Let’s be clear. This is an Emily In Paris safe space. While some critics have blasted the show for being too cheesy, we’re all about it. How dare a show make people feel joy, over basic things like love triangles and fun outfits and silly little awkward moments? How dare they, indeed.
WATCH: Emily In Paris Season 2 | Official Trailer
The criticism of its Golden Globe Award-nominations above pivotal shows like I May Destroy You was valid and important (as was all past and present criticism of the Golden Globe Awards, while we’re talking about it). But the more general attitude of bagging out Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) and her Parisian adventures simply because it’s “girly” or “cringe” is just plain boring.
Following on from other hit shows like Sex and the City and Younger, Darren Star delivered us an easy-to-digest series about dating, sex, friendships and fashion set against the backdrop of an iconic city. Not to mention, hotties around every corner and musical numbers in the park for no apparent reason. What’s not to love?
That’s not to say we watched the first season of Emily In Paris without a dismissive laugh from time to time. As people working in media, we cackled whenever Emily shared a brilliant ‘viral’ post, conceitedly faked her way through a campaign, or was re-tweeted by the wife of the French President. It’s absurd. But so is literally everything. Have you seen the world? Just let people enjoy things.
The show was even self-aware enough to include an entire plot-point about being cringe – AKA ringard – and knowingly poked fun at its heroine to the delight of those who might be hate-watching. And it continues to do so in Season 2.
The absurdity continues in the new season, with the over-eager and over-confident Emily grating on her Savoir co-workers Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), Julien (Samuel Arnold) and Luc (Bruno Gouery). Also known as the holy trinity of Emily In Paris.
Sylvie continues to expertly switch between disapproving of Emily and helping her when she needs it most, while Luc and Julien work alongside Emily with their signature joi de vivre… and the occasional backstabbing of a co-worker.
In the second season, Emily is unable to rely on her “can do attitude” and somewhat self-obsessed ways to solve her problems. She’ll have to face the consequences of her mistakes, both professional and personal. And not always in the way you expect.
Season 2 delivers on Emily’s storyline where it previously did not: she owns up to her shortcomings. Or at the very least, tries to. A rare treat from a heroine in a Darren Star TV show (we’re looking at you, Carrie Bradshaw and Liza Miller).
Viewers are in for a surprise as to how Emily attempts to right the wrongs of her one-night-stand/kind-of-affair with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and are in for a treat as Camille (Camille Razaat) dances around discovering the truth. Emily must transform and grow as her surefire charm wears thin.
While love triangles can quickly become tiring for viewers, the series keeps things fresh with the introduction of a new character; British expat Alfie (Lucien Laviscount). Not to mention, a new life path for Mindy (Ashley Park). If you thought the singing was too much last time, just you wait.
Taking on her new gig at a Drag Club, Mindy is reclaiming her voice – quite literally – after an embarrassing stint on a Chinese singing competition years before. If you like singing, it’s fun. If you don’t, just fast forward.
Music aside, Mindy is another bright spot as the series returns, thanks to her vivid expressions and goofy one-liners. Emily might be the leading lady, but it’s her friends and Savoir co-workers who steal scenes with a certain je ne sais quoi.
Though Emily’s growth is the central thread that pulls the season together, it goes without saying that her emotional transformation is still within the realm of a light-hearted romantic comedy. She’s Emily Cooper, not Emily Dickinson.
Cute clothes, cute boys and enviable travel destinations keep the scenes as light and bubbly as a cheap bottle of Champère. And aren’t we glad?
It’s enjoyable and comforting and that’s really all we want it to be. We couldn’t recommend a more precedented show for these un*********ed times in which we live.
Emily In Paris, Season 2 premieres on December 22, 2021 at 7pm AEST.
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