Palm Royale

Costumes and sets are awesome. Storyline seems promising, only 2 episodes in. I'm undecided so far if I like Maxine, I'm hoping some backstory and character development will reveal what kind of person she is. I'm a big fan of a lot of the actors so I was looking forward to seeing them. However, it seems like the cast is 10-15 years older than their characters should be which resulted in some fancy camera work and creative lighting to make everyone appear younger than they are... or is everyone just fresh off their last facelift? Hard to say. I find their plasticy, airbrushed faces distracting from the story. Everything would have been perfect if it was made 15 years ago.

The show starts off slow but hints at strong story and character development. The stunning outfits, beautiful landscapes, and talented cast drew me in initially. None of the characters are likable but I guess that's the point and I don't mind it.

However, by the fifth and sixth episodes, I found myself wishing for it to end. I would scroll through my phone and feel like I didn't miss anything important. The plot becomes repetitive and tedious. Although we get to understand Maxine's story to some extent, it's hard to feel emotionally invested. I really like how invested she is into this role and everything she and others wear in the series.

I've only watched a few episodes, but it's a fun look back at the social scene back in the 60's. I'm old enough to remember much of the clothing, furniture, cars which are all very realistically depicted. Times were a bit more innocent on the surface, but lots of interesting things happened behind the scenes which would now be considered "politically incorrect". It's almost what I would call a dark comedy back in a time where people openly flaunted their wealth.

It's not totally believable, and obviously fiction, but still fun to watch and there are quite a few big names in the cast. Carol Burnett looks great and there are a few other actors which I haven't seen in years like Julia Duffy of Bob Newhart fame, Ricky Martin (who looks great), and Laura Dern.

I've gone back and forth between liking and not liking this show. On one hand I really wanted to like it, as the cast, wardrobe, and sets are so good. And I do think the show can be hilarious at times. The show can be a bit over the top, which can be off putting. But I can usually can over silly little plot oddities, but the ending to this first season was just downright awful. It's like the writers of this show wanted to make an Uber Shonda Rhimes drama laden version of the white lotus, with over the top humor. It's bizarre, but I did enjoy most of it. They're just trying way too hard. And again, what an absolute dumpster fire the final episode is.

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.