The reboot of "Sex and the City", titled "And Just Like That", has spurred a whirlwind of emotions among fans. The spectrum ranged from moments that felt profoundly true to its predecessor, to those that caused spectators to cringe.
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One can't forget Seema's raw confrontation with Carrie, showcasing the characters at their most vulnerable. Or Steve's candid revelation to Miranda, emphasizing the season's strengths. Equally striking was Carrie's epiphany on how Big might have hindered her potential relationship with Aidan.
However, there were scenes that felt less than genuine. Aidan's awkward usage of "they/them" pronouns or Charlotte's personal battle with her body image which led to her acceptance only after meeting a body-positive woman seemed a bit off. There's also Carrie's seemingly frivolous financial decisions. For example, renting extravagant hotel rooms in her own city or lavish Airbnb stays, culminating with a purchase of a pricey garlic press.
The show clearly emphasizes the opulence of New York’s elite, and while suspension of disbelief is critical for any show, it sometimes felt this series was stretching it a tad too much. It’s hard not to miss the old days when Carrie had money struggles and had to borrow from Charlotte.
An interesting dynamic was the relationship between Carrie and Aidan. The duo's preference for hotel stays over visiting Carrie's apartment felt peculiar. Their daily squabbles over mundane tasks like who would shut the curtains were amusing. And there was a light-hearted moment where Carrie enthusiastically speaks about Aidan's idyllic farmhouse, particularly a mischievous chicken that's a part of their household.
However, a light brunch conversation turned hilarious when Seema corrected Carrie on mistaking Norfolk, Virginia for Norfolk, England. The brunch was also notable for Carrie's candid confession about her intimacy with Aidan and a shocking revelation about Big's potential misstep in her life.
Carrie's financial independence changed when she sought to rent Che's apartment. A seemingly innocent introduction of Aidan to Che's pronouns led to an awkward encounter with a neighbor. And the series, set in 2023, feels dated at moments, making light of non-binary pronouns.
Upon their arrival, Carrie and Aidan's discovery of Che's minimalist kitchen led to a shopping spree. Che's subsequent visit to check on their apartment after being alerted by the building management brought comedic relief. Carrie's revelation about Big being her past "mistake" in response to Che's probing question provided an unexpected twist.
This episode was a defining moment for Seema, who took a stand for her personal space and feelings. Her interaction with Carrie at a hair salon became the cornerstone, emphasizing the importance of friendships over fleeting relationships.
Charlotte's storyline took an interesting path. Her decision to re-enter the workforce was met with her family's support. However, her struggles with body image and the societal pressures she faced was a poignant reminder of the challenges women face at any age. But an encounter with a young, confident gallery worker changed her perspective, offering a lesson in self-acceptance.
Miranda's journey with the Human Rights Watch brought about professional growth, while other characters like LTW, Seema, and Nya had their moments to shine, albeit briefly.
In conclusion, as much as "And Just Like That" had its highs and lows, it leaves the audience pondering on one key question: Garlic chocolate chip cookie, really?
