Yes, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the season, it's perpetually open season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The prevailing view seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (or a holiday episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – persist, but framed of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan is like the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – offering random tips, and supplying the periodic peculiar declaration. ("I love spinach!" … "A tradition has to have a beginning." … "A tree is part of my memory and love of the holiday season.") She's a bit of a character, but her aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and gaze will be dissected and judged, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is charming. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Christmas is about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the life she leads seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she ties her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but even so, after the intensity of attention she has endured ever since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would struggle to act this authentically. Her refusal to modify or even soften her persona, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will surely come as a relief: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are gripped with longing about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the dedication and labor their parent does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
