And just like that, we’ve reached the end of Season 2 of the “Sex and the City” revival series.
The “And Just Like That...” season finale had a few big moments: Fans finally got a glimpse of Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), witnessed a very confusing conversation between Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Aidan (John Corbett), and at last, got the Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve (David Eigenberg) closure we all deserved.
It’s been an 11-episode roller coaster for the series, with plenty of highs (callbacks to “SATC,” more sex and some great guest-stars) and a bunch of lows (too much mean Che Diaz, some nonsensical storylines for a few characters, way too many kid scenes, and not enough development for a few new additions to the SATC universe).
But dare we say it, HuffPost reporters and editors who live-blogged the entire season largely felt like the show had vastly improved since its first season. Executive producer Michael Patrick King and his team of writers were able to capture the essence of the original series, helping many OG fans come around to the fact that Carrie and her crew had grown and welcomed new people into their worlds. It’s no wonder the series was just renewed for a third season .
TV and film writers and actors, including those who worked on “And Just Like That,” are currently on strike over fair pay and working conditions in the streaming era.
HuffPost editors and reporters chatted about the finale. Stay tuned for updates.
“And Just Like That...” streams on Max.
This Carrie-Aiden Conversation On 'AJLT' Was Downright Confusing And Stupid
Yeah, Im just as confused as you are. Like, will they see other people? Or maybe theyll talk about that later. I guess well find out in Season 3?
The one silver lining of all of this: Im glad Carrie and Seema got their beach trip after all. There are few more fitting ways to end a season of this franchise than drinking Cosmos in Greece. Marina
Im glad Im not the only one who is wildly confused about what that was. I got whiplash watching Aidan basically dump Carrie then witnessing a bunch of steamy sex scenes between them immediately after. Aidans explanation about why they couldnt see each other didnt make a lot of sense to me, either. Wyatt might show up at the farm during his moms time with him, so he has to always be there? I feel like the writers just wanted to stir up some drama between them, so they gave us this nonsensical mess.
And one last question: Who is watching Shoe while Carries in Greece? Im thinking Che or Lisette, but Id love for it to be Miranda, the series OG cat lady. Lydia
I think this was definitely about guilt for Aidan, which I think is understandable, but I really was rooting for them. I just knew it was all too good to be true.
The conversation was definitely confusing, because at first I was like, Where exactly is this going? To me, this seems like a breakup, and that they will be dating other people. I would be surprised if they weren't (and I would think its silly to not five years is a long time!) Taiyler
Sigh. I had my teeth and fists clenched in frustration through this entire scene. I felt Aidans reasoning for not relocating to New York was completely valid, but whats with this absurd five-year plan hes proposing? Does he really expect Carrie to hang in there for five years with zero contact? And whats the issue with Carrie visiting Virginia on occasion, if shes willing to do that?
I didnt understand any of it, and frankly it just doesnt seem worth it for Carrie to wait around for him, no matter how good their relationship has been this time around. I agree that we all know that trouble of some sort was in the cards for these two, but this seemed like the worst possible way for them to end things. But as you said, Marina, it was the perfect segue to Carrie and Seemas long-overdue beach trip! Theres the silver lining. Curtis
Anthony's Anal Sex Question On 'AJLT' Was A Great Throwback To The Original Series
I get it, Giuseppe. The publishing industry is notoriously hard to break into!
But yeah, in all seriousness, Anthony has often been the comic relief, both here and in the original series often to great effect. Who doesnt love a good Anthony one-liner? But this was a real moment of vulnerability for him, and Im glad he got to have that. Marina
I chuckled at the start of the episode, when Anthony came to Charlotte to ask her advice on anal sex. It was a great throwback to a classic moment from the premiere season of the original series, when Charlotte was worried about being branded the up-the-butt girl if she did the deed with her boyfriend. Like Erin, I havent been especially invested in Anthony and Giuseppes relationship, but I will say their arc in this episode warmed me up to them a bit as a couple. I also loved that Anthony relented, despite how uncomfortable he looked in the final sex montage. Curtis
It Seems Like Miranda Has Finally Got It Together On 'And Just Like That'
Between killing it at her job, reconciling with Steve, and her and Che agreeing their relationship was a train wreck, Miranda is doing so much better emotionally. I have high hopes that this sets her up for a more healthy relationship with Joy. Marina
Im so glad this season ended on a high note for Miranda. She got to a place of laughing with Che about their relationship, she mended things with Steve, she had a big work win, and she had an exciting night out with a new lady. Her admission a few episodes back about being a sexually confused alcoholic who's in the midst of a divorce felt like a reset for her (and was also one of the best lines of the season). Miranda is moving forward, even with some big question marks in her life, and is totally fine with that. Go, Miranda. Lydia
Seeing Miranda back in her element personally and professionally was just so great. I loved the glimpse at her tattoo, which Id honestly forgotten about until then, as a subtle reminder of how much she has evolved even as she steps back into her career. Curtis
Seema Refused To Make The Same Mistake That Carrie Did In The Original Series
Ravi asking her if she wanted to move with him while he goes to shoot this Marvel movie reminded me of the final season of the original series. Remember when Carrie quit her job and packed up her entire life to move to Paris with Aleksandr Petrovsky (Mikhail Baryshnikov)? (I am contractually obligated to say: You are comic?) Im glad Seema did not make the same mistake and put her foot down: Im not giving up my career, and this person that Ive worked so hard to become, for a man. Full stop.
I also cannot get over Ravi being unable to shut off his phone. I get hes a big-shot Marvel director. But, my dude, what could possibly be so urgent that you cant wait a second and enjoy a meal from a Michelin-starred chef? Marina
I totally agree with you, Marina. How is it Ravi couldnt shut off his phone, even just for an hour? Im thrilled that Seema has a love interest who seems smitten with her in moments, but her apprehension given Ravis preoccupation with work was completely justified. It seemed she got her message across to him by the end of the episode, and their resolution felt a lot more manageable than Carrie and Aidans, so Im hopeful this wont be the last we see of this coupling. Curtis
The 'And Just Like That' Writers Answered Our Endless Calls To Bring Back One Character
You called it! This was great. I wrote in my notes, GET IT, NYA! in all caps. Thats it, thats the tweet. We love this for her. Marina
My first thought about Gary Dourdans return was how excited Erin must be! His chemistry with Nya is electric, and making him the Michelin-starred chef was an unexpected twist. Lydia
Yes, chef! Nya has felt underwritten for most of this season, so Im glad they seem to have beefed up her storylines in the latter half. Cant wait to see more of these two together! Curtis
Lisa And Herbert Finally Get Real On 'And Just Like That'
At first, I was a little concerned that it might come across as suggesting its not OK for someone to have doubts about an unplanned pregnancy, thinking of last weeks bizarre handling of their abortion conversation. But their later conversation in the bathroom assuaged that for me. Marina
Carrie Is So Shady To Miranda On 'AJLT' And There Are 2 Possible Reasons Why
Lol, I wrote in my notes: Che thought those jokes were funny?!
I get that narratively, the writers needed a way to get the whole ensemble in one place. But yeah, story purposes aside, it seems unfathomable that youd invite someone who publicly disrespected one of your best friends.
Low bar, I know, but it was good to see Miranda and Che finally get on the same page about their train wreck of a relationship. Marina
I sometimes wonder if Carrie is being shady to Miranda because 1) she hooked up with Che in Carries apartment when she was supposed to be taking care of her post-surgery (forcing Carrie to pee in a Diet Peach Snapple bottle), and because 2) Miranda questioned whether Carrie was moving too fast with Aidan after Miranda exploded her whole life and career to follow Che and their ill-fated pilot to Los Angeles. Lydia
I know that Carrie and Che had their own friendship outside of Miranda, but I totally agree that it was shady and inconsiderate to invite Che to the dinner after that horrendous set.
In one of the previous episodes, Nya and Miranda had a conversation about Miranda cutting off her exes; and while Nya thought that was a strength, Miranda clearly didnt like to hear it. So I guess that motivated her to want to be pleasant with Che at the dinner party. However, I probably would have found it even more believable if Miranda had voiced an issue about Ches invite given the literal public humiliation they put her through.
But, thankfully, they were both able to acknowledge their relationship was a mess. Taiyler
Im echoing what all of you have said already, but Carrie should NOT have invited Che to this dinner party after last weeks mess, and her friendship with Miranda should have taken precedence. If theres any path forward for Che on this series, things had to be smoothed over between them and Miranda, even if it didnt carry the same dramatic heft that Mirandas truce with Steve did. Curtis
One Friendship On 'AJLT' Deserved More Airtime
Agreed, this was such a great moment and a huge win for Nya! I hope it bodes well for next season. It was also a lovely moment of vulnerability and really endearing to see her admit to Miranda that she misses having a man in her life, someone with whom she can celebrate her many accomplishments.
Also, I loved seeing Broadway legend Andr De Shields as her boss. Marina
I agree, Marina, it was a raw and relatable moment when Nya said she wants someone to celebrate with. Sometimes big gains in one part of your life, like Nyas election to the American Law Institute, can amplify the pain around parts that feel empty. That can be a hard thing to say out loud, but the writers did it beautifully. Lydia
The truth is that I just love seeing Nya on my screen, but I agree that her friendship with Miranda is very sweet and deserves more airtime.
It was so real to see Nya experience having a good thing while battling the idea of not having a love interest to share it with. It was also just as good to see Miranda persuade Nya to still attend the Last Supper with those two words (Michelin chef) after hearing what Nya had to say. Taiyler
Charlotte Gave Us The Energy We've Been Waiting For On 'AJLT'
Tell him, Charlotte! But just no more throwing your phone into a pitcher of margaritas. I am still chuckling at Curtis astutely pointing out last week that no one does this, except for characters on TV.
Also, points to Harry for immediately braving the Apple Store to get her a new phone. Marina
It was so good to see Charlotte this way! I know scenes like this can sometimes feel performative, but I definitely enjoyed this one given the way Charlottes storyline has primarily been centered around her kids.
Oh and the nerve of that man to get fed up so quickly, he needed Charlotte to talk some sense into him. Taiyler
Charlottes initial apprehensions about returning to work, as seen earlier this season, make total sense now. Though weve been primed to view Harry as an ideal man throughout the original series, the movies and (most of) the revival, its refreshing to see that he, too, needs to reprioritize. Kudos to Charlotte for being assertive and putting her foot down! Curtis
Carrie Officially Has A Pet With A Very Cute Name
I very clearly remember when Che handed her the cat, I thought: Carrie cant take care of a cat! But so far, so good, I guess? Marina
Im here in defense of Shoe. Shes so cute and I was pleasantly surprised to see her in Carries possession after some confusion about the ownership. Carrie of the And Just Like That universe is so much less selfish than the character from the original series; I think pet ownership suits her now! Lydia
The first episode of this season gave us Carrie cooking, so it seems fitting that we have Carrie as a pet owner now, too a far cry from the Carrie that couldnt keep a houseplant alive in the original series! Shoe is too cute, though, so Im here for her especially since Mirandas cat Fatty likely crossed the rainbow bridge some time ago. Curtis
This 'AJLT' Scene Was One Of The Best Of The Series So Far
Wonderful scene, no notes. Justice for Steve. Marina
This was a beautiful scene that allayed some of my ongoing frustrations with their story. Ive felt for a long time that this series did a disservice to viewers by breaking these two up. So much of the original series and first film revolved around the question of whether they belonged together, and when they both show up on the Brooklyn Bridge at the end of the movie, we had our answer: Steve and Miranda are endgame. Sometimes you just want your characters lives to be tied up in a pretty bow at the end. I think Miranda asking Steve for friendship in this episode, along with Steve essentially saying their separation doesnt mean their marriage was a mistake, honored the original conclusion about their relationship. Lydia
Such a heartfelt moment. I loved the closure and that Brady was also able to catch a glimpse of it. Taiyler
What a poignant, wistful moment. Steve and Miranda were the best couple to emerge from the original series, hands down, so their breakup is still a bummer. Still, after all thats gone down in the past two seasons, Im relieved that were not seeing them make an implausible decision to get back together now. It felt like the start of a new, hopeful chapter for these two, and I was glad to see Brady witness it. Curtis
There Was One Thing Missing From The Samantha-Carrie Call On 'AJLT'
Erin, I gotta rewatch this now!!!
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this scene. I wasnt sure what to expect from this cameo, and I think everyone involved really pulled it off as best as they possibly could, given the, uh, logistics. It contained some nice callbacks to the original series and the first movie. Im also really relieved they put it at the very beginning, because otherwise wed have spent the entire episode wondering: Where is Samantha Jones?!
Given the real-life drama between the actors, what Im about to say is unresolvable, but it was pretty unrealistic for Samantha to not just get on the next flight to New York. It reminded me of a similar moment in the first season: Samantha sent Carrie flowers instead of showing up to Bigs funeral, which never would have happened. As soon as she heard, our girl would have been on the first flight from London! One thing Samantha Jones will always do: show up for her friends! When Carrie moved in the first movie, she showed up with two bottles of Champagne, and the four of them spent several days packing up Carries apartment together (and we got that great montage of Carries outfits over the years). But again, I get that this was probably the best way for this to make sense under the circumstances. Marina
The way I SCREAMED when the Samantha scene was at the top of the episode. I really wasnt ready for it so early. I navely thought the interaction would be more consequential for the story or move the plot forward in some way. Once it was over, I couldnt help but wonder, What was the point?
I also wish wed gotten some more storytelling in the lead-up to this about how Carrie and Samantha mended their rift. I guess we can connect the dots that they worked things out when Carrie was in Paris at the end of last season, but I dont like having to fill in so many gaps myself. Lydia
Samanthas appearance was 74 seconds of perfection, as far as Im concerned, and Ive already rewatched it about 25 times, possibly more. Given the way the actors and writers tried to downplay it in the media after news that Kim Cattrall had filmed the scene leaked, it actually turned out to be a bit more substantial than I was expecting. Loved the Annabelle Bronstein throwback, loved the outfit, loved the bag, loved the sweet kiss at the end. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Of course, there was no denying that this scene was fan service, pure and simple. I, too, was hopeful it would tie into the overall storyline of the episode in a more significant way. Imagine, for instance, how much more profound it wouldve been if Samantha had called Carrie immediately after whatever that was that was supposed to have happened with Aidan at the end (more on that later). I realize this is probably too optimistic, but Id like to think of this as an olive branch that will set the stage for Kim to pop in every so often later on in the series. But if this is, truly, Samanthas final send-off, Ill be satisfied. Curtis
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