And Just Like That…
Here we go again but dig deep to uncover universal truths
“Maybe you have to let go of who you were in order to become who you will be” —Carrie Bradshaw
Sex & The City made its HBO debut in 1998. It chronicled the dating adventures of four single career women taking on the privileged social scene of The Big Apple with steely determination.
Yet swirling beneath the cutting-edge fashion were relatable dreams, insecurities, and challenges that all women have as they search for love and acceptance. Above all, there was a constant spotlight on valuing the power and security of female friendships.
Amid sobering current events unfolding around the world, humor me as I find meaning within a series that teeters between superficial and soulful.
I remember never missing an episode when the first season aired. I was also in my 30’s, but that was the only commonality. I lived in the Midwest suburbs, juggling a full-time career with chasing an active toddler. There was no late night clubbing in spiked Manolos and satin slip dresses. Nor did I regularly sip on Cosmos during Happy Hours, chattering about current boyfriends or new restaurant openings.
“I don’t believe in the Republican party or the Democratic party. I just believe in parties.” —Samantha Jones
Don’t misunderstand: I wasn’t unhappy with my life. But who doesn’t seek a little change of scenery every now and then? The S&TC sparkling repartee, the full social calendars, and the endless appearance of intriguing new men satisfied my yearning for a little escapism.
For others who also tuned in eagerly, who didn’t ponder endlessly if they were more like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte? In their own unique ways, each was independent and smart, yet tenderly vulnerable. Sometimes even comical.
“I’ve been dating since I was fifteen! I’m exhausted! Where is he?” — Charlotte York
Consider this:
- Each was in search of her Best Self, on her own terms
- Each waffled between confidence and uncertainty
- Each had a distinctive style
- Each was on a journey to evolve
In a way, there was a little bit of each of us in each of them.
After an 18-year hiatus, the series resumed last year with And Just Like That. The series continues to dish up witty lines and feature beautiful people inhabiting penthouse pads or Brooklyn brownstones. It’s an affluent slice of life most of us don’t experience.
Now the ladies are navigating their 50’s and I was curious to learn what had changed with age.
- What emotional baggage was shed?
- What new paths were they forging?
- What visible signs of aging would be present?
- What frivolous footwear would middle-aged Carrie strut in?
While I don’t want to present spoiler alerts, I’ll confirm that the fashion show continues, along with the women’s nonchalant acceptance of their privileged status. But there are definitely some curve balls pitched for three of the four friends (Samantha is not part of the cast).
I was disappointed with the fatuous, slap-stick lines about aging sprinkled liberally throughout. And the show’s heavy-handed inclusion of LGBTQ and POC characters felt contrived and calculated. Whatever was deemed essential for a PC cast or script—that was in there.
Regardless, this series was never about a deep dive into the challenges and issues unique to women. It was about skimming these topics in a superficial manner so we could focus on the eye candy and effortless banter. And they demonstrated how good friends keep us centered and moving forward.
Carrie nailed it with this statement:
“No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you’ll never go through it without your friends.” — Carrie Bradshaw
Who can argue with that?
Key Message: Beneath the fluff, the Fabulous Four (well, now the Terrific Three) portray the value of loyal female friendships as they navigate individual self-discovery journeys. In the same way, we’re all on a lifelong search for relevancy, love, and belonging … in each decade of our lives.
