Before the era of Instagram stories and TikTok, gossip magazines and television served as conduits for ordinary individuals to feel connected to the glamorous and affluent. While few dare to thrust themselves into the elite circles, some boldly demand their place at the table, as exemplified in “Palm Royale.” Adapted from Juliet McDaniel’s novel “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie” by Abe Sylvia for Apple TV+, this 1960s-set comedy introduces us to Maxine Simmons (portrayed impeccably by Kristen Wiig), a bottle-blonde transplant to Palm Beach determined to carve out a lavish existence for herself, even if it requires some bending of the rules. “Palm Royale,” wildly outrageous and entertaining, suggests that pursuing one’s desires with a touch of delusion might yield unexpected results.
Set in the summer of 1969 at the exclusive Palm Royale country club in Palm Beach, the series opens with Maxine, lacking both an invitation and funds for the hefty initiation fee, audaciously infiltrating the establishment she’s long admired. Despite her unconventional methods and garish attire, she quickly discovers the club’s unwelcoming atmosphere.
Within Palm Royale’s hierarchy reigns Norma Delacore (played by Carol Burnett), Maxine’s comatose aunt-in-law who has held sway over Palm Beach for nearly five decades. Competing for Norma’s throne is the formidable Evelyn Rollins (a captivating Allison Janney), eagerly anticipating her wealthy husband Skeet’s demise. Also in the mix is affluent socialite Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb), eager to oust Evelyn from her position. Though these women aren’t allies, they unite in their efforts to make Maxine feel unwelcome in their town.
A former pageant queen from Tennessee married to a simple-minded pilot named Douglas (portrayed by Josh Lucas), Maxine adeptly navigates the intricacies of white womanhood, leveraging misogyny and the patriarchy to her advantage. Despite her innocence, her desire for a luxurious life propels her forward, even in the face of secrets, blackmail, and unexpected obstacles. Along her journey, Maxine forms unlikely alliances with Linda Shaw (Laura Dern), a feminist activist, and Robert (Ricky Martin), a knowledgeable waiter.
“Palm Royale” is a pastel-infused satire replete with absurd charity events, pill parties, and closets teeming with skeletons, often exposed in the town’s gossip rag, “The Shiny Sheet.” Amidst the chaos, Maxine relentlessly pursues Norma’s coveted rolodex, the key to hosting the prestigious Beach Ball and achieving her aspirations.
While “Palm Royale” radiates with brightness and color, its excessive content, including a whale, assassination attempts, and random appearances of crowned princes, underscores the need for tighter editing. The series’ ten episodes are overstuffed, leaving viewers feeling dizzy by the finale. Nonetheless, Maxine’s journey is captivating, reminding audiences of the allure of materialistic dreams and the determination required to pursue them.
Ultimately, “Palm Royale” celebrates the audacity of individuals like Maxine, who dare to define their worth and pursue their desires unapologetically. Through her adventures, viewers are treated to a joyfully indulgent experience, rooting for her every step of the way. After all, there’s something exhilarating about a woman who knows her worth and boldly claims what she deserves.
