Yes, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the season, it's always fair game for criticism on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the series' earlier episodes to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, it's different. The standard components audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come together; 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 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 an interesting figure, but her presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, syllable and glance will be dissected and criticised, but still appears carefree and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with style. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she creates is breathtaking, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or visually unappealing – including the way she secures her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the intensity of examination she has weathered ever since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her decision to change or even soften her shtick, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a reminder that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, no kid completely grasps the dedication and labor their mother does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by imagining 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, rather than a sweet treat.