Darren Star's fairytale comedy Emily In Paris caught people's attention from the time it landed on Netflix in 2020, for good and bad reasons. The show has been polarizing with fans and detractors in equal measure, but the show definitely has its merits, especially as an escapist fantasy for people at home.
Emily In Paris is lighthearted with lots of fluffy romance, predictable but enjoyable conflict, and side characters that got a lot more development and screen time in its second season. Every episode has great little stories as well as overarching plots which fans enjoy immensely, and Reddit has many thoughts about the best ones.
Alfie In Paris
One of the best new characters introduced after season 1, Alfie has become a fast favorite with viewers of the show. They love how he had layers — he seemed arrogant at first, but then showed his softer, friendlier side to Emily as time passed. Alfie was mature and behaved that way, especially when it came to Emily and Gabriel's entanglement, which he clarified and moved on with.
His sojourn in Paris was quite well-liked, as was his sincerity with Emily, which she unfortunately didn't return. Silverwhitemango admitted about him, "I've always loved characters that actually exhibit some character growth or the fact that under their not-so-pleasant exteriors, such characters actually have a more mature and rational outlook on life."
Emily's Letter To Camille
Emily In Paris really did pack in a comedic punch in season 2, especially in the fourth episode where Emily set out to make amends with Camille by attempting to write her a letter in French to apologize. The plot ended hilariously with both of their letter read out in an old French film montage-style, where Emily's broken language was called out by Camille who called her an "illiterate sociopath."
Pinkberry018 was tickled by the episodic story, saying "I thought the bit with the letters between Emily and Camille was absolutely hilarious." It was certainly a high point in the show.
Antoine And Sylvie's Affair
The owner of Lavaux and Savoir's matriarch shared an intimate bond which formed a big part of season 1 and also earned them the title one of the best ships on Emily In Paris. Both characters were charismatic and charming, and their pairing was quite interesting, considering Antoine was married already. Fans wanted to see more of their romance and where it would go since it also showed a softer side to Sylvie.
Elle876jm on Reddit said, "I would have liked to see more of and more of his relationship with Sylvie like I get that its an affair but they could have added a little more to it." The romance seemed to have been short-lived, but maybe fans could see more in season 3.
Emily, Gabriel, And Camille's Love Triangle
The most vital storyline in the series has been the unfortunate triangle between two best friends and a boyfriend, but it's also the one that people enjoy the most. Emily did mess around with Camille's boyfriend, but a lot of it was before she knew they were dating, and after she thought they broke up. As of now, it seems that Camille's manipulations worked, but the future of this triangle is promising.
Valarent thinks "To be fair Emily knew Gabriel first, and she kinda into him before she even knew he had a girlfriend. I think it’s a rather realistic and sticky situation most people have, as much as it is socially bad."
Emily's Struggles In French Class
One of the most common irritants for audiences in season 1 was how Emily coasted by without knowing French, which season 2 addressed really well. She was seen struggling with her language illiteracy a lot this time, unable to present to clients or even write a simple letter in French, which was appreciated by fans for its realism.
Flamingovossipop was in favor of this plot point: "...also appreciated that she was kept behind in class for not doing well - i.e. not moving up a grade like the rest of her class. She shouldn't have it too easy!" Emily's struggle with the French language ground the often fantastical show with an element of realism that makes her more relatable.
Gabriel And Emily's Romance
Being that Emily hurt her best friend to get with Gabriel, many fans didn't appreciate their pairing, but the two are the most important and one of the best couples on Emily In Paris. Gabriel is a handsome and talented chef, while Emily is beautiful and effervescent, so the two make a naturally great couple, and being the romantic fulcrum of the show makes them in demand.
JessieCamille admits that cheering for them is not the best: "Both her and Gabriel are terrible people but I want them together so bad. It’s embarrassing that I’m rooting for them" and Peesha21 doesn't care how toxic they may be but they were endgame for them.
Matthieu Moving On
Pierre Cadault's nephew seemed like one of the most promising of Emily's love interests at the end of season 1, but there were different plans for the businessman in the sophomore season and fans loved it. As soon as Matthieu caught on to Emily's interests in another man, he distanced himself from her, kept his dignity intact, and respectfully exited (the train, literally).
His behavior was grown-up and respectable, which Independent-Shine473 recognized: "Despite being a player himself, he got out of Emily's game quick af, and just gave her the reservations to enjoy with her girls. He wasn't petty but was resolute in his decision and moved on. Winner!"
Sylvie's Career Opportunity For Emily
Emily's career came into the picture seriously, instead of just being an afterthought towards the end of season 2. Instead of her job comprising harebrained marketing schemes, she got a reality check about how she was a corporate slave and could do better without the Gilbert Group, and Sylvie of all people helped her realize that.
She offered Emily a real Paris job with her, instead of just being a cog in the man's machine. The new career angle is refreshing, as nomascusgabriellae pointed out, that should she stay and accept the offer "...she would be getting a fantastic job in a great city. It would be very empowering for her to stay because of her career."
Mindy And The Band
Besides Emily, Mindy also has a complex identity crisis situation, and her life is almost as messy, if not more, than the protagonist's herself. She ran from her wealthy family in China, and took charge of her life in France by busing with a band and eventually booking a club gig, which was an amazing development for her lost and disillusioned character.
Mafaldajunior on Reddit considered this her favorite storyline "These were actually the only scenes I liked lol. That band is great and she has a wonderful voice and stage presence." Mindy's singing career was one of the things that fans wanted to see in Emily in Paris' season 2, and they definitely got it.
Madeline And Sylvie's Face-Off
An unexpected twist was the return of Madeline, and how she transformed from an ally to a villain in a matter of a couple of episodes. The contrast between Sylvie's elegant presence and Madeline's very American condescension was stark, and the clash between the two women was something exciting to watch.
Madeline didn't care for culture, and Sylvie didn't for financial bottom lines, and it came to a head, and Sylvie came out running. JellyTruce gushed "I LOVE the face-off between Madeline and Sylvie... and then I love how Sylvie concedes…and then does her bad ass thing because it’s obviously not a fit." This development really changed things for a lot of characters (like Emily not being bound for only a year), and it was also nice to see the French workers root for her.