Admittedly, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually open season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the program's first and second seasons apart. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a Christmas special). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – remain, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and delivering 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 strangely comforting. And she appears happy enough; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and look will be picked apart and criticised, but manages to seem relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. Since, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but isn't that just what Yuletide is about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking appears to be beautifully curated.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the form of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the intensity of attention she has faced ever since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her refusal to alter or even soften her persona, regardless of it being so persistently, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service anymore, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, few children truly appreciates the time and energy their parent does in the holiday season. So you can take heart by envisioning the young royals' faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a sweet treat.
