Spoilers are ahead for Emily in Paris season 4, part 1.

Although Emily in Paris season 4, part 1 delivers more of the same, the show’s titular protagonist isn’t the one who’s making terrible decisions. Created by Darren Starr (Sex and the City), the Netflix series centers on Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), a professional from Chicago who moves to Paris to provide her uniquely American point of view and social media presence to a successful French marketing firm helmed by the no-nonsense Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). In many ways, Emily fails upward, stirring up drama everywhere. Although she puts out her fires, Emily makes even the simplest tasks into sagas.

In Emily in Paris season 3’s ending, the bulk of the drama is stirred up by other characters. Camille (Camille Razat), one of Emily’s closest Parisian friends, decides to leave Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) at the altar — but not before telling all the wedding attendees that Gabriel still has feelings for Emily. Camille also reveals that she’s pregnant with Gabriel’s child, hence the would-be shotgun wedding. This development prompts Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), Emily’s boyfriend and colleague, to end things with her. The melodrama continues in Emily in Paris season 4’s story, though Emily isn’t the one causing issues.

Emily Isn’t The Character Making Poor Choices In Emily In Paris Season 4

The Show’s Protagonist Doesn’t Really Get Herself In Hot Water

Of all Emily in Paris season 4’s characters, Emily is the one who is, perhaps, most clear-cut about what (and who) she wants. Given Emily’s track record, it’s kind of a shocking development. In earlier outings, Emily’s bad decisions often snowballed, especially when she aimed to please everyone — all at once. In season 4,Emily Cooper puts herself first, and it definitely affects the show’s trajectory. That is, although she still hasn’t learned to speak French, Emily has learned something from her many poor choices. For example, Emily in Paris season 4’s love triangle is pretty short-lived.

Instead of going back and forth between her feelings for Gabriel and Alfie, Emily confronts her issues head-on. In the show’s first few episodes, Emily tries to reconcile with Alfie — to, at the very least, end their relationship on a better note. Although that’s complicated by the former couple’s starring role in the AMI “Love Is in the Air” campaign, any drama isn’t really Emily’s fault. By episode 3, Emily chooses her romance with Gabriel. Although this leaves viewers wondering what happened to Alfie in season 4, it also illustrates a modicum of personal growth for Emily.

Gabriel & Camille Owe Emily More In Season 4 Part 2

Emily Is Unwillingly Caught Up In The Former Couple’s Drama

Even though Emily isn’t the one making outright terrible personal and professional decisions in season 4, other characters are committing their fair share of frustrating actions. By trying to do right by both Emily and Camille, Gabriel treats their dynamic like that of a throuple — something that really comes to a head when Emily brings up her need for boundaries. Meanwhile, Camille decides to lie about her pregnancy in Emily in Paris season 4, part 1’s ending, which is incredibly messed up because it affects Emily and Gabriel too. In short, Emily is now stuck in other people’s drama.

Emily in Paris season 4, part 1 is streaming on Netflix, with part 2 to follow on September 12, 2024.