After Sex and the City, an HBO series that painfully lasted from 1998 to 2004 and spawning to movies, comes “And Just Like That…” a spinoff to a tired old show that glorifies the bad decisions of New Yorker women. Believe me; you’re in for an eye-opener with this one. I won’t hold back on this review because the meta-politics of this show are way deeper.
Politics is downstream from culture, and in the case of Sex and the City, we need to take a close look at what they’re trying to bring to the table, particularly for women, women who are single, independent, and without any kids.
And Sex and The City and its spinoffs have made an imprint in the minds of millennial women a sort of social pressure to pursue careers while being misled into thinking that they can have it all, including luxurious lifestyles and fulfilling relationships, when in reality, most of them are in their thirties, living alone in really bad apartments, and feeling isolated as everyone around them settles down and starts a family.
How Many Seasons Of And Just Like That Are There?
So far, there are only two seasons of And Just Like That. Carrie Bradshaw and her friends, with the notorious exception of Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall, who wasn’t written in because she would outshine the other three, are back for another round at being single, independent, and without kids in New York at a moment where their biological clock is ticking just like Mona Lisa Vito’s slamming her foot in the porch in front of Joe Pesci in My Uncle Vinny.
The show goes to great lengths into the whole “inclusion” thing, making Cynthia Nixon’s character a lipstick lesbian past her prime who hooks up with a black lesbian Latina, and Kristin Davis’ character deals with a transgender offspring. It’s too much diversity sacrificing the meat in the bone. This leads me to another thing.
Is It Worth Watching?
Let me be clear: No. Not only are the Sex and The City female characters based on the mind Darren Star who decided back in the day to write a show about gay men living in glamourous New York and their utter promiscuity. So, he switched things up a bit when HBO thought that it was way too edgy to make a show like that. So, instead, he put Sarah Jessica Parker and her girlfriends whoring around in Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choo shoes.
You read that right, the creator of this show, Darren Star, wanted to make the characters of Sex and the City gay males. Because the demeanor of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha is exactly how gay male New Yorkers behave. But in the late 1990s, that was just too edgy for the same network that brought us Queer as Folk and Oz.
Also Read: 48 Best TV Shows & Movies To Watch On Disney+ [July 2023]
Unrealistic
In any case, “And Just Like That” perpetuates unrealistic expectations, an enticing illusion of a life filled with luxurious experiences, a successful career, and exciting romantic encounters.
The character of Carrie Bradshaw, a writer with a stunning apartment and a fashionable wardrobe, became a symbol of aspiration for many women. However, the show failed to adequately address the sacrifices, challenges, and compromises required to achieve such a lifestyle.
Materialistic
Then, we must tackle the show’s emphasis on materialistic values and the objectification of women. The characters’ relentless pursuit of designer labels, extravagant parties, and casual sexual encounters perpetuated a culture of shallow consumerism. This focus on material possessions and superficial experiences can lead women to prioritize external validation and overlook more meaningful aspects of life.
The characters in “Sex and the City” appeared to live lavish lifestyles without considering the financial consequences. This portrayal contributed to an unrealistic perception that women could effortlessly afford high-end fashion, luxury apartments, and extravagant experiences. In reality, this created an unhealthy cycle of overspending and debt for those who tried to emulate the show’s lifestyle.
Unhealthy Lifestyles
Then, there’s the reinforcement of unrealistic relationship expectations, often glamorizing unhealthy dynamics. The show frequently presented casual sex as empowering but failed to address the emotional consequences or the importance of emotional connection and stability.
It promoted a culture of casual hookups, leaving little room for meaningful and committed relationships.
Denies The Cycle Of Life
One of the things I find terrible is that And Just Like That, much like Sex and The City, ignores the realities of aging and motherhood. The characters in these series seemed to defy the natural progression of life, remaining perpetually youthful and carefree.
The show rarely explored the challenges and joys of motherhood, instead promoting a narrative that focused on freedom and independence. By neglecting the realities of aging and the potential desire for family, the show undermined the experiences of many women and contributed to feelings of alienation and unfulfilled expectations.
Also Read: How To Watch And Just Like That… Season 2 Episodes? Streaming Guide & Schedule
