‘Bad Monkey’ Recap: ‘The Floating-Human-Body-Parts Capital of America’ & ‘A Hundred Bucks Says You Won’t’

8/16/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Vince Vaughn as Detective Andrew Yancy in Episode 101 of ‘Bad Monkey’ – ‘The Floating-Human-Body-Parts Capital of America’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Bad Monkey’.

We are taught from a very early age, to treat the vast majority of jobs we do, with minimal reverence. For each of us harbor a dream or expect to find a job that calls to us and fulfills us. So, it is best that everything before the big one is given minimal thought. For those side gigs just provide a paycheck and not the peace and wonder that we will find when we finally grab hold of the dream or the right job for our very soul. But alas, while we hold to that lesson often, and find real joy in the right gig when it arrives, what we don’t ponder upon enough… is what we do if the dream job goes away. Because layoffs, mistakes and surprises are a thing and well… what then?

Do we just drift because this was all that mattered to us? Do we go back to menial gigs in the desperate hope that somehow one of them will fill a void? Or do we claw our way back into what we love? Well. those are questions that are central to the new Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey. For the fascinating series premiere of this show introduces us to one Detective Andrew Yancy who is not a detective when we meet him in ‘The Floating-Human-Body-Parts Capital of America’ and ‘A Hundred Bucks Says You Won’t’. Simply because, dear Andrew has been taking part in a fling with a local lady named Bonnie and well… the jealousy from that, regarding her husband, puts Andrew in a difficult place. Wherein his badge has been pulled and where there are no guarantees he will be a detective going forward.

Which shatters his world to no end. Because for Yancy, police work, and the dream job are synonymous… to the point where he oversteps a few more lines when a juicy case drops into his lap. For someone discovered a severed arm in the middle of the ocean, and when tasked with giving that arm to the next of kin, a woman known as Eve… Yancy makes a point to ask questions about the deceased that get him in far hotter water. To the point where he comes within inches of losing his badge permanently. But a saving grace moment from that jealous husband gives Andrew one last chance to prove himself. For if Andrew can keep his nose clean and hang on for a bit as a restaurant inspector for the county, he can be a detective again. But that will be no easy task, for a shady land developer that happens to be Eve’s squeeze, is only going to deepen the mystery surrounding the case that has caught Andrew’s eye, and that may make it impossible for Andrew to resist.

Meredith Hagner and Rob Delaney as Eve and Christopher in Episode 102 of ‘Bad Monkey’ – ‘A Hundred Bucks Says You Won’t’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Which really is… the perfect way to explore who we become when we lose our dream job, and it turns out… we would be listless in nature. For it truly calls to us and energizes us and not being in the middle of what we love can damage a soul and confuse, and that is likely why this story will also speak to how… we must do anything to get what fulfills us… back. For when we find our calling, nothing else will do, nothing else will satisfy and that definitely sets up a unique battle for Andrew. One where he will clearly surround himself with what he craves while doing his best to please the brass to have the peace he so desires. The only question is… can he find balance as he digs into this harrowing case, one that also adds to the majesty of this fascinating story.

Since the murder at hand, and the bad characters in play, will clearly offer up depth and commentary on the modern world and capitalism and consumerism, and how it is transforming certain areas of the world. Courtesy of a fascinating and intersecting journey for a man named Neville, who is in the midst of a devastating land grab. All of which sets the stage for a grand crime… comedy. Because it should be noted that all of this is handled through a comedic lens, so that there’s a different kind of edge to a wonderfully complex and engaging story. In fact, the comedy draws you further into the story, since you so rarely see a crime story make use of it so often and so effectively. For it oft softens the blow of the darkest moments present, and it leaves you wondering how the jokes will work when more darkness arrives and make no mistake… it is obvious darkness is on the horizon.

Because there is a real ruthlessness to Eve and Christopher, and they will truly stop at nothing to have what they want, and they do not care who they hurt or whose lives they tear apart and all of these elements bring forth, one incredible series premiere. One that sets the stage for a grandiose case and an incredible story grounded in a beautiful blend of old school police serials, since it does have that old school 80s vibe, and the wonder of dark comedy. Not to mention, it’s home to amazing acting, with Vince Vaughn leading the charge here with a sublime performance that feels real. For his portrayal of Andrew oozes desperate need, confidence and fear, making him accessible and it leaves us eager to see if redemption is in the cards for Andrew or if a harsher lesson awaits… as season one of this magnificent series continues along. Until next time.

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