Admittedly, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the season, it's constantly hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The general consensus was that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but set of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, syllable and gaze will be dissected and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. The reason is, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and over the top – but is that not precisely what Christmas is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the intensity of examination she has endured ever since she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her unwillingness to change or even moderate her routine, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you don't have to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription these days, and if there were, it would be improbable to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you decide to tune in and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, hardly any child fully understands the dedication and labor their mother expends in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning the young royals' faces when they unfold a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, instead of a sweet treat.
