The first half of Season 4 of Emily in Paris offers just five short episodes, which might not fully satisfy your binge-watching cravings. However, they do a great job of setting the stage for what’s to come.
The season’s trailer teased a classic love triangle: Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) caught between her charming neighbor-chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and the dashing British Alfie (Lucien Laviscount). It’s a classic dilemma—who to choose? But as the episodes roll out, it’s clear that Emily in Paris is more than just a simple romance. The show dives deeper into Emily’s love affair with Paris itself rather than just her struggle to choose between two men.
The Real Conflict: Balancing Two Worlds
Emily’s conflict mirrors that of Devi from Never Have I Ever—one love interest represents her past, and the other symbolizes her new life. Emily’s challenge is not just about picking a boyfriend but about balancing her American identity with her desire to fully embrace French culture. Her real struggle is whether she can have it all or if she’s doomed to suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out). She knows that in order to truly experience her new life in Paris, she must let go of some of her old comforts.
Blending Work and Life
Season 4 continues to explore the intersection of Emily’s work and personal life. A standout moment occurs when Emily pitches a masquerade party for a client’s perfume campaign. When Alfie, who’s still dealing with their breakup, questions the connection, Emily explains that masks help people hide their true selves, which can be liberating for someone heartbroken.
This theme of masks is also reflected in Emily’s boss, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), who has a poignant moment at the same party. After a sexual harassment scandal breaks, Sylvie chooses to wear a mask, symbolizing her choice to reclaim her own narrative. She explains to her husband that she wanted to share her story on her own terms, revealing a rare glimpse into her previously guarded emotions.
Beauty in Imperfection
One thing that defines Emily in Paris is its ability to address serious issues without becoming too heavy. The show touches on topics like workplace harassment and the emotional complexities surrounding it but does so with a light, stylish touch. While the resolutions to these issues might feel a bit too neat and tidy, the show deserves credit for not ignoring these serious topics entirely.
For fans, the show delivers on its promise of glamour and charm. The soundtrack by Chris Alan Lee and the breathtaking Parisian visuals by Steven Fierberg create a vibrant backdrop. Emily’s outfits, curated by Marylin Fitoussi, add a splash of color and reflect her moods—bright and lively when she’s happy, and more subdued during her low moments.
The Show’s Highs and Lows
Mindy (Ashley Park) and Bruno (Luc) bring humor and fun to the series with their witty lines, though some jokes might be too specific to fully appreciate without context. The show also includes some familiar comedic mishaps, like Emily complaining about Gabriel to Gabriel or mistaking someone in the shower for Mindy. These moments, while amusing, also showcase the show’s occasional stumble into predictable humor.
Despite these slips, there’s still a lot to love. The characters have room to grow, the plot could be more gripping, and the humor could use a sharper edge. Yet, the show’s overall beauty shines through, even when it trips over its own frothiness.
Emily in Paris: A Perfectly Imperfect Paris
The essence of Emily in Paris is captured in a line from the show: “Look around you. Everything isn’t perfect, but all of it is beautiful.” This perfectly sums up the series—its charm lies not in its flaws but in its ability to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience. So, while not everything may be flawless, there’s enough beauty to keep you coming back for more.
