‘And Just Like That’ is finished. We discuss the good, the bad, the pie and the poop

by

“And Just Like That,” it’s over.

Towards the start of this month, the producer Michael Patrick King announced that the much-anticipated second installment of HBO’s trailblazing series “Sex and the City” was coming to an end. After a few short weeks, the series indeed concluded rather unexpectedly with two episodes centered around Thanksgiving, which seemed somewhat out of place during the warm summer months. However, this arrangement enabled the writers to wrap up all the diverse plotlines neatly, just like Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) did when she delivered a variety of pies to her friends in the final episode of the original series.

If you believe those pies symbolize joy, then you’re correct. Miranda’s (Cynthia Nixon) party, however imperfect – with guests who didn’t show up, the arrival of chef Brady’s (Niall Cunningham) passive-aggressive ex-partner, an undercooked turkey and a bathroom emergency – manages to leave everyone feeling content and at ease in the end.

Television

On a Friday, through social media posts, Michael Patrick King, the series’ showrunner, shared that the third season of ‘Sex and the City’ on HBO Max will conclude, wrapping up with a two-part finale in August.

Miranda opens up to Joy (Dolly Wells), admitting she’s in recovery from alcoholism, and Joy empathizes deeply. Harry (Evan Handler), a prostate cancer survivor, recovers fully, leading Charlotte (Kristin Davis) to accept that her nonbinary daughter Rock (Alexa Swinton) can have love outside traditional feminine expectations. Seema (Sarita Choudhury) realizes that true love doesn’t necessarily conform to her ideal of grand weddings when she learns Adam (Logan Marshall-Green) prefers a simpler lifestyle. Lastly, Lisa’s (Nicole Ari Parker) rekindled affection for husband Herbert (Christopher Jackson) may not be a traditional happy ending, but he seems to be accepting his defeat in the New York City comptroller race.

Concerning Carrie, following the strain in her relationship with Aidan, there was a short-lived romance with Duncan, a British author residing in her townhouse’s basement. However, as the season progressed and she penned a book for its narration, she realized that she didn’t need a man to feel fulfilled. Instead, she found contentment in living in a luxurious Manhattan apartment filled with friends like a grumpy baker who let her order pies even past the deadline, reminiscent of the wardrobe from “The Devil Wears Prada” movie.

These culture experts – Mary McNamara (a culture critic), Yvonne Villarreal (a staff writer), and Maira Garcia (a television editor) – share their thoughts on the conclusion of a widely debated, and perhaps adored, TV revival that has sparked much conversation.

Mary McNamara previously shared her anticipation that “And Just Like That” might conclude with Season 3. Now, she feels a sense of relaxation upon hearing the news, although if she had known the universe was tuned in, she would have added expressing a wish to win the lottery and some additional desires to her statement.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself expressing an unshared sentiment concerning the iconic series “Sex and the City.” Unlike many who seem preoccupied with its lasting impact, seen in shows like “Broad City,” “Fleabag,” or “Insecure,” I don’t attribute its influence to these contemporary productions. The recent attempt, “And Just Like That,” didn’t falter due to the current political climate or the resurgence of traditional wives; it was simply a misstep in television entertainment-consistently underdelivering on the high standards set by its predecessor.

At first, I became interested in the series, much like others, intrigued to witness how these characters navigated their lives during late middle-age. However, it seemed unusual that they appeared to avoid menopause (a point suggesting that female authenticity was compromised) and lacked any form of inner growth or depth.

Television

In the “February 14” episode, we get a glimpse of Aidan Shaw, an individual with a deep past connection to Carrie Bradshaw.

The significant challenges faced by characters such as Carrie’s heartbreak over Big, Miranda’s self-discovery of her queerness and alcoholism, Charlotte dealing with her daughter’s gender identity and husband’s cancer were handled in a dramatic and staged manner, seeming to emphasize the strength of each character and their friendship. While it wasn’t necessarily a negative goal, these trials, which began to feel more like items on a list, came and went so swiftly that they became almost comical (not in a humorous way). This reached its peak with Lisa’s father’s supposed death twice.

I continued to observe, like many others, not because I enjoyed disliking it, but because there seemed to be some promising entertainment hidden within. However, despite my anticipation, it never quite delivered. Frankly, the Thanksgiving/pie episode was excessively dramatic for me, so at that point, I no longer had a strong interest in how it concluded, as long as it did.

Maira Garcia: Mary, following your latest column, I chose to step away from the show as it mirrored some of my own discontent with the reboot, particularly the unrealistic portrayal of Aidan’s relationship with Carrie, the casual handling of ADHD, and the apparent absence of rugs in Carrie’s house. However, my hiatus was short-lived as I eventually resumed watching, leaving me pondering the meaning and potential of the show. Although the creators King and Parker suggest that this season serves as a fitting conclusion for the series, I find it hard to agree given the numerous open storylines, such as Brady’s transition into fatherhood. However, the challenge of revitalizing the show seems insurmountable, making their decision to end the current chapter, whether self-imposed or not, a more sensible choice.

Voices

Commentary: ‘And Just Like That…’ seems determined to insult women over 50. And under 50

To my disappointment, the revival of HBO’s pioneering series ‘Sex and the City’ hasn’t seemed to develop the main characters or their relationships in a way that reflects growth, as I had hoped.

Just as many fans might feel, I was looking forward to revisiting these characters from my past after so many years, either through reruns or movies. However, this latest series didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While it seemed that new characters were intended to add something fresh, they often fell short in terms of depth, compelling storylines, or simply became irritating (cough, Che). The exception being Seema, a character I really appreciate. It would be great if Sarita Choudhury could star in her own spinoff series.

Yvonne Villarreal ponders, is it disappointing that she’s feeling disappointed? She understands the sentiment, but her feelings are reminiscent of the girl who exclaimed “What?” too many times and now those feelings have become a reality. It’s as if she’s been mentally trapped in Carrie’s DIY mini foyer from the old apartment, struggling to find emotional escape.

Like Mary, Yvonne has been frustrated with the series for a long time, feeling it needed to come to an end. However, she still watched every episode with a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. The community that formed around this shared experience, both in her TikTok feed and group texts, became one of the brighter aspects.

So, when HBO Max decided to follow through on ending it, Yvonne feels it’s like a breakup – an unexpected yet necessary one, much like Berger’s infamous Post-it note farewell.

I’ve stepped into this phase of interacting with these characters as if they were long-standing friends, eager to reconnect when our timetables synced up, filling in the gaps from the extended break due to life’s demands, while still acknowledging their core identities and strategies in handling life’s unexpected twists. However, it often felt like I was sitting at the wrong table during each episode, puzzled yet mindful not to interrupt with numerous “Why?” questions. Miranda’s remark from this week’s finale, as she contemplated an utterly peculiar Thanksgiving dinner scene on screen, seemed to echo my feelings about the entire series: “I’m unsure of what’s currently unfolding, but let’s all take a moment to catch our breath.

In this bridal fashion show, as Carrie, Seema, Charlotte, and Lisa share their thoughts on marriage, the writer felt that such heartfelt conversations were a key aspect they desired to see more often in the series.

As a die-hard fan of the series, I can’t help but lament the lost potential it seems to have danced around. Much like Carrie gracefully navigating city streets in her stilettos, the show has skipped through thought-provoking themes that could have given the series a much-needed boost back to its former glory.

Remember the heartfelt conversation between Seema and Carrie outside the hair salon in Season 2? It was a raw, honest glimpse into the bond between friends that made us all fall in love with the original series. And this week’s finale, where the ladies gathered at a bridal runway show to share their differing views on marriage at this point in their lives – it left me yearning for more of those authentic moments!

I longed to hear them discuss and process their feelings around a table, looking into each other’s eyes instead of watching Carrie order pies. I wanted an extended version of that heart-to-heart, not a teaser, but a substantial serving! It felt like a tantalizing taste of something wonderful, and yet it often felt as though we were denied the full meal. That’s how it felt, being constantly tempted with hints of greatness.

Television

In a candid conversation, the actress portraying the ‘Sex and the City’ reboot’s character most similar to Samantha discusses her multifaceted career, her bold audition process, and stepping into some iconic high-heeled shoes previously worn by a designer like Manolo Blahnik.

As a devoted fan of Sex and the City, I must admit that while I understand the comedic approach taken by the writers, I found myself puzzled by their decision to lean heavily into sitcom-style humor, particularly in the later seasons. In my opinion, there was a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the characters’ experiences with grief – the loss of Mr. Big and Stanford, the strain on friendships, especially with Samantha – in a way that resonated more authentically with the show’s original tone. I even felt that Miranda’s drinking problem was underutilized.

In my own life, conversations about significant life changes such as the end of relationships, the evolution of friendships, and personal lifestyle adjustments are all too familiar, even when they occur over a Chili’s triple dipper. So I couldn’t help but feel let down by the writers’ portrayal of these characters in the later seasons – it felt like they were stripped of their depth and complexity.

I can’t help but wonder, Mary and Maira, how you felt about the show’s handling of its biggest absences? Did it stay true to its original vision as it evolved over time? What do you think it did right, and where do you feel it fell short?

McNamara expressed his thoughts on Yvonne by saying she’s far more kind than him. He felt that the writers were overly focused on portraying women in their 50s as anything but boring, which led them to place these characters in a variety of unrealistic and outlandish scenarios without considering the development of real-life characters. McNamara suggested that the depiction of age mainly involved exaggerated, stereotypical reactions towards younger individuals and their behaviors, making it seem like the women (and writers) had been isolated for 20 years before being released. He concluded his statement with a reference to the finale featuring the baby mama and her friend Epcot, pointing out that it was the only instance where characters were presented in a more relatable manner.

Reflecting on it now, the absence of Samantha (portrayed by Kim Cattrall) seems crucial to the series’ balance. Despite her flamboyant personality, Samantha consistently provided a realistic perspective with her sharp wit and candid observations. Seema (played by Sarita Choudhury) admirably attempted to fill the gap left by Samantha, but she often found herself overshadowed, primarily because her character’s relationships were predominantly centered around Carrie, who became even more central to the show in this adaptation of “Sex and the City.

It’s clear that Samantha’s passing was not given adequate attention, and it was strange and unfortunate that few seemed to mourn her deeply or maintain contact (apart from Carrie). This theme of struggling to cope with the loss of a close friend, whether due to misunderstandings or distance, is a complex one that many individuals experience.

Regarding Aidan’s resurrection in the story, many viewers found it questionable, particularly as the writers chose to keep Carrie and Aidan’s children apart, a decision that seemed implausible and disrespectful towards both characters. Carrie’s final “epiphany” about a woman not needing a man to be happy could have held more weight if she had been given the opportunity to delve deeper into her emotions such as grief, fear, frustration, and hope, rather than being limited to shallow discussions and that problematic book. To be honest, the humor in this season often came from moments like this book’s reception – when Carrie’s agent became overly enthusiastic about it, I personally chose to leave the room.

As a passionate film aficionado, I must admit, the absence of Samantha and Charlotte truly left a void in my heart this season. Kudos to you, Mary, for recognizing Seema’s role in partially filling that gap. The interconnectedness among characters is crucial, and it’s something we all crave.

However, my biggest grievance lies in the distanced feel of certain characters this season. Lisa’s storyline felt disjointed from the core group, as if she merely popped by for a brief visit rather than being an integral part of the journey.

The same can be said about Nya (Karen Pittman), whose absence since Season 2 was noticeable. While scheduling conflicts may have played a role in her departure, it left a significant void that I, along with many other fans, eagerly hope will be addressed in future seasons.

Television

In the final episode of Season 2, Max’s show ‘And Just Like That’, Kim Cattrall once again took on her character from ‘Sex and the City’.

In terms of its development, I was pleased to notice the podcast group’s dominant personalities gradually fading away – albeit we had to endure another season with Che. However, these dominating characters were frequently replaced by others such as Giuseppe’s mother (portrayed by Patti LuPone) and Brady’s baby mama and her peculiar associates. If the writers aimed to perplex us about Gen Z, they certainly succeeded.

Though I will miss the weekly escape for an hour, along with the occasional heated exchanges with my TV over a foolish remark or scene, I must admit that I was ultimately unsatisfied. In earlier versions of the show, when someone acted or spoke foolishly, it was addressed in a way that felt genuine to the characters and growth was evident. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case after Aidan’s return.

Considering we’ve reached the conclusion, I must inquire about the impact on the Sex and the City world. Has this altered the original narrative? Did anything stand out as noteworthy – a character, a scene, an extravagant accessory like a big piece of jewelry, hat, or handbag?

As a devoted fan, I must say that ranking my favorite Sex and the City installments is a delightful challenge. For me personally, the original series, despite moments that may not hold up as well over time, will forever remain at the top. The first film, although imperfect, delivered some iconic BFF moments – think Charlotte’s scathing eye daggers towards Big after he left Carrie at the altar, or Samantha comforting a heartbroken Carrie – that make it a regular on my rewatch list. In terms of where “And Just Like That …” fits into this universe, it lands comfortably in the middle. As for the Abu Dhabi getaway movie, while I appreciate its attempt to bring back the magic, it sadly takes last place in my rankings.

What won’t I regret leaving behind? Certainly the fashion follies, specifically those that left me utterly bewildered, such as Carrie’s snowstorm outfit resembling the Michelin Man or her latest gingham headgear debacle which Meredith Blake, my ex-colleague, compared to Strawberry Shortcake… but let’s not even begin discussing Lisa’s oversized twine necklace!

One thing we’re likely to remember fondly: The extravagant fashion choices, such as Carrie’s large-brimmed hat and Lisa’s oversized bead necklace. (Craig Blankenhorn/HBO Max)

Hey Mary, given your experience watching numerous series finales, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on the conclusion of this particular show and whether it achieved its intended goal. To be honest, some episodes felt like they didn’t contribute much to the plot development. The penultimate episode last week, however, left me confused as if the ending wasn’t well-planned. I must admit that I found Carrie’s book excerpts intriguing, even though I wouldn’t have expected it to be a part of her storyline. I was hoping for more insight into how Carrie would write about love and loss, similar to Carole Radziwill.

The final line of the epilogue, “The woman realized, she was not alone – she was on her own,” resonated with me, but I wished we had delved deeper into that theme earlier in the series. There’s research suggesting women can experience increased happiness or reduced stress after their spouse passes away, so I found it believable. But it doesn’t negate the possibility of finding companionship elsewhere.

In summary, what do you make of this show’s conclusion? It seems that Hollywood will continue to try and revitalize established properties. So, what lessons can we draw from its shortcomings here?

McNamara exclaimed, “Hey Yvonne! I’d never pass judgment on you! It’d be great if everyone danced more around their homes, making the world a nicer place. I think it’s fitting that Carrie recognizes her life is complete and content without a partner as the series finale. (She won’t lack romance – there’s plenty of tulle!) I just wished it hadn’t felt so rushed and didn’t involve an odd giant plushie at a robot eatery. Regardless of how the events unfolded, I believe that ending was Carrie’s story all along. I even appreciated the discussion over her book’s conclusion – if only the book had been better written!

I’ll undoubtedly find it disappointing not to witness Parker’s Olympic-like skill in traversing various surfaces with high heels, and her knack for fashionably donning outfits that often resemble Halloween costumes rather than everyday styles. Additionally, those unique moments of conversation where we exchanged perspectives, like the one at the bridal show, will definitely be missed as they offered a multi-dimensional viewpoint on situations.

Regarding the ending, it aligns well with the series’ underlying theme, though I must admit, the specific events could have been handled differently. I wouldn’t wish any of these characters to face hardship or settle for anything less than a contented existence. To be honest, it was somewhat predictable, like all their stories were tied up neatly, much like slices in a traditional Thanksgiving pie. But isn’t a well-prepared pie still enjoyable?

Garcia: I’m fond of pies! However, just as the bathroom that flooded with wood scraps in the closing moments wasn’t necessarily a desirable situation, having too much of a good thing isn’t always beneficial.

Villarreal: Am I allowed to express that if Samantha and the girls reconcile when they’re in their 70s, I’d be thrilled to see them again on my screen? To put it simply, I don’t feel the need to establish boundaries with friendships that no longer add positivity to my life.

Read More

2025-08-15 05:02