'Palm Royale' Episode 6 Takeaway: Maxine Simmons' reputation at risk over scandalous revelation
Contains spoilers for 'Palm Royale'
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In Episode 6 of 'Palm Royale', released on April 10, Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), the protagonist of the series, comes clean about her real identity.
We have seen Maxine introducing herself as the winner of several beauty pageants and a proud wife of Douglas Dellacorte (Josh Lucas), a commercial pilot and the last heir of Dellacorte family.
However, as Ann Holiday (Mindy Cohn), the new editor of Shiney Sheet's corners her, Maxine is forced to tell the truth.
What does Maxine Simmons tell about her past in 'Palm Royale' Episode 6?
In 'Palm Royale' Episode 6, Maxine is seen upset after Prince of Luxembourg declines her invitation and Evelyn criticizes her for destroying the balance of Palm Beach.
In moment of failure and loneliness, Ann confronts Maxine about the discrepancies she discovered in the events narrated by her about her past.
Ann found that the winners of the pageants featured in a local Tennessee newspaper had names belonging to Palm Beach socialites who had long died before Maxine was even born.
Curiously, though, the pictures accompanying those names were of Maxine herself. When confronted, Maxine straightforwardly clarifies the confusion, without thinking of the consequences.
Maxine reveals that her maiden name is Horton and she was found in a wash basin when she was a baby.
Raised in an orphanage, Maxine recounts how she was drawn by the luxurious yet superficial lifestyles depicted in Shiny Sheets magazine, yearning for the seemingly perfect lives they had.
Maxine tells that she signed up for a pageant just for fun and used the name of someone she read about once in Shiny Sheets.
Her decision to adopt another person's name stemmed from her own self-doubts, as she grappled with a sense of lacking a distinct identity.
Will Ann Holiday expose Maxine Simmons in 'Palm Royale'?
Maxine, who feels that her life couldn't get any worse, unburdens herself of her past to Ann, even giving her permission to publish the details.
However, Ann's unexpected response shocks her. Ann decides not to pursue the story, citing the belief that it wouldn't garner readership.
Maxine experiences a mix of relief that her secrets won't be splashed across the headlines and a twinge of offense at the notion that her life isn't juicy enough for town gossip.
Ann, who appears to be a kind woman, hugs Maxine and leaves. It signals her understanding and empathy towards Maxine.
At this point, it's clear that Ann won't pursue Maxine's story any further and genuinely sympathizes with her. This also marks a significant step for Maxine in unburdening herself partially.
Meanwhile, she is struggling with organizing the perfect annual Beach Ball with no cash at their disposal and no special guest to attract the crowd.
In the upcoming episodes, it would be interesting to see how Maxine will deal with all the chaos and obstacles to host the big event.
Six episodes of 'Palm Royale' are available to stream on Apple TV+.