Emily in Paris is back, and once again, it feels like indulging in a pastry that’s all frosting and no cake. Season 4 Part 1 of this guilty pleasure promises more of what we love to hate- those picture-perfect Parisian moments and Emily’s endless parade of couture, wrapped around a plot that’s starting to feel as thin as a crepe. But who are we kidding? We didn’t come here for profound drama, we’re here for the drama-queen life that only Emily Cooper can deliver.
As season 4 kicks off, it’s clear that our favourite American-in-Paris is still torn between two lovers, a city that’s too chic for its own good, and the ever-complicated mess that is her love life. So, buckle up, because this ride is more about the scenic route than the destination, and if there’s one thing Emily’s going to do, it’s making sure we enjoy the view- even if it’s through grey-coloured glasses. A post shared by Emily In Paris (@emilyinparis) Season 4 promised us more of the same drama that has kept us tuning in: Emily is caught between two lovers- chef Gabriel and British charmer Alfie.
Ah, what a dilemma, right? But here’s the thing: while the love triangle has always been central, this season quickly reminds us that Emily in Paris is less about Emily’s romantic conundrums and more about her love affair with the city itself. Also Read: The burning questions that Season 4 of Emily in Paris could finally answer Except, this time around, it’s clear that even Paris is starting to lose its charm. Emily’s internal conflict, much like Devi’s in Never Have I Ever, is all about wanting to have it all.
She’s torn between clinging to her American identity and embracing French culture, and honestly, it’s getting old. Her so-called ‘struggle’ is less about two men and more about FOMO- fear of missing out on everything Paris has to offer while still holding onto her roots. But let’s face it, Emily, you can’t have your croissant and eat it too.
A post shared by Emily In Paris (@emilyinparis) That said, if there’s one thing Emily in Paris consistently gets right, it’s the visuals. From the postcard-perfect shots of Paris to Emily’s fashion that’s as vibrant as a candy store, the show is a feast for the eyes. Furthermore, Chris Alan Lee’s soundtrack, paired with Steven Fierberg’s cinematography, paints Paris as the ultimate fantasyland- where every street corner looks like it was plucked from a dream.
Also Read: 'Emily in Paris' doesn't understand the first thing about social media. We love it anyway. Lily Collins, adorned in Marilyn Fitoussi’s dazzling costumes, is always camera-ready, even when the plot isn’t.
The attention to detail in every scene- from the perfectly coiffed hair to the carefully curated outfits- makes the show a visual delight. The city of Paris itself almost becomes a character, more alive and vibrant than some of the actual cast members. Now, let’s get to the romance- or the lack thereof.
After three seasons of will-they-won’t-they tension, Emily and Gabriel’s slow-burn romance finally unfolds in Season 4. But instead of the fiery passion we’ve been waiting for, we get a love affair that’s more lukewarm than a day-old coffee. What started as a promising Nora Ephron-esque story has quickly fallen flat, leaving us wondering why we even cared in the first place.
A post shared by Emily In Paris (@emilyinparis) And what about Alfie? His romance with Emily fizzles out faster than a cheap sparkler on New Year’s Eve. He disappears after just three episodes, making us question whether he was ever truly a contender for Emily’s heart. Gabriel and Emily brush off their previous conflicts with a casualness that renders the last three seasons almost meaningless.
It’s like building up to a grand feast, only to be served a plate of stale bread. A post shared by Emily In Paris (@emilyinparis) Furthermore, the humour in Emily in Paris is like a soufflé that rises beautifully but deflates the moment you take a bite. The show tries to sprinkle in comic relief like powdered sugar on a croissant, but sometimes it feels more like the punchline is missing the punch.
Mindy and Luc do their best to keep things lively, tossing out quips like they’re tossing baguettes at a Parisian bakery, but even their charm can’t always save the day. Emily in Paris was never meant to be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. It was fun, it was frothy, and it was just what we needed during a dark time.
But now, four seasons in, the show’s charm is wearing thin. The first five episodes of Season 4 are as bingeable as a box of macarons- light, sweet, and totally forgettable. Furthermore, the plot is as flimsy as a baguette left out in the sun, and the characters- once vibrant and full of potential are starting to feel more like caricatures than real people.
You certainly won’t lose sleep waiting for Part 2 to drop on September 12, but you’ll probably still tune in- especially since that sneak peek of handsome Marcello helping Emily down the bunny slope was just too delicious to miss. Yet, for all its flaws, Emily in Paris remains an easy binge on a dull day. It’s like comfort food- familiar, predictable, and satisfying in its own way.
But how much longer can it sustain itself on aesthetics over substance? Whether it can redeem itself remains to be seen, but for now, Emily in Paris feels like a once-delicious treat that’s lost its flavour. Also Read: 'Emily in Paris' Season 3: The most exciting love triangles and slow burns of the season.
