Summary
Kristen Wiig delivers a career-best performance in Palm Royale, which is a twisted and wild ride filled with drama and comedy.
From Abe Sylvia, the writer of the Academy Award-winning film The Eyes of Tammy Faye, comes a period comedy based on Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie. Palm Royale is a ten-episode miniseries streaming on Apple TV+ with a star-studded cast that includes Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, and Ricky Martin.
Palm Royale Season 1 Review: An Edge-of-Your-Seat Guessing Game
Palm Royale follows Maxine Simmons, an outsider who strives to gain a place in the most exclusive resort club in Palm Beach. Along the way, she unpacks the lying, cheating, and stealing she must do to get into the club.
When we meet Maxine, she sneaks into the Palm Royale, where a group of ladies sit by the pool to discuss the latest gossip within the town. As she tries to fit in to talk to the ladies, she realizes they want no part in her conversation. Shortly after, she is met by security and thrown out of the place, her picture going on the wall of never being welcomed back.
We learn early on that Maxine refuses to take no for an answer. She lies, steals, and bargains her way into the luxurious club, but even after she does, staying within the group is even more challenging. Through a web of deceit, backstabbing, and secrets, the journey for Maxine and the ladies of Palm Beach sees the world crumble around them.
Don’t Be Dismayed By A Slow Start — Palm Royale Picks Up With Episode 3
The writing within Palm Royal reminds you of the early stages of Desperate Housewives. You have this illustrious community built on the foundation of money and greed, with these ladies flaunting it with the latest purses, clothes, and jewelry.
I am not always a fan of a series that debuts three episodes at once, but if Palm Royale had debuted just two, I am not sure how many people would be invested. The series has a very slow start in the first two episodes, and while they aren’t bad, you just don’t have much to cling to. However, the pace picks up drastically within that third episode, and you never look back.
Although promoted as a period comedy, the writers don’t lean heavily into trying to make things overly funny. Don’t get me wrong, the show has humorous moments, but the script allows the comedy to emerge in the events unfolding rather cheesy oneliners. As a result, it lets this talented cast bring the era, drama, and humor to life on their terms.
Kristen Wiig Delivers A Career-Best Performance
Nobody will ever question whether or not Kristen Wiig is funny, and she has some truly amusing moments as Maxine. But what stood out the most to me was her ability to play this convincing, backstabbing, yet desperate role with such a compelling nature that you wanted to root for her. Most of the characters are not likable, nor should they be, which is fine, but Wiig delivers the best performance I’ve seen from her in this series.
The most important aspects of a period series are the production, costumes, and vibe. If I don’t feel submerged in the era, it immediately takes me out of the show. You have the vibe set up beautifully at the Palm Royale, but I was even more impressed by the Bellacorte Mansion and the parties that were thrown. The entire team deserves credit for bringing this era to life authentically and realistically.
Palm Royale Season 1 Is A Smash Hit
So far, in 2024, the television landscape has been very hit or miss. Palm Royale falls in line with being a smash hit for me, which I hope we get more of. The twists and turns never let up, leading to an edge-of-your-seat guessing game you won’t want to stop watching. A powerfully written script, a fantastic ensemble cast, and a technically sound series lead to a great time.
What did you think of Palm Royale Season 1? Comment below.
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