‘Bad Monkey’ Recap: ‘We’re in the Memory-Making Business’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

John Ortiz and Vince Vaughn as Detective Rogelio and Detective Andrew Yancy in Episode 110 of ‘Bad Monkey’ – ‘We’re in the Memory-Making Business’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the unconventional nature of the hit Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey, and rightfully so. Simply because, week in and week out, this show continues to surprise by offering up stories that defy the tropes we often find in crime stories, and it makes a point to take character arcs in fascinating directions and its commentary on the human condition is equally as unique. Which has given rise to a refreshing crime story, one that captured us from the get-go and has left us wondering… exactly how this case would come to a close. For an unconventional crime story should harbor an unconventional ending.

Thankfully, the show did not disappoint in that regard, in fact, it offered up a wild ending that took us by surprise in every way imaginable. In part, by bidding farewell to a central character. For in the midst of trying to strike fear into the heart of Eve in ‘We’re in the Memory-Making Business’, Gracie was fatally injured and took a little time to bid farewell to everyone on the island that touched her soul. Giving rise to the reality that there was a fair chance that Eve was going to get away with her crimes since Gracie was the last person on the island that seemed willing to stop her and well, Eve most certainly did. Because despite Yancy’s best efforts to free her accounts and smoke her out, he could not get near her and the pressure of having others stand against her, prompted her to do some drastic things.

Such as, deal with her beloved husband. Who as it turned out, survived taking half of a fishing pole into his back, with a caveat though. In that, Christopher could no longer walk, and that was a problem for Eve, as was his newfound dark outlook on life. One that spoke to the possibility he might no longer be on the same page as his darling wife, so… she drowned him. Without giving it a second thought and when the chance arrived to run, she did, and Yancy could not stop her. In part because of the danger, but also because it was time for him to not hang onto cases so tightly. Which meant, the bad gal won in this particular instance, and it took good old-fashioned karma to finally make Eve pay for her crimes, giving rise to that unconventional ending.

One where the hero had minimal influence upon the end of the villain, and where the ending wasn’t quite as happy and joyous as one might expect for everyone. After all, a father was gone and left behind a grieving daughter that felt great guilt for her actions, and Yancy… well he lost it all. His badge, his relationship and was right back where he started. Looking at gross food and drinking on the beach. But some folks found peace in this story. Since Rosa was convinced, the time had come to find herself and find happiness, and Bonnie found peace in her own unique duality. Where she was on the cusp of accountability while enjoying the thrill of being on the lamb.

All of which gave rise to a finale that resembled nothing we are used to, and that makes it a perfect season finale for this show. Because off the cuff is where this show thrives, and it sets the stage nicely for a unique second season. One where perhaps Yancy would have to look inward at last and really work on himself to have what he wants, and face some elements of his past, since Bonnie is still out there and still interested. But if by chance the show doesn’t get a second season (and we certainly hope it does), this finale deserves a round of applause for wrapping up the case in a manner that fits this show’s mold, and for giving us one refreshing and original ride. Because this really was a different kind of crime story, one that kept our attention through laughs and wonderful ideas and musings about the two sides of the human condition.

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