Indeed, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the season, it's constantly hunting season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she is back with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a yuletide episode). Yet now, it's different. The familiar ingredients audiences anticipate – meaningless jargon salads, intense hospitality – remain, but set of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid together; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 seems pleased; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She knows her every micro expression, utterance and glance will be dissected and scrutinized, but manages to seem relaxed and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. The reason is, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is for? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she executes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the wreath she crafts is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she creases wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, 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 festive circle?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the degree of examination she has endured since she started dating Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her unwillingness to modify or even soften her shtick, even though it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying what she's selling, a thought that will surely come as a relief: you aren't required to. There isn't national service anymore, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, no kid truly appreciates the time and energy their mum does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing her children's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a sweet treat.
