As someone who lived through the Tiger King craze, I can confidently say that Chimp Crazy has managed to outdo its predecessor in every way possible. Having binge-watched both series back-to-back, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat when I saw the HBO logo pop up on my screen for this new docuseries.
It was hard to comprehend the allure of the show “Tiger King” when it first aired, though in retrospect, it may have been that people were yearning for unity as the world was under lockdown due to the pandemic. However, there was an undeniable charm about Joe Exotic and his love for tigers that held America spellbound. As time has passed, the world has moved on, but I still remember it vividly, and I truly believe that “Chimp Crazy” surpasses the Netflix documentary in quality.
If you’ve been overwhelmed by the numerous shows on the 2024 TV lineup, it’s possible you might have overlooked this HBO docuseries. Nevertheless, it’s now streaming with a Max subscription, and given its creators are behind Tiger King, there’s a strong case for watching this new series if you’ve been seeking something to fill the gap in your entertainment.
Tonia Haddix Is So Much More Intriguing Than Joe Exotic
Documentaries such as these reveal that there are quite a few vibrant personalities within the sphere of private ownership of exotic animals. Much like Joe Exotic, Tonia Haddix is deeply invested in the freedom to keep exotic pets and is not afraid to engage in conflict with those who seek to deny her this right. The original series Tiger King excelled at depicting the diverse antagonists found within its narrative, and Chimp Crazy follows suit.
Tonia’s narrative stands apart. To me, it seems unlike Joe Exotic’s, as viewers might find in her an individual who isn’t primarily driven by monetary gains and shows an almost passionate devotion towards the care and upbringing of chimpanzees and other primates at her sanctuary. Although her methods may not align with those of a professional caregiver, there is no denying that her affection for these animals shines through vividly.
Truthfully, Tonia Haddix gives off strong Carole Baskin vibes without the accusations that she murdered her husband or forged his signature to gain control of his money. It’s fair to say, however, that she has her own skeletons in her closet. She also has a real beef with the people at PETA and actor Alan Cumming, who worked with her most prized chimp, Tonka. She loves Tonka more than her child, which her son confirms during Chimp Crazy.
You’ll Learn A Lot Of Shocking Things About Chimp Ownership
I was pretty in the dark about people letting chimpanzees live in their homes as pets. The only thing I was aware of was that Hollywood has used trained apes for decades in movies, and after hearing about how easily it can all go wrong, I’m kind of shocked they ever did.
In the series Tiger King, it’s evident to most people that dealing with a 400-pound tiger is risky, except for Mike Tyson who surprisingly cohabited with his animals. On the other hand, chimpanzees are a unique challenge due to their human-like behavior. As many stories show, they can be as affectionate as cuddling on a couch one moment, and capable of inflicting terrible injuries in the next.
Regardless, various individuals who keep chimps will discuss the unique and profound connections they have formed with these primates. Remarkably, even those who have been bitten may express that they do not regret owning a chimp, and if given the chance, they would make the same decision again.
One key insight I gained from reading “Chimp Crazy” is that humans and chimpanzees can develop a profound connection. This is evident even in Alan Cumming, a staunch supporter of PETA, who acknowledges the deep bond Tania shares with Tonka. He also felt a similar bond when working with Tonka on the film “Buddy”. Although these relationships may not be entirely safe, there’s an unspoken and inexplicable aspect to them that everyone involved finds hard to put into words.
The Story Takes So Many Drastic Turns During The Filming
Twists in a docuseries are nothing new to me. Many of the best documentaries start out being about one thing, and then take a sudden shift part of the way through. While I do like the regular documentary that tells the story it set out to at the beginning, there’s always something to love about a docuseries that gets turned on its head.
The mini-series “Chimp Crazy” packs a surprising punch from start to finish, leaving viewers in suspense until the very end. Intrigued by the series, I started watching it before the final episode, and the anticipation for that last installment turned out to be the longest seven days of my life. However, let me clarify that the entire series is superb; I initially thought it couldn’t get any better, but it managed to raise the bar even higher.
Initially, I was taken aback to find myself feeling this way since I usually dislike it when documentaries seem overly controlled by the crew, shaping the narrative excessively. However, upon reflection, I can see why they were involved and am thankful for their efforts, as it led to an extraordinary exploration of the little-known realm of exotic pet ownership. Documentaries like Chimp Crazy always intrigue me by revealing hidden worlds that I could never fathom or have any knowledge about, and this one certainly delivers in that regard.
It’s for this reason that I don’t just say that Chimp Crazy is like Tiger King, it exceeds it in just about every way possible. It seems I’m not alone in this thought either, as the series has maintained a healthy position towards the top of Max’s topped stream shows for a while now. So, if you’re someone who thought Tiger King was fun and you haven’t had a chance to check out this series yet, I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll feel many things throughout but I guarantee the one thing you won’t feel is boredom.
As mentioned, Chimp Crazy is available to stream on Max, or via HBO on demand. After watching it, maybe check out The Sopranos documentary, and learn some more about one of the most acclaimed shows of all time that also ends in a shocking and abrupt way!
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2024-09-23 20:07