Adapted from the 2013 novel by Carl Hiaasen, Apple TV+'s "Bad Monkey" is an intriguing blend of drama and comedy set in Florida. The series follows the adventures of Andrew Yancy (played by Vince Vaughn), a beleaguered detective forced to transfer to Miami after an incident involving his ex's boyfriend and a golf cart. When a tourist fishes out a human arm, Yancy finds himself entangled in a complex murder investigation which he sees as an opportunity to revive his detective career. On encountering Eve Stripling (Meredith Hagner), the widow of the deceased, Yancy starts suspecting a deeper, darker story than what appears on the surface. The series takes an exciting turn with the introduction of Neville Stafford (Ronald Peet), a Bahamian fisherman battling property developers to save his home. Although their narratives maintain their separate pathways, Yancy and Neville's stories reflect each other, creating a sophisticated dual narrative. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, with noteworthy performances from Natalie Martinez and Jodie Turner-Smith. Their characters, the Miami medical examiner Rosa Campesino and the Bahamian Obeah practitioner Dragon Queen respectively, evolve from mere love interests to powerful characters compelling the viewers' attention.

Occasionally, the series stumbles with clashing storylines and a somewhat hasty narrative. It also struggles with an intrusive narration that disrupts the storytelling by trying to spoon-feed the audience. Nonetheless, the charismatic performances and intriguing plot make "Bad Monkey" an engaging watch. The chemistry between Martinez and Vaughan and Turner-Smith and Peet is electric, and they bring a unique authenticity to the series that makes it worth watching. While the series does battle with pacing issues and the episodes seem to linger longer than necessary, "Bad Monkey" manages to retain a distinctive charm that makes it more than just another detective series. Premiering on Apple TV+ on August 14th, the series promises to be a riveting exploration of crime, comedy, and human relationships in Florida's heartland.