Page 5 | As Ever Part 6: Definitely NOT a trad wife

Strudie · 2025-03-04T21:18:19+00:00

Previous thread here: [[https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_royal_family/5286597-as-ever-part-v-two-stunt-lemons-with-love-meghan https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_royal_family/5286597-as-ever-part-v-two-stunt-lemons-with-love-meghan]] Carry on! Reviews from the US are trickling in, so far, not so good - [[https://variety.com/2025/tv/reviews/with-love-meghan-markle-netflix-duchess-of-sussex-1236327469/ https://variety.com/2025/tv/reviews/with-love-meghan-markle-netflix-duchess-of-sussex-1236327469/]]

BigAnne · 05/03/2025 08:31

FarmerDramaLlama · 04/03/2025 21:37

Ouch to the Variety review. Regardless of what I or anyone else thinks of her, it’s not all her fault, there’s a lot of experienced people who allowed this to develop. She hasn’t self produced it, NF have made an own goal.

I think she's been set up. Although it is amusing to watch.

Stickystickysticky · 05/03/2025 08:36

And if you signed up - gave your email - check your spam folder as an email has been sent out (according to Sneha Mistri on Tik Tok, she found an email from As Ever there)

I haven't had an email, I haven't received the letter, I emailed x3 and said I wanted to unsubscribe and have had no reply .

NormaMajors1992coat · 05/03/2025 08:39

@Weepixie
It's the desperate and repeated attempts to get people to like her, trying so hard to get things right, and always just missing the mark slightly. Rings a big bell.

I hope she isn't, or at least doesn't get a diagnosis and lean into it. The last thing autistic people need is Meghan as their poster child 😬

DogPawsMud · 05/03/2025 08:39

I watched 5 minutes of this show yesterday and gave up.
I was looking for something mindless to watch whilst flossing my teeth, and it was too dull even for that. Decanting bags of pretzels from a big bag into a little bag is a new low for TV.

Jacquettes · 05/03/2025 08:42

Stickystickysticky · 05/03/2025 08:36

And if you signed up - gave your email - check your spam folder as an email has been sent out (according to Sneha Mistri on Tik Tok, she found an email from As Ever there)

I haven't had an email, I haven't received the letter, I emailed x3 and said I wanted to unsubscribe and have had no reply .

If you have tik tok check Sneha Mistri and you can see the email she received.

Just trying to be helpful.

friskybivalves · 05/03/2025 08:42

It's just Me, Moi, Meghan.

ThePoshUns · 05/03/2025 08:45

JSMill · 05/03/2025 08:07

Just before M goes on about having the same last name, Mindy says 'I don't think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack in the Box'. Why is this woman so in awe of M? And why wouldn't she have eaten in a fast food chain? Before 2018 she was a nobody.

It was the amazement that Meghan was wearing a skirt from Zara, and Meghan laughing ' I know'. So tone deaf when there are people who would think they were doing well (aka me) to afford an outfit from Zara.

Belladonne · 05/03/2025 08:46

AtIusvue · 05/03/2025 07:51

This is jaw dropping! and brutally funny

https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/03/04/meghan-markles-new-netflix-show-is-out-of-touch-with-the-times

The economist:

One scene is “magical”. Another is “so pretty”. Another is “delightful”. Welcome to “With Love, Meghan”, Meghan Markle’s new cookery and lifestyle show in which she smiles at things in Montecito. In episode one she smiles at raspberries on a cake. In another episode she smiles at hydrangeas. She also smiles at bees, whose hives she keeps on her property. “When I think of honey, I think of bees,” she says, in one of the many insights with which the show brims. There have been doubts about whether Netflix was right to fork out a reported $100m in a deal with Ms Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, for this show and other content. Such doubts must now be dispelled.
However, Ms Markle is not just smiling. She is on a mission. As she explains, she wishes to “share some little tips and tricks” for entertaining friends and elevating one’s life. Such as, perhaps: make sure to marry a member of the British royal family. That tends to help no end. Or: ensure you get Netflix to pay you a vast sum to show off an immense property, complete with a vegetable garden, bee hives and chickens to lay fresh eggs. That helps, too.
This new eight-episode Netflix show, released on March 4th, is more or less Martha Stewart for the 0.01%; but aimed at the other 99.99%. In it she offers indispensable tips such as how to make candles with one’s own beeswax and how to boil noodles with tomatoes. Apparently first you place the noodles in a pan. Then you put in water. Then you take off the lid. Then the water will evaporate. Then they are done. At last. Everyone had been wondering.
The show is not only helpful; it is also following in a royally long tradition. Queenly types have often loved the simple life: Marie Antoinette had a lovely time in her toy farm near the main palace of Versailles—until she didn’t. And royal hangers-on have often monetised the monarchy: Pippa Middleton, the sister of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, once wrote a book titled “Celebrate”. It too was replete with useful insights, such as how to toast marshmallows over a fire. (“Long-handled forks” are, Ms Middleton explained, helpful, as are “flames”.)
The problem with Ms Markle’s new show, as with all cookery, is getting the timing right. Hers could hardly be worse. Her show celebrates California living and contains a scene of smoke at the start (used to calm the bees). This is jarring to even the most vaguely news-aware viewers, who watched as fires recently ravaged nearby Los Angeles.
Worse still, its overall air of wellness feels uncomfortable when two of the royals have been so very—and so quietly—ill. The combined total of Kate’s two videos about her cancer were under five and a half minutes. Here, Meghan takes almost as long to decorate a cake.
But it would be mean-spirited to carp. For the spirit of this series is generous and aimed at showing people how much you care about them. “Everyone’s invited,” as its trailer says. This is darling, if arguably not entirely true. It seems unlikely, for example, that William and Kate were invited (according to the most recent reports the couples barely speak) or Charles and Camilla (likewise).
Ms Markle says that she is “not in the pursuit of perfection” but “in the pursuit of joy”. This is charming, if not precisely the wording that others inside the palace use, which tend to have gone a little heavier on words like “abrasive”, “bullying”, “difficult” and “rude” to describe her. But then, perhaps those palace workers did not stop to smell—and smile at—the hydrangeas.

“abrasive”, “bullying”, “difficult” and “rude”

Good to see The Economist joining the dots by providing the context as to why this show is so inauthentic - as the 'real' MM behaviours consistent towards colleagues, staff, family and friends has been reported repeatedly over the years. Even the CEO of WME wont even deal with her.

This was filmed nearly a year ago - I wonder how many of the 'friends' featured are still 'friends' - when did we last see MM with any of them?

Mightymoog · 05/03/2025 08:49

Quick look at the online shop to tease myself whilst I wait for Spring
Raspberry spread in keepsake packaging? You mean a jar

LaMarschallin · 05/03/2025 08:50

"abrasive”, “bullying”, “difficult” and “rude”

In the clips I've seen, she seemed "abrasive" towards Mindy about the Markle/Sussex thing and childishly "rude" about Mindy's pronunciation of "look".
And that's with her friend. Apparently.
It does make you wonder what she's like with staff.

glitterturd · 05/03/2025 08:50

I don't know where the poster above got the info on the show on Netflix but it's not mentioned on here.

www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/united-kingdom/tv

Also I looked at the site and while it is showing as New and has top ten written in one corner when you go into it there is nothing in there about its position unlike all the rest. A couple of examples

As Ever Part 6: Definitely NOT a trad wife

elprup · 05/03/2025 08:51

The clip with Mindy about the name Sussex was really jarring.

glitterturd · 05/03/2025 08:51

Compare to this

IcedPurple · 05/03/2025 08:51

JSMill · 05/03/2025 08:07

Just before M goes on about having the same last name, Mindy says 'I don't think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack in the Box'. Why is this woman so in awe of M? And why wouldn't she have eaten in a fast food chain? Before 2018 she was a nobody.

Mindy also said something along the lines of 'you would think Meghan would be so formal but really she's so laid back'. I think this whole idea that Meghan is so unexpectedly 'down to earth' is part of the image she wants to project. As you say, why wouldn't she be 'down to earth' and why wouldn't she eat in fast food restaurants? Before she married an intellectually challenged prince, she was a minor actress in a cable TV show. Nowhere near as accomplished or well known as Mindy herself.

I too wonder why Mindy is involved. She's not A list but she has had a very successful career. The only thing I can think of is that she's a producer on 'Running Point', a comedy starring Kate Hudson, which premiered recently on NF. So it could be that NF organised this as some kind of quid pro quo. I don't buy that they are best mates. As someone above asked, when's the last time they've been seen together?

glitterturd · 05/03/2025 08:54

LaMarschallin · 05/03/2025 08:50

"abrasive”, “bullying”, “difficult” and “rude”

In the clips I've seen, she seemed "abrasive" towards Mindy about the Markle/Sussex thing and childishly "rude" about Mindy's pronunciation of "look".
And that's with her friend. Apparently.
It does make you wonder what she's like with staff.

Edited

It's like she is in a constant struggle to contain her " real " person with a veneer of what she perceives as socially ingratiating.

DiggieToe · 05/03/2025 08:54

@JADS ticking all the NF inclusion and diversity boxes perhaps. I like MK too, but I find everything about the series excessive. I've not been able to get past the first episode and found myself fast-forwarding most of it. It feels like Meghan is gradually realising - or maybe not - that many of us who once liked and supported her in N. America and Europe are losing interest. Now she seems to be shifting her focus on to inspiring affluent WOC who don't reside in the West, ie those who aspire to a Western home life and lifestyle. I wonder if the new audience bites?

AtIusvue · 05/03/2025 08:55

An interesting question ( not mine, seen it on Reddit)

How on earth was she supposed to modernise the monarchy? This is who Meg is…..a basic trad wife.

People argued she was more down to earth- but you can see she’s awkward, has no self awareness and expects constant praise from those around her.

She would champion women and girls rights- we see she’s a stepford wife, who was proud that her daughter has a cleaning song

People argued she would be able to connect with minority communities because she’s mixed race- she has chosen to live and embrace the Montecito lifestyle and aesthetic, which is a very white place. Her fans also appear to be young, white women.

She was never going to revolutionise anything.
She was always going to be an influencer trying to sell crap. Its embarrassing.

IcedPurple · 05/03/2025 08:56

glitterturd · 05/03/2025 08:50

I don't know where the poster above got the info on the show on Netflix but it's not mentioned on here.

www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/united-kingdom/tv

Also I looked at the site and while it is showing as New and has top ten written in one corner when you go into it there is nothing in there about its position unlike all the rest. A couple of examples

The Top Ten you linked to is not on the NF site itself, and is just a weekly list.

If you subscribe to NF, you can see the current list which is updated daily.

It wouldn't surprise me if this show made it into the Top Ten, but I doubt it will linger long. Getting Top Ten may sound impressive, but NF are interested in total viewing hours and the impact the show might have on subscriptions. I suspect this show will be a 'flash in the pan' and not many will persevere past the first episode.

SpreadingJammyTodgerLove · 05/03/2025 08:57

JSMill · 05/03/2025 08:07

Just before M goes on about having the same last name, Mindy says 'I don't think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack in the Box'. Why is this woman so in awe of M? And why wouldn't she have eaten in a fast food chain? Before 2018 she was a nobody.

To me Mindy Kaling was playing this as if it was an episode of The Office. I am wondering if her agent/Netflix persuaded her to go on on the premise that this was supposed to be a dead-pan, comedy mockdoc. And then only after the event was she told that it's supposed to be Meghan's reality. Or possibly Mindy, like a lot of comedians, just has this way of interacting that serves as a shield to the private (and probably darker) person underneath. So the Mindy she shows in public is an over the top character/side kick type who is always gushing about every little thing.

I also wonder whether Netflix, in its editing, kept in the parts you would have thought would end up on the cutting room floor - like the uncomfortable exchange about the Sussex name - because they are pushing for her to make this show more of a "Real Housewives" type format if they are going to renew. And what the audiences will want and want to talk about it just this type of toe-curling but juicy insight into MM's world view.

Vespanest · 05/03/2025 08:57

Meghan and mindy have apparently only met 2 or 3 times but have a pen pal type relationship which could explain some of the awkwardness.

LaMarschallin · 05/03/2025 08:59

I wonder if there's going to be some As Ever "dish soap".
That would teach naughty Procter and Gamble.
Btw, have you ever heard about the time when she was 11 and...

Come back! I haven't finished!

IcedPurple · 05/03/2025 09:00

Vespanest · 05/03/2025 08:57

Meghan and mindy have apparently only met 2 or 3 times but have a pen pal type relationship which could explain some of the awkwardness.

Yes, I suspect they were put in touch by their agents or by NF.

Another transactional 'friendship'.

I remember when the series was first advertised Mindy said something along the lines of 'I'd just had a baby and when Meghan invited me I thought it would be great to drive to Montecito and have someone cook for me.'

Why would a wealthy woman who could afford to eat from the best restaurants or hire a private chef need to drive to another town to be cooked for by someone she barely knew? This is a PR 'friendship'.

SpreadingJammyTodgerLove · 05/03/2025 09:02

MrsLeonFarrell · 05/03/2025 08:08

If she is making digs they don't make sense. Catherine and Charles both paint and have bees. Catherine and William have been on camera many times cooking at events plus the Wales children delivered home made pasta to people in lockdown, in nice bags with ribbons.

It's a if she is creating and rebelling against a royalty in her head which doesn't align with the reality.

Show quote history

Perhaps, as Harry surmised in the docusoap, Meghan's pasta was too good. She was tying bows better than those who were born to the task of tying bows. And they were all so jealous of her pasta and bow tying excellence, that they had to suppress her at all costs, forcing her to live in a cottage that had not enough counter-space for her artisan pasta maker, and denying her access to the Royal Ribbon Vault. Now she is "free to be me", and will show the RF dullards what real hosting looks like, none of that state banquet malarky and Highgrove jam nonsense. This is the real deal.

Belladonne · 05/03/2025 09:02

LaMarschallin · 05/03/2025 08:50

"abrasive”, “bullying”, “difficult” and “rude”

In the clips I've seen, she seemed "abrasive" towards Mindy about the Markle/Sussex thing and childishly "rude" about Mindy's pronunciation of "look".
And that's with her friend. Apparently.
It does make you wonder what she's like with staff.

Edited

No need to wonder - have a look at the numerous investigations and exposes with testimonies from colleagues and staff over the yers which indicate a persistent pattern of bullying behaviour - The Vanity Fair piece last month, The Hollywood Reporter last year, Access Hollywood interview, The Times, Courtiers by Valentine Low, BP emails reporting bullying and MM hounding staff out of their jobs, the Director from the Reitmans commercial. The churn of staff also tells its own story. Who's next in the firing line....

glitterturd · 05/03/2025 09:03

@IcedPurple it's all so false isn't it but then anyone who is sensible knows this is how things are in Lalaland.