In the debut episode of Meghan Markle’s eagerly anticipated Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” we see the arrival of a familiar face—Daniel, an old friend of Meghan’s from her days on the set of “Suits.”
Meghan is keen to impress him and sets out to prepare the guest room.
But let’s be real; when I have company over, my version of preparation is a quick dust-off and tossing a towel on the bed.
And voilà, done!
For Meghan, however, it’s all about creating an experience that goes beyond the basic.
As she gears up for Daniel’s visit, Meghan asks, “What’s by the bed for them?” But let’s not kid ourselves; she’s not talking about a discreet bucket for any late-night indiscretions after indulging in her sometimes extravagant snacks.
Instead, she’s all about bath salts or, if that seems too tedious (which it does), she offers up a more manageable idea: pre-packaged snacks that she can personalize with a handwritten label and a ribbon.
Seriously?
This is content we are meant to take seriously.
And just wait—there’s also a tutorial on balloon inflation later!
Meghan and Daniel seem to share a certain bond, whipping up what she calls “single skillet spaghetti,” a dish whose culinary merit is questionable at best.
But the other guests who drop by?
I can’t help but feel a bit unsure about their connections.
Take Delfina, the landscape architect, for instance—Meghan greets her with “You’re so tall!” It implies perhaps a lack of closeness that’s hard to ignore in this carefully curated world.
Then there’s Alice Waters, the esteemed chef, who appears visibly surprised during her visit.
One can’t help but wonder how she ended up on set—was it a surprise invitation or a clever ruse involving carrot-top pesto?
And when chef Roy Choi arrives, Meghan charmingly states, “We’re not friends yet, but we’re going to be!”
The look on her face when he passionately discusses his love for daikon turns the moment into the kind of awkwardness you can’t look away from.
Mindy Kaling makes an appearance next, embodying the role of the nurturing “mom friend.”
She’s there to learn how to host an artful children’s garden party.
In the world that Meghan envisions, typical party fare like hot dogs are clearly out of the question.
Instead, Meghan suggests extravagant options like “art scene crostini” or a vibrant fruit arrangement.
Wait, does Mindy even know how to execute such a party?
Her witty response—“No, but the woman I hire does”—suggests she might be delivering a healthy dose of sarcasm throughout.
Early on, a small hiccup occurs when Kaling refers to her as Meghan Markle.
“No, I’m Sussex now!” Meghan promptly corrects her, asserting her status with a hint of royal pride.
Meanwhile, Kaling wears a grin that’s reminiscent of Meghan’s signature sweet treats.
As they concoct ladybird-themed crostini and sip sparkling drinks, you can’t help but spot the playful tension beneath the surface.
Do we know that in Meghan’s home country, they call ladybugs ladybirds?
Mindy, with a smirk, acknowledges the confusion.
When Meghan unveils her colorful fruit rainbow, a burst of disbelief escapes from Kaling: “You’re kidding me!”
As they sit down in a garden-like setting to admire their culinary art, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s a heavy layer of pretense.
Imagine the scene—it’s all very Marie Antoinette, but the only thing missing is a cow and a milk stool!
So who exactly is Meghan Sussex?
Does this show peel back any layers to reveal her true self?
When Prince Harry makes a brief appearance, beaming with pride in the golden Californian sun, he gives off an air of vulnerability that feels a bit unsettling.
Between his gleaming scalp and her poised demeanor, one might sense an underlying tension that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Ultimately, the artifice surrounding this production is overwhelming; it’s woven into every corner—much like the table linens she plans to sell under her new brand.
But can Meghan really cook, garden, or genuinely engage in the pursuits she so blissfully advocates?
It seems odd to dedicate so much screen time to brewing various teas—whimsical blends of ginger and hibiscus—if there’s a culinary prowess waiting to be displayed.
Watching “With Love, Meghan,” feels like staring at a superficial charm that hides something deeper.
It almost comes off as a fragrant blend of turmeric and lavender, but when you take a whiff, you quickly realize that you’re not investing in the authentic.
The series leaves you wondering—what’s genuine and what’s just for show?