Based on Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 Novel, Bad Monkey is the latest offering from Apple TV+ and comes with a high pedigree to live up to. With Bill Lawrence, known for Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and the iconic Scrubs taking on script duties, as well as a cast led by Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, and John Ortiz, one would expect a blend of sharp humor and compelling storytelling. Unfortunately, the pilot episode fails to live up to the promise that such a combination would suggest.

Vince Vaughn stars as Andrew Yancy, a former Miami detective demoted to a restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys. The character is thrust into a murder investigation after a tourist discovers a severed arm, but Vaughn's portrayal feels like a rehash of his usual shtick. Rather than bringing something fresh to the role, he coasts through the episode, relying on his well-worn charm, which doesn't hold up when paired with the lackluster script. The pacing of the episode is sluggish, with scenes that drag on without advancing the story or developing the characters.

The episode is hampered further by the ill-advised use of narration, which adds little to the viewing experience. Halfway through, the narrator even interrupts with the line, "Now I know it's annoying to leave this story just when it's getting fun, but I promise it'll make sense eventually. Just be patient." This moment highlights the series' own awareness of its slow pacing and the strain it puts on the viewer's patience. The narration, instead of enhancing the story, serves to distract and further disengage the audience. This makes it clear the series is worried you're losing interest even before the first episode is over.

The supporting cast, including Monaghan as Bonnie and Ortiz as Rogelio, struggle to inject life into their roles. Natalie Martinez’s Rosa Campesino, the medical examiner and Yancy’s love interest, shows moments of potential but the chemistry between characters often feels forced and unnatural. The humor, which should be a highlight given Lawrence’s involvement, falls entirely flat. The jokes are sparse and lack the sharpness needed to lift the story, leaving the episode to limp along without much energy.

In the end, Bad Monkey’s pilot is utterly unengaging. With so much talent behind and in front of the camera, it’s surprising how little the episode manages to captivate or entertain. The story fails to draw you in, and by the end of the episode there's little motivation to continue with the series. Frankly, I’m relieved I don’t have to endure the entire ten-episode season. True to its name, Bad Monkey kicks off with a bad pilot that does little to inspire confidence in what’s to come. Honestly, you’d be better off watching Vince Vaughn’s episode of Hot Ones he recently did in promotion for this series, it’s more entertaining and a far better use of your time.