So, is this really what's unfolding? Is this our narrative journey? Miranda is literally blowing her life to smithereens and bolting from the ruins in search of her elusive fairy-tale ending, leaving us high and dry: (1) devoid of the climactic moment that last week's episode painstakingly built up to, and (2) with absolutely zero repercussions to speak of? Life just carries on as if nothing happened. The timeline following Miranda's divorce request to Steve in "No Strings Attached" remains fuzzy, yet it seems altogether too hasty for Steve and Brady to saunter into Miranda's women's shelter volunteer gig, looking as composed as ever, doesn't it? Not even a family powwow with Brady? Yes, this is where I find myself with this show – yearning for Brady's perspective on matters. It's a low point, I admit. But then again, this is the same series that introduced Miranda's fleeting drinking problem, had her quit abruptly, and never breathed a word about it again. I'm not advocating for my characters' miseries, but where are the ramifications? At least some acknowledgment that life's challenges are daunting and seldom pan out perfectly. Perhaps next week's finale will be replete with consequences. I doubt it, but one can dream.
Only time will reveal the truth, but for now, Miranda and Che appear to be thriving! Or so I think – it's all rather bewildering. Last week, Che confessed their love for Miranda, and the pair seemingly reunited romantically in Cleveland – yet no one utters a word about Cleveland. This week, when Miranda arrives unannounced at Che's doorstep, aiming for spontaneity, they're put off by her interruption of their writing session. Che stresses that this isn't an ordinary relationship; they refuse to follow "relationship routines," which sounds like something someone who doesn't want to commit but doesn't want to appear non-committal would say. According to Che, Miranda isn't their girlfriend; they're not even dating. They're just "getting to know each other," a far cry from "I'm in love with you too." Miranda doesn't help matters by acting like a love-struck thirteen-year-old, running away when she realizes Che isn't amused by her impromptu visit. Reluctantly, I find myself concurring with Che Diaz when they exclaim, "What the fuck?" Miranda accepts the "not dating" status quo and decides she needs to chill out. But nothing about this situation is chill!
Let's shift gears to Carrie and a storyline I wholeheartedly embrace. Carrie plans to meet Professor Puke – I mean, the ever-amiable Peter – for dinner once more. She insists it's not a date but more of a "redo between two individuals who once threw up on each other." How romantic! However, her newest dilemma stems from worrying about still wearing her wedding ring. Is it appropriate for a so-called non-date? She seeks Seema's advice, who wisely notes it's appropriate if Carrie deems it so – she should do what feels right. She ponders removing it before the not-a-date but ends up keeping Big's ring on, held in place by a Band-Aid. Carrie can't face dining out with Peter. I understand her reluctance to cancel via text, but showing up at the restaurant only to inform him she can't dine isn't much more considerate, considering where he might live in relation to the place. Nevertheless, Peter is understanding. Their mutual pain is evident – he keeps his late wife's voicemail on his phone, replaying it incessantly. Still, he warns Carrie that this marks strike two for them, urging caution. Alright, all we know of Peter is that he's a teacher with great hair, kind-hearted, and capable of puking on a woman without too much embarrassment, but, wow, he's… swoon-worthy? I'm rooting for Peter!
As Carrie joins the gang for a day dedicated to painting the women's shelter that Nya and Miranda have tirelessly worked on, preparing it for its grand opening, her finger still adorns Big's ring. Steve, the perpetual ray of sunshine amidst the chaos, shows up yet again, defying all odds. What an angel he is! Choosing to partner up with Steve, the pair soon finds Steve, the Ever-Sad Boy, inquisitively probing Carrie about Miranda and Che's relationship. His questions are not forceful, but rather, steeped in confusion and heartache. Carrie attempts to empathize, albeit halfheartedly, her primary inclination being to remain a spectator in this drama. An opportunity to extricate herself arises when she accidentally stumbles into a paint-laden tray, necessitating an immediate heel-cleansing session (and who are we to judge Carrie Bradshaw for donning towering heels during manual labor? She is Carrie Bradshaw, after all!).
However, in the bathroom, Big's ring slips from her finger and plunges into the abyss of the drain. Overwhelmed with distress and panic, she eventually seeks Steve's assistance. He reassuringly informs her that the ring will likely be trapped in the p-trap. With some ingenuity and a bit of elbow grease, he retrieves the ring, much to Carrie's palpable relief. She apologizes for her overreaction, but Steve understands, his own wedding ring gleaming as a testament to his unwavering commitment. He vows never to remove it, regardless of Miranda's actions, echoing a sentiment both romantic and heartbreakingly solemn. Carrie, unable to bear his plight, tells him that he is "such a remarkable person" and wonders if he might eventually desire companionship. He deserves happiness with someone, she insists. Yet, he stands firm in his resolution. "Never coming off," he repeats.
Whether Steve will ever change his mind remains a mystery, but Carrie's words certainly spark introspection within her. They prompt her to reflect on her own relationship status and the significance of her ring. Perhaps she too longs for companionship—or at least, the courage to explore the possibility of finding someone new. Thus, she returns home and consigns both her ring and Big's to a drawer, before sending a text to Peter: "Up for strike three?"
