Laura Dern, a celebrated actress whose career spans decades, recently expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of her LGBTQ+ fans while promoting the latest season ofPalm Royale. Her connection to the community isn’t recent; it’s a bond forged through pivotal moments in television history and sustained by heartfelt connection.
Dern’s early career intersected with a cultural turning point when she guest-starred on the groundbreaking 90s sitcomEllen. This wasn’t just any appearance – it occurred during the very episode where Ellen DeGeneres’ character publicly came out to Dern’s character, a moment that resonated far beyond the screen.
That episode, famously known as “The Puppy Episode,” mirrored DeGeneres’ own courageous decision to come out as a lesbian in real life. Dern recalls this time as the beginning of understanding the profound impact her work could have, and the incredible connection she shared with the LGBTQ+ community.
The actress shared that the outpouring of support she received wasn’t just applause, but deeply personal letters detailing the episode’s significance. One letter, from a grandmother expressing gratitude for helping her understand her grandson, remains a cherished memory, highlighting the power of representation to bridge divides.
Dern believes that storytelling can foster empathy and compassion, particularly in the face of fear and misunderstanding. Being embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, she says, has been an extraordinary gift, and a driving force in her work as a producer to create stories that resonate and uplift.
Season two ofPalm Royale, based on Juliet McDaniel’s novelMr. & Mrs. American Pie, follows Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, a woman determined to ascend the social ranks of 1960s Florida. The show’s ambition is evident in its lavish production design and attention to detail.
Reviews for the new season are varied. Some critics praise the show’s meticulous artistry – the language, sets, and costumes – as integral to the narrative itself, rewarding attentive viewers. Others find the show overly focused on style over substance, struggling to create compelling characters.
Despite a mixed critical reception, with a current score of 56% on one review aggregator, the show continues to draw attention for its visual spectacle and exploration of societal ambition. Some reviewers note a lack of emotional investment in the characters and their pursuits.
As of now, the future ofPalm Royaleremains uncertain. There has been no official announcement regarding a third season, though the complete release of season two may yet influence a renewal decision. Fans will have to wait and see.
The world ofPalm Royaleis brought to life through filming locations in both California and Florida. While the Palm Royale Country Club itself is fictional, the show cleverly utilizes real locations to create its opulent setting.
Iconic locations like the Bel-Air Bay Club in Los Angeles, a stunning mansion in South Pasadena, and a private Bel-Air compound all contribute to the show’s visual grandeur. These stand-ins seamlessly blend to create the illusion of a lavish, exclusive resort.
Viewers can currently stream season two ofPalm Royale. New episodes are released weekly, with the season finale scheduled to air on January 14th.
