Apple TV+ ‘Palm Royale’ Episode 8 Review - A Whale of a Mess

"Maxine Saves the Whale" plunges viewers into the deep end of absurdity, serving up a cocktail of laughter and frustration as Palm Beach's elite grapple with a beached cetacean. Directed by Claire Scanlon and penned by Sharr White, this installment dives into uncharted waters, delivering a tsunami of hilarity and hijinks that leaves no one high and dry.

The standout moment of this episode undoubtedly revolves around the beached whale that mysteriously appears on the Beach Ball site, sending shockwaves through the community faster than a jet ski in a hurricane. The sheer ludicrousness of the situation sets the stage for a comedic spectacle of epic proportions, as Maxine and her entourage scramble to address the mammoth problem at hand. From ludicrous attempts at rescue operations to absurdly misguided ideas, the sheer absurdity of the situation provides a whale of a time for viewers, with each moment more outrageous than the last.

Yet, amidst the laughter, there's an undertow of frustration that threatens to pull viewers under. While the beached whale serves as a catalyst for some truly hilarious moments, there are instances where the writers seem to be dredging the depths of implausibility. The sheer absurdity of the situation can leave a sour taste in viewers' mouths, as they struggle to stay afloat in a sea of incredulity. Additionally, some characters' reactions to the crisis border on the realm of caricature, veering dangerously close to the territory of over-the-top melodrama rather than genuine human emotion.

Yet, amidst the chaos of the beached whale debacle, there are pockets of genuine humanity and heart that bob to the surface like buoys in a stormy sea. Linda and Evelyn, in particular, find themselves navigating their own personal tempests as they come to terms with their new normals. Their journeys of self-discovery and resilience serve as poignant reminders of the strength of the human spirit, offering glimmers of hope amidst the tumultuous waves of change.

Comparing this episode to its predecessors, it's clear that Episode 8 takes a dive into uncharted waters of absurdity, pushing the boundaries of comedic hijinks to new depths. While previous episodes have embraced the show's signature blend of humor and drama with finesse, this installment dives headfirst into a sea of outlandish scenarios, testing the waters of viewers' suspension of disbelief. While the beached whale crisis injects a refreshing dose of spontaneity into the series, it also leaves other plotlines languishing in its wake, creating a sense of imbalance that threatens to capsize the episode's overall impact.

In the end, "Palm Royale" Episode 8 is a whirlpool of highs and lows, with moments of hilarity buoyed by frustration and disappointment. While the beached whale crisis offers a refreshing change of pace, it also serves as a stark reminder of the show's occasional tendency to dive too deep into the waters of absurdity. Yet, amidst the choppy seas of disappointment, there are still pearls of laughter and moments of genuine heart that make the journey worthwhile. So, grab your life jackets and hold on tight – because in the world of "Palm Royale," you never know what's lurking beneath the surface.

Final Score - [5.5/10]