The first images of Lily Collins from&nbsp;Emily in Paris&nbsp;season 4 are out. After much anticipation, Netflix has dropped the first photos from the forthcoming season, confirming the star cast set to reprise their roles.

Season 4 of the popular Netflix show will be released in two parts, with five episodes in each installment. The first part will be released on August 15, and part two on September 12.

Emily in Paris Season 4 First Look:

Dropped on June 5, the first look of Season 4 hints that things are going to be sassy yet cold in Paris this year. Shared on the official social media handle of the streamer, the first photo hints that things are sorted between Emily and her romance with Gabriel after the cliffhanger ending of season 3.

The most exciting part of season 4 will be seeing how things turn out between Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Emily. Confirming Alfie's return, the poster shows him with Emily as they apparently enjoy some public event.

The next photo shows Emily with her BFF, Mindy Chen, played by Ashley Park. Dressed to the nines, both of them look glamorous. In the picture, Emily is wearing an eye-popping yellow co-ord set with a matching blazer and a stylish handbag with fringe detailing. Meanwhile, Mindy exudes regal vibes with her royal blue dress.

Check all the newly released photos here:

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emily in paris season 4 first looks: a thread ✨ 🥐 <a href="https://t.co/brYyMon9l2">pic.twitter.com/brYyMon9l2</a>
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Emily in Paris: What Happened in Season 3?

Netflix's much-loved show stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive who moves to Paris for a work project at Savoir, and ends up making it her home, finding new&nbsp;friends, love and&nbsp;much more.

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The new season will pick after the dramatic ending of season 3, where we&nbsp;saw Camille (Camille Razat) calling off her wedding with Gabriel. However, she's pregnant, making thing more complicated for Emily and Gabriel. As a surprise, the audience might see Camille’s Greek lover, Sofia, played by Melia Kreiling, coming back.

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MAGNIFIQUE! Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 premieres August 15! Here's everything you need to know: <a href="https://t.co/etJyTlY6Hk">https://t.co/etJyTlY6Hk</a> <a href="https://t.co/zjB4IzSGjn">pic.twitter.com/zjB4IzSGjn</a>
— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1798339027864801363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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As per Netflix, ''After the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding, Emily is reeling: She has strong feelings for two men, but now Gabriel’s expecting a baby with his ex, and Alfie’s worst fears about her and Gabriel have been confirmed. At work, Sylvie is forced to confront a thorny dilemma from her past for the sake of her marriage, and the Agence Grateau team navigates personnel shakeups. Mindy and the band prepare for Eurovision, but when funds run dry, they’re forced to get thrifty. Emily and Gabriel’s chemistry is undeniable as they work together towards a Michelin star, but two big secrets threaten to undo everything they’ve dreamed of.”

The first images of Lily Collins from Emily in Paris season 4 are out. After much anticipation, Netflix has dropped the first photos from the forthcoming season, confirming the star cast set to reprise their roles.

The first images of Lily Collins from Emily in Paris season 4 are out. After much anticipation, Netflix has dropped the first photos from the forthcoming season, confirming the star cast set to reprise their roles. Season 4 of the popular Netflix show will be released in two parts, with five episodes in each installment. The first part will be released on August 15, and part two on September 12. Emily in Paris Season 4 First Look: Dropped on June 5, the first look of Season 4 hints that things are going to be sassy yet cold in Paris this year. Shared on the official social media handle of the streamer, the first photo hints that things are sorted between Emily and her romance with Gabriel after the cliffhanger ending of season 3. The most exciting part of season 4 will be seeing how things turn out between Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Emily. Confirming Alfie's return, the poster shows him with Emily as they apparently enjoy some public event. The next photo shows Emily with her BFF, Mindy Chen, played by Ashley Park. Dressed to the nines, both of them look glamorous. In the picture, Emily is wearing an eye-popping yellow co-ord set with a matching blazer and a stylish handbag with fringe detailing. Meanwhile, Mindy exudes regal vibes with her royal blue dress. Check all the newly released photos here: emily in paris season 4 first looks: a thread ✨ 🥐 pic.twitter.com/brYyMon9l2 — Netflix (@netflix) June 5, 2024 × Emily in Paris: What Happened in Season 3? Netflix's much-loved show stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive who moves to Paris for a work project at Savoir, and ends up making it her home, finding new friends, love and much more. pic.twitter.com/2PvJWriMjF — Netflix (@netflix) June 5, 2024 × The new season will pick after the dramatic ending of season 3, where we saw Camille (Camille Razat) calling off her wedding with Gabriel. However, she's pregnant, making thing more complicated for Emily and Gabriel. As a surprise, the audience might see Camille’s Greek lover, Sofia, played by Melia Kreiling, coming back. MAGNIFIQUE! Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 premieres August 15! Here's everything you need to know: https://t.co/etJyTlY6Hk pic.twitter.com/zjB4IzSGjn — Netflix (@netflix) June 5, 2024 × As per Netflix, ''After the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding, Emily is reeling: She has strong feelings for two men, but now Gabriel’s expecting a baby with his ex, and Alfie’s worst fears about her and Gabriel have been confirmed. At work, Sylvie is forced to confront a thorny dilemma from her past for the sake of her marriage, and the Agence Grateau team navigates personnel shakeups. Mindy and the band prepare for Eurovision, but when funds run dry, they’re forced to get thrifty. Emily and Gabriel’s chemistry is undeniable as they work together towards a Michelin star, but two big secrets threaten to undo everything they’ve dreamed of.”

Emily in Paris Season 4 First Look Images: Things are sassy and cold in Lilly Collins' show

Was reclusive 19th-century author Emily Bronte inspired to write "Wuthering Heights" after experimenting with opium, tattoos and a steamy affair with the local clergyman?

Actress Emma Mackey doesn't think so -- but she portrays Bronte doing all those things and more in "Emily," a new drama which deliberately ignores the trappings and conventions of the traditional period biopic.

"No. I don't. But also, I don't care!" the star, best known for Netflix hit "Sex Education," told AFP.

"It's not a documentary -- I had to wrap my head around just letting go of all the biographical elements, and really hold on to the fact that this is just a story" that writer-director Frances O'Connor "wanted me to tell," she said.

The question of how a shy Victorian woman who spent most of her short life on the remote Yorkshire moors penned a dark, passionate Gothic novel that shocked its contemporary readers has long vexed academics and fans. 
"Emily," released Friday by Warner Bros in the United Kingdom, offers a non-literal answer, allowing elements of "Wuthering Heights" to "seep in and feed that real world" of its author, said Mackey.

Its heroine is led astray by her rebellious, troubled brother Branwell -- a prototype for her novel's brooding Heathcliff -- and romps with her father's curate William Weightman, who has parallels to the book's gentlemanly Edgar.

According to Mackey, in reality Emily and her sisters Charlotte and Anne probably drew their complex creative ideas from the extensive library of books, including Gothic literature, that they had access to growing up.

But, she notes, there were macabre elements in the Bronte family's real world too.

"Emily Bronte's actual room looks onto a graveyard in Haworth (in Yorkshire)... I think that innate morbidity was 100 percent there," she said.

The sisters would have seen people in the nearby mill town "dying of TB (tuberculosis) from the water that is infected by your own graveyard," Mackey added.

"Death was everywhere. They saw kids dying. It was very tangible to them."

- 'What's behind the door' - 
- 'What's behind the door' - 
The movie, which arrives in US theaters early next year, was a hit with critics following its world premiere at the Toronto film festival, where Mackey sat down with AFP last month.

The Guardian dubbed it "beautifully acted, lovingly shot, fervently and speculatively imagined."

Variety praised Mackey's "psychologically vivid Emily," although it noted that "Bronte purists may quibble with the futzing of the timeline."

Mackey, who has a reduced role in the upcoming fourth season of Netflix's raunchy teen comedy series "Sex Education" and is taking on more big-screen projects, agreed that "people are going to be probably very angry with this film" because they "care so much about" Bronte.

But the chance to work with female directors like O'Connor -- and Greta Gerwig in the upcoming "Barbie," starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie -- has "been so interesting," she said.

"Seeing how they interact with people on set, how sets feel when they're led by women is really interesting -- there's this whole new energy that happens."

While she does not view Emily Bronte -- who wrote under a male pseudonym -- as a feminist per se, Mackey sees the movie as "a thank you for the impact that she's had on people, and women, and readers across the world, still today."

"There's something fascinating about a recluse and someone who is shrouded in mystery," said Mackey.

"It's like having a 'Do Not Enter' sign on your door. You want to enter and you want to see what's behind the door."

Was reclusive 19th-century author Emily Bronte inspired to write "Wuthering Heights" after experimenting with opium, tattoos and a steamy affair with the local clergyman?

Was reclusive 19th-century author Emily Bronte inspired to write "Wuthering Heights" after experimenting with opium, tattoos and a steamy affair with the local clergyman? Actress Emma Mackey doesn't think so -- but she portrays Bronte doing all those things and more in "Emily," a new drama which deliberately ignores the trappings and conventions of the traditional period biopic. "No. I don't. But also, I don't care!" the star, best known for Netflix hit "Sex Education," told AFP. "It's not a documentary -- I had to wrap my head around just letting go of all the biographical elements, and really hold on to the fact that this is just a story" that writer-director Frances O'Connor "wanted me to tell," she said. The question of how a shy Victorian woman who spent most of her short life on the remote Yorkshire moors penned a dark, passionate Gothic novel that shocked its contemporary readers has long vexed academics and fans. "Emily," released Friday by Warner Bros in the United Kingdom, offers a non-literal answer, allowing elements of "Wuthering Heights" to "seep in and feed that real world" of its author, said Mackey. Its heroine is led astray by her rebellious, troubled brother Branwell -- a prototype for her novel's brooding Heathcliff -- and romps with her father's curate William Weightman, who has parallels to the book's gentlemanly Edgar. According to Mackey, in reality Emily and her sisters Charlotte and Anne probably drew their complex creative ideas from the extensive library of books, including Gothic literature, that they had access to growing up. But, she notes, there were macabre elements in the Bronte family's real world too. "Emily Bronte's actual room looks onto a graveyard in Haworth (in Yorkshire)... I think that innate morbidity was 100 percent there," she said. The sisters would have seen people in the nearby mill town "dying of TB (tuberculosis) from the water that is infected by your own graveyard," Mackey added. "Death was everywhere. They saw kids dying. It was very tangible to them." - 'What's behind the door' - - 'What's behind the door' - The movie, which arrives in US theaters early next year, was a hit with critics following its world premiere at the Toronto film festival, where Mackey sat down with AFP last month. The Guardian dubbed it "beautifully acted, lovingly shot, fervently and speculatively imagined." Variety praised Mackey's "psychologically vivid Emily," although it noted that "Bronte purists may quibble with the futzing of the timeline." Mackey, who has a reduced role in the upcoming fourth season of Netflix's raunchy teen comedy series "Sex Education" and is taking on more big-screen projects, agreed that "people are going to be probably very angry with this film" because they "care so much about" Bronte. But the chance to work with female directors like O'Connor -- and Greta Gerwig in the upcoming "Barbie," starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie -- has "been so interesting," she said. "Seeing how they interact with people on set, how sets feel when they're led by women is really interesting -- there's this whole new energy that happens." While she does not view Emily Bronte -- who wrote under a male pseudonym -- as a feminist per se, Mackey sees the movie as "a thank you for the impact that she's had on people, and women, and readers across the world, still today." "There's something fascinating about a recluse and someone who is shrouded in mystery," said Mackey. "It's like having a 'Do Not Enter' sign on your door. You want to enter and you want to see what's behind the door."

Bronte biopic 'Emily' delves into imagined author's darkness

Fans will soon be able to step inside the magical world of Harry Potter as the world's only official Harry Potter flagship store opens in New York City on Thursday, June 3.

'Bringing some magic into people's lives' - Preview of the Harry Potter New York flagship store

Netflix`s hit comedy-drama `Emily in Paris` creator Darren Star said that Emily (Lilly Collins) will assimilate more to <a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-not-able-to-get-over-parisian-hangover-netflix-confirms-emily-in-paris-season-2-342644">French culture in Season 2</a> to assure the French critics who said the drama didn`t showcase the culture in a way it should have. After the success of `Emily in Paris`, Netflix is all set to renew the popular romantic comedy series for the second season. 
 
The news broke in November 2020- less than two months after the launch of the show that created an online stir and drew a sniffy response from French critics. 
 
According to Variety, the show has been a strong performer for Netflix in the viewership department, breaking into Nielsen`s list of the top 10 most-watched streaming shows for the week after its premiere. But, despite the popularity, the show was also met with critique for its handling of French culture, with some saying the series showcases a glamorized view of Paris through an American girl`s eyes, according to Variety.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/broadway-to-light-up-again-in-september-when-shows-are-set-to-return-383131" hreflang="en">Broadway to light up again in September when shows are set to return</a> 
 
Breaking the silence on if the same would happen in season 2, the show`s creator Darren Star said to Variety, "For me, it`s the evolution of the character. I think when someone goes to Paris for the first time, they are overwhelmed by the beauty of the city and that`s what they`re seeing."He shared, "I think, perhaps, a lot of viewers who lived in Paris for a long time didn`t quite understand that this was through the lens of a character who was experiencing the city for the first time. That`s how she was perceiving it -- she was really struck by the beauty that was all around her."The show that is shot entirely in Paris and other parts of France revolves around the life of a girl named Emily who is an ambitious girl in her twenties working as a marketing executive in Chicago. She unexpectedly lands a job in Paris when her company acquires a French luxury marketing company. 
 
As the story proceeds, Emily gets tasked with the revamping of the social media strategy of the company and then embarks on a new life in Paris. Teasing the titular character`s journey in the second season, which just began production on Monday and will shoot in Paris, St. Tropez and other locations in the South of France, Darren told, "Certainly, the more quotidian aspects of life start to come in and I think that`s what`s going to happen to her."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/a-minute-with-billy-crystal-and-tiffany-haddish-on-here-today-383132" hreflang="en">A Minute with: Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish on 'Here Today'</a> 
 
In its forthcoming season, Darren shared that Emily will have to continue to adjust to French culture, but "that`s not a response to the viral reaction to Season 1"."The first season didn`t cover that much chronological time," Darren admitted while speaking to Variety, meaning the episodes largely captured Emily`s arrival in Paris, focusing heavily on her awe of the city.

Darren further explained that the coming season will see Emily embracing the city a little bit more, while also still struggling with her French."When she got there, she got a bit of a free pass in the beginning and I don`t think it will be quite as easy for her in the second season. I think she will be more assimilated, in terms of living in Paris and stepping up to the challenges of learning the language," he shared.

While teasing about the romantic plot, the 59-year-old shared that there are "many unexpected storylines" for Emily in the upcoming season. "There was a twist a the end of the first season that she did not see coming, and I think there`s a lot of fallout that happens from the that in the new season," Darren told Variety, alluding to the cliffhanger with her chef love interest, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo).

The show has not set a premiere date for its next season yet, but to celebrate the beginning of production, Collins released a statement on the show saying it was an honour for her to be associated with a project that provided people with some much-needed relief during a trying time when everyone was looking for a reason to smile and laugh."Not only did playing Emily teach me more about myself, but also about the world around me. I couldn`t be happier to be back in Season 2 to expand upon those lessons, to continue to grow, and learn even more about this beautiful city and all of its character with Emily," she said at that time, according to Variety.

Netflix`s hit comedy-drama `Emily in Paris` creator Darren Star said that Emily (Lilly Collins) will assimilate more to French culture in Season 2 to assure the French critics who said the drama didn`t showcase the culture in a way it should have.

Netflix`s hit comedy-drama `Emily in Paris` creator Darren Star said that Emily (Lilly Collins) will assimilate more to French culture in Season 2 to assure the French critics who said the drama didn`t showcase the culture in a way it should have. After the success of `Emily in Paris`, Netflix is all set to renew the popular romantic comedy series for the second season. The news broke in November 2020- less than two months after the launch of the show that created an online stir and drew a sniffy response from French critics. According to Variety, the show has been a strong performer for Netflix in the viewership department, breaking into Nielsen`s list of the top 10 most-watched streaming shows for the week after its premiere. But, despite the popularity, the show was also met with critique for its handling of French culture, with some saying the series showcases a glamorized view of Paris through an American girl`s eyes, according to Variety. Broadway to light up again in September when shows are set to return Breaking the silence on if the same would happen in season 2, the show`s creator Darren Star said to Variety, "For me, it`s the evolution of the character. I think when someone goes to Paris for the first time, they are overwhelmed by the beauty of the city and that`s what they`re seeing."He shared, "I think, perhaps, a lot of viewers who lived in Paris for a long time didn`t quite understand that this was through the lens of a character who was experiencing the city for the first time. That`s how she was perceiving it -- she was really struck by the beauty that was all around her."The show that is shot entirely in Paris and other parts of France revolves around the life of a girl named Emily who is an ambitious girl in her twenties working as a marketing executive in Chicago. She unexpectedly lands a job in Paris when her company acquires a French luxury marketing company. As the story proceeds, Emily gets tasked with the revamping of the social media strategy of the company and then embarks on a new life in Paris. Teasing the titular character`s journey in the second season, which just began production on Monday and will shoot in Paris, St. Tropez and other locations in the South of France, Darren told, "Certainly, the more quotidian aspects of life start to come in and I think that`s what`s going to happen to her." A Minute with: Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish on 'Here Today' In its forthcoming season, Darren shared that Emily will have to continue to adjust to French culture, but "that`s not a response to the viral reaction to Season 1"."The first season didn`t cover that much chronological time," Darren admitted while speaking to Variety, meaning the episodes largely captured Emily`s arrival in Paris, focusing heavily on her awe of the city. Darren further explained that the coming season will see Emily embracing the city a little bit more, while also still struggling with her French."When she got there, she got a bit of a free pass in the beginning and I don`t think it will be quite as easy for her in the second season. I think she will be more assimilated, in terms of living in Paris and stepping up to the challenges of learning the language," he shared. While teasing about the romantic plot, the 59-year-old shared that there are "many unexpected storylines" for Emily in the upcoming season. "There was a twist a the end of the first season that she did not see coming, and I think there`s a lot of fallout that happens from the that in the new season," Darren told Variety, alluding to the cliffhanger with her chef love interest, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo). The show has not set a premiere date for its next season yet, but to celebrate the beginning of production, Collins released a statement on the show saying it was an honour for her to be associated with a project that provided people with some much-needed relief during a trying time when everyone was looking for a reason to smile and laugh."Not only did playing Emily teach me more about myself, but also about the world around me. I couldn`t be happier to be back in Season 2 to expand upon those lessons, to continue to grow, and learn even more about this beautiful city and all of its character with Emily," she said at that time, according to Variety.

Emily to assimilate more to French culture in Netflix's 'Emily in Paris'; assures creator

I may be a little late to the millennial party but I caved in recently and spent my Diwali binge-watching the recent Netflix romcom 'Emily in Paris'.

The French have already spoken and have called the show a complete exorcism of French clichés. This isn't a review of the series.

The narrative of the American girl-next-door living in Paris has been butchered to death and it does not even deserve a mention here.

And so, one nippy evening, I sat with my cup of hot Cocoa and an open mind. After all, I love romantic comedies. They offer an escape from the mundane and often grim realities of romantic love and marital complexities.

But 'Emily in Paris' infuriated me. It made me feel so helpless and at times, dejected about its portrayal of strong, ambitious, and outspoken women.&nbsp;

Let's discuss the two characters in 'Emily in Paris' which guide the pace, the not so unpredictable twists and turns of this very popular series.

Emily, played by the perfectly-cast Lily Collins, stumbles through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Paris with a "Bonjour" and "Merde" tucked in her arsenal as the only French she speaks. Use Google Translate and you would know how well she fares. I can write reams about her chic outfits and berets, but please, let's not. Emily is a marketing genius, we are told, who quickly amasses thousands of followers with a single post about eating a baguette at a cute French café. Yes, we're expected to lap up this ridiculous proposition in this day of aggressive social media marketing.

Enter Sylvie. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu plays the part of the sophisticated, sarcastic Frenchwoman perfectly. I admit I was impressed with her sassy strut and nonchalance. Until she encountered Emily.

It is the relationship between Emily and Sylvie that made me huff and puff in frustration. Here are two strong, ambitious women who work in a similar field -- marketing. You would think that they would have a lot to learn from each other, would share anecdotes about the business of marketing in France and America and the changing modes of consumer habits in two distinct cultures.

Sylvie could teach Emily a thing or two about promoting luxury brands -- after all, France is home to quite a few -- and Emily could share insights about her seemingly firm grip on the social media pulse. They could enjoy a glass of rosé and bond over the common hurdles faced by women in workplaces. They could celebrate the way they were both conquering them slowly and steadily.

Nope. Netflix and the series' showrunners are having none of that utopia!

Why would you depict two women as supportive of each other when you can have them cuss each other out much to the amusement of their male colleagues?

And so we have an enraged Sylvie acting like a jealous woman who subjects Emily to routine workplace bullying by labeling her "La plouc" (translate, "the hick"). Much of the plot involves Sylvie finding new ways to put Emily down. Why? Is she insecure? Her experience and otherwise confident demeanor doesn't indicate that. Is Emily trying to sabotage her work? Nope, not even that.

The entire office pits them against each other and uses them as puppets to enforce stereotypes such as "women are their own worst enemies". Emily, who is bright and amiable, seems to seek validation at every street corner. The show is less about Emily's ambition and talent and more about finding companionship in what is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Sylvie is portrayed as the older hag out to demean her subordinate. I have to admit, there were scenes where I hated her despite knowing what I know.

It's 2020, Netflix. The show's creator Darren Star gave us 'Sex and the City' in 1998. The show epitomized strong friendships between ambitious and unique women which smashed stereotypes.

And more than 22 years later, Emily and Sylvie are still competing with each other both personally and professionally. The younger one is labeled a threat to the older one. The older one is portrayed as a hag, stripped of any redeeming qualities.&nbsp;

Yet again, one strong woman in a position of power seen through the male gaze. Really, Darren Star?

We must ask ourselves, why do we villanize older women as being jealous of the "new pretty young thing"? Can I, as a woman, not grow at my own individual pace without worrying about my so-called throne being usurped by a "newbie"? These problematic portrayals of women in cinema and sitcoms foster regressive mindsets among us all. As more women venture into workspaces, these mindsets need to be smashed along with that glass ceiling.

Perhaps, the show's popularity shows how prevalent these mindsets are. We watch it because we know we have all experienced it. We relate to it. Maybe some of us even have acted like Sylvie or Emily in the workplace. Not something to brag about.

I repeat, it is 2020. We need strong women in real life and stronger portrayals of them in reel life. We have enough struggles already. Striking a perfect work-and-home balance, managing hectic schedules, keeping our sanity lest we are labeled "unhinged" or "emotional". We don't need a millennial show telling us to view every female colleague as a threat.

Here's a newsflash -- two women can be friends and work together and grow together. It's not a race. It is often a steady uphill climb.

I may be a little late to the millennial party but I caved in recently and spent my Diwali binge-watching the recent Netflix romcom 'Emily in Paris'. The French have already spoken and have called the show a complete exorcism of French clichés.

I may be a little late to the millennial party but I caved in recently and spent my Diwali binge-watching the recent Netflix romcom 'Emily in Paris'. The French have already spoken and have called the show a complete exorcism of French clichés. This isn't a review of the series. The narrative of the American girl-next-door living in Paris has been butchered to death and it does not even deserve a mention here. And so, one nippy evening, I sat with my cup of hot Cocoa and an open mind. After all, I love romantic comedies. They offer an escape from the mundane and often grim realities of romantic love and marital complexities. But 'Emily in Paris' infuriated me. It made me feel so helpless and at times, dejected about its portrayal of strong, ambitious, and outspoken women. Let's discuss the two characters in 'Emily in Paris' which guide the pace, the not so unpredictable twists and turns of this very popular series. Emily, played by the perfectly-cast Lily Collins, stumbles through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Paris with a "Bonjour" and "Merde" tucked in her arsenal as the only French she speaks. Use Google Translate and you would know how well she fares. I can write reams about her chic outfits and berets, but please, let's not. Emily is a marketing genius, we are told, who quickly amasses thousands of followers with a single post about eating a baguette at a cute French café. Yes, we're expected to lap up this ridiculous proposition in this day of aggressive social media marketing. Enter Sylvie. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu plays the part of the sophisticated, sarcastic Frenchwoman perfectly. I admit I was impressed with her sassy strut and nonchalance. Until she encountered Emily. It is the relationship between Emily and Sylvie that made me huff and puff in frustration. Here are two strong, ambitious women who work in a similar field -- marketing. You would think that they would have a lot to learn from each other, would share anecdotes about the business of marketing in France and America and the changing modes of consumer habits in two distinct cultures. Sylvie could teach Emily a thing or two about promoting luxury brands -- after all, France is home to quite a few -- and Emily could share insights about her seemingly firm grip on the social media pulse. They could enjoy a glass of rosé and bond over the common hurdles faced by women in workplaces. They could celebrate the way they were both conquering them slowly and steadily. Nope. Netflix and the series' showrunners are having none of that utopia! Why would you depict two women as supportive of each other when you can have them cuss each other out much to the amusement of their male colleagues? And so we have an enraged Sylvie acting like a jealous woman who subjects Emily to routine workplace bullying by labeling her "La plouc" (translate, "the hick"). Much of the plot involves Sylvie finding new ways to put Emily down. Why? Is she insecure? Her experience and otherwise confident demeanor doesn't indicate that. Is Emily trying to sabotage her work? Nope, not even that. The entire office pits them against each other and uses them as puppets to enforce stereotypes such as "women are their own worst enemies". Emily, who is bright and amiable, seems to seek validation at every street corner. The show is less about Emily's ambition and talent and more about finding companionship in what is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Sylvie is portrayed as the older hag out to demean her subordinate. I have to admit, there were scenes where I hated her despite knowing what I know. It's 2020, Netflix. The show's creator Darren Star gave us 'Sex and the City' in 1998. The show epitomized strong friendships between ambitious and unique women which smashed stereotypes. And more than 22 years later, Emily and Sylvie are still competing with each other both personally and professionally. The younger one is labeled a threat to the older one. The older one is portrayed as a hag, stripped of any redeeming qualities. Yet again, one strong woman in a position of power seen through the male gaze. Really, Darren Star? We must ask ourselves, why do we villanize older women as being jealous of the "new pretty young thing"? Can I, as a woman, not grow at my own individual pace without worrying about my so-called throne being usurped by a "newbie"? These problematic portrayals of women in cinema and sitcoms foster regressive mindsets among us all. As more women venture into workspaces, these mindsets need to be smashed along with that glass ceiling. Perhaps, the show's popularity shows how prevalent these mindsets are. We watch it because we know we have all experienced it. We relate to it. Maybe some of us even have acted like Sylvie or Emily in the workplace. Not something to brag about. I repeat, it is 2020. We need strong women in real life and stronger portrayals of them in reel life. We have enough struggles already. Striking a perfect work-and-home balance, managing hectic schedules, keeping our sanity lest we are labeled "unhinged" or "emotional". We don't need a millennial show telling us to view every female colleague as a threat. Here's a newsflash -- two women can be friends and work together and grow together. It's not a race. It is often a steady uphill climb.

News flash: Two female colleagues can be civil to each other!

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