How ‘Bad Monkey’ Became the Summer’s Surprise Comedy Hit

The works of writer Carl Hiaasen, known for his over 30 novels detailing bizarre and absurd Florida crimes, have long awaited a worthy screen adaptation. On the surface, Bill Lawrence might seem an unusual choice for this task. After all, Lawrence is primarily recognized for heartwarming sitcoms like Ted Lasso and Scrubs, not for the darkly comedic noir that Hiaasen’s stories demand. However, what he has brought to AppleTV+ with Bad Monkey, a series based on one of Hiaasen’s popular novels, is a surprisingly existential treat for the end of summer.

Bad Monkey‘s plot is a mix of juiciness and silliness on one end, and a blood-chilling thriller on the other. It revolves around a life insurance scam in the Florida Keys aimed at funding a high-end resort in the Bahamas. The drama centers on Detective Andrew Yancy (played by Vince Vaughn), a fast-talking and somewhat disgraced officer who teams up with Rosa Campesino (Natalie Martinez), a brilliant young medical examiner, to uncover the truth behind Nick Stripling (Rob Delaney), the supposed victim at the heart of the insurance scam.

Lawrence reflects on the challenges of adapting Hiaasen’s novels, which are often misperceived as simple capers suitable for a short film. He brings up how Mike Nichols failed to adapt Hiaasen’s Skinny Dip into a movie despite significant effort. The mistake, Lawrence notes, was ignoring that these novels are character-driven. With the rise of streaming platforms that can dedicate multiple hours to storytelling, achieving the complexities of Hiaasen’s characters and narratives becomes a reality.

One major key to successfully bringing Bad Monkey to life was the casting. Vince Vaughn seems almost born to play Yancy, given his motormouth capabilities. The roles of the female characters around Yancy were equally crucial. In Hiaasen’s work, female characters are never just there to serve as romantic interests; they are layered and complex. Natalie Martinez and Michelle Monaghan bring depth to their roles, with Monaghan playing Bonnie, a narcissistic sociopath who hardly changes over the course of the series.

Over in the Bahamas, the story follows another intriguing plot involving Neville (Ronald Peet), who just wants to maintain his peaceful life of fishing and hanging out with his monkey, Driggs, played by Crystal The Monkey. When Neville crosses paths with Nick and Eve Stripling and their henchman Egg, he turns to an Obeah practitioner, the Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith), to rid himself of these dangerous foes. Turner-Smith plays the Dragon Queen with an intense seriousness, understanding the life-or-death stakes her character faces.

Lawrence believes that Hiaasen’s sharply critical yet affectionate view of Florida has the potential to make a significant cultural impact. This could parallel the success his late friend Elmore Leonard experienced when his books were adapted into films and TV series like Get Shorty and Justified. If Bad Monkey resonates with audiences, it could pave the way for more of Hiaasen’s novels to become streaming hits, given their unique and eccentric qualities.

Lawrence’s skill in comedy lends itself to these adaptations, filling them with warmth and relatable humor. Bad Monkey calls back to classic noir, using the Florida Keys’ red streetlights as a visual cue reminiscent of neon lights glowing mysteriously through darkness. Even if viewers don’t consciously register it, the visual subtext adds a layer of intrigue to the series.

Lawrence’s fascination with noir isn’t surprising. Even in his comedic shows like Shrinking and Ted Lasso, characters deal with intense emotional issues. Bad Monkey uses the bright, almost oppressive Florida sun to enhance its noir elements, making the setting itself a character in the story.

While noir may seem absent from modern film and TV, Lawrence argues that it’s simply evolving. Films like Beverly Hills Cop and 48 Hours blended humor with deeper examinations of social issues. Some initially criticized Bad Monkey as being too much of a throwback, but Lawrence sees that as a compliment, capturing a style that offers a refreshing break from contemporary trends.

Lawrence’s work often features characters who aim for “good enough,” emphasizing mentorship and incremental improvement, reflecting his own experience and approach. His portrayal of realistic, flawed characters provides a counterpoint to the nonstop hustle culture in entertainment. He values honesty over constant self-promotion, finding solace and authenticity in admitting struggles and imperfections.

The new episodes of Bad Monkey are available on AppleTV+ on Wednesdays through October 9.

Source: The Daily Beast