Hit-Monkey (TV series): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|2021–present |
{{Short description|2021–present animated superhero series}} |
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{{Use American English|date=February 2023}} |
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}} |
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{{Use list-defined references|date=February 2023}} |
{{Use list-defined references|date=February 2023}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date= |
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
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{{Infobox television |
{{Infobox television |
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| image = Hit-Monkey |
| image = Hit-Monkey (TV series) logo.png |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| genre = [[Superhero fiction|Superhero |
| genre = [[Superhero fiction|Superhero]] |
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| based_on = {{Based on|[[Hit-Monkey]]|[[Daniel Way]]|[[Dalibor Talajić]]}} |
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| creator = [[Will Speck and Josh Gordon|Will Speck<br />Josh Gordon]] |
| creator = [[Will Speck and Josh Gordon|Will Speck<br />Josh Gordon]] |
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| based_on = {{Based on|[[Hit-Monkey]]|[[Daniel Way]]|[[Dalibor Talajić]]}} |
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| director = Neil Holman |
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| showrunner = {{Plainlist| |
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* Will Speck |
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* Josh Gordon |
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}} |
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| director = {{Plainlist| |
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* Neal Holman |
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* Kevin Mellon |
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}} |
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| starring = {{Plainlist|<!-- Order per episode credits, with new actors in subsequent episodes appended to the bottom per MOS:TVCAST. --> |
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* [[Ally Maki]] |
* [[Ally Maki]] |
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* [[Olivia Munn]] |
* [[Olivia Munn]] |
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* [[Jason Sudeikis]] |
* [[Jason Sudeikis]] |
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* [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] |
* [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] |
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* [[Cristin Milioti]] |
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}} |
}} |
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| composer = [[Daniel Rojas (film composer)|Daniel Rojas]] |
| composer = [[Daniel Rojas (film composer)|Daniel Rojas]] |
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| country = United States |
| country = United States |
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| language = English |
| language = English |
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| num_seasons = |
| num_seasons = 2 |
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| num_episodes = |
| num_episodes = 20 |
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| list_episodes = |
| list_episodes = |
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| executive_producer = {{Plainlist| |
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist| |
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* Grant Gish |
* Grant Gish |
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* Marcus Rosentater |
* Marcus Rosentater |
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}} |
}} |
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| editor = |
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| editor = |
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| runtime = 22–27 minutes |
| runtime = 22–27 minutes |
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| company = {{Indented plainlist| |
| company = {{Indented plainlist| |
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* [[Floyd County Productions]] |
* [[Floyd County Productions]] |
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* [[Marvel Television]] {{nowrap|(season 1)}} |
* [[Marvel Television]] {{nowrap|(season 1)}} |
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* [[20th Television Animation]] (season 2) |
* [[20th Television Animation]] (season 2) |
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}} |
}} |
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| network = [[Hulu]] |
| network = [[Hulu]] |
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| related = ''[[M.O.D.O.K. (TV series)|M.O.D.O.K.]]'' |
| related = ''[[M.O.D.O.K. (TV series)|M.O.D.O.K.]]'' |
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}} |
}} |
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'''''Marvel's Hit-Monkey''''' is an American [[Adult animation|adult animated]] television series created by [[Will Speck and Josh Gordon]] for [[Hulu]], based on the [[Marvel Comics]] character [[Hit-Monkey|of the same name]]. The series was produced by [[Marvel Television]] for its first season and by [[20th Television Animation]] for its second season, with Gordon and Speck serving as [[showrunner]]s. |
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The series stars [[Ally Maki]], [[Olivia Munn]], [[Fred Tatasciore]], and [[Jason Sudeikis]], with Nobi Nakanishi and [[George Takei]] joining for the first season, and [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] and [[Cristin Milioti]] in the second. ''Hit-Monkey'' was announced and ordered at Hulu in February 2019, as part of a group of series based on Marvel characters that were intended to lead to a crossover special titled ''The Offenders'', with it being produced by Marvel Television. Oversight of the series was moved to [[Marvel Studios]] in December 2019 when Marvel Television was folded into that company. 20th Television Animation produced the second season. Animation for the series is provided by [[Floyd County Productions]]. |
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'''''Hit-Monkey''''' (known officially as '''''Marvel's Hit-Monkey''''' for the first season<ref name="S2RenewalTHR" />) is an American [[Adult animation|adult animated]] television series created by [[Will Speck and Josh Gordon]] for [[Hulu]], based on the [[Marvel Comics]] character [[Hit-Monkey|of the same name]]. The series is produced by [[Marvel Television]] for its first season and [[20th Television Animation]] for its second season, with Gordon and Speck serving as [[showrunner]]s. |
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The first season of ''Hit-Monkey'' was released in its entirety on Hulu on November 17, 2021, and consisted of ten episodes. The series was met with generally positive reviews from critics for its animation, voice acting, action scenes, plot, and faithfulness to the source material of the comics. In February 2023, the series was renewed for a second ten-episode season, which was released on July 15, 2024. |
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The series stars [[Ally Maki]], [[Olivia Munn]], [[Fred Tatasciore]], and [[Jason Sudeikis]], with Nobi Nakanishi and [[George Takei]] joining for the first season, and [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] in the second. ''Hit-Monkey'' was announced and ordered at Hulu in February 2019, as part of a group of series based on Marvel characters that were intended to lead to a crossover special titled ''The Offenders'', with it being produced by Marvel Television. Oversight of the series was moved to [[Marvel Studios]] in December 2019 when Marvel Television was folded into that company. 20th Television Animation produced the second season. |
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''Hit-Monkey'' was released on Hulu on November 17, 2021. The series was met with generally positive reviews from critics for its animation, voice acting, action scenes, plot, and faithfulness to the source material of the comics. In February 2023, the series was renewed for a second season, which is scheduled to premiere in 2024. |
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== Plot == |
== Plot == |
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[[Hit-Monkey]] is a wronged [[Japanese macaque]] who is mentored by the ghost of an American assassin named Bryce Fowler as he damages [[Tokyo]] |
[[Hit-Monkey|Monkey]] is a wronged [[Japanese macaque]] who is mentored by the ghost of an American assassin named Bryce Fowler as he damages the crime underworlds of the cities of [[Tokyo]] (in season 1)<ref name="SeriesOrderVariety" /> and eventually travel to [[New York City|New York City]] (in season 2).<ref name="S2RenewalVariety" /> |
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== Cast == |
== Cast == |
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<!-- Order per episode credits --> |
<!-- Order per episode credits --> |
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* [[Ally Maki]] as Haruka, a good honest cop who wants to fight the injustice in Tokyo.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
* [[Ally Maki]] as Haruka, a good honest cop who wants to fight the injustice in Tokyo.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[Olivia Munn]] as [[Lady Bullseye|Akiko Yokohama]], the smart and |
* [[Olivia Munn]] as [[Lady Bullseye|Akiko Yokohama / Lady Bullseye II]], the smart, ambitious, and mentally unstable niece of Shinji, who is Monkey's self-declared nemesis.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* Nobi Nakanishi as Ito (season 1), Haruka's partner who has problems, but trusts |
* Nobi Nakanishi as Ito (season 1), Haruka's partner who has problems, but trusts Monkey.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[Fred Tatasciore]] as [[Hit-Monkey]], a [[Japanese macaque]].<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
* [[Fred Tatasciore]] as [[Hit-Monkey|Monkey]], a [[Japanese macaque]] who becomes the assassin Hit-Monkey.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[George Takei]] as Shinji Yokohama (season 1), a kind politician with a lot on his shoulders.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
* [[George Takei]] as Shinji Yokohama (season 1; guest season 2), a kind politician with a lot on his shoulders.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[Jason Sudeikis]] as Bryce Fowler (né McHenry), |
* [[Jason Sudeikis]] as Bryce Fowler (né McHenry), Monkey's mentor who dies and comes back to aid him as a ghost.<ref name="SudeikisDate" /><ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] (season 2)<ref name=" |
* [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] as Eunice Jones (season 2), Bryce's foul-mouthed former agent.<ref name="S2Trailer" /> |
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* [[Cristin Milioti]] as Iris McHenry (season 2), Bryce's daughter he abandoned who grew up vowing to not become like her father, before realizing their similarities and a possible reconciliation.<ref name="Milioti" /> Iris first appears in the first season as a child. |
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=== Guest === |
=== Guest === |
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* [[Paul Nakauchi]] as Itaru Ozu (season 1) |
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* [[Reiko Aylesworth]] as [[Lady Bullseye|Maki Matsumoto / Lady Bullseye]], a terrifying assassin who kills without remorse or hesitation.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* Noshir Dalal as [[Immortal Weapons|Fat Cobra]] (season 1), a large sumo assassin who can produce lightning from his feet.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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** Dalal also voices [[Kenuichio Harada]] / [[Silver Samurai]] (season 1), Japan's biggest hero who is also very conceited.<ref name="NewTrailer" />{{better source needed|date=February 2023}} |
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* Noshir Dalal as [[Immortal Weapons|Fat Cobra]], a large sumo assassin who can produce lightning from his feet.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[Reiko Aylesworth]] as [[Lady Bullseye|Maki Matsumoto / Lady Bullseye]], a terrifying assassin who relentlessly kills without remorse or hesitation.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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** Dalal also voices [[Kenuichio Harada]] / [[Silver Samurai]], Japan's biggest hero who is also very conceited.<ref name="NewTrailer" />{{better source needed|date=February 2023}} |
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** Aylesworth also voices [[The Hand (comics)#Known members|Yuki]] (season 1), a spirit tied to Japan who sees Monkey as a true warrior.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> |
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* [[Keith David]] as [[Mephisto (Marvel Comics)|Mephisto, the Devil]] (season 2),<ref name="S2Trailer" /> the ruler of Hell who sends Bryce back to Earth to coerce Monkey into killing more. |
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* [[Rob Corddry]] as Buddy (season 2), a crime scene cleaner<ref name="S2Trailer" /> |
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* [[Emi Lo]] as Dot (season 2), a little girl with magnanimous supernatural powers and member of the Co-Op. |
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* [[Stephanie Beatriz]] as Amara (season 2), an ancient Grecian woman who was turned into a living marble statue and member of the Co-Op. |
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* [[Tramell Tillman]] as Double-Tap (season 2), a surviving veteran who specializes in fire arms and member of the Co-Op. |
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* [[Nat Faxon]] as Boone (season 2), leader of the Co-Op who possesses powerful psychic abilities. |
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* Sonny Valicenti as Slyke (season 2), Boone's brother and member of the Co-Op with powerful mental abilities. |
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* [[Jim Gaffigan]] as Snail (season 2), a time-bending hustler<ref name="S2Trailer" /> |
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* [[Ivana Miličević]] as Danke (season 2), a professional assassin and Iris' love interest. |
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== Episodes == |
== Episodes == |
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{{Series overview |
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{{Episode table |background=#660000 |overall= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |released=y |episodes= |
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| id = y |
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| released = y |
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| allreleased = y |
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| caption = Seasons of ''Marvel's Hit-Monkey'' |
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| color1 = #660000 |
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| link1 = #Season 1 (2021) |
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| episodes1 = 10 |
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| start1 = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| color2 = #17362F |
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| link2 = #Season 2 (2024) |
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| episodes2 = 10 |
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| start2 = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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}} |
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=== Season 1 (2021) === |
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{{Episode table |background=#660000 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=27 |director=12 |writer=32 |airdate=19 |released=y |episodes= |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 1 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 1 |
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|Title = Pilot |
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| Title = Pilot |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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|WrittenBy = [[Josh Gordon & Will Speck]] |
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| WrittenBy = [[Josh Gordon & Will Speck]] |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = Bryce Fowler, an upbeat assassin, is hired by a third party to kill a progressive politician Ken Takahara in [[Japan]]. He succeeds and also ends up killing the partner of police officer Ito. As he begins to feel remorse for his actions, Bryce is betrayed by his employer and attacked by his goons. Although severely wounded, Bryce manages to escape, fleeing to the snowy mountains. A tribe of intelligent snow monkeys rescue Bryce and begin nursing him back to health. Bryce takes an interest in a particularly aggressive monkey who distrusts him and witnesses his training. The aggressive monkey is banished from the tribe for harming another monkey, but as he leaves witnessing the assassins coming, who mortally wound Bryce before killing the other monkeys for amusement. Taking Bryce's firearms, the monkey slaughters the assassins in rage. With his dying words, Bryce declares that the monkey must pursue the assassins' employer. The monkey heads to a train station with Bryce's weapons and is suddenly joined by his ghost. |
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| ShortSummary = Bryce Fowler, an upbeat assassin, is hired by a third party to kill a progressive politician Ken Takahara in [[Japan]]. He succeeds and also ends up killing the partner of police officer Ito. As he begins to feel remorse for his actions, Bryce is betrayed by his employer and attacked by his goons. Although severely wounded, Bryce manages to escape, fleeing to the snowy mountains. A tribe of intelligent snow monkeys rescue Bryce and begin nursing him back to health. Bryce takes an interest in a particularly aggressive monkey who distrusts him and witnesses his training. The aggressive monkey, whom Bryce names Monkey, is banished from the tribe for harming another monkey, but as he leaves witnessing the assassins coming, who mortally wound Bryce before killing the other monkeys for amusement. Taking Bryce's firearms, Monkey slaughters the assassins in rage. With his dying words, Bryce declares that Monkey must pursue the assassins' employer. Monkey heads to a train station with Bryce's weapons and is suddenly joined by his ghost. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 2 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 2 |
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| Title = Bright Lights, Big City |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Josh Gordon & Will Speck |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| ShortSummary = Monkey, later professionally dubbed [[Hit-Monkey]], finds himself unable to lose Bryce's ghost as he arrives in Tokyo. Bryce leads the monkey to a fish warehouse where he received his mission to kill Takahara. They encounter the deranged old woman who supplied Bryce's guns and accidentally kill her, although steal her money to afford a hotel. Meanwhile, Takahara's running mate Shinji Yokohama is convinced by his niece and speech writer [[Lady Bullseye|Akiko]] to run in his stead. Lieutenant Ito is given a new partner, the young upstart Haruka, who is aware of his flaws. Monkey spots a General whom Bryce deduces to be involved, and tracks him to Takahara's funeral where Yokohama announces his intent to run. Bryce witnesses the General talking to his unseen employer while Monkey steals a suit and kills a group of Yakuza thugs, triggering a shoot-out between Yakuza members. Monkey kills the Yakuza, rescues Akiko, and attacks the General, who is killed by a bus, leaving his wallet behind. Akiko and Yokohama return home safely as Monkey and Bryce watch. Ito and Haruka see security footage of Monkey in action. |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 3 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 3 |
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|Title = Legend of the Drunken Monkey |
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| Title = Legend of the Drunken Monkey |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Keith Foglesong |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = While arguing about having to kill, Hit-Monkey and Bryce encounter [[Stick (comics)|Stick]], a blind monk who can communicate with them, declaring that they are bound and must work together. Haruka informs the police department about Hit-Monkey's involvement, only to be laughed off; while Yokohama and Akiko are confronted by Takahara's opponent, Ozu. Bryce and Hit-Monkey find the General's home and ignite a deadly shoot-out between two military soldiers and two Yakuza members. Deducing that the General had gambling debts to pay, they sneak into a casino owned by the twins Kappei and Teppei. Hit-Monkey is discovered and forced by Bryce to pretend to be entertainment. To advance to the top floor and meet the twins, they begin gambling, although Hit-Monkey develops a drinking problem to get over his pain and dislike of killing. After Hit-Monkey is captured by the twins, revealed to be the sons of the old woman, Bryce finally admits that being a killer is not easy. Hit-Monkey then kills his captors and picks up a finance book, discovering the address of a man named The Accountant, who paid for Takahara's assassination. |
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| ShortSummary = While arguing about having to kill, Monkey and Bryce encounter [[Master Izo]], a blind monk who can communicate with them, declaring that they are bound and must work together. Haruka informs the police department about Monkey's involvement, only to be laughed off; while Yokohama and Akiko are confronted by Takahara's opponent, Ozu. Bryce and Monkey find the General's home and ignite a deadly shoot-out between two military soldiers and two Yakuza members. Deducing that the General had gambling debts to pay, they sneak into a casino owned by the twins Keppei and Teppei. Monkey is discovered and forced by Bryce to pretend to be entertainment. To advance to the top floor and meet the twins, they begin gambling, although Monkey develops a drinking problem to get over his pain and dislike of killing. After Monkey is captured by the twins, revealed to be the sons of the old woman, Bryce finally admits that being a killer is not easy. Monkey then kills his captors and picks up a finance book, discovering the address of a man named The Accountant, who paid for Takahara's assassination. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 4 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 4 |
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|Title = The Code |
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| Title = The Code |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Duffy Boudreau |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = The address leads Bryce and Hit-Monkey to a prison, which they infiltrate while arguing about Hit-Monkey's code. Hit-Monkey is captured by the warden, but escapes and learns that the Accountant is located in a closed-off area of the prison called "The Pit". Meanwhile, Akiko is run off the road by Ozu's promotional team, although Yokohama tells her not to call the press to avoid an incident. Within the Pit, Hit-Monkey and Bryce meet the Accountant, who forces them to battle Fat Cobra. Hit-Monkey wins, but refuses to kill Cobra, instead teaming up with him to defeat the Accountant. Hit-Monkey chases the Accountant to a hidden luxury room, where he reveals that he was hired by The Rooster to fund Takahara's assassination before being killed by his own men. The Warden starts a raid, but Hit-Monkey and Bryce are able to escape thanks to a rat Hit-Monkey saved earlier. Afterwards, Hit-Monkey visits Akiko who thanks him for saving her. News of Hit-Monkey's actions spread, validating Ito and Haruka's claims. |
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| ShortSummary = The address leads Bryce and Monkey to a prison, which they infiltrate while arguing about Monkey's code. Monkey is captured by the warden, but escapes and learns that the Accountant is located in a closed-off area of the prison called "The Pit". Meanwhile, Akiko is run off the road by Ozu's promotional team, although Yokohama tells her not to call the press to avoid an incident. Within the Pit, Monkey and Bryce meet the Accountant, who forces them to battle Fat Cobra. Monkey wins, but refuses to kill Cobra, instead teaming up with him to defeat the Accountant. Monkey chases the Accountant to a hidden luxury room, where he reveals that he was hired by The Rooster to fund Takahara's assassination before being killed by his own men. The Warden starts a raid, but Monkey and Bryce are able to escape thanks to a rat Monkey saved earlier. Afterwards, Monkey visits Akiko who thanks him for saving her. News of Monkey's actions spread, validating Ito and Haruka's claims. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 5 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 5 |
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|Title = Run Monkey Run |
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| Title = Run Monkey Run |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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|WrittenBy = Matteo Borghese & Rob Turbovsky |
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| WrittenBy = Matteo Borghese & Rob Turbovsky |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = The Yakuza's leaders, including the Rooster, join together to place a bounty on Hit-Monkey. After being tailored for a new suit, Hit-Monkey is attacked by various assassins, making Bryce jealous of his success. Akiko discloses Ozu's supposed attack on her to the press, earning Yokohama's ire, while Ito expresses sympathy to Hit-Monkey's cause after he kills a corrupt officer. Yuki, a ghostly assassin, attacks Hit-Monkey and Bryce to prevent them from killing. While fighting Yuki and a street racer named Eiko, Hit-Monkey saves Ito from being run over, separately convincing both him and Yuki that he is good. Hit-Monkey is then captured by The Poacher, and Bryce admits that he is jealous. Together, they kill the Poacher and slaughter the Yakuza leaders, while Rooster is arrested by the police. With their apartment destroyed by Yuki, Hit-Monkey decides to stay with Akiko, which she allows. |
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| ShortSummary = The Yakuza's leaders, including the Rooster, join together to place a bounty on Monkey. After being tailored for a new suit, Monkey is attacked by various assassins, making Bryce jealous of his success. Akiko discloses Ozu's supposed attack on her to the press, earning Yokohama's ire, while Ito expresses sympathy to Monkey's cause after he kills a corrupt officer. Yuki, a ghostly assassin, attacks Monkey and Bryce to prevent them from killing. While fighting Yuki and a street racer named Eiko, Monkey saves Ito from being run over, separately convincing both him and Yuki that he is good. Monkey is then captured by The Poacher, and Bryce admits that he is jealous. Together, they kill the Poacher and slaughter the Yakuza leaders, while Rooster is arrested by the police. With their apartment destroyed by Yuki, Monkey decides to stay with Akiko, which she allows. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 6 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 6 |
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| Title = The Long Goodbye |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Albertina Rizzo |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| ShortSummary = Akiko is visited by Ito and Haruka who inform her that the Rooster has been arrested, but due to his connections is being let go. Monkey and Bryce take the opportunity to assassinate him, with Bryce believing that this will let his spirit finally rest. They kill a man they believe to be the Rooster, only to find that he has numerous doubles, none of which releases Bryce. Monkey spares a portly double, and kills the supposedly real Rooster as another assassin tries to do the same. Ito reveals to Haraka that he took the fall for his former partner during a corruption investigation in the past, earning her trust. Monkey forces the portly double to take him to the bank and unlock a box using a key left by Rooster; however, the double turns out to be the real Rooster in disguise, and he attacks Monkey. Believing that he will soon ascend, Bryce reveals that he has a daughter and wants Monkey to look after her. Monkey kills Rooster, but Bryce is still bound to him, forcing them to return to Akiko with the box. In response to his minions' failure, the Yakuza's mysterious benefactor hires the [[Assassination|assassin]] [[Lady Bullseye]]. |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 7 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 7 |
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|Title = Sayonara Monkey |
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| Title = Sayonara Monkey |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Ken Kobayashi |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = Bryce and Hit-Monkey visit the monk, who uses salt to deter Bryce and states that Hit-Monkey must lead them to salvation. Yokohama fires Akiko when Ozu turns her claims against them. The zoo's snow monkeys are killed, which Bryce realizes to be the work of Lady Bullseye, while Haruka deduces that Hit-Monkey is staying with Akiko. As Hit-Monkey and Bryce prepare for Lady Bullseye, Akiko, Ito and Haruka arrive. Lady Bullseye blows up Akiko's house, fatally wounds Ito, and gives chase to Hit-Monkey throughout Tokyo. Hit-Monkey escapes and visits a recovering Akiko in the hospital, becoming overwhelmed with grief. Ito dies, and Haruka leaves the police in disgust. Believing that Bryce has ruined his life, Hit-Monkey traps him in a salt circle and returns to the mountains, where he spots a new tribe of snow monkeys. |
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| ShortSummary = Bryce and Monkey visit the monk, who uses salt to deter Bryce and states that Monkey must lead them to salvation. Yokohama fires Akiko when Ozu turns her claims against them. The zoo's snow monkeys are killed, which Bryce realizes to be the work of Lady Bullseye, while Haruka deduces that Monkey is staying with Akiko. As Monkey and Bryce prepare for Lady Bullseye, Akiko, Ito and Haruka arrive. Lady Bullseye blows up Akiko's house, fatally wounds Ito, and gives chase to Monkey throughout Tokyo. Monkey escapes and visits a recovering Akiko in the hospital, becoming overwhelmed with grief. Ito dies, and Haruka leaves the police in disgust. Believing that Bryce has ruined his life, Monkey traps him in a salt circle and returns to the mountains, where he spots a new tribe of snow monkeys. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 8 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 8 |
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|Title = Home Sweet Home |
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| Title = Home Sweet Home |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Paul Levitt |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = Abandoning his old life, Hit-Monkey rescues a young snow monkey named Koji from a violent tribe called the Red Stripes and is indoctrinated into the new tribe. Hit-Monkey bonds with Koji, and decides to train the tribe to fight back when the Red Stripes plot to steal their spring. During the fight, Koji is killed, driving Hit-Monkey to don his suit and kill the Red Stripe's leader, scaring his new family away. The ghost of his tribe's Alpha appears, declaring that he must protect both humans and monkeys as a "killer of killers". Affected by the salt, Bryce relives his past as Bryce McHenry, where he met his girlfriend Hayley and sired a daughter named Iris. Bryce learns that his mom's latest boyfriend, Eli, has terrible connections which come back to haunt his family. Bryce accidentally kills Eli during a confrontation and goes on the run, leaving his family with Eli's stolen money. Recalling the Alpha spirit's words, Hit-Monkey finds Bryce's frozen corpse in the snow. He mournfully buries both Koji and his partner side-by-side, in twin [[cairn]]s, before departing the mountains for good. He then reunites with Bryce, strengthening their bond. However, they soon realize that there is only a day left for the election. |
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| ShortSummary = Abandoning his old life, Monkey rescues a young snow monkey named Koji from a violent tribe called the Red Stripes and is indoctrinated into the new tribe. Monkey bonds with Koji, and decides to train the tribe to fight back when the Red Stripes plot to steal their spring. During the fight, Koji is killed, driving Monkey to don his suit and kill the Red Stripe's leader, scaring his new family away. The ghost of his tribe's Alpha appears, declaring that he must protect both humans and monkeys as a "killer of killers". Affected by the salt, Bryce relives his past as Bryce McHenry, where he met his girlfriend Hayley and sired a daughter named Iris. Bryce learns that his mom's latest boyfriend, Eli, has terrible connections which come back to haunt his family. Bryce accidentally kills Eli during a confrontation and goes on the run, leaving his family with Eli's stolen money. Recalling the Alpha spirit's words, Monkey finds Bryce's frozen corpse in the snow. He mournfully buries both Koji and his partner side-by-side, in twin [[cairn]]s, before departing the mountains for good. He then reunites with Bryce, strengthening their bond. However, they soon realize that there is only a day left for the election. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
||
| EpisodeNumber = 9 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 9 |
|||
| Title = The End: Part One |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Duffy Boudreau & Keith Foglesong |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| ShortSummary = Monkey and Bryce return to Akiko's house where the latter begins to fade in and out of existence. They reunite with Haruka and Akiko, who reveal that Rooster's pen is a recording device; the recording states that Ichiro Hazaki, the Bonsai Master, is the Yakuza's benefactor. While Hakura and Akiko, alongside Yuki and the [[Silver Samurai]], protect Yokohama at his election viewing party, Bryce and Monkey head to Bonsai Master's compound to kill him and Ozu. Lady Bullseye kills the tailor and the monk, deducing Monkey's connection to Bryce and the latter's continued existence as a ghost. Monkey and Bryce fight their way to Bonsai Master, who declares his intentions to restore Japan to its feudal era. Yokohama is declared the new prime minister, and Akiko is approached by Lady Bullseye. Monkey defeats Bonsai Master, who commits ''[[seppuku]]'', and approaches Ozu. However, Ozu declares that he was not involved in Takahara's death as he had nothing to gain, leading Monkey and Bryce to realize that Yokohama is responsible. |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Episode list |
{{Episode list |
||
| EpisodeNumber = 10 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 10 |
|||
|Title = The End: Part Two |
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| Title = The End: Part Two |
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| DirectedBy = Neal Holman |
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| WrittenBy = Josh Gordon & Will Speck |
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|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}} |
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|ShortSummary = Hit-Monkey and Bryce recruit Haruka and Yuki to infiltrate the party and confront Yokohama. However, Hit-Monkey is discovered, igniting a riot between Hit-Monkey's supporters and the police. With help from Yuki and Fat Cobra, Hit-Monkey escapes Silver Samurai and fights Lady Bullseye, Yokohama's bodyguard, who overpowers him and tortures Bryce with salt. Using the salt, Bryce manages to make himself partially tangible, distracting Lady Bullseye long enough for Haruka to kill her. Yokohama escapes to the roof with Akiko, and regretfully declares his involvement in Takahara's death, having become tired of him losing elections and being offered support from Bonsai Master. Hit-Monkey arrives to kill Yokohama, but Bryce decides to talk him down, which allows him to finally ascend. As Haruka goes to arrest Yokohama, he grabs her gun, forcing Hit-Monkey to shoot him; devastating Akiko. Haruka sneaks Hit-Monkey out of Japan while promising to clear his name. Not wanting to leave Hit-Monkey alone, Bryce returns from Hell, now possessing the ability to interact with objects after making a deal with [[Mephisto (Marvel Comics)|Mephisto]]. In the morgue, Akiko vows revenge on Hit-Monkey, and takes Lady Bullseye's mask. |
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| ShortSummary = Monkey and Bryce recruit Haruka and Yuki to infiltrate the party and confront Yokohama. However, Monkey is discovered, igniting a riot between Monkey's supporters and the police. With help from Yuki and Fat Cobra, Monkey escapes Silver Samurai and fights Lady Bullseye, Yokohama's bodyguard, who overpowers him and tortures Bryce with salt. Using the salt, Bryce manages to make himself partially tangible, distracting Lady Bullseye long enough for Haruka to kill her. Yokohama escapes to the roof with Akiko, and regretfully declares his involvement in Takahara's death, having become tired of him losing elections and being offered support from Bonsai Master. Monkey arrives to kill Yokohama, but Bryce decides to talk him down, which allows him to finally ascend. As Haruka goes to arrest Yokohama, he grabs her gun, forcing Monkey to shoot him; devastating Akiko. Haruka sneaks Monkey out of Japan while promising to clear his name. Not wanting to leave Monkey alone, Bryce returns from Hell, now possessing the ability to interact with objects after making a deal with [[Mephisto (Marvel Comics)|Mephisto]]. In the morgue, Akiko vows revenge on Monkey, and takes Lady Bullseye's mask. |
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|LineColor = #660000 |
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| LineColor = 660000 |
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}} |
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}} |
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=== Season 2 (2024) === |
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{{Episode table |background=#17362F |overall=5 |season=5 |title=27 |director=12 |writer=32 |airdate=19 |released=y |episodes= |
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{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 11 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 1 |
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| Title = Chapter One: Return to Sender |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = [[Josh Gordon & Will Speck]] |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = Monkey makes a name for himself in New York City by taking down the city's criminals while Bryce attempts to reconnect with his daughter. |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 12 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 2 |
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| Title = Chapter Two: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Jessica Poter |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
|||
| EpisodeNumber = 13 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 3 |
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| Title = Chapter Three: The Rope |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Paul Levitt |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 14 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 4 |
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| Title = Chapter Four: Never Too Late |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Keith Foglesong |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 15 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 5 |
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| Title = Chapter Five: Akiko |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Isabelle Esposito |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 16 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 6 |
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| Title = Chapter Six: The Estate |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Tesha Kondrat |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
|||
| EpisodeNumber = 17 |
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| EpisodeNumber2 = 7 |
|||
| Title = Chapter Seven: The Last Supper |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Josh Gordon & Will Speck and Jessica Poter |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
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| EpisodeNumber = 18 |
|||
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8 |
|||
| Title = Chapter Eight: Mind Mall |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Keith Foglesong and Jessica Poter |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
|||
| EpisodeNumber = 19 |
|||
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9 |
|||
| Title = Chapter Nine: The Concrete Jungle |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Tesha Kondrat and Paul Levitt |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
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{{Episode list |
|||
| EpisodeNumber = 20 |
|||
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10 |
|||
| Title = Chapter Ten: History Lessons |
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| DirectedBy = Kevin Mellon |
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| WrittenBy = Josh Gordon & Will Speck and Neal Holman |
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| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}} |
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| ShortSummary = |
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| LineColor = 17362F |
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}} |
}} |
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}} |
}} |
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== Production == |
== Production == |
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=== Development === |
=== Development === |
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In February 2019, [[Marvel Television]] announced an adult animated television series based on [[Hit-Monkey]], with a series order at [[Hulu]], along with ''[[M.O.D.O.K. (TV series)|M.O.D.O.K.]]'' and ones based on [[Tigra]] and [[Dazzler (Marvel Comics)|Dazzler]] together, as well as [[Howard the Duck]], that were intended to lead up to a crossover special titled ''The Offenders''. The series was created by [[Will Speck and Josh Gordon]], both of whom were expected to write for the series and executive produce alongside [[Jeph Loeb]].<ref name="SeriesOrderVariety" /><ref name="SeriesOrderDeadline" /><ref name="SeriesOrderTHR" /> That December, Marvel Television was folded into [[Marvel Studios]], which carried subsequent oversight of the series.<ref name="MarvelTVFolding" /> The following month in 2020, Marvel decided not to move forward with ''Howard the Duck'', ''Tigra & Dazzler'', and ''The Offenders'', with ''M.O.D.O.K.'' and ''Hit-Monkey'' continuing as planned.<ref name="MarvelAnimatedUpdated" /> ''M.O.D.O.K.'' co-creator Jordan Blum commented in the following year that the series has a different animation style from ''M.O.D.O.K.''.<ref name="HitMonkeyAnimation" /> In January 2022, Hulu's head of content Craig Erwich said that additional seasons of ''Hit |
In February 2019, [[Marvel Television]] announced an adult animated television series based on [[Hit-Monkey]], with a series order at the streaming service [[Hulu]], along with ''[[M.O.D.O.K. (TV series)|M.O.D.O.K.]]'' and ones based on [[Tigra]] and [[Dazzler (Marvel Comics)|Dazzler]] together, as well as [[Howard the Duck]], that were intended to lead up to a crossover special titled ''The Offenders''. The series was created by [[Will Speck and Josh Gordon]], both of whom were expected to write for the series and executive produce alongside [[Jeph Loeb]].<ref name="SeriesOrderVariety" /><ref name="SeriesOrderDeadline" /><ref name="SeriesOrderTHR" /> That December, Marvel Television was folded into [[Marvel Studios]], which carried subsequent oversight of the series.<ref name="MarvelTVFolding" /> The following month in 2020, Marvel decided not to move forward with ''Howard the Duck'', ''Tigra & Dazzler'', and ''The Offenders'', with ''M.O.D.O.K.'' and ''Hit-Monkey'' continuing as planned.<ref name="MarvelAnimatedUpdated" /> ''M.O.D.O.K.'' co-creator Jordan Blum commented in the following year that the series has a different animation style from ''M.O.D.O.K.''.<ref name="HitMonkeyAnimation" /> In January 2022, Hulu's head of content Craig Erwich said that additional seasons of ''Hit-Monkey'' would be determined solely by the Marvel Studios team.<ref name="ErwichFutureJan2022" /> With the cancellation of ''M.O.D.O.K.'' in May 2022, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported ''Hit-Monkey'' was also not expected to be renewed.<ref name="RenewalUnlikely" /> However, the series was renewed in February 2023, with [[20th Television Animation]] taking over production of the series, given Marvel Television no longer existed. At this time it was reported that the series would no longer featured "Marvel's" in its name, though the Marvel logo would still be attached to the series "in other ways".<ref name="S2RenewalTHR" /> The second season was ultimately still formally called ''Marvel's Hit-Monkey''.<ref name="S2Trailer" /> Animation for the series is provided by [[Floyd County Productions]].<ref name="Milioti" /> |
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=== Casting === |
=== Casting === |
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In September 2021, it was revealed that [[Jason Sudeikis]] would voice Bryce,<ref name="SudeikisDate" /> along with [[Fred Tatasciore]] as Hit-Monkey, with [[George Takei]], [[Olivia Munn]], [[Ally Maki]], and Nobi Nakanishi also starring.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> Tatasciore, Sudeikis, Munn, and Maki return for the second season, with [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] joining the cast.<ref name="S2RenewalVariety" /> |
In September 2021, it was revealed that [[Jason Sudeikis]] would voice Hit-Monkey's mentor/partner Bryce,<ref name="SudeikisDate" /> along with [[Fred Tatasciore]] as Monkey / Hit-Monkey, with [[George Takei]], [[Olivia Munn]], [[Ally Maki]], and Nobi Nakanishi also starring.<ref name="MarvelDescriptions" /> Tatasciore, Sudeikis, Munn, and Maki return for the second season, with [[Leslie Jones (comedian)|Leslie Jones]] and [[Cristin Milioti]] joining the cast.<ref name="S2RenewalVariety" /><ref name="Milioti" /> |
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== Release == |
== Release == |
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''Hit |
The first season of ''Hit-Monkey'' premiered on November 17, 2021, on Hulu in the United States, with all ten episodes released.<ref name="SudeikisDate" /> Internationally, the series was released on January 26, 2022, on [[Disney+]],<ref name="UKD+Release" /> [[Disney+ Hotstar]] and [[Star+]] in Latin America.{{cn|date=February 2023}} The second season was released in the United States with all ten episodes on July 15, 2024.<ref name="S2PremiereDate" /><ref name="Milioti" /> It was released in [[Australia]] on August 7, 2024.<ref name="S2AusRelease" /> |
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== Reception == |
== Reception == |
||
For the first season, the review aggregator website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports an 84% approval rating with an average rating of 7.0/10 based on 19 critic reviews. The website's critical consensus reads: "If Marvel's ''Hit-Monkey'' is never as thrillingly original as its title might suggest, vibrant animation and a solid voice cast keep things consistently watchable."<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id=marvels_hit_monkey |title=Marvel's Hit-Monkey |type=tv |season=1 |access-date=February 12, 2023}}{{cbignore}}</ref> For the second season, Rotten Tomatoes reports an 83% approval rating with an average rating of 7.0/10 based on 6 critic reviews.<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id=marvels_hit_monkey |title=Marvel's Hit-Monkey |type=tv |season=2 |access-date=September 10, 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 57 out of 100 based on 6 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref name="Metacritic">{{Cite Metacritic |title=Marvel's Hit-Monkey |id=marvels-hit-monkey |type=tv |season=1 |access-date=November 21, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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Kristen Reid of ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' stated that the animation of ''Hit-Monkey'' is remarkable with its inspiration of [[Japanese animation]], and claimed that the level of violence and lack of morality is refreshing compared to the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], while finding the sense of humor of the series entertaining despite its lack of originality.<ref name="PasteReview" /> Brenton Stewart of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' found ''Hit-Monkey'' unique and refreshing through its animation compared to other high-quality [[Marvel Entertainment|Marvel]] productions, stating that the company should continue to provide more adult animated projects that take risks.<ref name="CBRReview" /> Stephen Robinson of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the series a A− rating, saying that ''Hit-Monkey'' manages to be one of the best recent Marvel TV shows created, while praising the animation and the development of the villains, and complimenting the performance and chemistry of the cast.<ref name="AVClubReview" /> Siddhant Adlakha of ''[[IGN]]'' rated the series 7 out of 10 and found the animation of the series impressive, and complimented how the plot and the visual elements manage to balance between humor and gore, despite saying that the characters feel more American than Japanese through their dialogues and mannerism.<ref name="IGNReview" /> John Townsend of ''[[Starburst (magazine)|Starburst]]'' rated the series 3 out of 5 stars, saying that Marvel Television successfully provides a show with an inventive and clever humor, making less-known Marvel characters likable.<ref name="StarburstReview" /> |
Kristen Reid of ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' stated that the animation of ''Hit-Monkey'' is remarkable with its inspiration of [[Japanese animation]], and claimed that the level of violence and lack of morality is refreshing compared to the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], while finding the sense of humor of the series entertaining despite its lack of originality.<ref name="PasteReview" /> Brenton Stewart of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' found ''Hit-Monkey'' unique and refreshing through its animation compared to other high-quality [[Marvel Entertainment|Marvel]] productions, stating that the company should continue to provide more adult animated projects that take risks.<ref name="CBRReview" /> Stephen Robinson of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the series a A− rating, saying that ''Hit-Monkey'' manages to be one of the best recent Marvel TV shows created, while praising the animation and the development of the villains, and complimenting the performance and chemistry of the cast.<ref name="AVClubReview" /> Siddhant Adlakha of ''[[IGN]]'' rated the series 7 out of 10 and found the animation of the series impressive, and complimented how the plot and the visual elements manage to balance between humor and gore, despite saying that the characters feel more American than Japanese through their dialogues and mannerism.<ref name="IGNReview" /> John Townsend of ''[[Starburst (magazine)|Starburst]]'' rated the series 3 out of 5 stars, saying that Marvel Television successfully provides a show with an inventive and clever humor, making less-known Marvel characters likable.<ref name="StarburstReview" /> |
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{{Reflist|refs= |
{{Reflist|refs= |
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<ref name="SeriesOrderVariety">{{Cite |
<ref name="SeriesOrderVariety">{{Cite magazine |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=February 11, 2019 |title='Howard the Duck' Among Four Marvel Animated Shows Ordered at Hulu |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/marvel-hulu-howard-the-duck-modok-hit-monkey-dazzler-tigra-1203134321/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211221925/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/marvel-hulu-howard-the-duck-modok-hit-monkey-dazzler-tigra-1203134321/ |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="SeriesOrderDeadline">{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Marvel & Hulu Ink Pact For 'Howard The Duck' Animated Series + More – TCA |url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/marvel-hulu-howard-the-duck-the-offenders-tigra-and-dazzler-hit-monkey-modok-1202554521/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211223901/https://deadline.com/2019/02/marvel-hulu-howard-the-duck-the-offenders-tigra-and-dazzler-hit-monkey-modok-1202554521/ |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> |
<ref name="SeriesOrderDeadline">{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Marvel & Hulu Ink Pact For 'Howard The Duck' Animated Series + More – TCA |url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/marvel-hulu-howard-the-duck-the-offenders-tigra-and-dazzler-hit-monkey-modok-1202554521/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211223901/https://deadline.com/2019/02/marvel-hulu-howard-the-duck-the-offenders-tigra-and-dazzler-hit-monkey-modok-1202554521/ |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> |
||
<ref name="SeriesOrderTHR">{{Cite |
<ref name="SeriesOrderTHR">{{Cite magazine |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Marvel, Hulu Set Four-Show Animated Slate |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvel-hulu-set-four-show-animated-slate-howard-duck-modok-hit-money-tigra-dazzler-1185246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211222118/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvel-hulu-set-four-show-animated-slate-howard-duck-modok-hit-money-tigra-dazzler-1185246 |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> |
||
<ref name="MarvelTVFolding">{{Cite |
<ref name="MarvelTVFolding">{{Cite magazine |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Marvel TV Division Folded Into Studio Unit, Layoffs Expected |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvel-tv-division-folded-studio-unit-layoffs-expected-1261586 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211034642/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvel-tv-division-folded-studio-unit-layoffs-expected-1261586 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> |
||
<ref name="MarvelAnimatedUpdated">{{Cite |
<ref name="MarvelAnimatedUpdated">{{Cite magazine |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=January 24, 2020 |title=Marvel's 'Howard the Duck,' 'Tigra & Dazzler' Dead at Hulu |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvels-howard-duck-tigra-dazzler-dead-at-hulu-1272751 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125012137/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/marvels-howard-duck-tigra-dazzler-dead-at-hulu-1272751 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=January 24, 2020 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> |
||
<ref name="HitMonkeyAnimation">{{Cite web |last=Mancuso |first=Vinnie |date=May 21, 2021 |title='Marvel's M.O.D.O.K' Showrunner on Season 2 Plans and What That 'Offenders' Crossover Might Have Looked Like |url=https://collider.com/modok-hulu-showrunner-jordan-blum-interview-season-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172527/https://collider.com/modok-hulu-showrunner-jordan-blum-interview-season-2/ |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |access-date=May 21, 2021 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> |
<ref name="HitMonkeyAnimation">{{Cite web |last=Mancuso |first=Vinnie |date=May 21, 2021 |title='Marvel's M.O.D.O.K' Showrunner on Season 2 Plans and What That 'Offenders' Crossover Might Have Looked Like |url=https://collider.com/modok-hulu-showrunner-jordan-blum-interview-season-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521172527/https://collider.com/modok-hulu-showrunner-jordan-blum-interview-season-2/ |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |access-date=May 21, 2021 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="NewTrailer">{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Roger |date=October 18, 2021 |title=New Marvel's Hit-Monkey Trailer Released |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/new-marvels-hit-monkey-trailer-released/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018162825/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/new-marvels-hit-monkey-trailer-released/ |archive-date=October 18, 2021 |access-date=October 18, 2021 |website=What's On Disney Plus?}}</ref> |
<ref name="NewTrailer">{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Roger |date=October 18, 2021 |title=New Marvel's Hit-Monkey Trailer Released |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/new-marvels-hit-monkey-trailer-released/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018162825/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/new-marvels-hit-monkey-trailer-released/ |archive-date=October 18, 2021 |access-date=October 18, 2021 |website=What's On Disney Plus?}}</ref> |
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<ref name="UKD+Release">{{Cite web |last=Cremona |first=Patrick |date=December 24, 2021 |title=New on Disney Plus UK January 2022 – every new film and show released this month |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/new-on-disney-plus-uk-january-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712005249/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/new-on-disney-plus-uk-january-2022/ |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="ErwichFutureJan2022">{{Cite web |last=Barnhardt |first=Aaron |date=January 11, 2022 |title=Hulu Casts Doubt on Marvel's Future, Including MODOK and Hit-Monkey Season 2 |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/hulu-casts-doubt-marvel-future-modok-hitmonkey-helstrom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112205735/https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/hulu-casts-doubt-marvel-future-modok-hitmonkey-helstrom/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> |
<ref name="ErwichFutureJan2022">{{Cite web |last=Barnhardt |first=Aaron |date=January 11, 2022 |title=Hulu Casts Doubt on Marvel's Future, Including MODOK and Hit-Monkey Season 2 |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/hulu-casts-doubt-marvel-future-modok-hitmonkey-helstrom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112205735/https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/hulu-casts-doubt-marvel-future-modok-hitmonkey-helstrom/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="RenewalUnlikely">{{Cite |
<ref name="RenewalUnlikely">{{Cite magazine |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=May 13, 2022 |title='M.O.D.O.K' Canceled at Hulu After One Season |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/modok-canceled-hulu-1235266682/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513201914/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/modok-canceled-hulu-1235266682/ |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2022 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="S2RenewalVariety">{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=February 2, 2023 |title='Hit-Monkey' Renewed for Season 2 at Hulu |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/hit-monkey-renewed-season-2-hulu-1235509885/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202175548/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/hit-monkey-renewed-season-2-hulu-1235509885/ |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |
<ref name="S2RenewalVariety">{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=February 2, 2023 |title='Hit-Monkey' Renewed for Season 2 at Hulu |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/hit-monkey-renewed-season-2-hulu-1235509885/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202175548/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/hit-monkey-renewed-season-2-hulu-1235509885/ |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="S2RenewalTHR">{{Cite |
<ref name="S2RenewalTHR">{{Cite magazine |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=February 2, 2023 |title='Hit-Monkey' Renewed at Hulu, Loses 'Marvel' From Title |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hit-monkey-renewed-season-2-hulu-1235315721/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202213130/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hit-monkey-renewed-season-2-hulu-1235315721/ |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="S2PremiereDate">{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2024 |title=Hulu Originals & Exclusives Spring/Summer 2024 Programming Slate |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2024/04/04/hulu-originals-and-exclusives-spring-summer-2024-programming-slate-629515/20240404hulu01/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240404171042/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2024/04/04/hulu-originals-and-exclusives-spring-summer-2024-programming-slate-629515/20240404hulu01/ |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=April 4, 2024 |website=[[The Futon Critic]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Milioti">{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Cristin Milioti Joins 'Hit-Monkey' Season 2 at Hulu (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/cristin-milioti-hit-monkey-season-2-hulu-1236014863/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523224139/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/cristin-milioti-hit-monkey-season-2-hulu-1236014863/ |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name="S2Trailer">{{Cite web |last=Coggan |first=Devan |date=June 27, 2024 |title='Marvel's Hit-Monkey' Hits New York in the Action-Packed Season 2 Trailer |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/marvels-hit-monkey-season-2-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627191059/https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/marvels-hit-monkey-season-2-trailer |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=[[Marvel.com]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name=" |
<ref name="S2AusRelease">{{Cite web |last=Zeck |first=Jessica |date=July 31, 2024 |title=What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in August, 2024 |url=https://www.disney.com.au/news/what-to-watch-on-disney-plus-august-2024-watchlist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802094840/https://www.disney.com.au/news/what-to-watch-on-disney-plus-august-2024-watchlist |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Disney.com]] Australia}}</ref> |
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== External links == |
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* [https://www.marvel.com/tv-shows/marvels-hit-monkey/1 ''Hit-Monkey'' season 1] at [[Marvel.com]] |
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* [https://www.marvel.com/tv-shows/marvels-hit-monkey/2 ''Hit-Monkey'' season 2] at Marvel.com |
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Latest revision as of 15:13, 15 November 2024
Hit-Monkey | |
---|---|
Genre | Superhero |
Created by | Will Speck Josh Gordon |
Based on | |
Showrunners |
|
Directed by |
|
Starring | |
Composer | Daniel Rojas |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 2 |
No. of episodes | 20 |
Production | |
Executive producers |
|
Producers |
|
Running time | 22–27 minutes |
Production companies |
|
Original release | |
Network | Hulu |
Release | November 17, 2021 present | –
Related | |
M.O.D.O.K. |
Marvel's Hit-Monkey is an American adult animated television series created by Will Speck and Josh Gordon for Hulu, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The series was produced by Marvel Television for its first season and by 20th Television Animation for its second season, with Gordon and Speck serving as showrunners.
The series stars Ally Maki, Olivia Munn, Fred Tatasciore, and Jason Sudeikis, with Nobi Nakanishi and George Takei joining for the first season, and Leslie Jones and Cristin Milioti in the second. Hit-Monkey was announced and ordered at Hulu in February 2019, as part of a group of series based on Marvel characters that were intended to lead to a crossover special titled The Offenders, with it being produced by Marvel Television. Oversight of the series was moved to Marvel Studios in December 2019 when Marvel Television was folded into that company. 20th Television Animation produced the second season. Animation for the series is provided by Floyd County Productions.
The first season of Hit-Monkey was released in its entirety on Hulu on November 17, 2021, and consisted of ten episodes. The series was met with generally positive reviews from critics for its animation, voice acting, action scenes, plot, and faithfulness to the source material of the comics. In February 2023, the series was renewed for a second ten-episode season, which was released on July 15, 2024.
Plot
[edit]Monkey is a wronged Japanese macaque who is mentored by the ghost of an American assassin named Bryce Fowler as he damages the crime underworlds of the cities of Tokyo (in season 1)[1] and eventually travel to New York City (in season 2).[2]
Cast
[edit]Main
[edit]- Ally Maki as Haruka, a good honest cop who wants to fight the injustice in Tokyo.[3]
- Olivia Munn as Akiko Yokohama / Lady Bullseye II, the smart, ambitious, and mentally unstable niece of Shinji, who is Monkey's self-declared nemesis.[3]
- Nobi Nakanishi as Ito (season 1), Haruka's partner who has problems, but trusts Monkey.[3]
- Fred Tatasciore as Monkey, a Japanese macaque who becomes the assassin Hit-Monkey.[3]
- George Takei as Shinji Yokohama (season 1; guest season 2), a kind politician with a lot on his shoulders.[3]
- Jason Sudeikis as Bryce Fowler (né McHenry), Monkey's mentor who dies and comes back to aid him as a ghost.[4][3]
- Leslie Jones as Eunice Jones (season 2), Bryce's foul-mouthed former agent.[5]
- Cristin Milioti as Iris McHenry (season 2), Bryce's daughter he abandoned who grew up vowing to not become like her father, before realizing their similarities and a possible reconciliation.[6] Iris first appears in the first season as a child.
Guest
[edit]- Paul Nakauchi as Itaru Ozu (season 1)
- Noshir Dalal as Fat Cobra (season 1), a large sumo assassin who can produce lightning from his feet.[3]
- Dalal also voices Kenuichio Harada / Silver Samurai (season 1), Japan's biggest hero who is also very conceited.[7][better source needed]
- Reiko Aylesworth as Maki Matsumoto / Lady Bullseye, a terrifying assassin who relentlessly kills without remorse or hesitation.[3]
- Keith David as Mephisto, the Devil (season 2),[5] the ruler of Hell who sends Bryce back to Earth to coerce Monkey into killing more.
- Rob Corddry as Buddy (season 2), a crime scene cleaner[5]
- Emi Lo as Dot (season 2), a little girl with magnanimous supernatural powers and member of the Co-Op.
- Stephanie Beatriz as Amara (season 2), an ancient Grecian woman who was turned into a living marble statue and member of the Co-Op.
- Tramell Tillman as Double-Tap (season 2), a surviving veteran who specializes in fire arms and member of the Co-Op.
- Nat Faxon as Boone (season 2), leader of the Co-Op who possesses powerful psychic abilities.
- Sonny Valicenti as Slyke (season 2), Boone's brother and member of the Co-Op with powerful mental abilities.
- Jim Gaffigan as Snail (season 2), a time-bending hustler[5]
- Ivana Miličević as Danke (season 2), a professional assassin and Iris' love interest.
Episodes
[edit]Season 1 (2021)
[edit]No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | "Pilot" | Neal Holman | Josh Gordon & Will Speck | November 17, 2021 | |
Bryce Fowler, an upbeat assassin, is hired by a third party to kill a progressive politician Ken Takahara in Japan. He succeeds and also ends up killing the partner of police officer Ito. As he begins to feel remorse for his actions, Bryce is betrayed by his employer and attacked by his goons. Although severely wounded, Bryce manages to escape, fleeing to the snowy mountains. A tribe of intelligent snow monkeys rescue Bryce and begin nursing him back to health. Bryce takes an interest in a particularly aggressive monkey who distrusts him and witnesses his training. The aggressive monkey, whom Bryce names Monkey, is banished from the tribe for harming another monkey, but as he leaves witnessing the assassins coming, who mortally wound Bryce before killing the other monkeys for amusement. Taking Bryce's firearms, Monkey slaughters the assassins in rage. With his dying words, Bryce declares that Monkey must pursue the assassins' employer. Monkey heads to a train station with Bryce's weapons and is suddenly joined by his ghost. | ||||||
2 | 2 | "Bright Lights, Big City" | Neal Holman | Josh Gordon & Will Speck | November 17, 2021 | |
Monkey, later professionally dubbed Hit-Monkey, finds himself unable to lose Bryce's ghost as he arrives in Tokyo. Bryce leads the monkey to a fish warehouse where he received his mission to kill Takahara. They encounter the deranged old woman who supplied Bryce's guns and accidentally kill her, although steal her money to afford a hotel. Meanwhile, Takahara's running mate Shinji Yokohama is convinced by his niece and speech writer Akiko to run in his stead. Lieutenant Ito is given a new partner, the young upstart Haruka, who is aware of his flaws. Monkey spots a General whom Bryce deduces to be involved, and tracks him to Takahara's funeral where Yokohama announces his intent to run. Bryce witnesses the General talking to his unseen employer while Monkey steals a suit and kills a group of Yakuza thugs, triggering a shoot-out between Yakuza members. Monkey kills the Yakuza, rescues Akiko, and attacks the General, who is killed by a bus, leaving his wallet behind. Akiko and Yokohama return home safely as Monkey and Bryce watch. Ito and Haruka see security footage of Monkey in action. | ||||||
3 | 3 | "Legend of the Drunken Monkey" | Neal Holman | Keith Foglesong | November 17, 2021 | |
While arguing about having to kill, Monkey and Bryce encounter Master Izo, a blind monk who can communicate with them, declaring that they are bound and must work together. Haruka informs the police department about Monkey's involvement, only to be laughed off; while Yokohama and Akiko are confronted by Takahara's opponent, Ozu. Bryce and Monkey find the General's home and ignite a deadly shoot-out between two military soldiers and two Yakuza members. Deducing that the General had gambling debts to pay, they sneak into a casino owned by the twins Keppei and Teppei. Monkey is discovered and forced by Bryce to pretend to be entertainment. To advance to the top floor and meet the twins, they begin gambling, although Monkey develops a drinking problem to get over his pain and dislike of killing. After Monkey is captured by the twins, revealed to be the sons of the old woman, Bryce finally admits that being a killer is not easy. Monkey then kills his captors and picks up a finance book, discovering the address of a man named The Accountant, who paid for Takahara's assassination. | ||||||
4 | 4 | "The Code" | Neal Holman | Duffy Boudreau | November 17, 2021 | |
The address leads Bryce and Monkey to a prison, which they infiltrate while arguing about Monkey's code. Monkey is captured by the warden, but escapes and learns that the Accountant is located in a closed-off area of the prison called "The Pit". Meanwhile, Akiko is run off the road by Ozu's promotional team, although Yokohama tells her not to call the press to avoid an incident. Within the Pit, Monkey and Bryce meet the Accountant, who forces them to battle Fat Cobra. Monkey wins, but refuses to kill Cobra, instead teaming up with him to defeat the Accountant. Monkey chases the Accountant to a hidden luxury room, where he reveals that he was hired by The Rooster to fund Takahara's assassination before being killed by his own men. The Warden starts a raid, but Monkey and Bryce are able to escape thanks to a rat Monkey saved earlier. Afterwards, Monkey visits Akiko who thanks him for saving her. News of Monkey's actions spread, validating Ito and Haruka's claims. | ||||||
5 | 5 | "Run Monkey Run" | Neal Holman | Matteo Borghese & Rob Turbovsky | November 17, 2021 | |
The Yakuza's leaders, including the Rooster, join together to place a bounty on Monkey. After being tailored for a new suit, Monkey is attacked by various assassins, making Bryce jealous of his success. Akiko discloses Ozu's supposed attack on her to the press, earning Yokohama's ire, while Ito expresses sympathy to Monkey's cause after he kills a corrupt officer. Yuki, a ghostly assassin, attacks Monkey and Bryce to prevent them from killing. While fighting Yuki and a street racer named Eiko, Monkey saves Ito from being run over, separately convincing both him and Yuki that he is good. Monkey is then captured by The Poacher, and Bryce admits that he is jealous. Together, they kill the Poacher and slaughter the Yakuza leaders, while Rooster is arrested by the police. With their apartment destroyed by Yuki, Monkey decides to stay with Akiko, which she allows. | ||||||
6 | 6 | "The Long Goodbye" | Neal Holman | Albertina Rizzo | November 17, 2021 | |
Akiko is visited by Ito and Haruka who inform her that the Rooster has been arrested, but due to his connections is being let go. Monkey and Bryce take the opportunity to assassinate him, with Bryce believing that this will let his spirit finally rest. They kill a man they believe to be the Rooster, only to find that he has numerous doubles, none of which releases Bryce. Monkey spares a portly double, and kills the supposedly real Rooster as another assassin tries to do the same. Ito reveals to Haraka that he took the fall for his former partner during a corruption investigation in the past, earning her trust. Monkey forces the portly double to take him to the bank and unlock a box using a key left by Rooster; however, the double turns out to be the real Rooster in disguise, and he attacks Monkey. Believing that he will soon ascend, Bryce reveals that he has a daughter and wants Monkey to look after her. Monkey kills Rooster, but Bryce is still bound to him, forcing them to return to Akiko with the box. In response to his minions' failure, the Yakuza's mysterious benefactor hires the assassin Lady Bullseye. | ||||||
7 | 7 | "Sayonara Monkey" | Neal Holman | Ken Kobayashi | November 17, 2021 | |
Bryce and Monkey visit the monk, who uses salt to deter Bryce and states that Monkey must lead them to salvation. Yokohama fires Akiko when Ozu turns her claims against them. The zoo's snow monkeys are killed, which Bryce realizes to be the work of Lady Bullseye, while Haruka deduces that Monkey is staying with Akiko. As Monkey and Bryce prepare for Lady Bullseye, Akiko, Ito and Haruka arrive. Lady Bullseye blows up Akiko's house, fatally wounds Ito, and gives chase to Monkey throughout Tokyo. Monkey escapes and visits a recovering Akiko in the hospital, becoming overwhelmed with grief. Ito dies, and Haruka leaves the police in disgust. Believing that Bryce has ruined his life, Monkey traps him in a salt circle and returns to the mountains, where he spots a new tribe of snow monkeys. | ||||||
8 | 8 | "Home Sweet Home" | Neal Holman | Paul Levitt | November 17, 2021 | |
Abandoning his old life, Monkey rescues a young snow monkey named Koji from a violent tribe called the Red Stripes and is indoctrinated into the new tribe. Monkey bonds with Koji, and decides to train the tribe to fight back when the Red Stripes plot to steal their spring. During the fight, Koji is killed, driving Monkey to don his suit and kill the Red Stripe's leader, scaring his new family away. The ghost of his tribe's Alpha appears, declaring that he must protect both humans and monkeys as a "killer of killers". Affected by the salt, Bryce relives his past as Bryce McHenry, where he met his girlfriend Hayley and sired a daughter named Iris. Bryce learns that his mom's latest boyfriend, Eli, has terrible connections which come back to haunt his family. Bryce accidentally kills Eli during a confrontation and goes on the run, leaving his family with Eli's stolen money. Recalling the Alpha spirit's words, Monkey finds Bryce's frozen corpse in the snow. He mournfully buries both Koji and his partner side-by-side, in twin cairns, before departing the mountains for good. He then reunites with Bryce, strengthening their bond. However, they soon realize that there is only a day left for the election. | ||||||
9 | 9 | "The End: Part One" | Neal Holman | Duffy Boudreau & Keith Foglesong | November 17, 2021 | |
Monkey and Bryce return to Akiko's house where the latter begins to fade in and out of existence. They reunite with Haruka and Akiko, who reveal that Rooster's pen is a recording device; the recording states that Ichiro Hazaki, the Bonsai Master, is the Yakuza's benefactor. While Hakura and Akiko, alongside Yuki and the Silver Samurai, protect Yokohama at his election viewing party, Bryce and Monkey head to Bonsai Master's compound to kill him and Ozu. Lady Bullseye kills the tailor and the monk, deducing Monkey's connection to Bryce and the latter's continued existence as a ghost. Monkey and Bryce fight their way to Bonsai Master, who declares his intentions to restore Japan to its feudal era. Yokohama is declared the new prime minister, and Akiko is approached by Lady Bullseye. Monkey defeats Bonsai Master, who commits seppuku, and approaches Ozu. However, Ozu declares that he was not involved in Takahara's death as he had nothing to gain, leading Monkey and Bryce to realize that Yokohama is responsible. | ||||||
10 | 10 | "The End: Part Two" | Neal Holman | Josh Gordon & Will Speck | November 17, 2021 | |
Monkey and Bryce recruit Haruka and Yuki to infiltrate the party and confront Yokohama. However, Monkey is discovered, igniting a riot between Monkey's supporters and the police. With help from Yuki and Fat Cobra, Monkey escapes Silver Samurai and fights Lady Bullseye, Yokohama's bodyguard, who overpowers him and tortures Bryce with salt. Using the salt, Bryce manages to make himself partially tangible, distracting Lady Bullseye long enough for Haruka to kill her. Yokohama escapes to the roof with Akiko, and regretfully declares his involvement in Takahara's death, having become tired of him losing elections and being offered support from Bonsai Master. Monkey arrives to kill Yokohama, but Bryce decides to talk him down, which allows him to finally ascend. As Haruka goes to arrest Yokohama, he grabs her gun, forcing Monkey to shoot him; devastating Akiko. Haruka sneaks Monkey out of Japan while promising to clear his name. Not wanting to leave Monkey alone, Bryce returns from Hell, now possessing the ability to interact with objects after making a deal with Mephisto. In the morgue, Akiko vows revenge on Monkey, and takes Lady Bullseye's mask. |
Season 2 (2024)
[edit]No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 1 | "Chapter One: Return to Sender" | Kevin Mellon | Josh Gordon & Will Speck | July 15, 2024 | |
Monkey makes a name for himself in New York City by taking down the city's criminals while Bryce attempts to reconnect with his daughter. | ||||||
12 | 2 | "Chapter Two: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?" | Kevin Mellon | Jessica Poter | July 15, 2024 | |
13 | 3 | "Chapter Three: The Rope" | Kevin Mellon | Paul Levitt | July 15, 2024 | |
14 | 4 | "Chapter Four: Never Too Late" | Kevin Mellon | Keith Foglesong | July 15, 2024 | |
15 | 5 | "Chapter Five: Akiko" | Kevin Mellon | Isabelle Esposito | July 15, 2024 | |
16 | 6 | "Chapter Six: The Estate" | Kevin Mellon | Tesha Kondrat | July 15, 2024 | |
17 | 7 | "Chapter Seven: The Last Supper" | Kevin Mellon | Josh Gordon & Will Speck and Jessica Poter | July 15, 2024 | |
18 | 8 | "Chapter Eight: Mind Mall" | Kevin Mellon | Keith Foglesong and Jessica Poter | July 15, 2024 | |
19 | 9 | "Chapter Nine: The Concrete Jungle" | Kevin Mellon | Tesha Kondrat and Paul Levitt | July 15, 2024 | |
20 | 10 | "Chapter Ten: History Lessons" | Kevin Mellon | Josh Gordon & Will Speck and Neal Holman | July 15, 2024 |
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]In February 2019, Marvel Television announced an adult animated television series based on Hit-Monkey, with a series order at the streaming service Hulu, along with M.O.D.O.K. and ones based on Tigra and Dazzler together, as well as Howard the Duck, that were intended to lead up to a crossover special titled The Offenders. The series was created by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, both of whom were expected to write for the series and executive produce alongside Jeph Loeb.[1][8][9] That December, Marvel Television was folded into Marvel Studios, which carried subsequent oversight of the series.[10] The following month in 2020, Marvel decided not to move forward with Howard the Duck, Tigra & Dazzler, and The Offenders, with M.O.D.O.K. and Hit-Monkey continuing as planned.[11] M.O.D.O.K. co-creator Jordan Blum commented in the following year that the series has a different animation style from M.O.D.O.K..[12] In January 2022, Hulu's head of content Craig Erwich said that additional seasons of Hit-Monkey would be determined solely by the Marvel Studios team.[13] With the cancellation of M.O.D.O.K. in May 2022, Variety reported Hit-Monkey was also not expected to be renewed.[14] However, the series was renewed in February 2023, with 20th Television Animation taking over production of the series, given Marvel Television no longer existed. At this time it was reported that the series would no longer featured "Marvel's" in its name, though the Marvel logo would still be attached to the series "in other ways".[15] The second season was ultimately still formally called Marvel's Hit-Monkey.[5] Animation for the series is provided by Floyd County Productions.[6]
Casting
[edit]In September 2021, it was revealed that Jason Sudeikis would voice Hit-Monkey's mentor/partner Bryce,[4] along with Fred Tatasciore as Monkey / Hit-Monkey, with George Takei, Olivia Munn, Ally Maki, and Nobi Nakanishi also starring.[3] Tatasciore, Sudeikis, Munn, and Maki return for the second season, with Leslie Jones and Cristin Milioti joining the cast.[2][6]
Release
[edit]The first season of Hit-Monkey premiered on November 17, 2021, on Hulu in the United States, with all ten episodes released.[4] Internationally, the series was released on January 26, 2022, on Disney+,[16] Disney+ Hotstar and Star+ in Latin America.[citation needed] The second season was released in the United States with all ten episodes on July 15, 2024.[17][6] It was released in Australia on August 7, 2024.[18]
Reception
[edit]For the first season, the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports an 84% approval rating with an average rating of 7.0/10 based on 19 critic reviews. The website's critical consensus reads: "If Marvel's Hit-Monkey is never as thrillingly original as its title might suggest, vibrant animation and a solid voice cast keep things consistently watchable."[19] For the second season, Rotten Tomatoes reports an 83% approval rating with an average rating of 7.0/10 based on 6 critic reviews.[20] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 57 out of 100 based on 6 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[21]
Kristen Reid of Paste stated that the animation of Hit-Monkey is remarkable with its inspiration of Japanese animation, and claimed that the level of violence and lack of morality is refreshing compared to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while finding the sense of humor of the series entertaining despite its lack of originality.[22] Brenton Stewart of Comic Book Resources found Hit-Monkey unique and refreshing through its animation compared to other high-quality Marvel productions, stating that the company should continue to provide more adult animated projects that take risks.[23] Stephen Robinson of The A.V. Club gave the series a A− rating, saying that Hit-Monkey manages to be one of the best recent Marvel TV shows created, while praising the animation and the development of the villains, and complimenting the performance and chemistry of the cast.[24] Siddhant Adlakha of IGN rated the series 7 out of 10 and found the animation of the series impressive, and complimented how the plot and the visual elements manage to balance between humor and gore, despite saying that the characters feel more American than Japanese through their dialogues and mannerism.[25] John Townsend of Starburst rated the series 3 out of 5 stars, saying that Marvel Television successfully provides a show with an inventive and clever humor, making less-known Marvel characters likable.[26]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Otterson, Joe (February 11, 2019). "'Howard the Duck' Among Four Marvel Animated Shows Ordered at Hulu". Variety. Archived from the original on February 11, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
- ^ a b Otterson, Joe (February 2, 2023). "'Hit-Monkey' Renewed for Season 2 at Hulu". Variety. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "'Hit-Monkey' Premieres November 17 On Hulu". Marvel.com. September 20, 2021. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
- ^ a b c Coogan, Devan (September 17, 2021). "An exclusive look at 47 of fall 2021's new and returning shows – Hit Monkey (Nov. 17, Hulu)". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Coggan, Devan (June 27, 2024). "'Marvel's Hit-Monkey' Hits New York in the Action-Packed Season 2 Trailer". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Otterson, Joe (May 23, 2024). "Cristin Milioti Joins 'Hit-Monkey' Season 2 at Hulu (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Palmer, Roger (October 18, 2021). "New Marvel's Hit-Monkey Trailer Released". What's On Disney Plus?. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ Patten, Dominic (February 11, 2019). "Marvel & Hulu Ink Pact For 'Howard The Duck' Animated Series + More – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 11, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (February 11, 2019). "Marvel, Hulu Set Four-Show Animated Slate". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 11, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (December 8, 2019). "Marvel TV Division Folded Into Studio Unit, Layoffs Expected". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (January 24, 2020). "Marvel's 'Howard the Duck,' 'Tigra & Dazzler' Dead at Hulu". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
- ^ Mancuso, Vinnie (May 21, 2021). "'Marvel's M.O.D.O.K' Showrunner on Season 2 Plans and What That 'Offenders' Crossover Might Have Looked Like". Collider. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
- ^ Barnhardt, Aaron (January 11, 2022). "Hulu Casts Doubt on Marvel's Future, Including MODOK and Hit-Monkey Season 2". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (May 13, 2022). "'M.O.D.O.K' Canceled at Hulu After One Season". Variety. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
- ^ Porter, Rick (February 2, 2023). "'Hit-Monkey' Renewed at Hulu, Loses 'Marvel' From Title". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ Cremona, Patrick (December 24, 2021). "New on Disney Plus UK January 2022 – every new film and show released this month". Radio Times. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
- ^ "Hulu Originals & Exclusives Spring/Summer 2024 Programming Slate". The Futon Critic. April 4, 2024. Archived from the original on April 4, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
- ^ Zeck, Jessica (July 31, 2024). "What to watch on Disney+ this month: New content dropping in August, 2024". Disney.com Australia. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
- ^ "Marvel's Hit-Monkey: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
- ^ "Marvel's Hit-Monkey: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ "Marvel's Hit-Monkey: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- ^ Reid, Kristen (November 17, 2021). "Hit Monkey Mayhem Takes Over in Hulu's Darkly Funny Series". Paste. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
- ^ Stewart, Brenton (November 19, 2021). "Hit-Monkey is the Most Stylish Marvel Production Ever". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
- ^ Robinson, Stephen (November 12, 2021). "Marvel's Hit-Monkey is a rip-roaring, comedic thrill ride". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
- ^ Adlakha, Siddhant (November 12, 2021). "Marvel's Hit-Monkey: Season 1 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
- ^ Townsend, Josh (February 7, 2023). "Hit-Monkey – Season One". Starburst. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Hit-Monkey season 1 at Marvel.com
- Hit-Monkey season 2 at Marvel.com
- Hit-Monkey on Hulu
- Hit-Monkey on Disney+
- Hit-Monkey at IMDb
- 2020s American adult animated television series
- 2020s American animated comedy television series
- 2020s American comic science fiction television series
- 2020s American superhero comedy television series
- 2021 American television series debuts
- 2021 animated television series debuts
- Adult animated television shows based on Marvel Comics
- American adult animated comedy television series
- American adult animated science fiction television series
- American adult animated superhero television series
- American anime-influenced animated television series
- American comic science fiction television series
- American English-language television shows
- Animated television series about ghosts
- Animated television series about monkeys
- Animated television series set in New York City
- Hulu original programming
- Television series by Fox Television Animation
- Television series by Marvel Studios
- Television series by Marvel Television
- Television shows set in Japan
- Television shows set in Tokyo
- Works about the Yakuza