Indeed, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's always open season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons apart. The general consensus was that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she is back for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a Christmas special). Yet now, things have shifted. The standard components audiences anticipate – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – remain, but framed of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan has become the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and delivering the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 an interesting figure, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's inflicting any harm.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and look will be picked apart and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. The reason is, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and over the top – but is that not exactly what the holiday season is for? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the festive decoration she makes is gorgeous, her presents are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of examination she has endured from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this authentically. Her decision to change or even soften her shtick, even though it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a reminder that will certainly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished the draft anymore, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are overcome with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, no kid truly appreciates the effort and hard work their parent expends in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, rather than a candy.
