Warning: Spoilers ahead forBad Monkeyepisode 4, “There’s Nothing Wrong With it, I Just Don’t Need it Anymore.“Bad Monkeyhas largely left the authenticity of the Dragon Queen’s magic up to the viewer’s discretion, but a clue in episode 4 is the biggest tease yet that Jodie Turner-Smith’s mysterious character is nothing but a fraud. Turner-Smith’s role in theBad Monkeycastseems a little at odds with the rest of the story. The Apple TV+ show is primarily crime fiction with a dark comedy edge. So, it becomes a little confusing when the suggestion of real magic is brought into the equation. However,the Dragon Queen herself may have quietly acknowledged she has no real powers.
Debuting inBad Monkey’s first episode,the Dragon Queen is immediately framed as an enigmatic figurewho has abilities beyond those of ordinary humans. By theend ofBad Monkeyepisode 4, “There’s Nothing Wrong With it, I Just Don’t Need it Anymore,” there’s no solid evidence of whether the Dragon Queen is telling the truth or whether she’s simply tricking people out of their money. That being said, there is one moment that hints at the dishonesty of Turner-Smith’sBad Monkeycharacter.
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Circling doesn’t seem to scare the Dragon Queen
Nick’s confrontation with YaYa inBad Monkeyepisode 4 results in him being “Circled.” The moment implies that YaYa has placed some kind of curse on Rob Delaney’s character for the disrespect he shows to her. It’s ominous, but it loses its efficacy on a psychological level when YaYa Circles two more people within the same scene: Egg, and the Dragon Queen. Interestingly, despite Turner-Smith’s character warning Nick that YaYa is powerful,the Dragon Queen doesn’t seem concerned when she is Circledherself.
If YaYa had any real magical ability, it would make sense for the Dragon Queen to be visibly worried when she’s Circled.
The Dragon Queen playfully tells YaYa, “That’s enough Circling for today,” and continues the levity in her interaction when she asks, “What you Circling me for?” If YaYa had any real magical ability,it would make sense for the Dragon Queen to be visibly worriedwhen she’s Circled. Instead, her demeanor suggests she’s fully aware that neither woman boasts the power they want everyone to believe in.
It’s also possible that YaYa can control who she Circles and chooses not to unleash her power upon the Dragon Queen, but that would represent the tip of some strangely deep lore for a show likeBad Monkey.
The Dragon Queen’s “abilities” can’t be left unaddressed
Althoughthe darker elements ofBad Monkeyare often played for laughs, the show is largely quite grounded. If there is actually real magic in the world of the Apple TV+ show, then that would be a huge revelation. As such,Bad Monkeywould benefit from confirming or denying whether the Dragon Queen’s implied powers are authentic. In all likelihood, they probably aren’t, but the ambiguity may be left untouched to maintain the compelling aura of Turner-Smith’s character. That being said, it could also be an exciting and unexpected twist ifBad Monkeyhas a magical edge.
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Bad Monkey
Cast
A former Miami detective turned health inspector, Andrew Yancy, discovers a severed arm while working in the Florida Keys. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim his former position, he navigates through a web of quirky locals and corruption, all while dealing with a troublesome monkey.
