Bad Monkey May Have Just Confirmed That The Dragon Queen’s Magic Isn’t Real

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Bad Monkey episode 4, “There’s Nothing Wrong With it, I Just Don’t Need it Anymore.”Bad Monkey has 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 the Bad Monkey cast seems 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 in Bad Monkey‘s first episode, the Dragon Queen is immediately framed as an enigmatic figure who has abilities beyond those of ordinary humans. By the end of Bad Monkey episode 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’s Bad Monkey character.

The Dragon Queen’s Reaction To Being “Circled” Suggests The Magic in Bad Monkey Is A Scam

Circling doesn’t seem to scare the Dragon Queen

Nick’s confrontation with YaYa in Bad Monkey episode 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 Circled herself.

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 worried when 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 like
Bad Monkey
.

Bad Monkey Needs To Establish Whether Its Magic Is Real Before Season 1’s Ending

The Dragon Queen’s “abilities” can’t be left unaddressed

Although the darker elements of Bad Monkey are 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 Monkey would 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 if Bad Monkey has a magical edge.