Palm Royale

There are so many elements that if assembled artfully could have made this spectacular, - I mean INCREDIBLE cast, production, location, etc. I was rooting for this show so much. It becomes a struggle to care about the characters' stories over time -- and that's really a bizarre anti-achievement because there are so many beloved actors who you just automatically are charmed by and cheer for. You can't HELP but love Kristen Wiig and the whole cast from the start and then all that potential just seems to drain away. I wonder if it needed someone like David Lynch to elevate it to where it seems like it wants to go.

I felt like I was being promised something great... eventually... and it never shows up (or hasn't yet).

1969 was a period of great unrest in the US, with the unpopular Vietnam war, student protests on the streets, and the women's movement on the rise. All this under the presidency of the conservative, Tricky Dicky (Richard Nixon). But that didn't mean a thing to Maxine Simmons, who at the time was so determined to infiltrate Palm Beach high society at any cost, while the world was crumbling around her.

The viewer will squirm and cringe with great amusement as Maxine digs herself so deep into a mess, and then attempts to climb out of that bottomless hole by any means necessary in this farcical series that takes a swipe at the lives of deluded filthy rich housewives of Palm Beach. To help it along, it is the performances of Kristen Wiig and the dynamic supporting cast that make this a pure delight!

Overall it is taking too long to tell a simple tale that feels a little drawn out, even after three episodes. Maybe best suited as a feature length, but it is still enticing enough to see how far Maxine will go to conquer the upper-class social scene, and hopefully make a mess of it all.

The lead actress stands out, along with a pretty good script that skillfully plays with multiple double meanings. This also implies that the rest of the cast falls a bit short of what's needed to make it a top-tier series.

Oh, the Ricky Martin part ends up being more of an anecdote, as despite having a fair amount of screen time, it neither adds nor detracts much from the overall outcome. As long as he didn't mess it up, I think he fulfilled his role.

The costumes and setting also stand out above the other elements.

I'm actually surprised by the Emmy nomination. But in the end, it's one of the best comedies of the year, even though it's not for everyone and many won't like it at all.

As another reviewer stated, I too am surprised by the low rating of this show.

It's such a visually appealing time period of American fashion and decor, the cast is outrageously great (if you're Gen X or older you will appreciate the women in this), Ricky Martin looks amazing - it's so nice seeing him have fun, and finally, although I don't like musicals, even the musical numbers are enjoyable.

If you're tired of heavy dramas like Severance, or police procedural shows, you might really enjoy this breath of fresh air. There's a tiny bit of cringe to the humor but not too much, like White Lotus. (Watching uncomfortable situations always gives me bystander anxiety).

Overall, it's a beautiful, smart, and enjoyably relaxing show.

After seeing so many mixed reviews I put off watching this show. But I've run out of things that are capturing my attention (and while waiting for the next Shogun and Tokyo Vice episodes to be aired) so I thought I'd give it a shot while I loaded the dishwasher. Ha! It totally caught my attention and the dishes never went anywhere.

Things I like about the show: I love seeing so many quality actors and even shouted out, "OMG! That's Carol Burnett!" when I recognized her.

Even though the ladies aren't people I'd naturally root for, I like the determined pluckiness of Kirstin Wigg's character.

I also enjoy seeing the cattiness behind the veil of haughty money.

Most of the people in the show aren't young adults, more middle adult and older, my age. This make it easier for me to relate .

It's fun seeing that era come alive with all the clothing, decor, and social norms.

I'm enjoying how the story is slowly being unraveled and it makes me eager to watch the next episode.

I read one of the less favorable reviews where the person said that if the first episode doesn't drag you in then there's no point wasting time trying to watch anymore. Even though I wish everyone would be as giddy for this show as I am, I agree with the statement. But... if you are at all curious about the show, give the first episode a chance. You may find yourself with the same happy surprise as I did.