Yes, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the series' earlier episodes apart. The prevailing view held that a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned for another round with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – providing random tips, 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and strangely comforting. And she appears happy enough; she's causing any harm.
She knows her every micro expression, word and glance will be dissected and criticised, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. The reason is, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but is that not exactly what the holiday season is about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the festive decoration she creates is breathtaking, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she ties her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she folds wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where greens is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the intensity of examination she has faced since she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this genuinely. Her decision to alter or even moderate her shtick, regardless of it being so constantly, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a point that will certainly come as a relief: you aren't required to. There isn't national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, few children completely grasps the dedication and labor their mum puts in in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning her children's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a candy.
