Gabriel Vs. Alfie: Who’s The Better Boyfriend in Emily in Paris?
There’s twice as much eye candy in season two but who is worth Emily’s time?
Season 1 of Netflix’s Emily in Paris was an easy watch. Despite binging most episodes, I enjoyed it as much I should have.
The title character is quite unlikeable as she attempts to assimilate into notoriously snobby Parisian culture. The acting is so-so (probably with the exception of some of the French actors, like the brilliant Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie), and the storyline is as predictable as most glossy rom-coms.
More so, as someone working in social media, don’t even get me started on her reach and engagement strategy quips!
The highlight? Well, it surely has to be Lucas Bravo, right? The up and coming actor plays Gabriel, the “hot chef” who is ultimately in a hush-hush love triangle with his current girlfriend, Camille, and Emily.
Season 2 has graced us with the introduction of another handsome addition by the name of Alfie, another love interest for the indecisive Emily.
Spoiler alert if you keep reading!
Alfie, played by Lucien Laviscount, is a British banker who naturally puts his cards right on the table from the get go. The season ends with Alfie and Emily taking the next step in their relationship which is “long distance” across the English Channel.
Gabriel spends most of the season trying to persuade Emily that they’re meant to be together, much to her apparent denial. He skulks back to his ex, Camille, settling for what he can get, and presumably hoping one day Alfie will be out of the picture for good.
Last season, I thought moody, charismatic and romantic Gabriel was perfect. It was clear that he had fallen in love with Emily and has a deep passion that is palpable – and très français. He can be stubborn but is also driven and caring. Now, with Alfie to compare, the pendulum has swung.
Alfie will definitely not be everyone’s type. He’s got that cheeky British banter which can come off as quite rude and sarcastic, like it did with Emily when they met in French class. However, this is the personality that Gabriel simply doesn’t have!
To be completely honest, Gabriel becomes petulant and a bit gaslight-y towards Emily while she is trying to amend her conscience and reconcile Gabriel and Camille’s relationship. Is he upfront about what he wants? No, and when competing with Alfie, it is a war he simply won’t win.
The news came out in the last day or so that Emily in Paris has been renewed for two more seasons (Yay? Yay!), so we can be certain that the love triangle, and Emily’s potential denial about her true feelings for Gabriel will stretch out over these episodes.
If the two men were standing in front of me, I would be hard-pressed to choose but for Emily’s sake: go with Alfie.
