The twenty-something Chicago native turned Parisian, Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), is back in the City of Lights for season two of Emily in Paris. The Emmy-nominated Netflix dramedy created by Darren Star (Younger and Sex and the City) delivers another addictive season filled with whimsical adventures and social media mishaps.
Season two moves past Emily’s squirm-inducing culture shock, placing a greater focus on her journey towards personal growth. With a meatier plotline, Emily’s character experiences a bit of redemption this season, moving ever-so-slightly past the portrait of the “Ugly American” by facing her own shortcomings. That is, of course, in a bubbly, romanticized way that fits with the show’s escapist, sitcom-like vibe.
From the over-the-top fashion and Emily’s relentless pursuit to win over her colleagues to her love triangle with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and Camille (Camille Razat), the second season is chock-full of all the bingeable content viewers loved about season one.
Where Season 2 Shines
There are some special treats from this season worth highlighting, like the added screen time for (arguably) the show’s greatest asset, la dame pipi – a.k.a. Emily’s BFF Mindy (Ashley Park). Park, who earned a Tony nomination for her role as Gretchen Wieners in the Broadway production of Mean Girls, really showcases her vocal talents this season, belting out an epic rendition of BTS’s “Dynamite” (the ultimate earworminess). But her character has become so much more than just an amazing voice and some comedic relief. She’s got zest. Personality. We see her struggle financially and grapple with the lack of a supportive family. The show also shines a light on her difficult plight to find employment on a foreign passport in the post-Brexit era.
Another character whose storyline expanded this season was Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). In season one, she was confined by her role as the stereotypical “villainous” and “bitchy” female boss. Is she quick to call Emily out on her Americanness? Yes. But is it also warranted? 100%. Emily’s stubbornness, complete dismissal of French culture and language, and unrelenting knack for screwing shit up may be entertaining for viewers, but for Sylvie it means constantly cleaning up her mess.
This season, Sylvie is given more texture and nuance, allowing her to truly shine. All too often, the sexuality of women over 50 is underrepresented in TV and film, while the sexuality of younger women (and, of course, men) is either glamorized or receives disproportionate attention. I love that Sylvie’s sexual agency was spotlighted, not penalized, this season. Her husband (talk about a curveball) is smoking hot, she’s living her best life, and she even schools designer Pierre Cadault on the beauty of embracing age and fashion as a form of empowerment for his older clientele. She. Is. Fierce.
This season also continues its exploration of French vs. American work culture, with Emily constantly being told “It’s illegal to work on the weekends.” The topic has become increasingly prevalent in the wake of the pandemic, as work-from-home policies have led many to reevaluate the meaning of work-life balance. Emily confronts her all-work-no-play mentality in season two, embracing the true French spirit of joie de vivre.
Where It Falls Short
Gabriel and Camille’s storylines this season were less-than-stellar. While I was a fan of Gabriel last season, his complete disregard for how his “affair” with Emily impacted Camille this season is nothing short of aggravating. He is either pining for Emily or preoccupied with his restaurant opening, and beyond that…crickets. Thoughtless crickets.
Even more disappointing is Camille’s arc this season. The hard-working, loyal, and outgoing woman we’ve grown to admire from season one is reduced to the vengeful, heartbroken, “other woman” cliché. I’m not here for it. Next.
Final Thoughts
Going into this season, it’s important to remember to take the show for what it is – a fantasy. Pure escapism. With Marylin Fitoussi and Patricia Field’s costume designs and Steven Fierberg’s gorgeous shots of Paris, season two of Emily in Paris will indulge your wanderlust. While the second season gives us much of the same, it still remains a guilty pleasure. Yes, it’s ridiculous, fantastical, and glittery, but who couldn’t use a much-needed break from reality? Seriously, just grab a beret and enjoy the ride.
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Either typing away on my keyboard or nose-deep in a good book. Say hi to me on Twitter @Kkantro.