Indeed, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly open season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion was that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, 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 presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She knows her all subtle gestures, word and look will be analyzed and criticised, but nonetheless looks carefree and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Since, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and flamboyant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is for? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the walk she's walking appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with style. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she ties her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she creases 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 won over, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is positioned in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but even so, after the level of examination she has weathered since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this genuinely. Her decision to modify or even moderate her persona, even though it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can rely 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 what she's selling, a thought that will surely come as a reassurance: you don't have to. The UK has abolished the draft anymore, and were it to return, it would be improbable to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are overcome with longing about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their parent puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
