'Palm Royale' Episode 1 Takeaway: Maxine Simmons plays dirty trick to get into the elite club
Contains spoilers for 'Palm Royale'
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: 'Palm Royale', created by Abe Sylvia, made its grand debut on March 20, 2024, on Apple TV+. The ten-episodic series is based on the 2018 novel 'Mr & Mrs American Pie' by Juliet McDaniel.
The plot revolves around Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) striving to get a place in Palm Beach high society through the town's most exclusive resort club.
Maxine Simmons befriends Dinah Donahue in 'Palm Royale'
Maxine Simmons seizes a golden opportunity to gain access to the exclusive club by observing Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb) in a vulnerable state.
She devises a plan to earn Dinah's favor by orchestrating a minor car accident. Maxine tails Dinah, overtakes her vehicle, and causes Dinah to collide with the rear of her car.
Thinking she caused the accident due to her distraction, Dinah offers to take Maxine to her personal physician. During their interaction, Maxine, a newcomer to Palm Beach, expresses her aspiration to join Palm Royale.
Dinah says that the membership costs $30,000 followed by monthly fees of $500. Looking at the things she owns, Dinah figures out that she can't afford it.
Afterward, Dinah experiences a breakdown in the restroom, where Maxine provides her with comfort and solace. Dinah eventually confides in Maxine, revealing that she is pregnant with the man she was having an affair with while married.
Maxine enlists Linda's (Laura Dern) assistance to arrange an abortion for Dinah, going above and beyond to support her during this challenging time.
However, despite Maxine's considerable efforts, she feels betrayed when Dinah shows no indication of reciprocating their friendship and refuses to assist Maxine in obtaining club membership.
Maxine Simmons uses Dina Donahue's secret to her advantage in 'Palm Royale'
Maxine goes to pick up Dinah's dress from Grayman (Dominic Burgess) and subtly drops hints of Dinah being sick while making sure that Evelyn (Allison Janney) hears about it.
Dinah, fueled by anger, arrives at Maxine’s house to confront her about her getting cupcakes from Evelyn and Grayman, saying they were reserved for people getting sick.
Despite a heated exchange, Maxine eventually persuades Dinah to sponsor her for club membership.
Later, during an award ceremony, Evelyn confronts Maxine, revealing her knowledge of Maxine's deceit involving Norma (Carol Burnett) and Douglas Dellacorte (Josh Lucas). Evelyn bluntly tells Maxine that she doesn't belong in their circle.
Three episodes of 'Palm Royale' are available to stream on Apple TV+