The Royals of Malibu - S3 E10 - "To Catch A Killer"

Episode Date: June 2, 2025

In our season finale, all the pieces fall into place. Ella untangles the half-truths and attends prom in the process. • 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: [emeraldaudio.com](https://emeraldaudio.net/) 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

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On the previous episode of the Royals of Malibu... Ella, I'm always going to love you, no matter where I am. But I don't want you to wait for me. You took the plea deal? Yeah, it's over. Listen to me. You can have one more night at the penthouse, pack a bag, bring it with you to prom tomorrow. After tomorrow, you cannot stay at that house anymore.

It is way too dangerous. Ella! You better enjoy your prom tomorrow because I'm pulling you out of the cove next year. We're gonna go back into hiding. You're never gonna see your boyfriend again. I know who killed Brooke. Spiraling down A note. This episode contains language and subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Please take care in listening. Please take care and listening. ["Under Your Skin"] The morning of prom, I woke up early, finished packing my bag, and said goodbye to the Santa Monica penthouse. I hope Steve still sleeps so I could sneak out of here without him noticing. My heart's pounding in my chest. Am I really gonna make it out of here undetected? I thought I'd get to see you in your dress. It's Dinah.

Steve didn't explicitly tell me I was grounded from prom, but I'm pretty sure I'm on house arrest. What's wrong with the elevator? Why won't it open? Steve locked it last night. Dinah holds out a key and my stomach drops. Steve is such an asshole. Shh, he's sleeping.

Here, let me. Dinah unlocks the elevator. I really am trying, you know, to make up for how I treated you. I thought you were the problem in your marriage, but it's not your fault, is it? Why do you stay with him? Um, I don't know. We've been rubbish to one another for so long that it feels... Inescapable, I suppose.

Hurry, darling, you've got to go. Thank you, Dinah. I made it. I'm free. And the second I step outside, I recognize a familiar car. Why's your phone off? I called you 50 times. Steve took it. Sorry. I was so worried about you, Ella.

We have to go to the police station. What happened? Are you okay? Yes, Reed, I'm fine, but we have to go. Last night I remembered something. When I was searching through Steve and Dinah's closet last week, I'd found a cocktail napkin with the Baby Glam logo on it. Like from the launch party? Last night I remembered something. When I was searching through Steve and Dinah's closet last week, I'd found a cocktail napkin with the Baby Glam logo on it. Like from the launch party?

Yes! And at the time I just thought it must have been left over from when Dinah was at the party, but the napkin wasn't in one of her purses. I found it in the pocket of Steve's tux. Oh shit. He was at the launch party, Reed. He said he came back to Malibu after he heard about Brooke's death, but that was a lie. He came back here to kill Brooke. Why would he do that?

I don't know. He's a creep, and I bet he lied about everything. Going undercover with the FBI, coming back to Malibu to try and protect me. I bet there were no scary thugs coming after him. I mean, all of that sounded fake as fuck the second I heard it. You were right. We need to tell Detective Schmidt so they can search his penthouse

and arrest him before he runs off again. If they get him to confess, or if there's evidence somehow, Reed, you won't have to go to jail. You're really gonna save me, huh? Yes. Yes, Reed, I'm going to save you. But when we get to the police station, Detective Schmidt isn't there. And she's not answering her phone either.

You need to call her on your little radio or whatever and get her here now! This is a life or death situation! Is your life in danger right now? No, but- Then miss, you're gonna have to calm down and wait. Ella, Ella, relax. I'm sorry about her. Let's go.

Go? We can't just go! Well, you're gonna get yourself arrested if you stay here. Just please tell Detective Schmidt to call us, please. Now what? Well, my plan was to flip out until they took us seriously, but apparently you and I are not on the same page. So, what's plan B?

Our safest bet is to lay low until the detective calls us back. We have to pretend we don't know anything about Steve being a murderer, so that means we need to act completely normal until someone comes to arrest him. Otherwise if he knows we're about to turn him in he'll go back and hide him. Right. I also think we'd be safest if we stayed in public. Ideally surrounded by people who know us you know just in case he does try to follow up on his plan. It kind of sounds like you're describing... Prom. Yeah we're going to prom. Spring is here and you can now get almost anything you need delivered with Uber Eats. If I went The white chocolate macadamia cream cold brew from Starbucks is made just the way you like it. Handcrafted cold foam topped with toasted cookie crumble.

It's a sweet summer twist on iced coffee. Your cold brew is ready at Starbucks. We're fabulous Freaking marvelous I'm crazy out of this But my life's endless After some intense bickering, Reed agreed to grab his tux from the Royals' place after dropping me off at the Gonzalez Mansion Where Savannah, Val, Nova, and some of the swim team girls were getting ready together Look who's late Sorry Savannah, it's been a crazy morning. How do you turn your security system on? Oh, I think I got it.

System stay. Um, weird. Ella! Hi, Ella. Oh my god. You two look so beautiful in your dresses. And you're both in red. She agreed to match me.

The hair and makeup stylist already left, and the drivers are leaving in 20. Unless you plan on walking to the venue. Sorry, I can just get dressed in Val's room and... Fuck, I didn't bring my makeup. We'll help you out. Come on, it'll take me 10 minutes to do your makeup. Oh Done okay, I'll take a look. Oh, she's crying! Oh, Ella!

I picked this light blue dress because that was the color my mom always wore. She would have loved it! You're a real life Cinderella! Don't cry your mascara off. I won't. Okay, I'm ready. Let's go to prom. Damn, this place is beautiful. We drive down a long, tree-lined dirt road towards the prom venue.

The trees are full of twinkle lights, and it feels like our luxury car is driving straight into a fairy tale. Reed! Reed must have arrived before us. He helps me out of the car. He's dressed in a tux. His tall, broad frame makes him look like a real Prince Charming. When I look into his eyes, I can see a moment of hesitation.

Ella, you, you look... I'm speechless. Yeah? You're beautiful. Breath-taking. Should I spin? I spin and Reed catches me by the waist and pulls me close. He kisses me gently like I'm the most fragile thing in the world. I can't believe you're mine. I love you Reed Royal. I love you Ella Sinclair.

You look so handsome in your tux. Thank you. Let's go in. Let's do it. Reed leads me through the indoor venue. He holds my hand tightly in his. Val and Nova have already taken off, probably trying to find the dance floor. We walk past the coat check and bar area, but I stop in my tracks when I see... Lucy?

Hi, hon. Oh, oh my god. Have you met Reed? Nice to meet you, Lucy. Reed! I've heard so much about you! What are you doing here? Gatoring. I don't know how the cove heard about little old me and my cafe, but they're paying a lot of money for these mini desserts.

You want one? Actually, don't mess up your Libby before your pictures. Pictures? Out there. Sure enough, the indoor lobby opens up to an enormous tree-lined pavilion. And right outside the doors are professional photographers alongside happy parents snapping away.

You ready? I wanna be able to look at this dress forever. Reed pulls my hand, but I hesitate. I can't look away from all the parents with tears in their eyes, staring so lovingly at their kids. My mom raised a strong daughter. I know I can take care of myself, but I wish she was here. And I so badly wish I had a parent who wanted to take pictures with me.

Then I feel Lucy grab my other hand. Hey kid, do you mind taking a picture with me? I'm in my uniform so I don't look as nice as everyone else here, but... Hey, you look perfect. I am so proud of you, Ella. And that dress! I take some pictures with Reed and then some with Lucy. No one will ever replace my mom, but when I'm with these two, I really do feel loved.

Wait, Ella! Dad? Callum! You're here? Is it embarrassing that I came? I just... I saw the email about parents being allowed to show up for pictures and... Well, I didn't get to see you in your dress, Ella. I'm so glad you're here. You look beautiful. Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so glad you're here. You look beautiful.

Oh, I'm so sorry, I don't think we've met. Callum Royal. Oh, I'm Lucy. Ah, you're Lucy. Thank you for looking out for Ella. Uh, we're gonna go dance. Uh, it's cool that you're here, Dad. Is it? I did something cool.

Yeah. You showed up for us, without us even asking. You did good. Good. Good. Go. Have fun. I take Reed's arm and step out onto the pavilion. The golden hour sunlight gives everything a magical glow and the fairy lights and tall trees surround us. Over Reed's shoulder, I can see Val and Nova slow dancing in the middle of the dance floor.

So have you heard from... Shhh Reed, Eve's dropping. I know we've been spending time together again, Nov, and I love our friendship. But I haven't been completely honest with you about how I feel. Okay. How do you feel, Vel? Um, terrified? Oh, no.

But that's okay. I'm scared that I'm gonna smother you, or that I'm gonna become possessive, toxic, insecure. Why do you think you're gonna be like that? Because, Nova. Because you're so special to me. You are drop-dead gorgeous and so, so kind. And we've probably talked about everything.

Except, I guess, this. What? You told me you loved me, and... Except, I guess, this. What? You told me you loved me, and... It's okay, Val. If you just wanna be friends, I don't. I don't want that at all. I love you too, Nova. I wanna be in love with you forever.

Do you wanna be my girlfriend? Yes. I want that so much. If I start to get crazy, you're not going to be crazy. And if you start feeling insecure, just tell me and we'll figure it out. I'm always going to make sure that you feel okay. You make me really happy. I'm always gonna make sure that you feel okay. You make me really happy. I love you. I love you. Well, that was the cutest fucking thing I've ever seen in my life.

Can I talk now? Yeah. Val and Nova made up. Finally. I was rooting for them. You knew they were a thing? Yeah, I have a shockingly good gaydar. The detective still hasn't called me back. That's okay. She'll call. Have you seen Easton yet?

He's trying to steal Liam Hunter's date. Of course he is. Dance with me. Reed and I step onto the dance floor. He takes one of my hands in his and I wrap the other around his shoulders, holding myself right up against his chest. We can't move too far, but this is how close I like to be. You know I'm always going to keep you safe, right?

No matter what happens. I know. I'm going to keep you safe, right? No matter what happens. I know. I'm going to keep you safe too. Ellen. You're dead. What? I turn and see Steve coming towards us. I guess he doesn't care about being in hiding anymore. coming towards us. I guess he doesn't care about being in hiding anymore. She's been a hell of a mess.

She's been a hell of a mess. Steve is furious, but I'm not going to back away. I stand between him and Reed. Careful, Elle. What the hell are you doing here, Steve? You sneak out of the house and expect there to be no consequences. You're leaving, Ella.

You're coming with me. Elle, let me go. I'm not going anywhere with you! Don't touch her, Steve. What the fuck are you doing? Steve, please, calm down. Don't tell me how to parent my daughter! I did not give her permission to come here! I'm not your fucking prisoner!

Ella, he's your father. He's dangerous, Callum. He... I didn't want you to have to find out like this, but... You better shut your mouth! Callum! He had an affair with Maria. He was the one giving her drugs, and I think he was there when she died. He might have... I don't know, but... He might have caused her death. What?

I'm sorry, Callum. That can't be true. Steve. She made her own choices. What the fuck is that supposed to mean? You boys were driving her crazy and Callum was a shit husband. Drugs were a bonus at first and then she started liking them more than me. Or I guess she was just looking for a little excitement. Don't you talk about her.

Callum! Holy shit, Dad hit him! Callum, don't! Help me, he's holding back! How could you? You bastard! You broke my nose! Gun! He has a gun! Everybody, get down!

Not you, Ella. Everybody ducks down onto the ground except Steve and me. He points a gun right at the center of my chest. In the corner of my eye, I see Reed start to stand, and Steve points the gun at him. Reed, don't! You better listen to our son. Ah!

Ella, you're coming with me. We're leaving. No! Ella, stay where you are. Careful, man! Don't! You're not taking her anywhere! Reed, please! I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me! No one has to get hurt, Elle. Come on! I can barely look at Reed as I follow Steve across the dance floor and into the woods. Should I stay? Should I? Should I stay? Steve leads me through the trees.

He keeps the gun in his hand, and I keep looking at it. I've been in dangerous situations before, but I've never had a gun pointed at me. I feel a sick sense of relief that I'm alone with Steve. I won't have to worry about losing someone I love, read a safe. It's just me and Steve. Is this going to be how I die?

me and Steve. Is this going to be how I die? I made plans to get us across the border into Mexico. From there, a flight is waiting for us and we'll head to South America. You ever been? No. Oh, you'll like it. I'm guessing the last time you went missing it had nothing to do with the FBI putting you in witness protection?

What can I say? I'm a self-made man. Nah, nah, that FBI stuff was a lie. You must have figured out why I had to disappear, right? Dinah figured out that you killed Maria. She was gonna turn you in. And that's why you went into hiding. Yeah. Then I came back and had to pretend to love that bitch, so she wouldn't turn on me again.

Anyway, I don't feel like I killed Maria, exactly. I left her alone while she was OD-ing, and I gave her the pills. That was true. You know, you can go to prison for a long time if they catch you supplying drugs to a rich lady. Who dons. You're sick. People make mistakes. Why were you at Brooke's launch party?

Did your friend tell you I was there? What friend? I found a baby glam napkin in your suit pocket. Damn. You're good, Elle. You know, I wasn't lying when I said I came back here for you. I left all my money, everything, to you. And then I hear that Dinah is suing you, trying to take everything I earned,

and she doesn't even need the money. What kind of selfish bitch? Wait, so you weren't sleeping with Brooke? Brooke? Not my type. Too bubbly. No, I came back to Malibu for Dinah. I didn't know she left the party early. I saw a blonde head on that rooftop alone. Like I said, people make mistakes. You were trying to push Dinah off the roof,

but it was actually Brooke? I pushed the wrong lady. Though it turns out Brooke wasn't too sweet to you either. So you are a murderer. I didn't know I'd pushed the wrong girl until the cops showed up. Ah! Ow!

Ah, you just kissed my fucking leg! I can't let Steve take me away. If he gets me out of the country, he'll kill me for sure. So I kicked him. Hard. And ran. I'm not fast enough. Steve catches up to me and tackles me to the ground you're not getting away from me I like- I like- Oh, this is it. The day you finally ask for that big promotion. You're in front of your mirror with your Starbucks coffee. Be confident.

Assertive. Remember eye contact. But also, remember to blink. Smile. But not too remember to blink. Smile. But not too much. That's weird. What if you aren't any good at your job? What if they demote you instead?

Okay. Don't be silly. You're smart. You're driven. You're gonna be late if you keep talking to the mirror. This promotion is yours. Go get them. Starbucks.

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I feel warm liquid spreading all over my chest, but I look down and it isn't my blood. It's his. Steve collapses to the ground. Standing behind him is... Callum, Holding a gun. Ella! Ella!

Are you okay? Are you okay, Ella? Are you hurt? No. He's... Okay. You're okay. You're okay. You're safe. You're safe. Reed holds me in his arms, and I feel my eyes flutter closed. For the first time since Steve arrived in Malibu, I believe him. I'm safe. Three weeks after prom, the Royals agreed to host the end of the year swim and water polo team celebration at their house.

Yeah, I thought he was crazy too. Hey, Elle. Easton. Did you see my dad and Lucy are yapping away in the kitchen? No way. Really? Uh-huh. You better lock up your mother figures, Elle,

because Papa Callum is officially on the market. Ew, I don't want to think about Callum dating. Oh, you've never seen my dad in the single girl era. The man can pull. It's disgusting. Gross. But that reminds me, are you seriously still single? I feel like you've been home every night since prom.

Still single. Hmm. You know what I think? I think you need to experience an emotional connection before you jump into bed with the girl. No fucking way. What am I, 75 years old? I can't even commit to a situation ship

I have a feeling you're about to find a girl who will change your whole life What what why did that feel like a curse or something? You're gonna fall in love Easton. I'm calling it That's the last thing I want doesn't matter. I could feel it. You're gonna meet a girl and you're gonna fall in love soon What if I've already met her? Easton winks at me and I roll my eyes. Despite how rough he is around the edges, he probably could be boyfriend material... if the right girl came along.

Am I interrupting something? Reed! Aw, you two are so wholesome. I'm gonna go drown myself in the pool. Hey, are you doing okay? Last night... Yeah, um, the nightmares are pretty bad. I keep having dreams that I'm back at the penthouse with Steve.

I mean, I can't believe he survived being shot. Yeah, but that doesn't matter. He's in jail until his trial starts, and then he'll be found guilty. You think so? They were gonna find me guilty, and I didn't even do anything. He's gonna be in prison for a long time. I don't know. Try to believe me, yeah?

I love you. I love you too. Hi everyone. As swim team captain, I wanted to say something. Everyone quiets down to listen to Savannah. In the corner of the room, I see Val and Nova holding hands. So with everything that went down this season, we weren't going to do awards, except for one,

the MVP award. This award is for someone that had to overcome a lot this year. They did it though, with grace and understanding and only one fist fight. Wait, what? Reed Royal led our water polo team to win the state championship and he helped us defeat our rivals the Bay School. He believed in us and supported us even when we weren't supporting him. He's a phenomenal player, a great leader, and a good man. Reid Royal, please come on up here and accept this award.

For months, Reid was bullied and treated like an outsider by most of the Cove. He looks at me and his eyes are full of doubt, like he's not sure if he can trust this award or not. Go Reid! Go get your award! Go, Reed! MVP! Reed walks to the front of the crowd to accept his award. Savannah holds the MVP award in her hand, looks right at me, and mouths, Next year. So, I guess I should plan on staying on the swim team after all.

MVP! Woohoo! Good job! He looks so happy up there accepting his award. For a moment I can try to forget about Steve and Dinah. I could even try to forget about Easton's love life. My life in Malibu has never been easy. I know things aren't over with Steve. I know me and the people I care about aren't totally safe, but today, I'm okay. I'm home. You're getting full and in no wonder

You're pulling through the door The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of diversion in partnership with Podpeople. Starring Alyssa McKay as Ellison Clare Chris Caffero as Reed Royal Nick Caffero as Easton Royal Armin Taylor as Callum Royal Francesca Agrimonte as Valerie Gonzalez Hannah Montoya as Savannah Gonzalez

Daniel Lynch as Steve O'Halloran Maura Vincent 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 Plousard. Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Morgan Foose and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Foose and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Remonda 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