There are many reasons people watch television. Airtight, believable storytelling may not be at the top of the list for many, especially for a half-hour comedy series. Those who have made it through the first two seasons of Netflix’s Emily in Paris are well aware of what to expect from this flighty show about an American influencer and marketing executive living it up in the city of love despite not having any clue how to speak French. Season three delivers more of the same, offering a dependably unserious departure from reality for some recurring and circular romantic and business antics.
The setup elements at the top of season three have changed things in a major way, since Emily’s love life appears to be stable for the first time in a while and it’s her professional identity that’s going through more of a crisis. The inarguably clever episode titles are almost all double entendres making reference to what’s happening in Emily’s head and in her life. Her inability to tell either of her two bosses, Madeline (Kate Walsh) and Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), that she’s still working for the other quickly gets her into trouble, while her romance with Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) does experience challenges as he finds himself in a new and complicated work situation of his own.
But the idea of Emily getting into trouble, as loyal viewers will know, doesn’t actually mean much since Emily doesn’t actually experience consequences. What seem like insurmountable, career-ending obstacles that pop up regularly are quickly dismantled through convenient connections and the fact that all these characters seem to find ways to make their problems go away with minimal effort. For anyone who has actually tried living abroad or running a business, this will surely be infuriating, since one or two helpful connections might prove helpful, but, after the twentieth time it happens, it starts to become harder to believe.
What season three does well is invest in its supporting characters, given them more of a chance to chart their own paths. Managing her own company, Sylvie quickly tires of the paperwork required of the big boss, but she also explores her own relationships and what areas she needs help in, even if she’d never admit a single weakness. The newfound friendship among Alfie, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), and Camille (Camille Razat) makes things awkward for Emily given her history with all three of them, and their own career aspirations give them plenty to do.
There is no shortage of costumes to be found, further bewildering evidence that Emily couldn’t exist in real life since she wouldn’t be able to afford the extravagant outfits she wears. Second to Emily’s fashion is that of her roommate Mindy (Ashley Park), who delves further into singing in front of an audience and, just like everyone else, navigates unexpected romantic hiccups.
The colors and outrageous styles that adorn each character make this an even more eye-popping experience, one that could absolutely populate a real-life Instagram account that would be even more popular than Emily’s.
It’s been almost a year since, two weeks after the premiere of season two, Netflix renewed this series for seasons three and four. This show isn’t going anywhere, and while there are those who may dismiss it as fluffy and unsophisticated, it knows what it wants to be and isn’t trying to be anything else. Emily in Paris is the perfect show to watch to unwind and turn off real problems that can’t just be wished away with enthusiasm and pluck. Like seasons one and two, all ten episodes of season three are available to watch now, presenting audiences with just one moderately challenging decision to make: stretch out the season or watch it all in under six hours.
Grade: B
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Season three of Emily in Paris is now streaming on Netflix.