Emily in Paris S3 Review: The Weakest Season Thus Far!

The third season of Emily in Paris premiered late last year and while I wasn’t exactly dying of anticipation, I was curious to see where this Parisian Sex and the City would go. This season, Emily is caught between two mentors (and two men) as she has to decide where her loyalties lie and what life she wants for herself. Along for the ride are her two best friends, Mindy and Camille. Camille, of course, is now figuring out her own life while being back together with Gabriel. Mindy’s career as a singer is starting to blossom and she’s even given a new love interest, Nicolas. (As someone rightly said, this show should be called “Cheaters in Paris.”)

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I really don’t get what Camille and Emily are fighting over because apparently, you can throw a rock in Paris and hit a fine man. We’re supposed to root for Emily and Gabriel yet he didn’t hesitate to move back in with Camille despite claiming to be in love with Emily. Well actually he claims to be in love with both. I don’t know which is worse. The fact that we’re meant to buy him as a sincere end game choice or the fact that there are literally no other options. Save Nicolas, the only man who appears to not be easily manipulated by Emily.

This season definitely starts out rocky but begins to pick up around the midway mark. Unfortunately, the ending is a huge letdown. I mean, it’s not like Emily in Paris was a great show to begin with. Created as a cosmopolitan feminine fantasy, I never really expected much from it and yet, there were still moments when it charmed me. The stunning views of French landscape and architecture, the cute and sometimes over-the-top fashion, and the excess of it all. But as this season states, tourist season is over and with it, the majority of the charm and appeal of this show. We’re given less of France and more of Emily’s melodramas.

Season 3 of Emily in Paris lacks almost any ingenuity, creativity, or real plotline to be honest. There were solid areas where it could’ve gained more points, but instead of reaching just a little bit further, like really breaking open the mentor-mentee relationship between Emily and Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), they settle into their predictable and boring rom-com tropes. Honestly, the rushed engagement and wedding of Camille and Gabriel was so cringe-worthy, but not nearly as cringe-worthy as the horrifically clichéd ending. By far, the most entertaining cast members are Sylvie and Julian (Samuel Arnold), and we don’t get enough of them by half.

I’d honestly rather watch Antoine, Sylvie, and his wife instead of whatever love triangle (or square) Emily has going on. I’d expect to see more development in Emily’s career and in other aspects of her life by this point. Yet, the show seems determined to somehow paint women as self-absorbed romantic partners with no real layers. Even when they do show Emily’s career, everything apparently comes to her so easily because she’s “just that good.” She never works for anything really, and there’s no actual struggle. It’s all very eye-rolling.

Kudos to Sylvie for realising she’s being silly for feeling threatened by Emily, her youth and vibrance. While yes, there comes a time when every student outshines the master, Emily just isn’t there yet. The show making it appear as if she is not only undermines an established character but it’s just not a natural transition. I have no doubt that she will in time and maybe that’s the whole point of the show, I just think it’s too soon. In the end Sophie realises she’s been given a gift in Emily and it’s her responsibility to shepherd her.

This season was the weakest thus far and I think it’s time I get off this ride. There’s really nothing more to see here. (Who am I kidding, I might be back just to see what new handsome guys they toss in.)

‘Emily in Paris S3’ Rating – 1.5/5

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