The Season One finale of “Palm Royale” presents an eventful conclusion filled with emotional highs and shocking twists. From high fashion and an unforgettable musical performance by Maxine Dellacorte (Kristen Wiig), to betrayal, lies, and attempted murder.
And the shocking possibility of an unexpected death, the episode delivers on every front. Maxine and Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney) co-host the 50th anniversary gala, sparing no expense to impress the guest of honor, President Richard Nixon.
Betrayal and heartbreak take center stage as the season finale unfolds (Photo: Palm Royale/Apple Studios)Throughout the series, viewers have witnessed Maxine, a Chattanooga native and former beauty queen, work tirelessly to integrate herself into Palm Beach’s high society. With the financial backing of her wealthy yet incapacitated aunt, Norma Dellacorte, and the support of her husband, Douglas (Josh Lucas), she nearly succeeds in her mission.
However, things are far from simple, especially when Maxine’s complicated relationship with Robert Diaz (Ricky Martin) — the bartender, pool boy, and Norma’s caretaker — becomes a focal point, not to mention her fractured friendship with Linda (Laura Dern), who also happens to be Douglas’ former fiancée.
In the chaos of the Beach Bash, multiple secrets come to light, hearts break, and viewers are left with a cliffhanger that promises more drama to come.
What transpires at the end of ‘Palm Royale’?
The finale, titled “Maxine Throws a Party,” sees Maxine and Evelyn teaming up to host the prestigious event. Norma, furious that Maxine and Evelyn have taken over her yearly gathering and that Maxine and Douglas are trying to claim her wealth, makes a bold request.
She asks Robert to marry her so she can leave everything to him upon her death, but she gives him an ultimatum — he must choose between her and Maxine. Meanwhile, Astronaut Grant, disappointed after his romantic advance is rejected by Maxine, decides to leave.
At Maxine’s request, Robert steps in to impersonate the astronaut, much to the excitement of the guests. As the Beach Ball continues, more twists are revealed. Dinah’s husband Perry is released from prison and shocks her by attending the event.
Unbeknownst to her, Perry is wearing a wire to help Nixon’s campaign gather dirt on Dinah’s top donor, Axel Rosenhips. Evelyn uncovers that Norma’s health has miraculously improved, which raises her suspicions about Norma’s ulterior motives — possibly even plotting to eliminate Maxine.
Maxine confronts Norma, informing her that she plans to turn her house into a nightclub, which sends Norma into a frenzy. As the night progresses, secrets about Norma’s past emerge, including her previous relationship with Axel, which raises more questions than answers.
In a tense moment, Mitzi confides in Norma that she is pregnant. Maxine advises Mitzi to make the father take responsibility, but everything unravels during Maxine’s performance of “Is That All There Is”. From the stage, Maxine watches in shock as Mitzi approaches Douglas, revealing he is the father of her child. Norma, watching from the sidelines, smiles mischievously.
Maxine breaks down, calling out Mitzi and Douglas for their affair, and then confronts Norma, telling her that she no longer wishes to be part of her scheme. Robert, in a fit of frustration, approaches Norma and, in disbelief, calls her Agnes, leaving her shaken.
As President Nixon prepares to leave, Mary, hidden in the crowd, pulls a gun from her hairpiece, aiming at him. Linda, trapped with Virginia in her house, tries to stop her. The bullet intended for Nixon strikes Robert instead.
As guests rush to flee the scene, the Secret Service grabs Maxine, Norma stands up from her wheelchair, and Linda is left holding the gun. Robert is seen lying motionless on the floor.
Is Robert dead at the end of ‘Palm Royale’?
The shocking moment of Robert being shot leaves viewers wondering whether he survives. The last image of him lying on the floor suggests he might have been fatally injured. However, creator Abe Sylvia hints that Robert’s fate is still uncertain.
“This is a classic soap opera cliffhanger,” he tells TODAY.com, explaining that Robert is still breathing in the final shot.
What happens with Maxine and Douglas?
Sylvia hints that Maxine and Douglas’ future will be explored in a potential second season. He describes their relationship as complicated, with Maxine’s actions challenging their bond. “I hope people can relate to what we’ve created between Kristen and Josh’s characters,” he says. “It’s a complex relationship.”
Josh Lucas, who plays Douglas, believes that despite everything, Douglas still loves Maxine. “I think he’s confused by why she wants to return to a place he finds terrible,” he says, adding that Douglas’s newfound wealth complicates things further.
What does Mitzi’s future look like?
Kaia Gerber, who plays Mitzi, explains that her character deeply cares for Maxine and doesn’t want to hurt her. She says Mitzi’s actions stem from confusion and a desire for help. Gerber expresses hope that Mitzi will learn valuable lessons from her mistakes, though it’s clear that things have gone awry.
The 50th anniversary celebration turns into a night of shocking revelations (Photo: Palm Royale/Apple Studios)“I hope she pulls through,” Gerber says. “I have so much empathy for her. It devastated me to leave things in such a painful state between Maxine and Mitzi.”
Who is the real Norma? Who is Agnes?
Sylvia reveals that the truth behind Norma’s past and her possible identity as Agnes has been carefully set up throughout the series. In the ninth episode, Norma admits she is diabetic, but has kept this secret from everyone.
This revelation sets the stage for the big twist in the finale when Robert links Norma to the name “Agnes,” which throws everything into question. The final moments suggest that Norma’s true identity may never be fully known, leaving Robert with a haunting realization that could change everything.
Why didn’t Virginia get arrested by the cops?
Virginia, who had managed to avoid arrest alongside her feminist group, is questioned by Linda, who wonders why she wasn’t caught. Virginia’s connections to influential people are key to her avoiding punishment, as she has worked hard to establish these ties.
Robinson hints at more secrets surrounding Virginia’s character, teasing that there is much more to uncover about her.
Will there be a Season 2 of ‘Palm Royale’?
While “Palm Royale” has yet to be renewed for a second season, creator Abe Sylvia remains hopeful, stating that the series was always intended to be ongoing. “We have big dreams for the future,” he says. “We’ve built a passionate fanbase, and we’re eager to continue the journey.”
