And Just Like That: Carrie remains the true star of series
New York, New York - And Just Like That (AJLT) has concluded its first season with an adequate finale - thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker.
And just like that, the Sex and the City (SATC) gang is gone – but for how long is up for debate. There hasn't been any confirmed news for a follow-up season.
For now, most can agree that the SATC reboot's season finale was decent, but still somewhat disappointing. Let's hope the franchise doesn't end on this off-pitch note.
On Thursday's finale episode, SJP's Carrie Bradshaw finally lays her late husband, Mr. Big, to rest at his favorite place in the world: Paris.
Charlotte, played by Kristin Davis, continues to stand by her transgender son while coming to terms with their new change.
And Cynthia Nixon's time as Miranda ends with her dotingly following behind her new boo Che, played by Sara Ramirez.
In short, the final episode – and much of And Just Like That in general – was missing the show's sass that fans have come to love. If it wasn't for writer Carrie's fitting, international conclusion, the episode wouldn't have been anything to write home about at all.
SJP brings the focus back on the true star of AJLT
If we're being honest, Carrie Bradshaw has always been the "It Girl" of the SATC franchise. But what made the original series so enjoyable was its ability to make its other main characters dynamic to watch, too.
ALTJ failed horribly in that department, as fans are still furious with how Miranda's storyline was butchered – turning her into a cheater and a sort-of villain.
Yet, the series didn't fail to continue to make Carrie the one to watch.
From the horrific death of her husband, to landing her own podcast, viewers haven't stopped cheering for Carrie to come out on top. And she did just that.
Her new relationships with Seema and Peter, played by Sarita Choudhury and Jon Tenney respectively, were refreshing and fun. Her journey with grief was relatable. And her decision to move back into her old apartment – the one that viewers know and love – wasn't too cheesy, but aptly nostalgic.
Now, there are some issues that could've been handled better, like her awkward reconciliation with Samantha, or her old flame Aiden Shaw's mysterious absence from the reboot, despite it being reported he would appear.
Nevertheless, from start to finish, Carrie has been AJLT's true screen stealer – and thank God for it.
Sure, she wasn't engaging in raunchy and slightly disturbing sex or dealing with erratic teenagers like her BFFs, but her journey was fresh and entertaining. And fans are sad to see her go.
AJLT is available to stream on HBO Max.
Cover photo: IMAGO/Picturelux