Indeed, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's perpetually fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the series' initial installments to shreds. The common opinion held that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, it's different. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – offering 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 presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems happy enough; she's causing a bit of damage.
She knows her all subtle gestures, word and gaze will be dissected and criticised, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and extravagant – but isn't that just what Yuletide is for? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is average or ugly – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the degree of examination she has weathered ever 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 persona, despite it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying her brand, a thought that will surely come as a reassurance: you don't have to. We don't have national service in this country, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are overcome with jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a everyday person, no kid fully understands the effort and hard work their parent puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a candy.
