Critic’s Rating: 3.8 / 5.0
3.8
It’s all about Eve on the latest episode of Miami Vice, I mean Bad Monkey.
An excellent storytelling tool is when a series, film, or whatever pokes fun at its plot.
It’s an effective way to relate to the audience and turn a lackluster part into something better than it previously was.
The main thing to remember, though, is that the viewers should be aware of the poking, whereas with Bad Monkey, it isn’t clear if the show takes itself seriously or not.
For a series that feels like nothing is ever really happening, the writers have managed to create a thrilling and funny series that strolls through the plot like a morning walk down the beach.
Bad Monke Manages Genuine Laughs But Falters When Making The Most Of Its Screen And Scene Time
Whether Bad Monkey is a satire or not, the series should lean into it. There has been one trope after another on top of cliche after cliche.
I keep waiting for Vince Vaughn’s character to smoke a cigarette while talking about what a nag his ex-wife is whenever he’s late to pick up his kid. That’s the vibe he gives off.
In general, Bad Monkey plays like a drunken dream Jimmy Buffett is having while wearing his favorite Hawaiian shirt.
The series manages genuine laughs but falters when making the most of its screen and scene time.
There have been numerous moments with characters that didn’t do anything to progress the plot.
For one thing, Michelle Monaghan’s Bonnie Witt keeps popping up for some reason.
She is not involved in the story in any way besides knowing Yancy. Yet, somehow, she’s been in every episode for no longer than a brief chat with the protagonist.
If her character is meant to serve a purpose, the writers need to get on it.
From Evan To Eve, Bad Monkey Curates Perfectly Crafted Supporting Characters
That’s not to say that every side character is pointless. The real estate developer Evan does not serve one bit of purpose in the show so far. However, he’s one of the best parts.
The strange rivalry that Yancy develops against the man is one of the funniest parts of the series.
Honestly, they could’ve made a whole show just about Yancy and Evan’s ongoing one-sided feud.
Now, when it comes to Eve, there’s a supporting character that keeps this leaky ship afloat.
From the first episode, Eve has been the one to keep your eyes on, and for good reason.
In Bad Monkey Season 1 Episode 4, we finally see what we’ve all suspected of Eve (Meredith Hagner). That she is a badass.
Sure, she’s a criminal and a murderer, but really, she’s just a woman trying to make it in a man’s world.
Besides, no one is going to miss Heather with the weather. Plus, Rosa’s sister got a chance to deliver the weather.
Nick/Christopher may be picking up the bill, but Eve makes all the decisions.
She’ll need to be careful when poking the bear because, as we saw in this episode, Nick is a father first, husband second, and businessman last.
Florida Is A Fantasy Land Where Men Of A Certain Age Can Land Gorgeous Young Women
Now, Nick is a much more interesting character than I was initially led to believe.
At first, he just seemed like the bumbling husband who would do anything to keep his hot wife. While most of that is true, we’ve also seen that Nick has a solid spine.
First, he was a con man long before Eve came along. So, we know he wasn’t some suburban dad staying up at night wondering what his wild child was up to.
But since he met Eve, Nick has become a gun-toting bossman who is starting to use his voice. Did you see how quickly he went off on Eve?
Still, the woman did talk Nick (Rob Delaney) into cutting his arm off for an insurance scam. So, let’s not pretend Nick isn’t still the doughy, love-struck man he has always been.
Although Florida is a fantastic fantasy land where men of a certain age can land gorgeous young women. I’m looking at you, Yancy, and Rose.
Bad Monkey Has An Underlying Focus On Women Manipulating Men, And I Love It
I don’t want to disparage Vince Vaughn, but come on! In what world does that yeti attract a woman like Rosa?!
She’s funny, intelligent, witty, gorgeous, and has a great, albeit morbid, job. She can certainly do better than the food detective with no car and a huge dog bite on his ass.
Bad Monkey is pulling out all the tropes because sex in a morgue never happens. At least not between two sane and fully functioning adults.
That scene both took me out of the story and also affirmed my theory about one of the central themes of Bad Monkey.
The show has an underlying focus on women manipulating men, and I love it.
Eve moves Nick around like a chess piece, Bonnie and Rosa could make Yancy cut off his toe and use it to go fishing with, and the Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) could make Neville piss in his pants with a look.
Speaking of the Dragon Queen, it looks like Nick and Egg are already in the magic lady’s crosshairs.
Do you think it’s possible the curse on Nick isn’t taking hold because Neville told the Dragon Queen the man’s name was “Christopher?” Just a thought.
I also have to give it up to the production team. They did a great job of hiding Nick’s missing arm.
They managed to conceal it seamlessly until the fourth episode. They even had him ride up on a bike and shoot a guy in the head at point-blank range without revealing the missing limb.
He’s doing a lot better than Zach Braff, though. I don’t know what kind of strings had to be pulled to bring him in to play Izzy, but it was worth it.
The actor pulled out all his comedic chops, from expressions to perfect timing; Zach Braff was hilarious.
Sadly, we probably won’t see his character again unless there are more flashbacks, but I doubt the show will try to milk the actor’s appearance that much.
While this Apple TV+ series isn’t in danger of winning any awards for stellar writing or acting, the series is still fun to watch.
We’re just about at the mid-way point of the show. That means something big will likely happen soon. After that, there may be a lull in pace, but that’s normal.
Most shows will experience a decline in momentum as the story goes from the beginning to set up for the end.
Either way, crack open a cold one and enjoy this casual ride down a river of lies, murder, and mango-flavored popsicles.
Do you think Izzy’s death is going to be pinned on Yancy?
Is Eve going to overreach and try to get rid of Caitlin?
Drop a comment below to let us know, and join me again when I review the next episode of Bad Monkey!
