Apple TV+ ‘Bad Monkey’ Episode 10 Review - We’re in the Memory-Making Business

Episode 10 of Bad Monkey delivers a satisfying conclusion to an eccentric crime story that has kept viewers on their toes. Vince Vaughn’s portrayal of Andrew Yancy, the disgraced cop-turned-health inspector, is as charming as ever. His signature humor and sarcasm shine as Yancy wraps up his investigation into the severed arm mystery. It’s this mix of crime-solving and comedy that has made the show stand out, and this episode nails the balance with finesse.

First, let's talk about the positives. Vaughn carries the episode effortlessly, blending his comic timing with a more serious side as Yancy closes in on the truth. The show’s Florida Keys setting continues to provide a unique backdrop, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of laid-back chaos. The supporting cast remains solid, with Michelle Monaghan’s Bonnie Witt and Jodie Turner-Smith’s Dragon Queen offering quirky, memorable moments that keep the tone lighthearted even amidst the more serious murder investigation. The writing is sharp, with clever dialogue that veers between laugh-out-loud moments and pointed tension. The title of the episode itself—"We're in the Memory-Making Business"—encapsulates that playful irony that the show does so well, considering the characters are often creating memories they’d rather forget.

The plot progression is another highlight. Episode 10 ties up most of the loose ends from earlier episodes, bringing Yancy's arc full circle. As expected, the resolution involves unexpected twists, but it’s the way the characters handle these situations—often with a deadpan response to the ridiculousness—that really makes this finale stand out. From awkward run-ins with local authorities to unexpected mishaps involving the notorious monkey, the humor is consistently threaded through the storyline, keeping it from ever becoming too dark. This episode doesn’t stray from the quirky mix of oddball Floridian personalities we’ve come to know and love throughout the series.

But it’s not all perfect. While the episode's pacing is generally solid, some of the plot points feel a little rushed, especially in the final act. The build-up of tension, while enjoyable, resolves a bit too neatly for a show that has prided itself on chaos. For instance, some secondary characters and subplots are left with less development than I hoped for, especially after being teased in earlier episodes. The villains could have used more screen time to truly cement their motivations, leaving the climax feeling slightly underwhelming. However, this may have been a deliberate choice, as Bad Monkey has always leaned into the unpredictable.

Visually, the episode excels. The cinematography captures Florida’s sunny, chaotic vibe perfectly, and the sound design adds another layer to the immersion, from the sounds of crashing waves to the quirky score underscoring Yancy’s antics. Yet, I found the special effects involving the monkey a little distracting in places, perhaps a tad overused given how impactful the character interactions were.

Overall, Episode 10 of Bad Monkey is an enjoyable, if slightly uneven, finale to a wild ride. It gives fans plenty of what they’ve come to expect: clever dialogue, eccentric characters, and an offbeat take on the crime genre. The ending wraps things up in a mostly satisfying way, but the episode’s occasional rush to the finish line prevents it from being a perfect conclusion. Still, it’s a memorable, humorous episode that cements Bad Monkey as a standout in the crime-comedy genre, and Vaughn’s performance remains a huge draw for the show.

Final Score - [8/10]