Netflix’s Most Embarrassing Show Is Back. I’m Absolutely Thrilled.
"Embrace Emily In Paris' Charming Dumbness"
Excited For Season 4 Of Netflix's Embarrassing Series!
In the newest season of Emily in Paris, there is a scene that perfectly showcases my mixed feelings about this Netflix show that is both unexciting and oddly captivating. The main character Emily, along with her friend/romantic rival Camille, find themselves arguing in Claude Monet's garden in Giverny near Paris. In the water lily pond that inspired some of the most stunning art in history, the two women argue until they fall out of their boats and into the water. As I observed them swimming to the shore, I couldn't help but wonder how much money Netflix paid to use such a revered location. After drying off, Camille tries to explain to Emily, who seems to lack knowledge on the topic, why Monet's Impressionist paintings of nature were so influential. "Nothing is perfect," Camille explains, "but everything is beautiful."
Currently in its fourth season, the first five episodes of Emily in Paris were released on Thursday, with the next five set to premiere on Sept. 12. The show, as the title suggests, follows the adventures of Emily in Paris. Played by Collins with a perpetually positive attitude, Emily is an American expert in marketing who works for a French company headed by Sylvie, a stylish and commanding figure similar to Miranda Priestly. Despite her glamorous appearance, Sylvie can be blunt, as seen when she tells Emily, "Your influencers are getting impatient, Emily!" The company's "work" primarily involves socializing at lunches and attending upscale events.
The TV show Emily in Paris is not considered good by many. Even its own stars know it's not great, especially the French actors who may have felt a bit ashamed to be part of a series filled with clichés. However, it seems like they have now accepted their roles without shame. Unlike many other shows on Netflix that feel like filler content, Emily in Paris seems to understand that it's not the best. The creators are focused on keeping things light, beautiful, and easy to watch, just like the character Emily. The show is meant to be fun, with impossibly attractive characters frequently kissing each other and making questionable decisions. While it may not be flawless, it is undeniably visually stunning with countless breathtaking shots of Paris.
Emily, our main character, is a straightforward person. She has a strong interest in two men: the attractive English banker Alfie (played by the fit and often shirtless Lucien Laviscount) and the charming French chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo, who looks like he was created in a lab focused on French attractiveness). In addition to her romantic pursuits, she also has an impressive collection of designer clothes that somehow fit in her small apartment she shares with her friend Mindy (Ashley Park). Even though she has been living in Paris for quite some time now, she has not learned much of the language. However, this doesn't seem to be a problem as most people speak to her in English, assuming she is not very bright. (In the words of Home Alone, she falls in the category of what the French call "les incompétents.")
Despite this, the television series portrays Emily as a social media expert, comparing her to a modern-day advertising genius who astonishes everyone with her brilliant brand campaigns. Most of her ideas seem to revolve around using hashtags and hosting extravagant parties. In one scene this season, a character questions the relevance of a masquerade ball to promoting a fragrance, making it clear that they are not convinced by Emily's approach. However, their doubts are quickly dismissed, and the ball seems to achieve the agency's goals, even if it's unclear what those goals actually are.
The show takes a lot of inspiration from creator Darren Star's previous work, especially Sex and the City, but it is most similar to Star's show Younger. Just like Younger, Emily in Paris started with a unique idea about a woman's work life (Liza from Younger pretends to be young! Emily is in Paris!) that becomes less important as the series progresses. While the first season of Emily in Paris was full of clichés about the French that could have caused a problem, the show has thankfully moved past that now. In fact, this season focuses more on cultural observations about the U.S. One character proudly tells Emily that abortion is legal in France, while another is disappointed that their band won't get any government funding, saying "No help from the government? Is this America?!"
During this season, the show has moved its attention away from French culture and onto its characters. They are feeling shaken up after Camille, who is pregnant, decides to leave Gabriel at the wedding because of his hidden feelings for Emily. The show also delves into some important social issues with a storyline related to the #MeToo movement. Sylvie is faced with a tough decision on whether to speak out against a fashion industry executive who has been behaving inappropriately.
In season 4, Emily's sex life is explored in new ways, but it's surprising that a show billed as a successor to Sex and the City and based in France is hesitant to show real intimacy. In one scene, Emily and her partner are said to have sex on her roof, but the camera quickly cuts away and she admits it was too steamy for her. Bridgerton, on the other hand, is much more daring in its portrayal of sexuality.
In spite of its eccentricities, Emily in Paris thrives in the end because, similar to Emily, it is strangely endearing, even though we know it's not the best choice. It is effortless, trendy, and silly—and unapologetically so, which is quite appealing in its own way.
In his latest newsletter Garbage Day, writer Ryan Broderick attempted to explain what he calls "content slop." This refers to the constant flow of low-quality material in our society, such as random A.I. art on social media, multiple versions of the same song by Taylor Swift, and countless Netflix shows. Broderick believes that content slop is the dominant genre of the 2020s because it always seems to be forced upon viewers, who recognize its lack of value. Not only does it feel worthless and everywhere, but it also appears to be deliberately designed that way.
I am sure that Netflix executives and their beloved algorithm have figured out that trendy outfits, attractive men, and scenes of Paris will attract a large audience to this show. While Emily in Paris may not be award-winning or showcase exceptional acting, it still has a luxurious and glamorous feel to it. It's like indulging in a fancy and colorful dessert that you know is not good for you in large quantities, but is enjoyable in moderation – just like the French do.
In a certain episode, Gabriel suggests to Emily that they should try to escape reality for a night and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy. Just like Marie Antoinette famously said, "Let the people eat... garbage."
