“Emily in Paris” has charmed its way into viewers’ hearts worldwide since it first premiered on Netflix in October 2020.
Fans went along for the ride as Emily Cooper, played by the ever-in-vogue Lily Collins, moved from her marketing executive job in Chicago to Paris.
Just as the charismatic character fell in love with the sights and sounds of the City of Love, streamers were also drawn to the French capital and all its splendour.
From fashion, food and romance to art, history and Paris’s most famous sites, the hit comedy-drama provides the perfect cinematic escape.
It also celebrates femininity as it shines a spotlight on the power of female relationships and women in powerful positions.
As the show continued to develop over the years, its emotional substance has also grown as Emily finds herself conflicted in her personal and private life.
The rest of the characters’ hardships also resonates with viewers.
While “Emily in Paris” has been widely criticised for its American portrayal of French culture, which many described as superficial, the latest season has many redeeming qualities as Emily finally faces the consequences of her often short-sighted and careless actions.
The first part of season four picks up almost two years after its previous offering, leaving fans in desperate need of closure from season three’s jaw-dropping finale.
The cliffhanger continued with Camille (Camille Razat) announcing to a packed church, while at the altar with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), that she was unable to marry him because he and Emily were madly in love.
The dramatic turn of events wasn't well received by Emily’s partner, Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount).
As the tension rises, Emily also comes to terms with Camille carrying Gabriel’s child, making her decision to be without him harder than ever before.
After Camille’s brother, who Emily hooked up with in a previous season, blasts her antics on social media, she manages to patch things up with her after tracking her down at French Impressionist Monet’s stunning house and garden at Giverny.
This is not before the pair comically fall into a pond as they argue over Camille and Gabriel’s failed nuptial.
Regardless of repairing her friendship with Camille, Emily remains torn between her love for the hunky British stud and the talented French chef.
In the end, she does make a choice, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake.
Her bestie Mindy (Park) and her band prepare for Eurovision, but when the funds run dry, they’re forced to get thrifty. She also finds herself in an entanglement with a wealthy businessman, Nicolas, which forces her to defend herself against his family’s attempts to change her.
Then there is Nicolas’s father, Louis, who is being accused of sexually abusing his staff.
This includes Emily’s boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), whose French flair and straightforward nature have earned her legions of fans. Having worked for Louis previously, she is one of his victims and her now-powerful status can finally bring him down if she agrees to share her side of the story with a reporter.
The only problem is that he finances her new marketing firm and is also her husband’s business partner. By speaking up, there are financial complications for all involved.
Sylvie also has to contend with the vibrant Julian (Samuel Arnold) leaving her to work at Louis’s company.
And while much of the first part of season 4’s storyline focuses on themes of a serious nature, Luc (Bruno Gouery) once again provides some comedic reprieve.
The season also sees him engaging in a steamy affair with a woman pretending to be a Michelin star inspector as he tries to help Gabriel take his restaurant to new heights.
As is often the case in love and life, things don’t always go as planned and he is forced to deal with the consequences when her lie is finally revealed.
“Emily in Paris” can be criticised for many things but casting isn’t one of them. From the American to French and British talents, the stars understood the assignment and kept the viewers entertained.
And as fans of the show await the second part on September 12, there is enough salaciousness to keep you on the edge of your seat in the first instalment of the new season.
In the meantime, streamers can get lost into the beauty, romance and chaos of the European city, with the Eiffel Tower serving as the backdrop.
There are also extravagant and glamorous parties, including a masked ball where Emily finally chooses which man she wants to be with. This is followed by a carriage ride through Paris’s star-lit streets. The memorable occasion leads to a date night on a rooftop.
Let’s not forget the culinary masterpieces from Gabriel’s kitchen, appearance at the Roland Garros tennis tournament and the memorable fashion moments, which continues to be one of the show’s highlights.
“Emily in Paris” is a fun and relatable watch, which will have you dreaming of the City of Love.
∎“Emily in Paris” season four part one is streaming on Netflix.