Palm Royale: Review
By Sioph Leal
Set in 1969, Palm Royale is Apple TV’s latest project and is about Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wigg), an ambitious woman who aspires to break into Palm Royale high society. As a former beauty pageant winner, Maxine oozes charm and an infectious positive outlook that isn’t well suited to the ladies of Palm Royale, but that doesn’t stop Maxine. As Maxine tries to navigate the exclusive world, she tries to cultivate the reluctant friendships of Dinah (Leslie Bibb) and Evelyn (Alison Janney), her infectious optimism will see Maxine attempt to cross the line from have-nots to haves, but success can come at a great personal cost.
Palm Royale starts off strong in its first five episodes as viewers are introduced to the high society women of the Palm Royale through Maxine talking about them and their mentions in the society pages, The Shiney Sheet. Each woman has their own secrets, even the feminist activist Linda (Laura Dern) and beloved bartender Robert (Ricky Martin). Unfortunately, once all secrets are revealed to the viewer during the fifth episode, the show loses its comedic enjoyment and struggles to find its story for the later part of the season. Rather than focusing on the characters and toeing the line perfectly between a drama and comedy, the remaining five episodes border on silly and lose the charm that Maxine brings to the series.
With any good show, an equally great supporting cast of characters is a necessity. While some, like Perry Donohue (Jordan Bridges), husband to the rising star that is Dinah, are on screen, he brings a new breath of life, even if his business practices aren’t anything to be desired. Characters like Pinky (Roberto Sanchez) don’t get enough screen time, which is a shame as his story could have been another aspect that enriched the show; instead, he is often left on the sidelines. Mitzi (Kaia Gerber), the aspiring manicurist model, will astound viewers with how she is able to maintain a monotone voice while struggling to deliver an emotional performance by the end of the season.
One of the biggest draws of the show is the dynamic between Kristen Wigg and Ricky Martin. Whenever these two share a screen, they are a delight, be it their bickering or verbal sparring with one another. Maxine and Robert are two sides of the same coin in terms of their loyalty, but both express it in very different ways. Maxine’s naivety and endless optimism in her worldview are what spur her on, while Robert’s loyalty isn’t so easily earned. He is a man of the world and has had to depend on himself, with a secret that has built up his walls. Martin brings a quiet charisma to Robert, while Wiig’s infectious optimism and southern charm add a burst of life to Palm Royale. Seeing these two dynamics bounce off each other is a treat to watch and will leave you wanting more.
Palm Royale had great potential, with the first five episodes being intriguing, almost making me crave more, but unfortunately, the writing drops off and almost becomes silly in its plots. In the last part of the season, some characters aren’t utilised as much, and the sudden ending of the season will just leave you frustrated. If it gets a second season, hopefully the pacing of the latter part of the season will be fixed.
Palm Royale will premiere on Apple TV on March 20th 2024.