[S01.E05: Episode 5]

22 minutes ago, Roseanna said:

I doubt that people want royals to be "just like them" - why would they then have a right to all their priviledges?

Honestly, I think people don’t know what they want from the royals sometimes. They will be accused of being out of touch and inaccessible but then, when they do things like the documentary that was made in the 60s, they get accused of damaging the monarchy by being too open. Just one of many reasons why I would never want to be royalty.

[S01.E05: Episode 5]

1 hour ago, Grrarrggh said:

His mother didn't raise him anymore than his father did. Nannies and boarding school and Diana's own private life was most of Harry (and William's) childhood. Diana wasn't some maternal saint. BOTH parents seriously messed up. 

I forget which episode it was in, but Harry saying Diana told him he could make trouble, just don’t get caught made me cringe. That’s not exactly a life lesson you want to impart on an impressionable young man with a lot of privilege and influence. A culture of ”Do what you want, but don’t get caught” can enable a lot of bad behavior when left to run amok. Look at Hollywood and all the toxicity there. Sexually harass and abuse women, just make sure it doesn’t get public.

[S02.E08: All Apologies]

11 hours ago, memememe76 said:

I am on team Kate. As an uncle, I really have no problems telling my cute nephew “No, I can’t do that because your parents told me…” Really not that difficult. Or call Kate and have Mara convince her. 

I agree. Tully is focused on how she wasn’t at fault in the accident and “wasn’t that drunk”(I mean, like THAT makes it better?) and that she was going to help Mara, but she misses the point that Mara was in that situation because Tully ignored the ground rules Kate had laid out for her daughter.

[S01.E04: Episode 4]

11 minutes ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

But she literally said that her friends paid for the shower out of their own pockets. Are we now saying that famous people can't have baby showers because "They're rich, they can afford their own stuff"?? 

I’m not saying don’t have a celebration, but when the person is question is someone who is seen to be living on the public’s money, as the royals are, it would be smart to maybe downplay it or do it as under the radar as possible. Also, the fact is that celebrity rich and famous is different then royal family rich and famous. People expect rich and famous celebrities to have their friends throw extravagant parties for them and give them gifts. The optics are different when it’s royalty. If one of Meghan’s friends said, let’s have a small intimate get-together at one of our houses, I don’t think anyone would have cared, or even known possibly. They also don’t mention this in the doc, but I remember hearing somewhere baby showers aren’t really a thing in the UK? I’m from the US, so can’t speak to that, but if that’s true I can imagine that not helping.

[S01.E04: Episode 4]

18 minutes ago, Roseanna said:

Meghan told how criticism about her baby shower in New York astonished her although her friends did it in their own money. But she forgot that tax-payers paid her security team abroad and showed total lack of understanding that a member of Royal family just can't behave like an American showing off. 

This is where I think her “Hollywoodness” hurt her in her entering the royal family. Hollywood celebrity is different then public servant celebrity. While the average joe expects fancy high end parties for a rich Hollywood celeb, seeing a political figure(Which is what members of the royal family other then the sovereign and heirs are, they are basically diplomats,) that is living on public dollars having what is seen to be a fancy star studded event, where the purpose is to give the person of honor gifts(I’m not sure what gifts were given or even if there were gifts but that is what people expect when they hear shower, whether wedding or baby) is bad optics. Meghan grew up in Hollywood. She has to realize that “how” something is seen is often more important that what is actually is. I’m surprised she or someone close to her didn’t clock that maybe it’s not the best look for a literal princess to be seen at an event where the purpose would be to give her gifts. I’m not saying don’t have an event celebrating the new baby and the parents to be, but maybe try to keep it on the down-low. Maybe more low key. And definitely don’t call it a shower. Many people hear “shower,” wedding or baby, and think “gift grab,” even if the bride or mother to be isn’t royal. It’s not fair but when you are in the limelight you have consider how things look.

8 minutes ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

How is attending a baby shower thrown by friends showing off? And the British taxpayers have been paying for royal security for non-crown related vacations for years.  

And for years many have grumbled about why they should pay for that. The royal family has faced many accusations of living frivolously on the public dole, especially with regards to those further down in the royal hierarchy. People were looking at Princess Margaret in the 70s and basically asking “why is she living so extravagantly? What worth does she bring us?

[S01.E04: Episode 4]

27 minutes ago, greekmom said:

But I do see them as narcissistic and William is more like his father in the sense he wants the spotlight on him (and to an extent Kate and his family) than Harry and his family.

What makes you think of William as narcissistic? I don’t have strong feelings either way towards him, but I have never gotten the impression he wants the spotlight on him and his family. More that he tolerates it as being part of his position as future king. In fact, he and Kate seem to do as much as they can towards keeping their kids out of the spotlight and letting them grow up in private. Apart from their family Christmas card and birthday photos; the most the kids are seen is when they are in public for a family event like the Jubilee or Queens funeral. Other then that it might be a random thing such as when they filmed the kids doing the clap for carers during Covid. In fact, I would argue that while sweet, the videos of Archie playing in this doc were more intimate a glimpse into his life then we’ve seen of his cousins.

[S01.E04: Episode 4]

Some thoughts after this episode;

*Harry talking about the different palace press offices, and William using the press system to prop himself up at Harry’s expense. It’s really crummy the system encourages that, but how is what he is doing by the Oprah interview, this doc and the upcoming book different, except being more explicit? He is putting forth his own narrative to make himself look better, at his brothers cost. He may now see it as such, but whatever he and Meghan are speaking out against the system, he is talking about the system his brother will one day inherit. By making the system look bad he is making his brother, who can’t just step away from his place in the family without a lot of drama and harm, look bad. I can understand his grievances and need for change, but surely two wrongs don’t make a right? Having different factions of the Royal family leaking stuff to the press and doing tell alls is not the way things are going to change, and makes nobody look good. Change will come from the family putting on a united front against what is a toxic press system, instead of each brother playing into it in his own way, which is what I see happening now.

*Comparing Meghan’s coverage to Kate; while there was an undeniable racial/class element to Meghan’s coverage, I think it’s leaving out part of the story. People were ALWAYS going to compare the wives of William and Harry to each other. Diana for example, could do no wrong in the public eye, while Fergie was called vulgar and “Duchess of Pork.” They just took the racial aspect and played into it. Also; why not address the undeniable misogyny of the trope of “women just can’t get along” that played into the coverage. 

*Regarding jealousy of Meghan and Harry being so popular; As someone who is big on history and has read a lot about the history of the Royal Family, is it jealously or an awareness that bright shining stars burn out fast in the RF. Those making the splashy headlines can have the court of public opinion turn on a dime. Just look at Diana’s relationship to the media. Being a superstar led to her being hounded by the paparazzi, and when you are a superstar the press loves nothing then to tear you down. The Queen was seen as a source of consistency and stability because she avoided making a splash, because she stayed out of the headlines. It’s the unsung royals who do the best like Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, who fare best within the system. It’s those who seek the approval of the press and try and play the fame game that flame out (see awful Andrew, the worst modern royal IMO).

*I wish they would stop using Diana’s panorama interview. I know Harry says she meant the things she said, but knowing she was tricked into speaking out in such a sensationalized way and the harm and backlash it caused her(Increasing her paranoia and sense of isolation) makes it hard for me watch or take as a “you tell them girl!” moment.

*It’s hard seeing all the excitement, love and hope that that so many had with the wedding and the birth of Archie, and thinking they felt so isolated. I know the press was relentless, but it made me wonder if reframing the situation and focusing on all those who did support and love them would have helped. I really do feel like so many more people wanted them happy and successful then didn’t, and it’s sad they couldn’t see it because of the press. A case of the vocal minority drowning out the majority.

[S01.E01: Episode 1]

41 minutes ago, CountryGirl said:

Yes, to all of this, but especially the bolded. I have said from the beginning that I make zero assumptions that Harry and Meghan had full control of the editing because that is simply not the reality. Not for Harry and Meghan. Not for anyone.  Folks are envisioning a scenario where Harry and Meghan are sitting there, saying, "oh flash this picture or clip up or that one." Which is is literally not how the editing and production processes go.

Surely though they have final say on the overall message the doc is putting out? Would this have been screened for them? I’m not saying they had complete control over editing, and images used and the like, but surely they had the opportunity for final approval, since this is in connection with their production company, and therefore had the chance to nix anything, overt said or implied, they didn’t like? They are a couple who like to have control of the narrative around them, so I doubt they would have agreed to do this if they couldn’t have a say in the final product. My assumption is if they didn’t want something in, or didn’t like how the show was coming across, it would be taken out/changed.

[S01.E02: Episode 2]

59 minutes ago, Lady Whistleup said:

You might not think it's cold and stuffy, but I do think many people in the audience will come to the conclusion they are cold and snobby.

This. Watching the documentary, it’s obvious the intention of H&M and/or the filmmakers is to portray W&K as snobby and dismissive of Meghan and her and Harry’s relationship. They, or at the very least the filmmakers, HAD to know how that would be perceived. Look at the trailers, on of them literally is edited so a group shot of the royals at some event all looking at something seriously is before an image of Meghan looking upset. Film language 101 for “”us against them.” There is a definite narrative, even if implied.

I will say, that while the racism they faced is unacceptable and would have been enough of at challenge, the series has made me wonder if cultural differences played more of a part in their issues then they will admit or maybe even realize. She definitely does seem to have come to the marriage and royal life from an “American” point of view, which is only natural. However, it seems evident that her different worldview set a higher bar to clear when entering the royal world. Kate, for example, was a commoner but is from the UK, so the royal world was less alien to her, making the transition easier. That being said, Harry seems to really have dropped the ball in that regards. Yeah, Meghan is an adult woman who is more then capable of asking people things, and researching things and learning herself, but Harry has lived this life over 30 years, nearly 40. He should have been the one guiding her if he wanted to bring her into this life with him. He may not have known everything, but Meghan saying she googled how to do a royal wave? Why wasn’t Harry going through royal stuff like that with her? I’m sure he has been drilled on etiquette in public since he was a young child and he has had literally decades of seeing how the royals act in public.

[History Talk: The British Monarchy]

3 hours ago, PRgal said:

Marrying at 19 or 20 might have been fine in 1960, but was it as common in 1980-1981?  I looked Fergie up and she was in her mid-20s when she married Andrew.  You would think that Diana, being a couple of years younger, would have waited a few more years.  Or that Charles would have married earlier or married someone who had a bit more life experience.  

I think it was. Marrying just out of HS/college. My parents married in 1981 and were just a couple years older then Diana(born in 1957 and 1958). A friend of my moms, same age as her, was already married and had a baby by the time of my parents marriage. In fact, an aunt of mine once told me she thought my parents weren’t going to have kids before I came along, based on how long (5 years) they were married before having me. People were just expected to settle down and have families sooner, I guess.

[The Crown In The Media]

14 minutes ago, Fool to cry said:

The money shot will probably be young William watching the interview.

I really hope they show how the whole mess affected the boys. Diana and Charles, mostly Diana since I feel Charles would never have played the mess out publicly if Diana wasn’t using the press to get people on her side, really did a disservice to William and Harry. More then Diana or Charles, I feel sorry for them throughout the mess of the war of the wales.

[S01.E08: Ribbit and Rip it]

Really good episode. I loved Jen and Matt together, hopefully they keep in touch, and I would love to see more of them.

That ending was hard to watch, but I’m interested to see where it goes in the final episode. I really wish she had listened to Mallory and not gone into a Hulk rage, as understandable as her anger is. It just played into their hands and made things worse. I’m wondering if that was their plan; get her to go into angry hulk mode, and make people afraid of her. It’s understandable people would be frightened by a Hulk getting mad(look at what she did when not in an angry rage to the parking lot) and would be more likely to discredit her more then just slut-shaming. I’d be more worried by video of her angry rage then of her sleeping with someone.

[Who, What, When, Where?!: Miscellaneous Celebrity News 2.0]

I think if you knowingly sleep with someone’s significant other(assuming there isn’t an open relationship deal you would ideally confirm is legit) you are a guilty party. Not as much as the cheating partner of course, but in knowingly sleeping with them, you are playing a part in the deception and betrayal of the partner. You are willingly helping the cheater betray their significant other. 

[Party of One: Unpopular TV Opinions]

11 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

My favorite is when debates happen over the sins of the "good characters" and "bad characters" but they're so wholly out of proportion.  Like villain kidnapped and tortured heroes whole family but hero is equally bad because they hadn't called their family for months or something like that.

I like my villains or "bad guy characters" but I also find myself defending many of the good guy characters even when it's not as popular. 

But when the writers don't see the flaws or their good guys or forget the flaws of the bad guys?  That's rough going.

I can see you watched “Once Upon a Time” as well, huh. It was crazy how much of that happened in the show. 

[Buying books or borrowing from the library? Which do you prefer?]

On 8/30/2022 at 1:57 PM, Irlandesa said:

You're right. I should wait.

But as for the spoiler bit, there was a similar outcry about an element of her previous book (or the one before it?  I can't remember) and it was the focus of think pieces and reviews.  But as part of the actual book?  It was so far in the background.  Even knowing her abhorrent views, I don't think I would've noticed if it hadn't been for those writeups.

So I still plan to at least attempt to read it until I feel like there's too much mixing.

8 hours ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

I am curious to find out if Jo really does follow through on the premise of my spoiler, but the negative reviews so far are devoid of spoilers.  That being said, the one-star reviews on Amazon are intriguing.  It appears Jo got cute with the formatting and many people are upset by it.  So people who would have left good reviews maybe even 5 star reviews are less than pleased.  

I’m actually reading the book right now. I am 144 pages in and so far nothing like what is being talked about is presented. Granted, there is still a lot of story left, but it has already shown quite a bit of the online chatter about her(which is what I’m guessing the Amazon reviews are mentioning and it is a bit messy the way it’s formatted) and 

Spoiler

Nothing has been mentioned about any transphobic behavior on part of the victim.  They mentioning believing she is lying about about how she got her start, conflict with the person who originally animated the web cartoon, and just typically hateful conspiracy-filled stuff you see on the internet. To the books credit it hits close to home how realistic the things being said resemble what one sees on Twitter and in comment sections. 

I think if anything is dealing with transphobic behavior, it will be in the background, or a possible red herring.

[Pet Peeves: Aka Things That Make You Go "Gah!"]

A pet peeve I was thinking on this morning; videos of people waking up from anesthesia and acting loopy. To me, it’s not funny, it just seems like making fun of someone at a vulnerable time, recovering from a medical procedure. I would be mad if someone did that to me when I had undergone a medical procedure.

[S01.E01: A Normal Amount of Rage]

I enjoyed it! It was a lot of fun. I thought Tatiana and Ruffalo had good chemistry and I enjoyed their scenes together. I think it set the show up for an interest storyline; her having to juggle being a lawyer with having superpowers.

Does anyone else think(spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen Ms Marvel)

Spoiler

they just set up that Bruce and her are Mutants? He mentions they share a genetic marker that makes them react to the Gamma radiation by hulking out. It reminded me of Bruno telling Kamala she had a mutation which was why she got her abilities when putting on the bangle. Wasn’t Tony also saying in the first Avengers that that much Gamma radiation should have killed Bruce? I guess we have an answer why it didn’t…

[Who, What, When, Where?!: Miscellaneous Celebrity News 2.0]

15 minutes ago, patriciahelenkit said:

Lynn Mishele will one day get a new house and new mementos. Anne cannot return from the dead.

While I agree with this, I will say this seems like a oversimplification of the situation she finds herself in. She is homeless and lost everything. If she’s busy dealing with this, how can she work, so she’s probably losing money every day, if not risking losing her job because she can’t show up. It’s doubtful any insurance/ lawsuit against Ann’s estate, will make her fully whole, so she will be in debt, if not outright poverty, for a while. She may never get out of that. Hopefully she has support, people she can stay with, but even that will have limits and risk straining those relationships if they have limited resources to help. That’s not even touching the emotional trauma of the whole situation. It’s a tragedy Anne had such a hard life and an early death, but let’s not underplay the mess she left behind that will take people years, if they can ever, to come back from.

[Author Antics]

It’s funny hearing that from James Patterson. I work in a library and can confirm that he is not hurting for money. His works take up three shelves in our mystery section and one in our regular fiction. Also, I have no respect for authors who use ghost writers and pass their work off as their own, although he doesn’t hide it at least and his ghostwriters get their name on the cover unlike others(sure Danielle Steel, you don’t use ghost writers for your 6-9 books a year).

[The Bob's Burgers Movie (2022)]

23 minutes ago, Girl in a Cardigan said:

The only thing that I didn't really like was the Broadway-style musical numbers. I love the songs that are feature in every episode, but they don't usually feature animated choreography like that. When Linda was doing the huge stepping legs in the kitchen in the first number, it kinda took me out of it for a minute.

I have to admit, the animation in the songs kinda threw me to.

I forgot to mention in my original reaction what made me laugh. I remember specifically two moments getting a laugh out of me. The first was Tina’s reaction to the baby and hole innuendo “You have to stop saying that!” The second was after Bob and Linda get down into the secret club and it shows Linda acting just like Gene with the buttons.

[The Bob's Burgers Movie (2022)]

2 hours ago, Galileo908 said:

Saw it last night and thought it was great. It was a 90 minute episode...but a good 90 minute episode of Bob's Burgers. And that's all I could ever ask for.

I thought the same thing! It kept the feeling of the show, but with more runtime. It makes me feel they understand what people like about the show and what fans were expecting from a movie.

[Bob's Burgers - General Discussion]

At the theater to watch Dr. Strange and saw this… So pumped for Memorial Day!

[Book Moments That Anger Up The Blood]

So, I’m reading “Reprieve,” by James Han Mattson, and I have never seen an author who so obviously hates fat people, especially women. I’m reading it in eBook form and highlighted the worst offenses in these screenshots…

[S01.E06: Episode 6]

Bellamy can’t get his inevitable comeuppance soon enough. I also felt horrid for Abigail’s father and hope they send word ASAP to him that he didn’t just lose his daughter and old friend in one go.

The main trio has great chemistry together and this episode of almost entirely just the three of them together was great to watch.

[S01.E06: So This Is Christmas?]

That was a satisfying ending! I would love to see a second season. Clint and Kate have great chemistry and work well together as partners.

I really liked the interaction between Clint and Yelena. I really like the point that Natasha made a choice and that they wouldn't have been able to change her choice. I get the issue around fridging female characters, but I never considered Natasha’s death fridging BECAUSE she made a choice and I feel calling it that takes away the impact and agency behind her sacrifice.

As a Broadway fan, that end credits scene was amazing to me. Especially as someone who was a big RENT fan back in college, having Adam Pascal, the original Roger, made it better.