Yes, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's always fair game for criticism on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The prevailing view held that a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – persist, but framed of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – providing random tips, 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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She understands her every micro expression, utterance and gaze will be analyzed and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks relaxed and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Yes, it's all painfully excessive, nonsense and over the top – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is for? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with panache. Her cooking looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Not a single thing is mediocre or visually unappealing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but even so, after the intensity of scrutiny she has weathered since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her decision to change or even soften her shtick, even though it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you aren't required to. There isn't the draft anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are consumed by longing about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, few children completely grasps the effort and hard work their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning 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, rather than a sweet treat.
