I’m a big fan of Paris—at least the idea of Paris. I’ve never actually been to Paris, but it’s on my bucket list. I own several canvas paintings that depict the Eiffel Tower. I even shared a (mostly positive) post about Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris not long ago. But even though it’s set in Paris, the TV show Emily in Paris is something I’ve purposely avoided—for one unavoidable reason.
Problems in Paris
Full disclosure—I haven’t technically watched Emily in Paris. Honestly, I was afraid of what I would see and hear in it. After checking out a review of this show on Plugged In—a Christian ministry that provides reviews about a variety of content, including TV shows—I knew it would not be a good show for me to watch. (I encourage you to check out this review about it.)
But even though I haven’t watched Emily in Paris, I trust that reviewers Kennedy Unthank and Emily Tsiao watched enough of it to determine its major flaws. And I feel like this statement in their review probably sums up the entire show: “…[it] portrays the message that the pursuit of maximizing self-pleasure is a noble cause—regardless of who you might wrong along the way.” That definitely doesn’t sound like a positive thing.
One specific concern the reviewers shared is the amount of casual sex in the show. They note, “Trying to navigate all the show’s relationships is a bit of a rollercoaster. Just about everyone is sleeping with at least two others at any given time.”
Although I find that really icky (and evil), I’m not surprised. After all, the show’s overarching message is to seek your personal happiness no matter who gets hurt in the process, and many people have sex because they desire happiness. But happiness is fleeting, and the consequences of having casual sex—and making other self-indulgent choices—aren’t fleeting.
Emily in Denial
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. (Romans 2:5-8 NLT)
Paul states the truth about sin very bluntly here, but his straightforwardness is helpful. We don’t have to wonder what will happen if we live in sin rather than submit to the Lord. In His kindness, He freely gives eternal life to anyone who asks for it. But in His holiness, He punishes those who refuse to accept this gift.
I don’t have to personally watch Emily in Paris to know that she and other characters live for themselves, refusing to obey the truth and instead living lives of wickedness. It’s not a show about a girl who has fun adventures while wearing cute outfits and eating delicious baguettes; it’s a show about self-indulgence. Sadly, I think the only positive thing about Emily in Paris is that it’s set in Paris.
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