Emily in Paris season 4 part 1 review:  Deep character moments and lost opportunities

Emily in Paris season 4 part 1 is back with the elements of glamor, romance, and drama that audiences just seem to not get enough of. This Netflix original's fourth season released on August 15, 2024, features Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive learning to weave through life in Paris—enchanted yet overwhelming.

The series has always managed to woo its viewers with the beautiful presentation of Paris, fashionable characters, and light-hearted storylines. Season 4 is divided into two parts, with the season now giving viewers the five first episodes that continue exploring Emily's professional and personal life and new layers of the beloved characters.

Alongside Collins, Emily in Paris season 4 part 1 stars Ashley Park as Mindy, Emily's supportive best friend, and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, her formidable boss.

As always, it is going to offer a combination of humor, drama, and romance with the added intrigue of evolving character arcs and unpredictable twists.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on the author's personal opinions.

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Sylvie steals the spotlight in Emily in Paris season 4 part 1

One of the most exciting elements of Emily in Paris season 4 part 1 is Sylvie herself. Sylvie, played by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, is not just a boss but a mature woman who beats all of society's norms.

Within these new episodes, she dredges up a painful chapter from her past, which gives viewers more inkling of how strong and vulnerable she is. Portraying the inner struggle of Sylvie genuinely in this way has brought authenticity to a show often slammed for its whimsical portrayal of life.

The journey of her character across episodes is inspiring and relatable. It makes Sylvie one of those memorable characters in a show filled with vibrant personalities.

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Emily in transformation: A more thoughtful lead

Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 is also about a more thoughtful Emily. Her character was as effervescent as it gets, though sometimes it bordered on reckless. But moments of mulling over showed the audience that she is now more careful.

She gains insights with every wrestle she has with her relationships and issues of control—each time growing slightly more acquainted with herself.

This is a much-needed breath of fresh air, very suggestive that about pulsating and free worlds like Emily's own, it is somehow possible to grow yourself.

With this deeper snapshot of Emily, she gets to be relatable, wading through the sea of "grey areas" with a new sense of vulnerability.

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Mindy's untapped potential: A missed opportunity

In Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1, Mindy fades to the background a little bit, and that feels like a great missed opportunity. She sure supports Emily with unconditional faith, but the show won't ever let her spread her wings into more dramatic territory.

A quick, poignant scene in which Mindy comes in without makeup and has been fighting shows the depth Park could add to the role if she were given better material to work with, but alas, these moments are few and far between, and Mindy's storyline is woefully underdeveloped.

Fans of Park's multifaceted talent can't help but wish there were more screen time afforded to give substance to Mindy.

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Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 gives fans the relatable, fashionable escapism they crave but also widens its characters beyond stereotypes.

The impactful storyline given to Sylvie featuring Emily's growth, and little bits of time given to show Mindy's vulnerable side make this new season something old and new.

With a few cases of undercooked plot lines, the series still develops, providing the audience with a pleasing mix of humor, romance, and charm of Parisians.

Whether you're an old viewer or a new viewer like me, these episodes certainly can sustain interest and make you long for the second half of this season.