It's good to know the Sussexes have found useful work. Being a name, as they certainly are, has value in itself--the series, we're reminded, is "presented by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex"--so it's admirable they've used their fame to serve a noble cause. A documentary series that showcases remarkable individuals who've accomplished something, contributed to the betterment of humanity, and/or made personal sacrifices is a project of merit, without question. Unfortunately, it's also derivative hype in the service of unpleasant self-promotion. The series' featured guests are allotted a cursory 30 minutes to relate their stories (most of them familiar to anyone current with events), underscored with music for the appropriate sentiment: they're mostly talking heads, accompanied by background footage (an off-screen voice, British, poses questions occasionally). Watch each episode (seven in all) and you become aware that they are, more or less, thinly disguised highlight reels. The question remains: who is being highlighted anyway?
The Sussexes ought to have learned by now, at least, a modicum of humility, or the the value of humble service. What makes them obviously compatible is that neither shrinks from the spotlight. Perhaps it's unavoidable for them not to appear sanctimonious on camera--maybe it's her natural gift for pretending, for ingratiating herself effortlessly, or his plummy tones of privilege, but they're both well advised to serve best behind the scenes, like eminences grises, and heed Gloria Steinem's claim for "authenticity." The flaw of this otherwise well intended series is their driven need--unmistakable from the outset--to justify themselves to their critics. They have, after all, acquired a legion of them. They might believe it's through no fault of their own, but that, they should realize, is precisely the problem.
The Sussexes ought to have learned by now, at least, a modicum of humility, or the the value of humble service. What makes them obviously compatible is that neither shrinks from the spotlight. Perhaps it's unavoidable for them not to appear sanctimonious on camera--maybe it's her natural gift for pretending, for ingratiating herself effortlessly, or his plummy tones of privilege, but they're both well advised to serve best behind the scenes, like eminences grises, and heed Gloria Steinem's claim for "authenticity." The flaw of this otherwise well intended series is their driven need--unmistakable from the outset--to justify themselves to their critics. They have, after all, acquired a legion of them. They might believe it's through no fault of their own, but that, they should realize, is precisely the problem.
