Podcast Summary: "Matinee Monday: Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance LIVE! (w/ Casey Wilson)"

Episode Overview

In the December 9, 2024 episode of "How Did This Get Made?" titled "Matinee Monday: Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance LIVE! (w/ Casey Wilson)," hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the intricacies and absurdities of the Lifetime-produced television movie "Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance." Joined by special guest Casey Wilson, the trio offers a humorous yet critical analysis of the film, highlighting its portrayal of the beloved royal couple amidst questionable plot choices and character developments.

Introduction to the Movie

The episode opens with Paul Scheer introducing the movie and expressing his initial excitement paired with skepticism about the portrayal of Harry and Meghan within a Lifetime production framework. [03:01] Paul Scheer states, “Glad you guys listened to the podcast that came out a mere 12 hours ago. So excited to be here doing our very first Lifetime movie.”

Emotional Reactions and Expectations

Jason Mantzoukas kicks off the discussion by sharing his unexpected emotional response, admitting to crying twice during the film. [04:32] He exclaims, “I cried twice during this movie. Tears rolling down my face in my kitchen, screaming to myself, what's wrong with me?”

Paul Scheer concurs, revealing that he also shed tears, much to his wife's amusement. [04:55] Paul shares, “I too cried during this movie, much to my wife's chagrin.”

However, June Diane Raphael presents a contrasting viewpoint, expressing her frustration and lack of emotional connection with the film. [06:32] She remarks, “I did not like this motion picture.”

Critical Analysis of Characters and Plot

The hosts dissect various elements of the movie, often highlighting inconsistencies and over-the-top character portrayals. One significant point of contention is the depiction of Meghan Markle's character, who is portrayed as a modern, hip individual navigating royal life. [05:20] June questions the casting choices, suggesting, “She should have [starred]. She comes across very cool, very hip.”

The inclusion of a lion symbolizing Princess Diana's spirit introduces a surreal element that many hosts find jarring and out of place. Casey Wilson points out her emotional connection to these fantastical elements, stating, “I cried five times,” referencing the symbolic lions. [09:13]

Portrayal of Royal Relationships

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around the romantic dynamics between Harry and Meghan, emphasizing unrealistic romantic gestures and plot devices. For instance, the subplot where Prince Harry waits 40 minutes for Meghan before their rendezvous sparks criticism for its implausibility and lack of depth. [22:00] Jason Mantzoukas humorously questions the logic, “Have you ever left you waiting for 40 minutes?”

June Diane Raphael delves into the strained relationship depicted between Meghan and other royal figures, particularly criticizing the Queen's lack of empathy and the ensuing emotional turmoil. [12:44] She asserts, “It's because of her lack of empathy and because of her having marched Henry and William behind that casket.”

Guest Contributions and Insights

Casey Wilson enriches the conversation with her insights, highlighting moments that resonated emotionally and those that fell flat. She emphasizes the problematic portrayal of historical figures and the over-reliance on cliched plot points. [09:28] Casey notes, “I cried at both lions,” underscoring the film's attempt to blend reality with fantasy.

Humorous Interjections and Thematic Explorations

Throughout the episode, the hosts interweave humor with their critiques, often riffing on unrealistic movie tropes and the blending of reality with scripted drama. They mock the Lifetime movie's attempts to humanize the royal couple while simultaneously indulging in melodramatic storytelling. [28:26] Jason Mantzoukas quips, “But how hard is your time? Now I'm an. I'm an imposition.”

Audience Engagement and Q&A

Towards the end, the hosts engage with the audience through a mock Q&A segment, further satirizing the film's content and its implausible scenarios. They playfully adopt British accents and respond to fictitious questions, maintaining the episode's comedic tone while reinforcing their critical stance on the movie's execution.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts collectively agree that while the movie offers entertainment value through its over-the-top scenarios and emotional moments, it ultimately falls short in providing a believable and respectful portrayal of Harry and Meghan's real-life narrative. [95:50] Jason Mantzoukas concludes, “I don't know that I would. It is not very good. It is actually patently absurd. But there is something enjoyable about it in a weird way.”

They recommend viewers approach the film with a sense of humor and a critical eye, acknowledging its place within the realm of Lifetime's often campy and sensationalized productions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Paul Scheer [03:01]: “Glad you guys listened to the podcast that came out a mere 12 hours ago. So excited to be here doing our very first Lifetime movie.”

• Jason Mantzoukas [04:32]: “I cried twice during this movie. Tears rolling down my face in my kitchen, screaming to myself, what's wrong with me?”

• June Diane Raphael [06:32]: “I did not like this motion picture.”

• June Diane Raphael [12:44]: “It's because of her lack of empathy and because of her having marched Henry and William behind that casket.”

• Casey Wilson [09:28]: “I cried at both lions.”

• Jason Mantzoukas [22:00]: “Have you ever left you waiting for 40 minutes?”

• Jason Mantzoukas [28:26]: “But how hard is your time? Now I'm an. I'm an imposition.”

• June Diane Raphael [95:50]: “I don't know that I would. It is not very good. It is actually patently absurd. But there is something enjoyable about it in a weird way.”

Final Remarks

The episode of "How Did This Get Made?" offers a blend of sharp wit and critical analysis, dissecting “Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance” with both humor and substantive critique. By highlighting both the emotional and ludicrous elements of the film, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why this Lifetime movie stands out as a quintessential example of award-winning bad cinema.