PALM ROYALE SEASON 1 STORY: Former pageant queen Maxine Simmons is keen to join the prestigious Palm Beach social club, which is a sought-after hangout for society’s elite.
PALM ROYALE SEASON 1 REVIEW: ‘Palm Royale’ is more style than substance, even with a cast of big names. This historical drama, which takes place in 1969 in Florida, features magnificent art direction, opulent settings, and outstanding performances. Nevertheless, the show feels shallow and lacks substance overall. Its ten episodes have a plodding pace and are overstuffed with unneeded details. Although a few characters have side stories of their own, these only complicate the main storyline of the show. The show attempts to be satirical, but the satire misses its mark and is made worse by a disorganized screenplay. ‘Palm Royale’ falls well short of expectations, despite the skill of actors such as Laura Dern and Alison Janney.
The show’s main problem is that it doesn’t have a clear direction. The allusions to these historical contexts feel haphazard when compared to the backdrop of the feminist movement’s height and the Vietnam War. Its slow pacing is a big flaw, though, as the first few episodes don’t make much progress and leave viewers waiting for things to pick up steam. In the end, it seems more like a glitzy exhibition of the rich and well-known dressed in lavish costumes. Nonetheless, the show shines in the costume department; the wardrobe is particularly noteworthy and remarkably colorful.
The show begins with Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) breaking into the upscale Palm Beach Club against the backdrop of 1969. Wearing a costume that she borrowed from the unconscious dame Norma (Carol Burnett), Maxine sets up a small collision with Dinah’s vehicle, which leads to an unexpected friendship that allows her to enter the club with Dinah as her guarantee. Once inside, Maxine skillfully navigates her way past Evelyn (Alison Janney), a formidable figure, and into the inner circle. From that point on, she painstakingly plans how to solidify her position as the club’s most valuable member by entangling everyone in her web of ambition and intrigue.
Kristen Wiig devotes herself fully to the character of Maxine in this highly anticipated series. Her portrayal of a shallow woman willing to go to great lengths in the name of elitism is evidence of her talent and dedication. With the help of Laura Dern’s Linda and Alison Janney’s Evelyn, the ensemble makes sure the performance part is handled well. However, Ricky Martin as Robert and Carol Burnett as Norma are the two performers who are able to take center stage. Martin captivates audiences with his portrayal of a charming but grumpy bartender, making them want to see more of him on screen. While this is going on, Burnett’s portrayal of Norma, who is initially unconscious, awakens and gives a remarkable performance.
This television series revolves around an elite group of individuals who have no bearing on reality at all. None, save for Martin’s character, make the audience feel sorry for them. The show puts viewers’ patience to the test with strange moments like the unexpected arrival of a crowned prince. Sadly, an uninspired screenplay leaves much to be desired, undermining the cast’s outstanding efforts.
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