Harry and Meghan Part 2 Netflix Review: Let this be the last word in a sad saga

After the unremarkable first three episodes of Netflix Harry and Megan, we know what to expect from part two: chilling (but admittedly sweet) stories about her self-proclaimed “fairy tale”, condemnation from British tabloids, and limited revelations about how the royal family’s PR machine works. There won’t be much detail, but her lightness in front of the camera and her penchant for drama keep the series interesting and challenging.

And so there are few surprises when it all starts with the nationwide joy and excitement of Harry and Meghan’s wedding. “I’m Diana’s son,” Harry says. “There is an expectation of a public wedding.” This is the first of many references to the prince’s late mother, whose shadow and legacy seems to underpin nearly every decision he makes. Even his move to California was partly inspired by Diana – her son believes she would live there if she were alive.

However, we’re not hearing anything new about the big day the couple decided to drop the drama of the royals’ reaction to Bishop Michael Curry’s animated sermon, or the rumors (already covered in last year’s Oprah interview) that Meghan Kate wasn’t producing oxygen. . Middleton cries while trying on the bridesmaids.

Instead, most of the new episodes focus on portraying Meghan as a victim of both the venom of the tabloids and the venom of the royal family (more precisely, their PR teams). According to the series, at best they didn’t want to help. At worst, they actively participated in the public undermining of their new member’s reputation. It’s hard to imagine them discussing how many times they asked the palace for help and didn’t get it.

Naturally, Harry and Megan Manufactured by the couple’s company Archewell and can only tell one side of the story. But the argument that Meghan was deliberately targeted by the media is certainly a strong one. “If the PR team wants to remove a negative story about their principle, they replace it and tell you something about someone else’s principle,” Harry says. “At the end of the day, offices work against each other.” They believe that envy is the reason why life has become more difficult for them.

These episodes take on a darker tone, describing the couple’s frustration and, in Meghan’s case, depression (“It’s all because I’m breathing,” she said). To their credit, the couple clearly don’t want to spend a lot of time on things they’ve already talked about (Meghan’s suicidal thoughts, her miscarriage), which is why they’re only mentioned to provide context for things we haven’t talked about. . from the details of Meghan’s legal battle with the press to Harry’s self-loathing over the “institutional Harry” versus “Harry’s husband” dichotomy. It is these new clogs that really attract attention.

Of particular interest is Harry’s attitude towards Meghan’s place in the royal family. He calls the alleged expulsion of her – a mixed-race woman who seems to love the public and care deeply about humanitarian causes – “a missed opportunity.” Writer and author British) Afua Hirsch agrees: “Her departure was the death of a dream.”

There are those who will enjoy royal gossip spiced up throughout the episodes. The image of Prince William “yelling at Harry” while the Queen would have looked at him would have been dismissed as fiction had it been included. Crown.Others will try to validate their own prejudices. But Harry and Meghan tried to make it enlightening by asking the likes of David Olusoga to speak about the racism of the Empire and the role of the British Monarchy in slavery, as well as highlighting the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire. Unfortunately, it’s naive of them to think that most viewers would probably take it with them.

Harry and Megan I want to draw a line in the sand. We leave the couple happy: The almost awkward, cute home videos of the couple calling themselves “my love” on the grounds of their Santa Barbara mansion are making a comeback, as is their smile. Instead of listening more about how Meghan became “institutionally gaslit” and worried that the royal family would drive her crazy, or how Harry was angry not only at his family but also at himself for prioritizing his role as a wife We watch them explore secluded beaches and enjoy their children’s first steps. After watching their most painful memories resurface, it also gives the viewer a respite.

Meghan wants peace, she says, “but there is no peace without truth.” Harry and Megan, more than entertainment – and it’s usually very entertaining – it’s an act of self-preservation for the couple to go public with their story, knowing full well that the palace won’t (or can’t) answer. Is it vengeful? Not much, but given the struggle Harry went through, it’s impossible not to sympathize with his desire to speak his own truth. “To move on to the next chapter, you have to finish the first one,” Harry says. With all six episodes Harry and Megan now the world thinks it’s over. All of us (including Harry and Meghan) would do well to close the whole book, although I think that’s wishful thinking.