The Royals of Malibu - S3 E3 - "Crashing a Funeral"

Episode Date: April 14, 2025

Ella’s mind continues to circle as a new reality sets in, and her hopes rest on uncovering the secrets behind Brooke’s death. Dinah sees Steve for the first time in a year, and Ella and Easton attend Brooke’s funeral in pursuit of clues, disregarding Callum and Reed’s pleas to stay away. • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on Patreon TODAY for upcoming scripts for purchase, and much more] (https://www.patreon.com/TheRoyalsofMalibu) • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theroyalsofmalibu/) • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@theroyalsofmalibu) • Explore more: [diversionaudio.com](https://diversionaudio.com) The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of Diversion, in association with Pod People. Featuring the voices of: Alyssa McKay as ELLA SINCLAIR, Chris Cafero as REED ROYAL, Nick Cafero as EASTON ROYAL, Armen Taylor as CALLUM ROYAL, Franchesca Agramonte as VALERIE GONZALEZ, Hannah Montoya as SAVANNAH GONZALEZ, Maura Vincent as DINAH / HEADMASTER BERRINGER, Stephanie Sherry as LUCY and MARGARET SINCLAIR, Jillian Kinsey as NOVA / DETECTIVE SCHMIDT / DAY PLAYER, and Daniel Lench as STEVE / DAY PLAYER. Directed by Ashton Carter, Written by Keyanna Khatiblou, Produced by Emma DeMuth, Production Management by Ashton Carter, Production Assistance by Hannah Rae Leach, Story Development by Emma DeMuth, Editorial Direction by Scott Waxman, Casting by Lindsey Ploussard, Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Carter Woghan and Morgane Fouse, Dialogue Editing by Carter Woghan and Adam Raymonda, Theme Music by Maty Noyes, Consulting Producers: Chris Cafero and Nick Cafero, Executive Producers: Rachael King, Alyssa McKay, and Scott Waxman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emerald Audio. On the previous episode of the Royals of Malibu. So you heard about Brooke and then came back here to... to what? To protect you. Look, I know you don't know me, but I am your father. Do they think you killed Brooke? I still have to go to court to meet with the judge, but... I'm going to be charged with murder, yeah.

I watched you put Savannah through hell, and I won't let you do it to another girl in my life. You both should be rooted for me here. Didn't you hear her say that she's sober too? This is exactly the motivation I need to get my act together. What? Easton, you're supposed to change for yourself, not for other people.

No, I think I'm right. Changing for other people is fine. I know we just met, Ella, but I am committed to looking after you from now on. What is that supposed to mean? It means that if I have to take back custody of you, I will. No. Can we keep lights on? I wanna see you No. No?

No. I'm not ready to get up yet. Hmm. You can stay in bed for another couple minutes then. Good. Are you wide awake right now? Yeah. Sorry, I'm still anxious about Steve.

You think he's gonna make you move in with him? It sounded like he was seriously thinking about it. That doesn't make any sense though. Steve's still in hiding, right? He doesn't have anywhere to take you. Is he gonna buy out a restaurant every time you want to go outside? Maybe that doesn't matter. Maybe he wants us both to go full incognito.

I won't let that happen, Elle. What about you? Any news from your lawyers? We tried to tell my lawyer about Steve's theory that the same guys who were after him must have killed Brooke. But my lawyer says the DA is set on bringing me to trial for now. What evidence do they even have?

Just one guy who saw you on the roof? I guess the prosecution hasn't submitted their evidence yet, so my lawyer doesn't know what they have on me. But they wouldn't arrest me without a motive. A motive? Like what? I mean, do you think they know about the deepfake? If they don't know about it already, they will.

Apparently that detective has been hanging around Malibu and is about to start bringing more people in for questioning. How long does that take? Depends how much the people in town talk shit about me, I guess. Everybody at the Cove loves you. And Callum is basically Malibu royalty. No pun intended.

You'd be surprised how quickly people turn on you when they get the chance. Yeah. God, the more I think about it, the more I feel sick to my stomach. Everyone knows how much we hated Brooke, and if they got a statement from Savannah, or Isaac, or someone who knew about the deep fake, about my fight with Brooke, about Brooke coming on to you for your 18th birthday... Hey, hey, hey. Relax. This is the lawyer's job, remember?

Not attorney Ella. But they should be looking for the real killer, and they're not. They will. You're not worried at all? Things tend to work out for the Royals. Also, I didn't kill anyone. Promise me you'll stay far away from all this legal stuff. I know you want to fix everything, but I don't want you getting dragged into this. No promises.

Time to get up, I guess. Ten more minutes in bed. You're so warm. You're squeezing all the air out of my lungs. Sorry. It's kind of sexy. I like when you hug me right up against you. Yeah? What else do you like?

I like when you kiss my neck like that. I like when your hands are on my hips. Like... that? Yeah. You're a fraud and a liar, Callum! You were a terrible partner and a terrible husband! And Brooke's blood is on your hands! Open this door! Open this door!

Who is that? You think Easton's been leading on one of the Real Housewives? Ew, ew, ew. Okay, we better get out of bed before Steve wakes up and catches us. I wanna see you... Callum, I know you're in there! Is that Dinah? Yeah, and she sounds pissed.

Shall we call the police? A mad woman is trying to break down our front door. Easton, stop. What's her problem? I haven't the foggiest idea. She's probably triggered because Brooke's funeral is this afternoon. Oh, maybe she wants to garble. I will put you and your entire family behind bars, Callum Royal. Someone's gotta open the door and tell her to back off.

Should we do nose goes? Go to your room, you three. I'll talk to her. Callum Royal. Someone's gotta open the door and tell her to back off. Should we do nose goes? Go to your room, you three. I'll talk to her. Callum, don't. You did this. You did this to her. Dinah, please calm down. You murderer!

Hey, careful how you throw that word around. She looks like she hasn't slept in days. I kinda feel sorry for her. You and your demon children can rot in hell! Never mind. Dinah, please. I know the funeral is probably bringing up a lot of feelings. It's hard for me too.

You've not destroyed her self-confidence. You tormented her, made her feel dreadful about herself. You destroyed her, just like you destroyed Maria. Hey, watch how you talk about my mom. Reed, don't. These women are gone because of you, Callum. Hey, Corella DeVille, you didn't even like my mom. And she didn't like you either.

Dinah, you're a terrible friend to Brooke. I'd feel bad if I were you too, but don't put your guilt on us. You ungrateful little wretch. Don't touch me, Dinah. I'll take you from these rotten royals. Ow, Dinah! Let go of my wretch! Hey! Get your claws off of her! You can't get involved, Reed.

Oh, so I'm just supposed to let her- Yes! You're coming with me, Ella. Come here. Come here! Dinah, step away from my daughter. Steve! Wow. She fainted. I'm guessing you didn't tell her you were alive? Oops. I'm surprised she didn't melt like the Wicked Witch of the West.

Here, let's move her to the couch. Ah! As much as I hate Dinah, it dawns on me that she probably knows more of Brooke's secrets than anyone else. If I want to find out who Brooke is, I'll have to find out who she is. As much as I hate Dyna, it dawns on me that she probably knows more of Brooke's secrets than anyone else. If I want to find out who Brooke's real killer is, I'm gonna have to suck up to her. Hopefully she won't bite if I get too close. For the record, I'm done tryna make y'all comfortable.

For the record, you ain't tryna grow them stumps for you. For the record, lab on me, going all the way. For the record, ain't tryna link no time to waste. This is a message from sponsor Intuit Turbo Tax. Taxes was waiting and wondering and worrying if you were going to get any money back. And then waiting, wondering and worrying some more. Now, taxes is matching with a Turbo Tax expert who can do your taxes as soon as today. An expert who gives your taxes their undivided attention as they work on your return, while you get real-time updates on their progress

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on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, or any major streaming platform. Spiraling down When Steve finally told Dinah where he'd been this past year I expected her to chew his head off, but she actually listened to what he had to say Easton, go get Dinah a glass of water, please. You want that with poison or without? Easton. What? Reed's on trial so now we can't have fun anymore? Whatever Houston. What? Reed's on trial, so now we can't have fun anymore? Whatever. Steve, you should have told me you were going into hiding.

You're right. Our marriage was on the rocks, but the real reason I didn't tell you I was going into hiding was because... Well, I was only thinking about myself. I've been a terrible husband. I lied to you. I kept you away from our finances, our businesses. I had an affair with Ella's mother. Please don't bring me into this. I tried to talk to you about our troubles so many times. I know I have a tendency to screech, but... No, no! It wasn't your fault. You did try to talk to me, and I dismissed you.

I spent more and more time away from you. I disrespected you. And then I... disappeared. I never thought I'd hear you say all of this. Well then let me say it. I'm sorry. I forgive you. Ugh. What the fuck am I watching, The Golden Bachelor?

I love you, Dinah. I don't want to give up on our marriage. Wow. Oh. I'm sorry. You two are seriously going to stay together? I thought you hated each other. I literally don't remember Dinah saying a single positive thing about you. And she thought you were dead. Well, maybe there wasn't much to say. You hated each other. I literally don't remember Dina saying a single positive thing about you. And she thought you were dead. Well maybe there wasn't much to say.

Please Dino, we can fix things if you still want to try. Do you want to try? I do. Ew, they're kissing now. Want to try? I do. Ew, they're kissing now. Hi, excuse me. I got you a water if you want to detach. Alright, alright, alright. I think we've had an audience for long enough.

Do you want to step outside with me, Dinah? I would love to hmm Well That was all bullshit language. Sorry. It was claptrap in puppy cook and Steve is an idiot. Whoa Ella hates her dad. I don't hate him, but he's wasting his time with Dinah. He does not love her. I mean, I'm pretty sure he forgot she existed until the minute she showed up at our front door. All right, that's enough from you three.

Reed, you need to get ready for your meeting at the lawyer's office. Easton and Ella, you should be on your way to school. Now. You got me overthinking, yeah, why we could be The second I'm back in my bedroom, Isaac finally texts me back Yeah, don't get the wrong idea. I learned my love triangle lesson. His text says Hey Al, sorry for the late text. The dude I know who set up a catering for Brooke's launch party was definitely there

the night she died. I don't think you should be getting involved in this, but his number is... Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message system. At the tone, please record your message. Hi, I got your number from Isaac. My name is Ella Sinclair. I'm just trying to get some more information about what you or the other catering guys might have seen the night of the Baby Glam launch party.

Whatever info you have, or if you just have a second to talk, I would really appreciate it. Okay, thank you. I would really appreciate it. Um, okay. Thank you. Ah! Ah! Shh! I don't want Reed to know I'm in here. Easton! What the hell?

I want you to skip class with me later today. Why? Brooke's funeral is this afternoon, remember? Yeah. Calum told us to stay away. And you're gonna listen to him? I thought you'd want to find the real killer. Easton stares at me and I know he's right. There's bound to be some kind of clue at Brooke's funeral.

Reed asked me to stay far away from the murder investigation, but I can't help myself. I'll meet you at your car after third period, but don't tell Reed. I won't. I'm meet you at your car after third period, but don't tell Reid. I won't. I'm not safer girl. about the books that built our souls. I have the privilege of interviewing luminaries of our times about the books that shaped them from childhood until now. Don't miss it. We get everybody from Sarah Jessica Parker

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Of course you have. Apparently most murder victims are killed by someone they know. So the real killer might literally be at this funeral. Another good reason to not get caught. Um, just so you know, I get a little weird about death and funerals and stuff. I think it just reminds me of my mom. So if we could talk about literally anything else as a distraction. I can list my favorite parts of the female form. Number one, the eyes.

Easton, please. You don't want to hear about the beauty of women? Oh, who's the misogynist now, Ella? That is not what misogyny is. I'll figure it out one day. I, um... I think I'm gonna join a group therapy thing. What?

Yeah, it's for teens with substance abuse issues. I know my dad wanted to send me to military school. Then, after I OD'd, he wanted to send me to rehab, but that sounds lame as fuck, and I'd miss my car, so... Group therapy it is! I did some Googling and my first meeting's next week. Does Callellen know? Nah.

He would be really, really proud. You should tell him. Don't tell him or Reed yet, okay? And don't look so misty-eyed, it's not a big deal. I just don't want to mess up Reed's trial by going off the deep end again. And I'm still trying to win over Nova. Nice girls love therapy. You should want to do therapy for yourself. You know, to process your trauma, improve

your quality of life. That's less compelling. This is the church? It's so modern and big. Like a shopping mall. Brooke would've loved that. I don't see Callum. Let's go. It looks like they're gonna start soon. Will you go into that big room? The one with the giant Jesus statue? Yeah. I'm gonna tell him about all the drugs you used to do.

Jesus would have hated sobriety. What? It's not like he turned that water into La Croix. Come on, let's go sit up on the balcony. It'll be easier to see everyone. Put this mask on. People will just think you're really COVID conscious. We're not pariahs, Ella. We're allowed to be here. What's this mask on? People will just think you're really COVID conscious. We're not Piraeus, Ella. We're allowed to be here. Uh, Reed is on trial for killing Brooke.

Good point. Give me that. Also, no one on this earth has talked as much shit about Brooke as you. Oh, I'm gonna miss making fun of her. Do you think she liked it? A little bit? Maybe a little bit? Maybe a little. We welcome everyone to our chapel today. We meet here today to pay our... The ceremony begins and I'm surprised at how few people are sitting in the pews. I guess Brooke had

fewer friends than I realized. I remember the first day I met Brooke when she took me shopping on Rodeo. At the end of Brooke's life, we were literally at each other's throats, but on that first day, she was my friend. She was looking out for me. I see Dinah sitting in one of the front pews. Callum is up there too. Most of the other people I don't recognize.

Is Brooke's killer here? How am I supposed to know who they are? I don't even know anyone's name. And now, I will invite Callum Royal to share some thoughts. Callum? Brooke Davidson was different from any woman I've ever known. When she spoke to you, she was utterly present. She had warmth and ambition. She was so casual, so in the moment, so uninterested in compromising her standards for anyone or anything.

She had, uh... She had high standards for me. And for our love. One of the greatest joys in my life is that I was able to give her happiness, though the happiness she brought me was much, much greater. I will spend the rest of my life missing you, Brooke. I love you. I should have known Call of my life missing you, Brooke. I love you.

I should have known Callum would give a speech, but for whatever reason, the pain in his voice suddenly becomes unbearable to me. After everything he went through with Brooke, the lies, the deception, he loved her. He still loves her, and she's gone. You okay? I can't. I need a second. I'll stay here.

I feel a panic rising in my throat and I try to remember that this is not my mother's funeral. I didn't even like Brooke! There is nothing to panic about. I'm safe. I'm safe. I'm okay. In the lobby of the church, I see a leather book and I realize it's a guest book. Do one of the names in this book belong to Brooks Killer?

Or could it at least get me one step closer to finding the truth? Detective Ella. I turn around and it's the detective. I'm caught. Do you have a search warrant for that guestbook? I was, um, planning on sending memorial information. Ella, you cannot lie to a police officer. Not when a murder investigation is going on. Right. I... agree. I thought I might see you here.

Why is that? One of the caterers from the Baby Glam lunch party said that they got a voicemail from you. Oh. Technically, you can call whoever you want, but just so you're aware, if you get too involved in the investigation, you could end up tampering with evidence, implicating yourself or implicating someone you care about.

Got it. So I shouldn't be interrogating witnesses on my own. I would not recommend it. So I shouldn't be interrogating witnesses on my own. I would not recommend it. What if I feel like the police are asking the wrong questions? Or interrogating the wrong people? If you remember something that feels important, or if you hear of anything organically, you can call me. This is my card. Thanks. Well, I should get back to...

Since I have you, Ella, when I took your witness statement the night of the incident, I remember you had a scratch on your cheek. I'm curious. Did Brooke Davidson give you that? I don't think Callum would want me to talk to you without a lawyer. Smart girl. I assume I'll be seeing you around Ella. Try to stay out of trouble. I watched Detective Schmidt leave the church. Once again, it feels like the walls are closing in

around me. Everyone seems convinced that the investigators will find the real killer, but I'm not convinced. I think the detective's eyes are set on Reed and if I don't figure out who the real murderer is, I could lose Reed forever. -♪ When you walk on my way, yeah When you walk on my way On the next episode of the Royals of Malibu

You have to let me love you I don't want this investigation to break us apart Nova? Easton is hooking up with swim team, Nova No! Not hooking up I-I don't know, I-'t know anything. Look, I don't want to have to pick sides. You already picked. I don't like how you're talking to my girlfriend.

No, no, no, no. You should be glad your mom isn't allowed to see you now. Reed! Maybe I deserve everything that's happening to me. Maybe I should be found guilty. Why does Reed think he deserves to go to jail? Is there a chance he did get physical with Brooke on that roof? What if she did say something that set him off? Could Reed really be guilty of murder? When you come my way

The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of Diversion in partnership with Pod People. Starring Alyssa McKay as Ella Sinclair Chris Caffero as Reed Royal Nick Caffero as Easton Royal Armin Taylor as Callum Royal. Francesca Agremonte as Valerie Gonzalez. Hannah Montoya as Savannah Gonzalez.

Daniel Lynch as Steve O'Halloran. Maura Vincent as Dinah O'Halloran. Stephanie Sherry as Lucy. Gillian Kinsey as Nova and Detective Schmidt. Directed by Ashton Carter. Written by Kiana Kadiblo. Produced by Emma Dumuth. Production management by Ashton Carter.

Production assistance by Hannah Rae Leach and Audrey Leach. Story development by Emma Dumuth. Editorial direction by Scott Waxman. Casting by Lindsay Ploussard. Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Morgan Foose and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Rimanda and Carter Wogan. Theme Music by Mattie Noyce.

Consulting Producers, Chris Caffero and Nick Caffero. Executive producers, Rachel King, Alyssa McKay and Scott Waxman. For more information, visit DiversionAudio.com.