- Date of Release: 12 September 2024
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Language: English
- Watch On: Netflix
Emily In Paris Season 4 Part 2
Introduction
Ever since the first season of Emily in Paris released; I have wondered if Emily was always going to remain in Paris as the name suggests, or she would move around a little to show some other beautiful cities of the world too. This season finally makes that transition for us after Emily spends three more episodes dilly-dallying in Paris on her way to Rome. The makers made it clear that Part II was going to be a Homage to Hepburn. So, we can expect Roman Holiday’s soft romance in Black & White, packaged as an inspiration from the 50’s and brought to us in color. Have you ever romanticized the idea of riding through a holiday destination on your Vespa or you know someone who has? Roman Holiday is the movie which started the Vespa fantasy and even shot up its sales. Also, just like the movie Charade which is Hepburn’s caper comedy from the 60’s, Emily thinks of parting ways with someone and even meets someone new on a ski trip. The inspiration lies not only in the iconic costumes and dreamy shoot locations, but also in disguised marketing and brand integrations. As per Vogue Business, the search count of Jacquemus cardigans and Sailor hats has already gone up, both of which I had also mentioned in my Review of Part I. To find out what leaves a mark in Part II, read on.
Episode 6 - Last Christmas
Part II starts with Sylvie’s Out of Office announcement where she declares that the upcoming holiday season is meant for her personal time off, and it will have nothing to do with work-related discussions. This makes me glad that the show is back on track with its portrayal of the European work-life balance. Emily joins Gabriel in Camille’s family chalet for Christmas celebrations. When Emily lands in Megève, she tries to express her excitement with a reference to The Sound of Music, but Gabriel feels the need to give her Geography lessons right then and there. At this point, I would like to say that the series is well researched. Emily manages to let Gabriel know that he shouldn’t be interrupting her like that when she is daydreaming. She discovers new Christmas traditions in France as compared to how her family likes to celebrate back in Chicago. Emily has a clumsy fall skiing in the French Alps but finds herself in the safe hands of Marcello Muratori, the most awaited heroic entry of this season. Meanwhile in Paris, another American arrives with her Parisian dreams, just like Emily. Alfie is back but there is a twist. The opening episode of Part II ends as unexpectedly as the opening episode of Part I.
Episode 7 - Lost in Translation
As Emily evolves in her role from a newcomer in Paris to a mentor at Agence Grateau, her wardrobe makes room for more Maroons and Browns. Emily reveals that she is from Chicago but has never been to New York to which her mentee replies that she is from New York and has never been to Chicago either. But they are both fulfilling their dreams of working in Paris. Sylvie goes shopping with her stepdaughter to make her dress more French-like than American, now that she works in Paris. It is finally Genevieve who gets the makeover that Emily missed out on. Camille shocks Gabriel with her long-term plans. Gabriel is sulking throughout the episode as he prefers to communicate in his native language, but Emily can understand very little French. Towards the end of the episode, Gabriel loses his cool and lashes out at her in French. So, Emily probes Genevieve to translate what he said. While Emily and her mentee are very much alike, Genevieve does not appear to be naive like Emily, and her intentions seem dubious. Mindy gets more adventurous as her Eurovision dream draws closer.
Episode 8 - Back on the Crazy Horse
Eugenio Franceschini is not done playing Marcello Muratori yet and he is here for the full part. Camille decides to move out of the building and thank God for that, but you need to watch the episode to figure out if she decides to move out of the love triangle at all. Emily has started learning from her mistakes, but it is too soon to celebrate because she is unable to stay far away from the problems of her life. Genevieve can be seen overstepping and overstaying her welcome. Mindy handles herself gracefully at Crazy Horse, with a little bit of help from her dear friend and roommate, Emily. Marcello shares that he studied with Nico at the London school of Economics and talks about his hometown back in Italy. Emily gives him a tour of Paris from night to dawn, sharing details of her routinely as well as embarrassing moments while Marcello shares his homesick stories. He makes an impromptu plan for Emily and invites her to visit Rome. While his plan may sound rushed, I have been waiting for this moment since Episode 6. So, this entire Emily in Rome situation is now three episodes late already. Sylvie takes a sly dig at H&M. She reveals that she lived in Rome years ago which is a hint for the audience that at some point, she would be in Rome too.
Episode 9 - Roman Holiday
Emily lingers in Paris a bit longer where she continues with her morning runs and sunrises at the Sacré Coeur. She never takes a day off but with slight encouragement from Mindy and after persistent requests from Marcello, Emily changes her mind. Sylvie is also onboard with her one-day vacation plan. Finally, Emily arrives in Rome and Marcello is waiting outside the hotel to take her out in a Vespa so that she can see the Colosseum and many other tourist spots. She learns the how’s and why’s of throwing coins into the Trevi fountain. Marcello explains the Roman concept of Fiji time. Emily savors each moment of her day in Rome. Actor Flavio Furno makes a small but impactful appearance as Marcello’s friend Gianni, and I hope to see him back in the next season. Emily not only enjoys the Tiramisu and Espresso, but also admires the warmth that people in Rome have for her. The lovebirds spend some time sitting on the Spanish Steps where she bumps into one of her Italian clients. Meanwhile in Paris, Emily’s colleagues take a stand for her against Genevieve who can be seen casually trying to encroach her space in the office. Not only does Genevieve try to upstage Emily professionally, but she also invites Gabriel to the housewarming party for her American friends where she shows him how to play Beer pong. Nico is contesting for the CEO of JVMA and puts Mindy in a challenging but familiar situation where our girl fights for her independence. While Emily is sipping on her Aperol Spritz and watching an Italian couple fight in public at the piazza, she receives a call from Sylvie asking her to network her way into a meeting with Muratori.
Episode 10 - All Roads Lead to Rome
Emily does not want to mix business with pleasure but both Sylvie and Mindy crash the party in Rome. Mindy’s Eurovision dreams do not take a good turn and fans waiting for this storyline may find this a bit upsetting. Emily wears flats to make her time on the cobblestones easy. Mindy and Emily eat gelato in the streets of Rome at night. Ashley Park soulfully sings Beautiful Ruins by Freddy Wexler. The most iconic outfit of Part II is saved for the last. Costume Designer Marilyn Fitoussi introduces Polka dots for Emily’s time in Rome because nothing screams soft romance like Polka dots do. Vivienne Westwood pieces dominate Emily’s Roman Holiday looks this season and my favorite outfit is the Polka dotted Midi dress paired with the Cotton & Linen Blazer. She can also be spotted in Lemon earrings from Les Néréides. While Emily continues with her trend of pantsuits and ties, placement of the Essentiel Antwerp brooch was a stroke of genius in creating a feminine look for the working woman. Season 4 ends on an emotional note. Emily gets a new apartment inside a palazzo from the seventeenth century.
Conclusion
Emily In Paris Part II is well researched. Lily Collins creates some relatable moments that touch your heart. The Roman Holiday inspired looks by Costume Designer Marylin Fitoussi make the ultimate mood board for a vacation in Italy. The good thing about Emily in Paris is that there are French actors to play the French roles and now, Italian actors to play the Italian characters. Eugenio Franceschini is so convincing in his role as Marcello, that I almost changed sides from Team Gabriel to Team Muratori. Lucas Bravo must watch out and seek some redemption arc for Gabriel in the next season, or he may lose some of his fans who have stayed loyal through four seasons. Special mention for Thalia Besson who portrayed her character so well that I developed a deep dislike for Genevieve. I am disappointed to see very little of Rome and hence, it did not live up to the hype for me. However, I hope that a lot more of Italy will be covered in the next season.