It's an open secret that "And Just Like That…" stumbled upon a rocky inception. Indeed, I'm alluding to the multitude of sexual assault accusations that have surfaced concerning Chris Noth. Perhaps it's time we ceased debating whether Carrie should have dialed 911. However, I'm equally referring to the manner in which the show endeavors to confront the evident shortcomings of its predecessor, particularly when it comes to race, gender issues, and more. Perhaps the show aims for awkwardness and discomfort? Yet, these plotlines have ventured far beyond that realm. While commendable for its self-awareness, part of the dilemma lies in the superficiality surrounding these nuanced discussions. At times, it seems they merely skim the surface, ticking boxes without driving any meaningful points home.
Charlotte's storyline in "Some of My Best Friends" serves as a prime example. Let's face it: from start to finish, it's a cringe-worthy spectacle. She invites Lisa and Herbert to dinner with her friends, only to be thrown into a chaotic panic upon realizing the Wexleys will be the sole African American couple present (I won't even delve into her primary motive for inviting Stanford and Anthony—their homosexuality). The second half of this narrative—since the cursed dinner party is eventually canceled—finds Charlotte and Harry attending Herbert's birthday bash, where they turn out to be the only white attendees, committing some blatantly awkward gaffes (albeit Charlotte earns brownie points for being a supportive friend when standing up for Lisa against her formidable mother-in-law). The climax of this fiasco is a brief exchange between Charlotte and Lisa, where Charlotte confesses her panic, yearning to "do everything right," to which LTW responds with a sarcastic "good luck." It's commendable that these two tackle a potentially uncomfortable subject among friends; it just required more depth. Once again, the show sets the stage for an intriguing conversation but fails to deliver on it. Could there be more of this as Charlotte and Lisa's bond deepens? One can only hope.
Now, let's dwell on a highlight from this episode: the emphasis on women in their fifties forging new friendships. Making friends is arduous! And it becomes increasingly challenging with age, so it's refreshing to witness the show address this phenomenon of later-life companionship. And let's be honest, Carrie could truly benefit from a fresh face in her circle. Recall how her old friends condoned her stalking antics last week? She needs someone with an outsider's perspective, someone who could say, "please, friend, get a grip." I sense Seema could fill that role! Seema, Carrie's realtor, is a refreshing breeze in this show. She's introduced in style—arriving in a chauffeured car with a vanity plate bearing her name, donning fabulous shoes, and stubbing out a cigarette with those very shoes. Perhaps the show is yearning for cigarettes to regain their cool status. Or, it could merely be setting the stage for Seema and Carrie to bond later. Nevertheless, why is this show striving so diligently to normalize smoking in 2021?
Regardless, Seema is a remarkable and successful singleton who fearlessly speaks her mind. The issue at hand is that, while Carrie and Big's apartment is indeed splendid, it's overflowing with personality to the point of intimidating potential buyers. This assessment is spot on. However, her suggestion that a Peloton could be the finishing touch for their luxurious bathroom is far from it. Firstly, what sane real estate agent would propose such a thing? Secondly, "And Just Like That..." seems overly fixated on giving Peloton a bad rap, mentioning it incessantly throughout this episode! Just call it an exercise bike, folks!
Otherwise, Seema appears to be wonderful. She skillfully extracts Carrie from an uncomfortable open house scenario, and the pair share lighthearted laughter during their lunch outing. It's refreshing for Carrie to spend time with someone who doesn't incessantly probe about her deceased husband. There's a slight awkwardness when Seema, an unmarried woman, dives into the nightmarish world of online dating, prompting Carrie to remark that "it's great you're still putting yourself out there." Seema smoothly glosses over the moment, prioritizing their cacio e pepe.
The genuine conflict arises later, after Seema has spent the day showing the apartment (still stunning, even in its monochrome palette) and accidentally breaks a picture frame while trying to store it. It's a minor mishap—just the glass is shattered, easily replaceable. But Carrie freaks out. The frame held a photo of her and Big, kept on his bedside table, indicating his constant affection for it. Thus, the glass is irreplaceable! Moreover, Carrie is irked by Seema's nonchalant attitude toward the incident. This sparks a conversation about the unconscious insensitivity displayed by both—Seema in this moment, and Carrie earlier, whose comment about Seema's dating endeavors was somewhat condescending. They apologize sincerely, with Seema expressing admiration for Carrie's genuine love story (can any singleton resist yearning for a soulmate to achieve life fulfillment?). Their friendship solidifies over sushi.
I eagerly anticipate how the dynamic between Carrie and Seema will unfold throughout the season. It brings a glimmer of hope that Carrie's future holds levity and brightness, and this is indeed a wonderful thing.
