In Emily In Paris season 2, Madeline Wheeler returns in a big way, fixing one of the major problems with the first season. Grey's Anatomy alum Kate Walsh is one of the most recognizable American stars in Emily In Paris and she was introduced in season 1 as a character integral to Emily's journey. Originally, Madeline Wheeler is the one that is supposed to go to Paris, but because she is pregnant, her marketing firm sends Emily instead. This resulted in Walsh's character not appearing all that much in Emily In Paris season 1 - Madeline provided support during Emily's transition to Paris all the way from Chicago and didn't actually make it to the City of Light at all during the first batch of episodes.
Ultimately, this seemed like a strange choice at the time. While the cast of Emily In Paris is filled with formidable actors, Walsh is one of its most recognizable stars beside Emily herself, Lily Collins. While Walsh is perhaps best known for her role in Grey's Anatomy and its subsequent spinoff Private Practice, it ultimately seemed like a wasted opportunity to have her involved in the show only to end up not using her character adequately. Fortunately, Emily In Paris season 2 fixes that in a great way.
Madeline Wheeler, still pregnant, returns to Emily In Paris season 2, flying all the way across the Atlantic to assist Emily at Savoir. While the visit seems innocent enough at first, Madeline's decision to come to Savoir ultimately sets in motion the major plot movement of the end of Emily In Paris season 2. Much like Emily did in season 1, Madeline clashes with the French way of doing things at Savoir. From balking to Sylvie's ethically dubious affair with Savoir client Antoine to the marketing firm's laissez-faire attitude towards working in general, Madeline's American corporate-mindedness doesn't blend well with pretty much anyone.
Even Emily begins to see Madeline as something of a nuisance after she begins digging deep into Savoir's affairs. This more prominent role really allows Walsh to shine in the role - Madeline is a combination of ruthless corporatism shrouded in innocence and bubbling tourist to the nth degree and the way she clashes with Sylvie is mined for some great comedic moments. With Emily In Paris season 2 seemingly forgetting important storylines, it was a relief to see Walsh return and in such a grand fashion.
Whether or not Walsh returns in this way for Emily In Paris season 3 remains to be seen, but it seems likely. At the end of Emily In Paris season 2, Emily is left to make an important decision - either stay with Madeline and help her rebuild Savoir or join Sylvie at her new firm and stay in Paris indefinitely. The choice seems obvious and so does the decision to have Walsh stick around. Watching Emily and Madeline, former allies, clash in a potential season 3 would make great television, as would watching Sylvie and Madeline go head-to-head. Emily In Paris season 2 inadvertently turned Madeline into a villain and it's all the better for it.