The first season of the Sex and the City sequel, And Just Like That…, was lacking two major elements that seemed to unmoor it from its roots: Samantha Jones, and more prominently, sex. The show handled the Samantha aspect in its own way. Although, it did leave fans both excited and disappointed about a short phone call with Samantha in the forthcoming season.
See Also: FUBAR - Season 1, Episode 8 Recap
Interestingly, the sexual element was noticeably lacking in the first season. Apart from a shocking scene involving Che Diaz and Miranda in the kitchen, while a recovering Carrie had an unfortunate incident with a peach Diet Snapple bottle. This memory still induces a chilling shudder. Moreover, Che bestowing the nickname 'Rambo' upon Miranda added an unforgettable touch, despite its irrelevance to the sexual aspect.
Season two debuts with a strong statement, reminding us of the integral role sex played in the original series. It showcased all the main characters partaking in passionate moments. Carrie is with her podcast producer, Franklyn, while Charlotte and Harry appear enthusiastic. Lisa Todd Wexley and Herbert, and Seema and club owner Zed, continue their fiery relationships. Miranda and Che are at ease in a Los Angeles hot tub. The season's opening montage creates an awkward moment for Nya. We see her sadly watching a sex scene on TV, ironically reflecting our own actions as viewers. Whether season two will sustain this momentum or if this is just a teaser is not known.
And Just Like That… season two gives an impression of maturing into its own entity. It's not perfect, and it certainly isn't an award-winning drama, but it's pleasantly adequate. The premiere signals a shift towards a lighter, more enjoyable approach compared to the grief-heavy first season. It implies the show is starting to enjoy itself.
Miranda, emerging from a sensory-deprivation tank and dismissing her new Los Angeles lifestyle, is amusing and reminiscent of her classic character traits. The entire group is preparing for the Met Gala, thanks to Lisa's wealth. The fashion mishaps and nostalgia-infused fashion moments add a fun factor. However, this storyline also highlights some persisting issues from the first season, such as an excess of weak plotlines. While these subplots aren't necessarily bad, they lack depth.
Despite these shortcomings, some characters like Carrie and Nya are given more nuanced storylines. Carrie asserts her boundaries with Franklyn, indicating she is not ready for anything more serious. Nya, left alone by her husband Andre Rashad, takes herself out to dinner, gets hit on, and after an unfortunate video chat with Andre, seems to sever their relationship. This advancement in character arcs shows promise.
The premiere certainly reacquaints us with the ensemble and their emotional journeys. But the problem is, with more character depth, there isn't much time for plot development. A case in point is the intriguing reveal of Che's network pilot about their life titled Che Pasa, a title that suggests things may not go as smoothly as they hope.
Miranda's relocation to Los Angeles for the summer and her relationship with Che take center stage in this episode. Their increasing vulnerability towards each other brings an unexpected sweetness to their relationship. The premiere closes on a positive note, indicating that the new season could be a fun ride, albeit with lingering issues from the first season. Despite this, it seems like the show is beginning to find its footing again, even as it navigates through new territories.
