Emily in Paris season 4 has forgotten why we love it

As a long-time fan of escapist TV, I must say that Emily in Paris has always been my go-to show when I need a dose of pure, unadulterated joy. The fourth season, however, seems to have bitten off more than it can chew with its #MeToo storyline involving Sylvie and Mindy.


Emily in Paris season 4 part 1 spoilers follow.

To clarify from the outset, we’re not associated with the group that frequently criticizes the show “Emily in Paris,” often reappearing when a fresh season of this popular Netflix series becomes available.

We here love starry-eyed, beret aficionado Emily (Lily Collins) in blue-sky Paris, where the Eiffel Tower is snuck into every street scene and nearby office window like an in-show Where’s Wally? The show is so blissfully simple and soft-edged that watching it feels like taking ashwagandha while listening to ASMR, snug in a cashmere wool swaddle.

However, in its fourth season, “Emily in Paris” could be stretching itself too thin by tackling larger issues compared to the usual small-scale tales it usually presents.

Emily in Paris season 4 has forgotten why we love it

Initially, due to Netflix’s ongoing practice of releasing shows in parts, we find the outstanding characters Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) and witty Mindy (Ashley Park) entangled in a complicated #MeToo situation. Previews prior to the show’s premiere referred to this as a “difficult predicament”.

Oh, how I adore the enigmatic Antoine (William Abadie), a man whose intriguing, intermittent chemistry with Sylvie adds an exhilarating spark to Agence Grateau. On the other hand, it’s the shady dealings of Nick’s (Paul Forman) powerful father that have come to light, due to his unacceptable treatment towards the female staff members at their prestigious firm.

For a significant portion of the early part of the season, Sylvie grapples with whether or not to publicly discuss him, while Mindy struggles to manage how this might affect her connection with her partner Nick.

It should go without saying that telling stories about workplace harassment, abuses of power and speaking out against such things are important. But are they in the Emily in Paris wheelhouse?

Emily in Paris season 4 has forgotten why we love it

The plot of the show seems to disrupt its calming, escapist quality, and it might not be surprising to note that the overall storytelling feels rather awkwardly managed.

One method Sylvie’s team employs to combat lewd behavior is through Gregory Duprée (played by Jeremy O Harris) and his eccentric, phallic “penis pant” line. These pants adorned with large bananas indeed seem fitting for the show, but they stand out somewhat awkwardly in this particular setting.

In a world where Emily’s latest marketing ideas determine the pace of events, the issue of workplace harassment is tentatively set aside without much tangible resolution by the conclusion of the first part. It might gain more significance in the second half, though it remains unavailable for preview at this time.

Emily in Paris season 4 has forgotten why we love it

The Emily in Paris episodes remind me of the recently cancelled Gossip Girl reboot, which fell short compared to its predecessor. While it did feature a more diverse and LGBTQ+ cast, the plotlines came across as overtly progressive, lacking the light-hearted, indulgent entertainment that many loved about the original series.

In striving for realism just a bit too much, the exaggerated and implausible elements were missed. There was no scene of Serena casually throwing her phone into a street bin dramatically, no extravagant parties or Blair’s far-fetched plotting. The very elements that we found entertaining in Gossip Girl are missing here in Paris as well.

Despite all the discussion, there’s a lot about the popular Netflix series that remains delightfully consistent. Has Emily mastered French? Absolutely not. Are the performances still a mix of different acting techniques? Definitely. Are the cast members attractive? You bet. Are the costumes eccentrically captivating? Indeed they are.

As a dedicated gamer, I find myself caught in a dilemma between Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and Alfie (Lucium Laviscount). Each has his own unique charm that makes choosing a side quite challenging. The intrigue of the storyline might significantly sway your gaming experience, depending on which team you align with. And let’s not forget the persistent Samsung flip phone product placement – it’s like stepping back into the ’90s every time I watch!

Over time, the show “Emily in Paris” has faced criticism for being unrealistic, shallow, poor quality, among other things. However, despite these criticisms, we’re now on season four. Contrary to expectations that this season would focus on Rome and the silliness of Eurovision, so far, it appears quite different. Instead, we have a messy workplace misconduct storyline and a subdued “Bridgerton”-like carriage scene.

While we certainly crave quality, high-brow television, there’s also room for lighthearted, entertaining shows that can be dubbed “charming TV for girls.” Such a series provides an ideal balm for current worries and serves as a compelling reason to linger in Paris – though admittedly, a more fantastical version of Paris, akin to the enchanting setting of Ratatouille – long after the conclusion of the Olympics. So here’s to another serving of delightful distraction!

Emily in Paris season 4 part 1 is available to stream on Netflix.

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2024-08-15 14:49

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