Summary

Hulu’s 'Love Story' revitalizes the Kennedy myth, blending 90s minimalism with a provocative 'Cinderella' narrative. Host Rachel Abrams and critic Alexandra Jacobs reveal how the series thrives on the tension between historical accuracy and the public's insatiable hunger for American royalty.

Key Topics

• American Royalty: The perception of the Kennedy family as a national aristocratic class that embodies the realization of the American Dream while suffering Shakespearean tragedies. It matters because it provides the foundational mythos that makes the show's tragedy feel epic rather than just tabloid-level.
• The Cinderella Narrative: The trope of a non-famous individual being 'plucked' from obscurity by a powerful figure, creating a 'why not me?' fantasy for the public. In this episode, it explains why Carolyn Bassett's story resonates specifically with women who saw her as a bridge to a royal life.
• Minimalist Palate Cleanser: A reaction against the Rococo excess of the 1980s (embodied by the Trumps) in favor of the stark, clean lines of 1990s minimalism. It serves as a visual metaphor for the public's desire to strip away complexity in favor of perceived authenticity.
• Digital Native Nostalgia: A pining for the pre-digital era (specifically the 90s) among those who never lived through it, viewing it as a time of creative freedom and physical presence. It changes the listener's perspective by showing that nostalgia isn't just for the old, but for the 'analog' itself.

Key Takeaways

• Audit your wardrobe for 'longevity pieces' inspired by 90s minimalism.
• Implement a 'Pre-Digital Block' once a week.
• Read 'Once Upon a Time' by Elizabeth Beller.