'Emily in Paris' season 2 is the same folly and fun as season 1

You either love it or hate it

The last episode of 'Emily in Paris' left our titular heroine (Lily Collins) in something of a sticky situation as she had just spent the night with her neighbour - and ex of her good friend - Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), believing that he was moving away. Now he’s staying in the city of love as one of Emily’s clients has just bought his restaurant. On the bright side, our protagonist is excelling at work and even starting to get along, just a little, with her icy, feisty boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). Plus a fellow expat, named Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), from London, has caught Emily’s eye.

The first season of ‘Emily in Paris’ received criticism for stereotyping French people and culture, and while there’s less insensitivity in its new season, little has changed. There are still plenty of silly innuendos, Emily continues to struggle with the language, and butting heads with a colleague at work. Though it is refreshing to at least see the French speak more French, it’s notable that they write in a character who refuses to speak French at all so that English-speaking audiences don’t feel too isolated.

Emily’s reasons for not being with Gabriel never really make sense, as she desperately tries to get him and Camille (Camille Razat) back together, refusing to divulge what happened between them. As with a number of her work situations, some honesty and transparency would go a long way – but conniving is so much better for that juice drama we came for.

Stunning wardrobes and locations across France feature again, the latter including a “party hard” trip to Saint Tropez and a return to Camille’s château in Champagne (where Emily has an awkward run in with Camille’s little brother whom she slept with). Other storylines that pad out season 2 include Mindy’s (Ashley Park) stint in a drag club, followed by some busking with a local band; plus Kate Walsh makes a return as Emily’s American boss Madeline, and she is bringing a heap of trouble with her…

‘Emily in Paris’ is as light-hearted and frivolous as what we’ve come to expect, and there are more coincidences and nepotism than ever. If you’ve enjoyed the show so far, expect more of the same; if you’ve been repulsed, l'éviter (avoid it).

'Emily in Paris' seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Netflix now.