Emily In Paris is a show meant to be an escape. I was not a fan of the last season, and a part of me did not even want to see Emily’s adventures in Rome. But now that I have completed the series starring Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, and Lucas Bravo, among other stars, I am glad to have been proved wrong. This season is more evenly spread to tell the story of each character, but of course, in a new country for the most part. From Emily’s professional and personal struggles to Sylvie’s weird life crisis, I found myself invested in this Italian adventure, but don’t worry, Paris remains our first love! Read the review here!
Plot
Emily In Paris season 5 has 10 episodes of 30-40 minutes each. Some episodes are dedicated to Emily’s (Lily Collins) personal and professional adventures in Rome. Her love story with Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini) with progresses with some complications. The entire team of Agence Grateau stays back in Rome after Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) decides to build the office in the city. The team including Luc and Julien face several professional challenges with new clients, new office, along with managing the Muratoris!
There are many sub-plots in this season, mostly to focus on the other characters like- Mindy and Alfie’s love angle, Sylvie’s mess, Gabriel’s professional arc, and then there’s the friendship complications between Mindy and Alfie. As overwhelming as this may sound, the show fairly manages to keep a balance of all the above-mentioned elements, with a few loopholes.
Story Breakdown
Let the truth be told, I preferred Emily’s calm, relaxed, and self-aware character this season. The fact that she is playing on the backfoot while allowing other people in her life to take the spotlight feels so refreshing. The show is no longer redundant by focusing on the professional and personal ups and downs of the lead character. A scene that is particularly my favourite, is a conversation between Emily and Marcello where the former accepts that not everything was meant to fixed, and perfection also lies in the imperfections. This conversation is simple but still hard-hitting.
However, what I enjoyed the most was Sylvie’s story. The character finally gets the justice we were craving for. On the professional front, she was very evidently dependent on Emily which speaks a lot about the trust and bond that the two characters have developed over the last few seasons. The bitter-sweet relationship between them continues but this time, there’s more warmth. Some beautiful and heartwarming moments are shared by the two, and it honestly made me want a boss like her! Well, this was also a deliberate move because we were meant to see more of Sylvie’s personal life this season, and I am not complaining. Although, the mess that Sylvie goes through were somewhere left midway, and my interests lay more in knowing about them, but unfortunately, we don’t get it.
Alfie’s dating life get more attention and that’s fair because way too many seasons were spent to show how she builds her singing career. In fact, in this season too, we get to see some sassy covers by Ashley Park on songs: ‘Espresso’ and ‘It’s Raining Men’, and its never not fun! While we are still not sure about her relationship with Emily’s ex Alfie, we can’t deny that the chemistry there is definitely chemistrying!
Also, the reminder about how female-friendships bring real joy is effectively told through the misunderstandings between Emily and Mindy. Another aspect of the show that felt like a hug!
Performances
All the actors on the show have yet again nailed it with their performances. But again, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu stands out for me. And I would really want to watch a show on Sylvie! The actor brilliantly handles the character, which in this season demands equal part maturity and foolishness. But no matter, she remains adorable throughout.
The Gabriel-Emily Story
Well, said enough times but Gabriel is the right man! However, Emily’s dating is just not getting the closure that it needs. Her dating life is lowkey making me anxious now! And it feels that its high-time now that this mystery ends for us! Unfortunately, even in this season, we don’t get it!
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The Less Enjoyable Aspects!
While Julien is a character the continues to entertain me with his sassy, sarcastic, IDGAF attitude, it’s Luc that no longer is appealing. This season, the writing of this character is more dull and annoying. His multiple relationships and the fact that he is hardly useful at work is too boring! In fact, the return of Nico’s character feels unnecessary. It’s hard to even notice him! Some forced additions of brand integrations in the storyline were really silly.
Verdict!
Emily In Paris season5 is still an escape. We are aware that the show is selling us a dreamy and pitch-perfect life with a happening job, handsome guys, exotic locations but this season tones them down a little. It feels a bit more real and relatable. There are happy moments, some shocking moments and even some genuine laughs, and finally Emily In Paris does not feel like a difficult watch!