Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The general consensus seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she is back for another round with a "Festive Special" (or a yuletide episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – persist, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering random tips, 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 aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she appears pleased; she's causing any harm.
She understands her every micro expression, syllable and look will be analyzed and criticised, but nonetheless looks relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Because, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the walk she's walking seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she executes with flair. Her cooking looks delicious, the wreath she makes is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or visually unappealing – including the way she fastens her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the form of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but even so, after the degree of attention she has weathered since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this genuinely. Her unwillingness to alter or even tone down her routine, even though it being so relentlessly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a thought that will certainly come as a relief: you are not obligated to. We don't have mandatory conscription these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum puts in in December. So you can take heart by envisioning her children's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, rather than a chocolate.