by Diana Gebbia, Contributing Writer
And just like that, writers Michael Patrick King and Darren Star gave their beloved Sex and the City characters storylines that felt true to them again.
But, while Season Two of And Just Like That… is a drastic improvement from it’s predecessor, it’s by no means a perfect show.
The show picks up right where it left off in Season One: Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is still hooking up with her podcast producer, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is adjusting to life in L.A. with Che (Sara Ramirez), and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is still learning to adjust to life with teenagers.
When And Just Like That… was announced, fans expected the gang to navigate the modern world in a way that felt true to their characters. However, Season One failed at this. It took too much of a serious tone surrounding themes of aging and loss, introduced diversity in a way that felt forced and unauthentic, and had Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte acting in ways that felt out of form for their characters.
Diehard Sex and the City fans will appreciate that Season Two of And Just Like That… feels way more reminiscent of the original series. The storylines are way more lighthearted, but touch on serious topics when needed. Carrie and the girls felt true to the characters we love.
Although the first two episodes seemed to be a repeat of the previous season, the show really finds its stride in Episode Three. Carrie finds herself faking COVID to get out of a work obligation, and Charlotte and new friend Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) strive to be on a “MILF list” at their kids’ school. It could’ve been an episode in the original series.
The show also won by inviting Carrie’s beloved ex Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) back. It feels right to have her explore that relationship after the death of Mr. Big. And, fans were nostalgically drawn right back into the will they-won’t-they nature of their relationship.
Kim Cattrall’s much-anticipated cameo as Samantha is also a pleasant moment. Although it is short and sweet, it’s nice to have her on screen again.
Once again, though, the show falls flat with Che Diaz. Although diversity on TV is much needed in 2023, Che’s character still feels forced, in contrast to Charlotte’s child Rock (Alexa Swinton) coming out as nonbinary last season, which felt organic and easeful in the storyline.
On Sex and The City, Miranda Hobbs is known for being a strong, no-nonsense woman. But, she’s meek and submissive in her relationship with Che. And Che adds nothing to the story outside of their relationship with Miranda. It’s nothing against Ramirez’ performance, but rather a misstep in their character’s writing.
And Just Like That… has been renewed for a third season. While there’s still a ways to go for this show, if it continues on the path of Season Two with fun storylines and the return of beloved characters, it can only lead to success.
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And Just Like That… is currently streaming on Max
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