Indeed, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the season, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The prevailing view seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned for another round with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a holiday episode). But this time, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but within the context of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at most festive family gatherings – providing unasked-for guidance, and contributing the odd random outburst. ("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 company is customary and strangely comforting. And she appears happy enough; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and gaze will be dissected and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and flamboyant – but isn't that just what the holiday season is about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the example she sets appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with panache. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she creates is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to tear into. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she creases wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but even so, after the intensity of examination she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her decision to modify or even moderate her shtick, even though it being so relentlessly, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will certainly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. We don't have national service in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are overcome with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a everyday person, no kid fully understands the effort and hard work their parent puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
