Harry and Meghan; The Docu-Series
I have started watching the Sussexes Netflix serial, but I won’t be watching all the episodes in one setting. I I’ll be updating this post until I complete the series.
Harry Launches the Series as he is the biggest star and possibly the main draw to watch this documentary. I, for one, considered watching this feature because Harry’s transition intrigued me and I was I interested to know his thoughts regarding his life choices since meeting Meghan. Since their exit from the royal scene, Harry appeared to be a sidekick to Meghan ventures. Even during the Oprah interview, he was relegated to a secondary guest to Meghan.
As Harry appears on the screen explaining that he is taking videos documenting per the recommendation of a friend, Meghan follows with a strange contrast to Harry’s statement; She doesn’t know why she is taking a Video, but hopefully it will help them grasp what had happened as the years pass on. Harry appears jubilant while Meghan is downcast. I wonder if the beginning of episode would be different if they were together as they started documenting their journey! Would Harry be less jubilant and more depressed? How about Meghan?
The documentary is a chance for the Sussexes to tell their version of events; their story and how did it start. I’m not a fan of the corny sit downs with intermittent giggles as they recall how them met on Instagram and the fast paced progression of their relationship. Meghan informs us that they met on Instagram (? What happened to that Blind Date that was set up by a mutual friend ?) and she emphasizes that an individual’s Instagram feed is a reflection of the person. A statement that I strongly disagree with especially with a Meghan being a media influencer and a lifestyle blogger who knows well that social media is not a factual representation of life. It is not a reality, but who dares to object because Harry’s Feed of wildlife pictures and humanitarian efforts were documented. Apparently Jess ( Perhaps Jessica Mulroney ) was the first person to be told of Harry’s interest in pursuing a relationship with Meghan. Also, I’m quite shocked that Harry asked Meghan to join him in Botswana after their second meeting with a giggly Meghan stating that she says Yes. I’m not judging, but adults are cautious especially single women. They don’t jump into such proposals so early? But, Love blossomed !
Harry’s Childhood and the impact of Diana’s death on him are outlined only to emphasize the drastic effect of paparazzis taking interest in his life with no respect of his privacy or his desire not to engage with reporters. He appears to disdain media presence albeit he had no problem sitting with chat with Oprah or utilizing his vlogs for the Netflix documentary. Another notable note is the number of pictures abd Videos that the Sussexes shared of their Children; Archie is featured heavily along the episode which I found strange when Harry outlined his hate to media intrusion in his life as he grew up, but has no problem of sharing lots of footage of his son ! Strange enough I think we have more footage of Archie than Harry when he was his age?!?.
The episode ends with a frustration note; the The press knew of the incognitos couple and Meghan didn’t stand a chance as the British Media and paparazzi hounded her. Harry states that Meghan was not safe and it is his duty to protect her! Meghan repeats; “I wasn’t worried because he said the he will protect me”.
- Excellent cinematography with editing, but it was unremarkable in relation to content. I think this episode would have been better if it focused on Harry solely. Paparazzis followed him, reported on his antics, and his girlfriends. Meghan wasn’t a receiver of such intrusions. So, I don’t think it was a wise decision to include Meghan on the first episode because she wasn’t even a secondary character of his story until he met her.
- Meghan called Harry, H and Haz most of the time with the occasional Harry mentioned which is different from her South Africa interview with Tom Bradley; “ When I told H, That’s What I call him”. Harry on the other hand was struggling with calling Meghan (M) in a single sitting because Meg, Meghan, and M were used interchangeably. I think Harry tried too hard to imitate Meghan and I don’t know what is the reason. I assume they wanted to appear as Synchronized.
- Harry made a point of mentioning that women who married into the BRF need to fit a certain mold and he made sure to mention that Diana wasn’t as she was outspoken and passionate to make a difference. In other words, Sophie, Catherine, Bridgette of Gloucester, and others fit the Stepford supporting wife role. I found such a reference degrading to them and incorrect. Royal ladies were scrutinized heavily and his cousin is a prime example; She was described as a Whale multiple times when her pictures in Bikinis were taken. Beatrice was hounded and if I recall, the palace had never commented or requested for her privacy to be protected. Also, I don’t recall Harry calling out the media for their disgraceful behavior or comments.
- I noticed that Harry looked disheveled in many of the intimate homeVideos that featured him whereas Meghan looked polished. Also, There was a Soft Blur filter when Meghan was featured alone, but Harry didn’t get a filter.
- There are quite a number of contradictory comments by the couple in relation to their courtship timeline and their Children Privacy concerns. Thanks to the Draft feature, I managed to write this feature as I’m busy and I didn’t want to watch Episode 2 before publishing This review.
