To paraphrase a great woman, itâs summer and I donât have the slightest clue as to what to watch. With the recent eighty-degree weather, one wants to spend some of this time by a pool curled up with a novel. However sometimes you just want a cool drink and to rest in front of a television in an air-conditioned home. Some recent multiplex offerings havenât piqued my interest as they should. Most blockbusters arenât designed to be mentally stimulating. And as much as I would love to turn my brain off, I want to find a balance between the frivolous and the profound. And with the threat of cicada plague, staying indoors a bit doesnât seem like a bad option.
I was just in luck when Apple TV Plus dropped âPalm Royaleâ in my lap. A mystery series that takes place in Florida circa 1969, we are treated to the exploits of the rich and fabulous that attend the title country club. Adapted from the novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel, Maxine Simmons climbs the social ladder one rung at a time. Kristin Wiig is perfect in a role like this, utilizing her comic abilities as well as her sense of character building that she honed in her time on SNL. On her own, she could have carried a show on her shoulders. Luckily, she has quite a bit of help.
Oscar winner Allison Janney plays one of the elite Evelyn Rollins, presided over a gaggle of swans this side of Capoteâs social circle. In fact, fans of Feud will find many similarities, albeit no factual details. Leslie Bibbâs recent addition to the friend group makes a great foil for Maxine; both worming their way into high society from humble beginnings. Although Maxine isnât welcomed by open arms, by more than just potential confidents.
The real revelation of the series is Carol Burnett as Maxineâs would-be mother-in-law Norma. From the first episodes, hers is nothing more than a prop. Stuck in a coma, Norma is just a jumping off point for the story. But as the series progresses and (spoiler) she awakes, her comic timing and facial expressions go toe to toe with Wiigâs. It is like watching the evolution of comedy, just within one scene. Norma is the lynchpin to all the mysteries surrounding Palm Springs; we are given a new cliffhanger each episode, spurring us to click the next button.
Ricky Martin is also a great addition to the cast. I have fond memories of seeing him on General Hospital as a kid, never knew I missed his acting. After turning to back to music in the late 90s, it is great to see him here. As soldier turned valet Robert, his is a story of pain mixed with the dry humor that he deserves written for him. Martin especially shines when he is paired with industry legend Laura Dern, in a magnificent turn as Evelynâs step-daughter. Dern represents the change coming to Palm Springs; hippies and new age spiritualism that Vietnam brought to the fore. Cultural references like draft dodging and the space program make appearances, not the forget mind expanding drugs (an episode with between Laura and her dad Bruce is especially touching).
I am always a sucker of great set and costume design, which this had in abundance. Some might see this as a case of style over substance. As far as fun pastimes as concerned, this is not a waste. Although there are some points where the tale meanders, Wiig and co come rather close to jumping the shark. Or in one installment, whale. It would have been great if the writers could have stuck the landing a bit better. There is clearly room for a second season, but as I saw it, it seems a bit awkward in how it was forced in the finale. But this is a recommendation for your summer night viewing.
