Let Emily Sleep Around in Paris

As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for European cinema and a soft spot for quirky romantic comedies, I must confess that Emily in Paris has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, albeit one that often leaves me yearning for more.

If you’ve been following the complex storyline of the series set in Paris, “Emily in Paris,” you might have been thrilled to learn that Emily Cooper is single as the fourth season begins. This is significant because Emily, our main character, rarely lacks a boyfriend. Initially, she was involved with her Chicago boyfriend (portrayed by the actor who also played Prince Charles in “Diana: The Musical”), but quickly found herself drawn to her conveniently located chef neighbor, Gabriel. However, Gabriel has a girlfriend, Camille, and despite their ups and downs, they eventually get together. The story then introduces a love triangle involving Alfie, a British businessman who resembles characters from Guy Ritchie films. Due to some intricate circumstances involving a hot-air balloon and Camille’s secret lesbian relationship/surprise pregnancy, Emily finds herself single by the start of season four, as hinted in the show’s trailer, free to explore Paris without any romantic entanglements.

When I saw that trailer, it struck me as an entertaining concept! It seemed like Emily would have a blast exploring the city’s nightlife, similar to Julia Child immersing herself in French cuisine at a vibrant marketplace. However, upon reviewing the screeners meant for critics, I found out that Emily’s experience in Paris wouldn’t be as carefree as I had imagined. Instead of enjoying her time as a single girl, she finds herself entangled once again with Gabriel, who was surprisingly in her shower when she returned from her run in episode three (apparently Camille and her girlfriend have taken over Gabriel’s apartment; the show’s one relatable detail is the housing crunch). The episode concludes with a grand masquerade ball, where it turns out that both Alfie and Gabriel still harbor feelings for Emily.

The ongoing storyline involving Emily and Gabriel has run its course, leaving the series struggling to introduce novelty. This season’s dilemmas include Gabriel’s worry over Camille’s pregnancy, his desire for a Michelin star coupled with his disdain for the pastry chef he hired, and their surprising rooftop encounter that Emily finds shocking and improper. By the conclusion of this half-season, the romantic sphere of Emily in Paris seems more confined than ever. It’s as if these characters only interact with each other.

The series inherently presents a challenge due to its character dynamics. Emily, who embodies a cautious, intelligent millennial persona, doesn’t often display flirtatious behavior, despite her attempts to portray herself as fun. Meanwhile, Mindy, who is depicted as more liberated, has also settled into serial monogamy, currently navigating a complex tale of sexual harassment and family inheritance while dating the heir of a luxury corporation, whose father is less than admirable. Interestingly, the French characters seem more open to extramarital relationships; Sylvie, for instance, has been married and involved with another man at one point.

The show “Emily in Paris” primarily focuses on Emily’s professional life rather than her romantic endeavors. The series could benefit from a greater variety of characters for Emily to interact with romantically, as she often encounters new clients but few potential lovers. This isn’t because Emily has a balanced work-life, as she readily trades her relationship with Alfie for an advertising campaign and provides social media support for Gabriel’s restaurant without compensation. While this could be part of a larger commentary on American capitalism, it would be nice to see more male characters in the series. Unlike shows like “Sex and the City” or “Younger,” which offer their protagonists a variety of romantic options in New York, Emily’s Paris seems to lack the same vibrancy and diversity. In Darren Star’s universe, it appears that there is more excitement to be found at home than abroad.

As an insightful movie critic, I’d like to propose a more promising direction for Emily’s romantic journey in Paris, rather than continuing with Alfie and Gabriel. Here are a few gentlemen who might offer more rewarding experiences:

1. A pretentious intellectual from the Left Bank who talks about Sartre.

Emily, if you need any more pitches, please be in touch.

2024-08-16 22:56

Let Emily Sleep Around in Paris

Read More

Minority Mindset