Emily In Paris part 2 highlights what works and what doesn't

With the release of Emily In Paris Part 2 of season four, the back half of the episodes mutually highlights the things that work best about the series and the aspects that either hold it down or need to be dropped if the Netflix series continues for a fifth season.

At the conclusion of Part 1, Emily In Paris found Emily and Gabriel finally embark on taking a real chance on a serious romantic relationship. Both single, they have the opportunity to actually explore what a romantic relationship between them could be, with the one caveat of Gabriel being distracted by Cami's pregnancy of their unborn child. However, as the final minutes of Part 1 rolled, Cami was the only one who knew that her pregnancy had only been a false positive test result, and it was only a matter of time before Gabriel discovered the truth.

When Part 2 picks up, Cami is still carrying on with the lie. Cami's refusal to admit the truth, primarily because of what it could mean for her, throws Emily and Gabriel's relationship into dysfunctional chaos as Emily is uncomfortable with not being Gabriel's priority, even though she agrees that Cami and the baby should be Gabriel's first priority. The entire thing is a paradox, and Emily is trying her best to toe the line given the circumstances. But, ultimately, this is not a sustainable situation.

Unfortunately for Emily and Gabriel, Cami only comes forward with the truth after Gabriel and Emily break up. But, this also becomes one of the elements of the show where season four has pushed it as far as it can.

Emily and Gabriel's will-they-won't-they on-again-off-again dynamic has become stale. They are too predictable, and the small amount of episodes they are actually allowed to be happy together are not enough to justify continuing on with this plot line. After four seasons, if Emily In Paris is renewed, it needs to make a choice one way or the other and stick to it regarding Emily and Gabriel's relationship. Either put them together or keep them apart. But, ultimately, this relationship is not interesting enough to still be hanging in the air after four seasons.

Netflix's decision to split the season in half is also a big issue here, and that is partial because Part 1 and Part 2 feel like watching two completely different seasons. While Part 1 discussed Emily's uncertainties with Gabriel and Cami, Emily working out her friendship with Alfie, and played a role in discussing the Me Too Movement, Part 2 is far more interested in wasting time until Emily gets to Rome, which is where Part 2's plot finally picks up in the penultimate episode.

But, where Part 2 thrives is in how easily it strives to move through situations and devotes time to the character relationships. As per usual, Emily moves through most conflicts with a breezy confidence that usually works for her in the end, and keeping this tone consistent since season one at least allows there to be an element that the audience is familiar with. Emily In Paris, in a lot of ways, is comfort food. There are not a lot of significant stakes in Part 2, and the show likes it that way.

Nothing ever challenges the characters so much that they can not quickly move on from it. While it may not be the most sensical, serious, or logical series, it is one that knows exactly what it is and what it wants to be, and happily and proudly devotes itself to its tone. Emily In Paris is a fun binge-worthy show, and its easy connection to escapism makes it one of the more enjoyable shows to watch when it comes to choosing a series that is more likely to keep the audience in a good mood.

Emily's relationships with Mindy and Sylvie also remain a hit of season four's Part 2. Even with the introduction of Genevieve, Sylvie's American stepdaughter, Emily's job is never thrown into question by Sylvie. Instead, Part 2 shows how far Sylvie and Emily have come, as Emily has proven that she is someone that Sylvie can rely on and is someone who can come through, a pattern that continues in Part 2. Emily's care and acknowledgment of how much she has learned from Sylvie also get recognized as well.

As for Mindy, Emily and Mindy's scenes are some of the most comical, and also some of the most important, as they discuss everything from their professional aspirations to their romantic conflicts.

Season four concludes with another cliffhanger. Hopefully, a potential season five will have the opportunity to explore where the show leaves off more closely in depth. However, if this is the end for Emily In Paris, season four's conclusion offers enough open-ended happy conclusions where audiences can rest easily for the most part, having a clue as to what is next for the journeys of most of the main characters.