Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the season, it's perpetually fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, expert and amateur alike, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The general consensus was that a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she is back once again with a "Festive Special" (or a yuletide episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – persist, but framed of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan is like the oddball family member at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering unasked-for guidance, and supplying 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 a bit of a character, but her presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she appears pleased; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, syllable and look will be analyzed and scrutinized, but still appears relaxed and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – may well be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Whatever she attempts, she executes with style. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she creates is stunning, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she fastens her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has weathered since she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to alter or even tone down her shtick, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, come what may. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a thought that will surely come as a relief: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are overcome with jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mother expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by picturing the young royals' faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a candy.
