Apple TV+ ‘Bad Monkey’ Episode 4 Review - A Flashback Dive into the Past

Episode 4 of Bad Monkey, titled "Nothing’s Wrong With It, I Just Don’t Need It Anymore," takes a deeper dive into the murky waters of Southern Florida's seedy underbelly, where sun-soaked beaches mask a world filled with corruption, deception, and a twisted sense of morality.

Right from the start, this episode feels like a puzzle piece falling into place, albeit one that's been purposefully hidden under the couch cushions. The narrative swings back to the origins of Eve and Nick's relationship, giving us a peek behind the curtain into how these two morally ambiguous characters found each other and how their paths began to intertwine. The chemistry between them is electric, yet laced with a tension that suggests the fuse is always dangerously close to igniting.

Vince Vaughn continues to shine as Andrew Yancy, whose caustic wit and disdain for authority make him both a compelling and deeply flawed protagonist. Yancy’s suspension from the police force is shown with more detail here, revealing a man whose temper and penchant for bending the rules ultimately led to his downfall. It's a powerful moment that adds layers to Yancy’s character, showing us that his current predicament as a restaurant inspector is as much a result of his own choices as it is of the system's failings.

On the flip side, the flashbacks to Nick and Izzy’s nefarious business dealings add a welcome dose of criminal intrigue to the series. These moments are where Bad Monkey leans heavily into its darker comedic roots, mixing absurdity with serious stakes. The show manages to balance its tones well, never tipping too far into melodrama or outright farce, but always keeping the audience guessing just how far its characters are willing to go to achieve their goals.

However, not everything about this episode hits the mark. The pacing, which has been a strength of the series so far, stumbles here. The episode’s reliance on flashbacks, while informative, slows the momentum and occasionally feels like it's dragging its feet. Some scenes seem to overstay their welcome, and the show’s knack for snappy dialogue and quick plot turns seems to falter under the weight of exposition.

Additionally, while the show does a good job of building its world and filling it with colorful characters, it sometimes feels like it’s trying to juggle too many storylines at once. The balance between Yancy’s personal journey and the broader criminal narrative is a bit off-kilter in this episode, making it feel disjointed at times. The episode tries to tie these threads together, but not all of them land with the impact they should, leaving a few hanging in a way that feels more confusing than intriguing.

That said, the episode is not without its high points. The cinematography continues to be a standout, with the vibrant, sun-drenched landscapes of Florida providing a stark contrast to the dark deeds being carried out. The show’s use of color and light is especially effective in this episode, with certain scenes practically radiating heat and tension.

The performances also remain top-notch. Vaughn's portrayal of Yancy is perfectly matched by the supporting cast, particularly Natalie Martinez as Rosa, who brings a sharp, no-nonsense energy to her role. The interplay between characters is one of the series’ strong suits, and it’s on full display here.

The episode wraps up with a twist that, while not entirely unexpected, is executed with enough flair to keep viewers engaged. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to dive right into the next episode, even if this one left you a little worn out.

In conclusion, Episode 4 of Bad Monkey is a mixed bag. It’s an episode that provides essential backstory and character development but at the cost of the show’s usual brisk pace and snappy energy. While the flashbacks are necessary for the larger narrative, they bog down the episode’s momentum, making it feel slower and less cohesive than previous installments. Nevertheless, the strong performances, visual style, and dark humor that have defined the series so far are still very much present, making it a worthwhile watch for fans who are invested in the story’s unfolding mysteries.

Bad Monkey continues to be a wild ride through the underbelly of Florida, and while this episode may not be its strongest, it still holds enough intrigue to keep you hooked. Let’s hope the next one picks up the pace and brings back the frenetic energy that makes this series so much fun to watch.

Final Score - [7/10]