Palm Royale 2.0: From Yawn to Yay!

Once upon a time, "Palm Royale" was a bit of a snoozefest, despite its pristine aesthetics. But Apple’s dramedy has pulled a 180 in season two, delivering a vibrant cocktail of comedy, alluring visuals, and deliciously rich plotlines.

Season two brings back its jaw-dropping artistry that makes you just want to step into the screen. Our leading lady Maxine, wonderfully played by Kristen Wiig, is fully embracing opulent 70s style, from the threads she dons to her flawlessly coiffed hair. Indeed, all our glamorous gals of Palm Beach are right "in vogue," showing off the best fashion of the era. The sumptuous sets, oozing with mod-chic and vibrant period detailing continue to woo us in.

And hold onto your wigs folks, things actually happen this season! Whether it’s murder mysteries, steamy affairs, or crazy wealth, you're guaranteed a non-stop rollercoaster ride of good ol’ juicy drama. Maxine, now swimming in the same glittery pools of wealth as Dinah (Leslie Bibb) and Evelyn (Allison Janney), is no longer hungrily eyeing the social ladder, but already comfortably lounging at the top.

Sure, the pace is scorching this season, so some plot holes might creep up. But honestly, who cares? This deliciously campy comedy bravely waltzes past minor discrepancies. It's not nitpicking over whodunits or diving into the weeds of the "baby trust". Instead, it's all about the feel-good vibes and hearty laughs. And boy does season two deliver on this promise!

Show creator Abe Sylvia has hit his stride, fully utilizing the comedic alchemy of his cast. Wiig steals the show with numerous hysterical scenes, while Janney's Evelyn offers a brilliant foil to Maxine's sunny cluelessness. Both ladies are crafty problem solvers, and watching them on screen makes for pure entertainment.

"Palm Royale" artfully navigates when to laugh at these society women, too. The humor isn’t in Mary’s (Julia Duffy) post-shock therapy daze, but in Linda’s (Laura Dern) new radical love interest, or the hair-pulling fight between Dinah and Marjorie (Patti LuPone) for Richard Nixon’s affection, as if he was 70s stud muffin! The real punchline is how blindly privileged they are.

The gents in "Palm Royale," featuring the likes of Douglas (Josh Lucas) and Perry (Jordan Bridges), add an element of goofy charm, always playing second fiddle to their better halves. Despite being at a material disadvantage, these empowered women effectively pull the strings while the men simply play along.

This season also powerfully explores how even affluent, white women grappled with patriarchy. In this delightful variation, Maxine and the rest of the crew figure out the significance (or insignificance) of men in their lives. But the real nuclear reactor of the show is the complex, engrossing relationships among the women themselves. Maxine and Evelyn’s impending friendship is the heart of the narrative.

"Palm Royale" season two not only engages your brain with feminist ideas but also makes sure that you have a ball of a time. Showrunner Sylvia even indulges us with a few exciting musical numbers. From Ricky Martin's opening act to a grand finale by Wiig and Burnett, the season screams style and charm.

Just like its leading ladies, "Palm Royale" has grown up gracefully, delivering a captivating revival. The full season, screened for review, is set to make waves on Apple TV+ today, November 12.