The evolution of the American dream through Darren Star’s lens
From Carrie Bradshaw to Emily Cooper: A journey through time
The American dream has always been a fascinating subject, especially when viewed through the eyes of Darren Star’s protagonists. From Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City” to Liza Miller in “Younger,” and now Emily Cooper in “Emily in Paris,” each character offers a unique perspective on ambition, success, and the ever-changing landscape of work and life.
Carrie Bradshaw: The original dreamer
Carrie Bradshaw, the iconic freelance columnist, epitomized the early 2000s dream. Her life in New York City, filled with designer shoes and glamorous parties, seemed almost too good to be true. Yet, it was her passion for storytelling that made her relatable and aspirational.
Liza Miller: The realist
Fast forward to Liza Miller in “Younger,” who had to deceive her way into an entry-level publishing job. Her story reflects a more grounded reality, where the struggle to balance personal and professional life is palpable.
Emily Cooper: The modern marketer
Enter Emily Cooper, the protagonist of “Emily in Paris,” who channels her storytelling skills into social media marketing. Her move to Europe hasn’t dampened her American work ethic; if anything, it has made her more determined. Emily’s unconflicted capitalism rubs off on everyone around her, making her a fascinating character to watch.
The viral sensation of “Emily in Paris”
When “Emily in Paris” premiered in October 2020, it quickly became a massive hit. The show’s success led to a multipart release strategy for Season 4, with the first five episodes currently streaming and the rest set to premiere next month. The series has become a prime example of what Netflix’s chief content officer calls “gourmet cheeseburgers”—shows that are easy to consume yet highly satisfying.
The extended hiatus
The show took an extended hiatus of over 18 months due to last year’s entertainment strikes. Yet, the anticipation for its return has only grown, especially with the 2024 Olympics keeping Paris in the global spotlight. Fans, affectionately known as “Little Berets,” can rejoice as “Emily in Paris” continues to deliver its unique blend of workplace comedy, romance, and shameless commodification.
Season 4: A closer look
Describing the plot of Season 4 feels almost secondary to the visual feast that the show offers. Season 3 ended on a dramatic note with the wedding of Emily’s love interest, Gabriel (played by Lucas Bravo), and his longtime girlfriend Camille (Camille Razat) being called off at the altar. This event also blew up Emily’s relationship with British business bro Alfie (Lucien Laviscount).
The love triangle
While Gabriel and Camille’s relationship is over, they have a lasting memento in the form of Camille’s surprise pregnancy. Gabriel and Emily’s relationship is one of the least suspenseful will-they-won’t-they scenarios, rivaled only by Camille’s dalliance with Greek artist Sofia (Melia Kreiling) and the affair between Emily’s singer roommate Mindy (Ashley Park) and billionaire scion Nico de Léon (Paul Forman).
The focus on work
Even the show seems a bit bored by its romantic subplots, spending the first act of Season 4 either advancing the predictable plot or abandoning its few major twists. The real focus is on work, where the withering gaze of agency boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) adds enough friction to keep things interesting.
Breaking the fourth wall
“Emily in Paris” is at its best when it breaks the fourth wall. Whether it’s through product placement from real-life brands like Baccarat, stunt-casting playwright Jeremy O. Harris as a diva fashion designer, or acknowledging that Emily is both selfish and irritating, these moments add a layer of self-awareness that is both rare and refreshing.
The art of marketing
Marketing is all about creating an illusion and committing to it at all costs, an art that “Emily in Paris” excels in. The show remains as adept as ever in creating a world that is both aspirational and relatable, making it a must-watch for fans of workplace comedies and romantic dramas alike.
Watch now
All five episodes of “Emily in Paris” Season 4, Part 1 are now available to stream on Netflix.
For more details and to watch the trailer, visit Emily in Paris.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging look at “Emily in Paris,” offering personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema and TV series enthusiasts. The narrative style and format have been carefully crafted to make the content unique and enriching.