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By her own admission, Chicago-bred Emily (Lily Collins) had assumed Paris would be “a fun little detour”. However, by the end of Season 2, she realised that her “life” was in Paris. While Season 3 saw her show allegiance to her French boss and colleagues, Part 1 of the new season of the Netflix show (comprising five episodes) has her embrace the French way of life with a new-found gusto as she struts around dressed in eye-catching costumes.
When we are reacquainted with Emily in the new season, she seems to be more in control at work after winning the trust of Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), her hard-to-please boss at the French luxury marketing agency. The upheavals in her personal life, however, continue. That’s hardly surprising since the Darren Star-created series thrives on romantic conflicts as well as silly issues that create misunderstandings between lovers and friends.
After the dramatic turn of events that stopped the wedding of Camille (Camille Razat) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Emily is left to figure out her love life. She is still pining for Gabriel, her neighbour and chef. What complicates the matter is that he is going to have a baby with Camille. Emily’s other love interest, Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), is sulking. Sylvie is reunited with her husband, who is trying to start his business in Paris, and revive their relationship. But, Sylvie has to deal with some awful past experiences even though it might affect her relationship with her husband. What adds drama and tension to this breezy tale are the sub-plots involving its other key characters such as Emily’s friend Mindy (Ashley Park) and her colleagues Julian (Samuel Arnold), Luc (Bruno Gouery).
So, while the big dramatic moments like Emily being pushed off the Eiffel Tower by her warring seniors (a dream sequence in Season 3) might be missing in this season so far, those who relish this modern-day escapist drama will be happy to know that Emily in Paris retains its picture-perfect visuals, sunny vibe, gentle humour and romance. There is, of course, an elaborate masquerade ball sequence (Episode 3), with role playing and making out in a carriage thrown in, but in the post-Bridgerton era it is not as effective.
Ever since Emily in Paris started streaming in 2020, a section of the audience has lapped it up for being delightful while many have criticised it for being cheesy and superfluous. Yet, the team behind it has remained unfazed by the criticism. Every season, they have served more of the same drama with panache. To their credit, they have gradually gotten rid of cliches while taking the audience out of Paris once in a while; this time, some scenes are shot in Giverny, home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
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What sets it apart from Sex and the City — another successful show created by Star — is that unlike the older show, Emily in Paris does not dole out relationship advice. It also does not adopt a faux feminist tone; Sex and the City has come under fire for its limited understanding of feminism. What Emily in Paris offers is lighthearted entertainment packed with sass and style. So, looking for anything insightful in its storyline might result in disappointment.
The remaining five episodes of Season 4 will premiere on September 12.
Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 creator: Darren Star
Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 cast: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, Lucien Laviscount
Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 rating: 3 stars
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