Marvel’s Hit-Monkey season 1 premiere recap

The premiere of Hulu and Marvel’s Hit-Monkey season 1 begins with apparent mobsters in a shadowy undertaking. However, we quickly see one of them beheaded, then a shootout ensues, and the series’ protagonist, Hit-Monkey, is promptly revealed. This is followed by a flashback to two months earlier in Tokyo at an airport. We are introduced to Bryce Fowler (Jason Sudeikis), who is a brash assassin. Unlike low-profile assassins, this one never shuts up, yapping to his silent driver.

This is no exaggeration: when Bryce meets someone, he often literally announces he’s in town to kill someone for money, so it’s no surprise when Bryce meets some underground crime syndicate-types and we get vague details about a “Mr. Salk.” However, most viewers will remember Bryce at the hotel bar telling everyone that he kills people for money. So, when and where does Hit-Monkey come into play?

Introducing the concept of Hit-Monkey season 1

Before Hit-Monkey itself is more thoroughly introduced, we meet Akiko (Olivia Munn), whose uncle, Shinji (George Takei), is a politician. We learn that there was also another politician, Ken, a rabble-rouser who was assassinated by Bryce. Not long after that successful assassination, Bryce himself is almost killed by the people who hired him, though he escapes into the snowy woods after setting off a potentially deadly explosion. Exhausted and injured, Bryce passes out, then, much to his surprise, he wakes up in a hot springs environment surrounded by Japanese snow monkeys!

As if forming a symbiotic bond with Bryce, they chew on grass and spit it into his mouth, suggesting it may have healing properties. Soon, a somewhat recovered and rejuvenated Bryce trains by slashing up and shooting snowmen. When one of the monkeys fears Bryce’s display, it gets kicked out of the tribe, and the monkey chases a group of armed snowmobilers who are obviously seeking to finish killing Bryce.

The more specific origin of Hit-Monkey season 1

The fleet of Japanese assassins kill Bryce as the monkey watches, then the assassins shoot a bunch of the monkeys dead! Incredibly, the lone survivor monkey (who had witnessed Bryce’s training) shoots all of the snowmobile assassins. Moments later, a dying Bryce tells the monkey to get revenge and “do this to them,” and Hit-Monkey is essentially born. Having style for miles, Hit-Monkey even dons shades and heads out on his revenge journey. For good measure, Bryce’s brash and confident ghost follows him, sort of as his “spirit human.”

The tone of Hit-Monkey season 1

It almost needn’t be said, but Hit-Monkey is not among the most serious of TV shows — or even superhero shows — which means you will likely love it or hate it.  The show does contain violence and adult language and themes, so many households probably wouldn’t treat it as some kid’s show.  That being said, plenty of “hip” families could probably still watch this with their kids, assuming their kids are smart enough to realize the violence being depicted is entirely fictional.  However, if your family is sensitive, squeamish,  or just does not identify with this sort of humor, it’s plainly true that Hit-Monkey is not for everyone.

What are your thoughts on Hit-Monkey? Let us know in the comments!