Ashley Park returns to ‘Emily in Paris’ after health scare
Ashley Park is on the mend after suffering critical septic shock following a trip to the Maldives with her boyfriend and co-star Paul Forman.
without brand – Entertainment
Spoiler alert! The following story contains important plot details from Part 1 of Season 4 of Emily in Paris (now on Netflix).
“Emily in Paris” has always had a certain that certain something.
Both deeply ridiculous and highly addictive, the snappy romantic comedy follows the personal and professional adventures of a slightly delusional young American (Lily Collins) in France. The series, now in its fourth season, has never been a favorite of critics, and those who admit to watching it always refer to it as a “guilty pleasure” or “mindless television.” Yet the sitcom remains very popular on Netflix.
“This happens on almost every show I’ve done,” says screenwriter and producer Darren Star, who wrote HBO’s “Sex and the City” and Fox’s “Melrose Place” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
“I don’t know why people feel guilty about being entertained by a show. But the show also had a chance to grow with a great cast, and over time you can deepen the characters.”
In the first batch of new episodes, Emily’s boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) bravely comes forward and accuses luxury mogul Louis de Leon (Pierre Deny) of sexual harassment. Emily’s best friend Mindy (Ashley Park) also wrestles with her own complicity as the girlfriend of Louis’ son Nicolas (Paul Forman). By speaking out publicly, Star teases, Sylvie has now created a “powerful enemy” who will affect her business in the future.
Here are some other important questions we ask ahead of Part 2, which airs September 12 with five new episodes:
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What will happen to Camille (Camille Razat)?
Camille is really going through a rough time at the end of Part 1. Her friend Sofia (Melia Kreiling) dumps her. She moves in next door to her ex-boyfriend Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), who is dating Emily again. And she discovers that her pregnancy test came back with a false positive, meaning she’s not actually expecting Gabriel’s baby. (As I said, she’s got a lot going on.)
In the final scene of Part 1, Camille is still trying to keep most of these revelations to herself. But prepare for an explosion of emotions in the second half of the season.
“That’s certainly a big part of Part 2: What are the consequences of all this?” says Star. “It certainly plays out in unexpected ways.” Razat, too, “is really wonderful in the second half. We have such a fantastic cast and there’s a lot more emotional stuff this season.”
Will Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) finally get his Michelin star?
When he’s not looking for new, adventurous places to meet Emily, Gabriel runs a highly successful new restaurant that he hopes will be listed in the prestigious Michelin Guide. But after several visits, Gabriel discovers that the Michelin-starred inspector (Laurence Gormezano) was fired long ago and has been giving him free meals right under his nose.
Despite the setback, “he’s not going to give up; I can say that for sure,” says Andrew Fleming, producer and director of the series. “Lucas has really delivered this season. He’s nuanced and smart and has really stepped up.”
What’s next: When is Emily in Paris season 4 part 2 coming out? Release date, how to watch new episodes
Could Emily (Lily Collins) catch up with this white lie?
In the finale of Part 1, Emily and her marketing company team up with an up-and-coming cosmetics brand that’s touting a face mask that gives people an unnaturally glowing complexion. The skincare product is a hit, and retailers are desperate to get more of it, no matter the price. The problem is, Emily learns that the mask’s ultra-dewy complexion is the result of a lubricant that’s merely been repackaged for a wider audience of consumers.
Emily reveals this information to Sylvie and her close colleagues, although they don’t tell any potential business partners. But Emily’s half-truth “may or may not come back to haunt her,” Fleming teases.
“Emily is learning not to tell everyone everything all the time,” Fleming says. “She’s learning to keep some secrets, and that’s a big thing this season. She’s growing up; she’s no longer the wide-eyed newbie in the office and the fish out of water in Paris. She’s more comfortable and at peace with herself and more confident.”
