- Norma is revealed as Linda’s biological mother, upending loyalties in Palm Royale.
- Douglas is diagnosed with a congenital heart condition that explains fertility issues and raises new stakes.
- Maxine races to expose Norma’s plan to secure the $82 million baby trust during a Swiss snowstorm.
- Tensions shift back to Palm Beach as characters prepare for the season finale.
H2: Spoilers ahead — quick recap
This episode of Palm Royale (Season 2, Episode 9: “Maxine Hears a Confession”) unfolds amid an Alpine snowstorm as the women race to stop Norma from claiming the $82 million baby trust. Secrets surface in Switzerland that change relationships and set-up the Palm Beach season finale.
H2: Linda’s shocking origin revealed
A dramatic church meeting exposes the biggest twist: Linda (Laura Dern) is actually the biological daughter of Norma (Carol Burnett). Norma confesses she had an affair with Linda’s father, explaining a long-hidden connection that reframes Linda’s past and her place among the Palm Royale women. The reveal forces characters to rethink loyalties and gives Linda a raw, emotional center that reshapes her arc.
H3: Evelyn’s double-cross and Maxine’s fury
Evelyn (Allison Janney) admits she helped Norma distract Maxine at the bank in exchange for a cut of the trust — information Maxine (Kristen Wiig) uses to set a trap at the Hall of Dellacortes. Maxine lashes out at Evelyn, calling her a betrayer and severing a key alliance. Evelyn’s choices accelerate the race to stop Norma and send ripples through the group.
H2: Douglas’ diagnosis changes the stakes
A doctor reveals that Douglas (Josh Lucas) was not poisoned but instead has a congenital heart defect that prevents him from fathering children. The diagnosis explains recent medical mysteries and absolves Maxine of a miscarriage-related guilt she has carried. But the news is ominous: the condition appears hereditary and could explain the Dellacorte family’s history of early deaths, creating a new, personal danger for Douglas and those who love him.
H3: Robert, identity and family ties
Robert (Ricky Martin) struggles with his role in Norma’s plans. After damaging behavior and a shattered painting, he decides to return to Palm Beach to reconnect with family, where he is soon reunited with his son. Robert’s choice shifts the emotional center back to the Dellacorte mansion, where Maxine and Douglas settle in ahead of the finale.
H2: Back in Palm Beach — loose ends and looming finale
Meanwhile, other threads move toward resolution: Dinah’s Fabergé hunt remains unresolved, Mary’s dangerous relationship with Jed turns deadly, and Perry’s hallucinatory missteps complicate the women’s efforts. With the baby trust still in contention and new revelations changing alliances, Episode 9 sets clear, high-stakes trajectories for the season finale.
H4: What to watch for in the finale
Expect Norma’s motives to be questioned further, Douglas’ health and family history to play a larger role, and Maxine to push harder to expose the truth. Palm Royale heads back to Palm Beach with secrets in tow — and everything ready to combust.
Image Referance: https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/news/local/2026/01/08/palm-royale-season-2-episode-9-recap-swiss-secrets-are-revealed/88032057007/
