’re already halfway through the first season of the Apple TV+ series, it’s time for the creative team to cut back.
That said, the people behind the story seem to know where their strengths are and aren’t afraid to let their protagonist drive a speedboat.
Apple TV+ knows how to argue about everyone’s favorite household name
If you’re a TV fan who regularly watches Apple TV+ and its incredible catalog of shows, you may have noticed some tidbits about their shows.
Each show has a heavyweight Hollywood name. From Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon on “The Morning Show” to Rashida Jones on “It’s Always Sunny.”
Apple TV+ knows how to compete for everyone’s favorite household name. I think a big part of the appeal of these names is the creative control.
For example, Vince Vaughn was the executive producer of Bad Monkeys , and boy, does it show. I really think the director just let him improvise. This works for him.
This man knows his strengths as an actor and leans into it because he makes a career out of it.
Still, the show tries to make Yancey (Vince Vaughn) and Rosa seem logical together.
Everyone else on that side of the story is either as sleazy as Evan or as gay as Yancey’s ex-partner.
The writers succeeded by having the sleazy Detective Mendez flirt with Rosa in the creepiest, most non-consensual way imaginable.
When it comes to Yancey, I stand with Rosa’s mom.
This guy may be funny, but he’s bad news and probably the most annoying ringer known to man.
Bad Monkeys is the kind of series that has as many supporting characters as possible.
If the show wanted to shake things up, Yancey could always introduce Rosa to Alvin.
Of course, I’m only kidding because a guy like Alvin doesn’t know what to do with a woman like Rosa.
Despite this, Evan was always one of the funniest parts of the episode.
But I have to say this character is a complete idiot.
He should now set up the camera as evidence to stop Yancy from harassing him.
Now, he only has himself to blame.
Bad Monkeys is the kind of show that plays supporting roles as much as possible.
This is a good strategy as long as it works, but sometimes, you might end up with a bunch of characters standing around wasting time just to remind the audience of their presence.
The first few episodes of Bad Monkey definitely have that feel to them.
However, the focus shifts decidedly towards the Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith).
Once an ominous and elusive woman, she has become the most well-crafted and interesting character in the series.
However, there is only one other woman I can think of who could compete with Gracie in the “cunning woman” category.
Like opening a cold box, Bad Monkey is a nice, cold experience even though nothing happens
Hell has no fury like that of a woman despised, and Eve has been burned by life too many times.
For the record, I never thought their happy home of murder and fraud was sustainable, but I thought it had at least one more episode left in it.
Add me to the list of people who underestimate Eve.
While you’re at it, keep adding Caitlin. The girl was caught off guard by her stepmom.
It was a very intense scene, and because of Bad Monkeys Season 1 Episode 4, I didn’t really know what direction it was going to take.
Nick could have chosen his daughter over his wife, but you know what? He made a smart move.
Caitlin will get over it in time, you know what they say. A happy wife and a happy life.
Besides, Nick has bigger things to worry about.
First, he doesn’t even know how many crosshairs his man Egg has been caught in.
Additionally, because of Nick’s bloodlust, Yancey tracks him down like never before.
It’s not easy to make a former detective disappear.
However, before he can think about what to do with Vince Vaughn’s character, he has to deal with the old ball and chain.
If there’s one thing we know about Eve (Meredith Hagner), it’s that she won’t put up with anyone’s trash.
Just ask Caitlin. Or Heather and the Weather.
Weirdly, I thought Yancey and Neville were already teaming up by now, but I guess the writers saved that for the second half of Bad Monkeys’ first season.
Regardless, like opening a cold box, this series is a nice, cold experience, even though nothing much happens.
What do you think Eve will do to Nick and Yancey?
Do you think we’ve heard the last of Caitlin?
Let us know by leaving a comment below. Sadly, this is the last review TV Fanatic will write for Bad Monkey, but please join me again when I review your next favorite show!
