'Palm Royale' Episode 2 Takeaway: Maxine Simmons breaks down amid bidding drama
Contains spoilers for 'Palm Royale' on Apple TV+
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In 'Palm Royale,' Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) gains entry into the exclusive club but encounters challenges in upholding her statu. Episode 2 of the Apple TV+ series showcases her relentless efforts to keep pace with the other members.
To finance her dresses and membership fees, Maxine resorts to stealing Norma Dellacorte's (Carol Burnett) valuables.
However, her troubles escalate when she becomes an outcast among the elite. Seizing an opportunity to gain attention, Maxine purchases a table at the auction.
What happens at the auction in 'Palm Royale'?
Maxine's attempt to find a valuable item for the auction proves futile, leading her to steal a stone-carved cat from Norma's residence.
During the auction, Ann (Mindy Cohn), the new editor of the society column, inquires about Maxine's contribution. Observing the cat statue, Ann realizes that Maxine is oblivious to its actual value.
When Maxine's table is highlighted, Ann steps in and presents Stoned Mable, highlighting its rarity as a stone offering to the Egyptian goddess Bastet.
Ann's revelation sparks a bidding war. Maxine strategically increases the bids by one dollar each time, aiming to keep the statuette and also to drive up Evelyn Rollins's (Allison Janney) bid.
As the bidding escalates, with Maxine ultimately making a bold bid of $75,000, successfully winning the auction.
Maxine Simmons regrets her actions in 'Palm Royale'
After the auction, Maxine sits alone with the valuable cat statue as tears stream down her face. When Linda Rollins (Laura Dern) arrives, Maxine breaks down and confesses that she bid with the money she doesn't possess for a statue she would eventually inherit.
Later, at the Dellacorte mansion, Maxine accidentally drops Stoned Mable, causing the head to break off.
Devastated by the recent events, she returns to the motel room only to discover the locks changed and a notice of her overdue balance totaling $370.80.
Feeling utterly helpless, Maxine walks into the motel pool fully clothed and floats there, overwhelmed by her circumstances.
With a permanent membership to the elite club but no place to stay and no funds for the auction, Maxine faces an uncertain future. How will she navigate these challenges and stay afloat?
Three episodes of 'Palm Royale' are available to stream on Apple TV+.
