Yes, it's Packed with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly fair game for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back once again with a "Christmas Special" (aka a Christmas special). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – providing random tips, and contributing 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems pleased; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and look will be picked apart and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and extravagant – but is that not exactly what Christmas is all about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with panache. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the wreath she makes is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she ties her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is organized in the form of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the intensity of scrutiny she has endured ever since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would struggle to act this genuinely. Her unwillingness to modify or even tone down her routine, despite it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a thought that will surely come as a comfort: you don't have to. The UK has abolished national service in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by longing about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their parent puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by imagining the young royals' faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
