'Palm Royale' Episode 5 Takeaway: Maxine Simmons' shady past teeters on the brink of revelation

Maxine Simmons' past comes under scrunity in Episode 5 of Apple TV+'s 'Palm Royale'

UPDATED APR 3, 2024

Maxine Simmons' secrets from decades ago may finally catch up to her in Apple TV+'s period comedy 'Palm Royale' (@appletv+)

Contains spoilers for 'Palm Royale'

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Maxine Simmons' (Kristen Wiig) struggle to build a reputation in Palm Beach's high society has been the focal point in Apple TV+'s 'Palm Royale'.

In the initial episodes, she presents herself as a winner of numerous beauty pageants.

She further reveals that she first met Douglas Dellacorte (Josh Lucas) during one of these pageants, where he served as a judge.

Although Maxine lost that specific pageant, she captured Douglas' heart, leading to their eventual marriage.

In 'Palm Royale' Episode 5, Maxine's claims about her past come under scrutiny, leaving fans curious about what she might be concealing.

What does Ann discover about Maxine Simmons in 'Palm Royale' Episode 5?

Mindy Cohn as Ann Holiday in a still from 'Palm Royale' (@appletv+)

In the latest episode, Ann Holiday (Mindy Cohn), the new editor of Shiny Sheet, delves into Maxine's past and uncovers shocking revelations.

Ann tracks down an intoxicated Maxine at the club and confronts her, revealing that her research into the pageant winners Maxine claims to have won shows different women listed as the actual winners.

However, the confrontation leads nowhere as Robert Diaz (Ricky Martin) comes to Maxine's rescue by pulling her away from Ann's questions and driving her home.

Is Maxine Simmons really a gold digger in 'Palm Royale'?

Kristen Wiig as Maxine Simmons in a still from 'Palm Royale' (@appletv+)

Maxine is assumed as a "gold digger" by the residents of Palm Beach, a perception that has been evident since the show's beginning.

Maxine herself knows that Douglas' aunt, Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett), shares the same view of her.

Despite Maxine's claims that she married Douglas out of love and not for his wealth, it's difficult to trust her words.

Maxine is so lured by the luxurious lifestyle of the elite that she resorts to extreme measures to fit in. This includes trespassing into the club, stealing Norma's jewelry, and even forging checks to settle her debts.

Her apparent concern for Norma appears to be driven by her ambition to inherit Norma's fortune, raising doubts about whether her relationship with Douglas was solely based on love.

It would be intriguing to see if Ann exposes Maxine's secrets to the Palm Beach society and how would Maxine tackle the situation.

Five episodes of 'Palm Beach' are available to stream on Apple TV+.