Emily In Paris hops over to Rome for another frivolous fantasy

Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) may be a thinly-sketched TV protagonist, but Emily In Paris continually reminds viewers that, for better and worse, she’s a proud risk taker. In season one, she moved from Chicago to Paris for work despite not knowing anyone or speaking the language. She then cultivated a cohort of friends, love interests, and co-workers in a brief (almost fantastical) period of time. It kept her rooted in a new home, visa issues be damned. But season four ended with a twist—nay, a much-needed moment of growth. Emily bid adieu to her French problems to set up her marketing agency’s Rome office. It’s a career step up for her, but Emily is a stranger in a strange land once again, with this season drawing from a deeply familiar well.  

The endeavor isn’t a success or failure exactly. If you’re still watching Emily In Paris, it’s to be lulled into comfort by its splendid scenery, outfits, and culinary shots (courtesy of production designer Anne Siebel and costume designer Marilyn Fitoussi, among others who bring the show’s excessively colorful world to life). Does a sensible or grounded narrative matter when Emily and her pals bop around Europe to attend lavish events and meet wealthy people at every turn? No one is tuning in for coherence. Series creator Darren Star and the writers embrace frivolity, and season five swaps out Parisienne bakeries for picturesque Italian streets, providing a sufficiently beautiful and mind-numbing escape over its 10 half-hour episodes.  

Emily still faces her fair share of problems while trying to manage Agence Grateau’s expansion. On top of the list is finding more clients, which allows EIP to quite openly integrate partnerships with L’Oreal and Fendi. Her attention is most devoted to luxury fashion brand Muratori, the day-to-day operations of which are managed by her boyfriend, Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini). Mixing business and pleasure is never a good idea, and it’s surprising Emily hasn’t figured that out, considering she dated her previous client, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo). Speaking of the Michelin star chef, he pops in and out less frequently. Still, his appearances are the only weighty and interesting aspect of season five, as they help close an emotional chapter in Emily’s life.