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The Best and Worst of Sex and the City: Which Episodes Stand the Test of Time?

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Week by week over six seasons, “Sex and the City” delved into the lives of Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), and Samantha (Kim Cattrall), sharing tales from their tumultuous dating experiences. To contemporary viewers, this show, which debuted in 1998, serves as a snapshot of a bygone era. It’s filled with relics of another time: answering machines, large cell phones, references to Harvey Weinstein, ubiquitous smoking, traditional computer backups, and wages for freelance writers that could afford a New York City apartment.

Despite the passage of time, there are numerous aspects of the show that remain relevant, such as its exploration of love, friendship, and the deep bond between friends. However, there are also elements of “Sex and the City” that feel outdated or inappropriate more than 20 years after it ended, including certain storylines and jokes that no longer resonate positively.

As for Parker, she acknowledges that the series doesn’t hold up perfectly with time. During an interview at the Wall Street Journal‘s Future of Everything Festival in 2018, she pointed out that there were no women of color and minimal representation of the LGBTQ community on the show or within its production team.

Parker acknowledged that the significant shift in New York City’s political, cultural, and economic landscape would influence the show if it were produced now. In her opinion, it would be a distinctly different series. She further stated that Carrie Bradshaw was deeply tied to her time period. “Carrie Bradshaw is undeniably a product of her generation,” she said. “Her discussions about sexual politics and intimacy resonated with the times.” She also expressed curiosity about how Carrie might address the #metoo movement, suggesting that it would be intriguing to read her perspective on it today.

In an effort to learn from previous errors, the showrunners appear to have made a conscious effort to rectify some of these issues in the revival series, “And Just Like That,” by incorporating a wider range of characters and boosting LGBTQ+ representation.

As the third season of “And Just Like That” begins, let’s revisit some of its most successful episodes from the past, as well as those whose themes and dialogue may now seem outdated or better suited to earlier times.

5 SATC episodes that stand the test of time

“A Woman’s Right to Shoes” (Season 6 Episode 9)

In this episode, Carrie finds herself single once more and grapples with her feelings during Kyra’s (Tatum O’Neal) baby shower. Her struggle escalates when Kyra requests her to take off her Manolo Blahnik shoes upon entering the apartment, as Carrie remarks that they complete her outfit. Trouble ensues when her shoes get stolen, and Kyra offers to replace them, but balks at the $485 price tag, considering it excessive. Kyra believes Carrie should not be funded for her lavish lifestyle, but Carrie counters by arguing that she has been financially supporting her married friends through various events like bridal showers, bachelorette parties, destination weddings, and baby showers. Since Carrie hasn’t had a wedding or a child, she’s essentially paying for her friends’ life decisions without receiving anything in return. In a statement that echoes the struggles of many singles, Carrie reminds Kyra that she’s been the one providing financial support all along. To make a bold statement, when Carrie informs Kyra that she is getting married—to herself!—and reveals her registry at Manolo Blahnik, it becomes a rallying cry for single women everywhere.

“Ex and the City” (Season 2, Episode 18)

Sex and the City shines brightest when it delves into the complexities of relationships, encompassing both joy and heartache. In this particular episode, Carrie, after an unexpected encounter with Big and his fiancée Natasha in the Hamptons that left her feeling queasy, attempts to maintain a friendship with him. During a liquor-filled lunch, Big reveals his engagement. This episode presents Carrie’s struggle to accept Big’s move on, resulting in a raw and authentic portrayal of a universal theme – dealing with former partners. This emotional exploration will continue to resonate as long as people have exes in their lives.

Additionally, this installment underscores another strong point of SATC – the lasting influence of female camaraderie. In this instance, the stylish quartet finds themselves at a bar close to the Plaza, where Big and Natasha are holding their engagement celebration. As Carrie expresses her predictable envy, “Why her?”, they recognize that the situation is a reminder of life lessons from the film, “The Way We Were”. Gradually, Carrie accepts the past and prepares for the future, drawing inspiration from this classic tale.

“Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda” (Season 4, Episode 11)

In this episode of Sex and the City, there aren’t many TV shows that handle pregnancy-related choices for female characters more realistically. The show explores various reproductive options and the challenges women face in these situations using its well-known characters. Miranda finds out she is pregnant with Steve’s baby, but doesn’t want to keep it, while Charlotte, eager to have a child, learns she has only a 15% chance of conceiving with her husband, Trey. During an uncomfortable brunch, Miranda shares the news with an upset Charlotte, who can’t cope when she hears that Miranda doesn’t want the baby and leaves. Later, in one of the series’ most emotional scenes, Miranda encounters a distraught Charlotte on the street and follows her home to check on her well-being, despite Charlotte declining company. Despite their differing choices, the friends eventually learn how to support each other through their individual journeys, just as Carrie reminds Charlotte not to rush into marriage when she’s about to walk down the aisle.

In this episode, Samantha develops a desire for a Birkin bag, leading to her unintentionally estranging Lucy Liu. This incident, though not as emotionally charged, remains a significant part of the storyline.

In this particular episode, Samantha becomes enamored with a Birkin bag, which eventually strains her relationship with Lucy Liu. Although it’s less emotional than other plot points, it leaves an indelible mark on the narrative.

“My Motherboard, My Self” (Season 4, Episode 8)

As a seasoned movie critic, I found myself deeply moved by an episode that delicately weaves together two poignant narratives. Firstly, when Miranda’s mother passes away suddenly, her friends struggle with grief in their unique ways, revealing the intricate tapestry of human resilience and vulnerability.

Secondly, Carrie finds herself at a crossroads as her computer crashes, prompting her to reevaluate her reliance on others. This is a significant challenge for Carrie, who has always prided herself on self-sufficiency, but her recent shared keys with Aidan and their contrasting problem-solving styles serve as a catalyst for introspection.

The episode masterfully explores the complexities of support in relationships, particularly focusing on the nuances of friendship and dependence. It poignantly portrays how even the smallest gestures, whether solicited or not, can make all the difference.

This emotional rollercoaster culminates in a powerful funeral scene where Miranda’s friends rally around her, and surprisingly, Miranda’s ex, Steve, extends a quiet but significant act of support. These fleeting moments highlight the profound impact that chosen families can have on our lives, demonstrating how friends can unexpectedly show up when we need them most.

In essence, this episode stands as one of the series’ most compelling reflections on the concept of chosen families and the myriad ways in which friendships can provide solace, guidance, and strength in times of adversity.

“Ring A Ding Ding” (Season 4, Episode 16)

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, the latest episode of Sex and the City delves deep into the harsh realities of adulthood, particularly the struggle of juggling finances. I, Carrie Bradshaw, grapple with one of life’s more practical challenges – paying the rent. The split with Aidan leaves me in a predicament where I must either buy him out or move out, forcing me to confront my financial predicament.

The situation reaches a boiling point when Miranda crunches the numbers and I find myself uttering a shocking truth: “I spent $40,000 on shoes and have nowhere to live??” My dismal bank balance, with barely $2000 in both checking and savings, rules out any chance of a loan.

In desperation, I seek advice from Big, but wisely decline his offer. However, when Miranda and Samantha extend a helping hand, while Charlotte remains indifferent, my financial stress manifests into uncharacteristic behavior towards my friend. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of adult friendship and finances, and the struggle to navigate through them with a little help from those closest to you.

Interestingly, budgeting experts suggest that it would take me a staggering 172 years to realistically afford my apartment. But, who’s counting? After all, life in the city doesn’t wait for anyone!

5 SATC episodes that do not age well

“No Ifs, Ands, or Butts” (Season 3, Episode 5)

In this specific installment, directed by Nicole Holofcener, the character Samantha embarks on a brief romance with a record executive named Chivon, portrayed by Asio Highsmith. This episode serves as a significant point in the show Sex and the City, as it introduces more diverse characters, such as Black individuals into substantial supporting roles for the first time. However, the narrative is riddled with problematic racial stereotypes, cliches, and offensive dialogue. For instance, when Samantha declares to her friends, “I don’t see color, I see conquests,” Carrie responds, “That sounds like affirmative action!” This episode showcases a number of instances where Samantha seems to genuinely connect with Chivon, but his sister Adeena (Sundra Oakley) expresses disapproval of the relationship. In a heated exchange, Adeena questions the appropriateness of the relationship, and when Samantha implies that she herself is a victim of racism, Adeena dismisses it as “a black thing.” The altercation between the two women escalates into a physical fight in the club, leading to Samantha ending things with Chivon for failing to support her. Overall, this episode is cringe-worthy, offensive, and extremely outdated.

Back in 2018, I shared with Vanity Fair my feelings about landing a part on that widely-adored series. Although I was initially ecstatic, now, looking back a few years later, it’s hard not to think, “Gosh, why did it have to be like that? Couldn’t the story have taken a different turn?

“Models and Mortals” Season 1, Episode 2

Back in 1998, it’s shocking to think that secretly recording someone in an intimate, sexually explicit setting without their permission was acceptable, and yet, it was a reality depicted in the second episode of this series. In this particular episode, Carrie’s friend, Barkley, is exposed as a modelizer – preferring models over regular people because he sees them as “easier.” He even goes so far as to refer to models as “beautiful things,” stripping them of their personalities and individuality.

To make matters worse, Barkley boasts about a collection of tapes capturing these intimate moments. When Carrie inquires if the models are aware they’re being recorded, he casually replies, “Maybe.” To him, these tapes, all made without consent, seem to be an extension of his “artistic work.” Carrie appears unfazed by this revelation, almost treating it as a harmless quirk rather than a criminal act. On the other hand, Samantha finds Barkley’s hobby fascinating and even requests him to film her. She justifies this by stating that she doesn’t mind being recorded, making her potentially the only woman he films with her explicit consent.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of how society has viewed and continues to view women in certain circles, objectifying them for their looks and disregarding their individuality, dignity, and consent.

“Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl” Season 3, Episode 4

In the latest turn of events, Carrie has entered into a relationship with Sean (Eddie Cahill). Although their connection appears strong, an unexpected revelation from Sean catches her off guard – he identifies as bisexual and enjoys companionship with both men and women. As a professional journalist specializing in sex and dating, Carrie confides in her friends over brunch that she’s skeptical about the authenticity of bisexuality, viewing it as a temporary phase before settling into a homosexual lifestyle. Charlotte suggests that people should stick to one sexual orientation, while Miranda labels bisexuality as both demanding and problematic.

Intriguingly, Miranda herself has shown signs of being greedy and potentially problematic in the past, such as inviting a woman to a dinner party to impress a colleague who wanted to expand their social circle with a lesbian couple.

Ultimately, the relationship between Carrie and Sean ends following a game of spin-the-bottle involving a “platter of sexual orientations.” Feeling outdated, Carrie admits to herself that she struggles to comprehend attraction across genders. However, it’s important to note that a 2023 poll reveals that 4.4% of U.S. adults and 57.3% of LGBTQ+ adults report identifying as bisexual.

“Cock A Doodle Do” Season 3, Episode 18

In the bustling Meatpacking District of New York, which was undergoing rapid gentrification at the time, Samantha settled down, frequently clashing verbally with sex workers who had been part of the community for much longer than her. Carrie describes these individuals as transgender sex workers in a voiceover, labeling them as “pre-op transsexuals” and finding them “half-man, half-woman, and incredibly irritating”. When Samantha laments about her desire for a quieter evening in her new, costly, fashionable neighborhood to her companions, they retaliate with a series of offensive jokes that, to contemporary listeners, seem both hurtful and awkward. In an attempt to silence the nightly street festivities, Samantha resorts to shouting and using derogatory language towards transgender individuals. She then escalates the situation by throwing water on them in an effort to drive them away from her vicinity. When Samantha’s apartment is vandalized with eggs by the sex workers in response, it’s difficult not to sympathize with their actions and then feel bewildered when they accept her invitation for a rooftop barbecue.

“Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little” (Season 6 Episode 4)

This episode is renowned for coining one of the most iconic phrases from modern dating culture, which later inspired a book and a movie. The memorable line, you guessed it, is: “He’s just not that into you.” However, Samantha’s response to discovering that Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) is sober feels unjustified and doesn’t hold up well over time. In this instance, Samantha surpasses Carrie in terms of questionable behavior, as she reacts poorly when she finds out the man she has feelings for is in recovery and attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. This reaction is more awkward than the controversial role-playing they participate in (which even their friends found hard to stomach) or the argument between Carrie and Jack Berger about scrunchies.

Dishonorable mention

“What’s Love Got To Do With It” (Season 4, Episode 4)

In the television show, when Samantha begins dating a woman, her friends Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda frequently make fun of her for her change in sexual orientation. As Samantha identifies herself as bisexual or possibly a lesbian, Carrie refers to her as “a shoe” while Miranda calls her “a fire hydrant.” This is one of many instances where the series fails to handle discussions on sexuality and fluidity appropriately, such as in the episode “Boy Girl Boy Girl,” as previously mentioned, or in Season 2’s “Evolution,” where the friends argue over whether a man Charlotte is dating is “a straight gay man” or “a gay straight man.” These actions demonstrate an unacceptable way to respond when a friend comes out or shares significant personal news. If they act this way, it raises the question of why Samantha would ever continue talking to them.

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2025-05-30 19:07

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