“And Just Like That...” returned for Season 2 Thursday with the first two episodes of the much-anticipated and often derided revival to “Sex and the City.”
Season 2 literally picks up right where Season 1 left off — and thankfully with a bit more sex. (Literally — there’s a montage of the couples getting it on when the episode opens.)
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We see Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) just a few weeks after she kissed her hot podcast producer Franklyn (Ivan Hernandez) in the elevator at work. Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) has jetted off to Los Angeles to be with her boo Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez) as Che gets their TV series off the ground. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is busy keeping up with Harry and their kids. Seema (Sarita Choudhury) finds out some compromising details about her boo’s personal life. Nya (Karen Pittman) is struggling in a long-distance marriage. Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) and her husband Herbert (Christopher Jackson) have an odd tension between them.
TV and film writers, including those who worked on “And Just Like That...” are currently on strike over pay and working conditions.
There will be a few non-surprises this season that OG fans of the series are anticipating. In trailers and photos, fans of SATC know that Season 2 of “And Just Like That...” includes return of Aidan Shaw (John Corbett), Carrie’s ex-boyfriend (times two). In May, Variety reported that Carrie’s ex-bestie Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) would also appear on the series — albeit under some very interesting circumstances.
But those appearances won’t happen until later. For now, check out this conversation about Episodes 1 and 2 with several HuffPost team members.
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Something Fishy Is Going On Between This 'AJLT' Couple
Herbert is very horny for Lisa — rightfully so, Nicole Ari Parker is HOT. Lisa is very preoccupied with her work, so she tries to squeeze in time for Herb when she can. But it seems like there’s some kind of tension simmering here. Lisa seems fed up with Herbert being seemingly unable to handle small things on his own, but she also seems really bogged down with unfinished work and perhaps Herb isn’t taking her career seriously. I’m keeping my eye on this. — Erin
I really felt for Lisa when she was managing all her kids’ morning routines, and Herbert busts in asking if his tie “made it home from the cleaners.” Give this woman a break! — Lydia
I really felt for Lisa when she was managing all her kids’ morning routines, and Herbert busts in asking if his tie “made it home from the cleaners.” Give this woman a break! — Lydia
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We Want This ‘AJLT’ Character To Be Single And Mingling
I had kind of forgotten about Nya’s (Karen Pittman) marriage to her husband Andre, tbh. In the first season, they bickered a lot about having a baby, and in this season, Andre is abroad chasing his music dreams. And … well, I don’t miss him! I’ve liked this glimpse of what it’d be like if Nya were single, and I DEFINITELY am here for her to have some kind of rendezvous with actor Gary Dourdan, who appears in Episode 1. The rizz is there for the both of them. — Erin
I love Nya, period, and I also love the idea of Nya without that man. She was right, he is “playing with fire.” —Taiyler
I’m down for another single lady on this cast. I just hope the writers find a way to anchor her storyline with the other women in New York instead of just through her phone calls with Miranda. — Lydia
I love Nya, period, and I also love the idea of Nya without that man. She was right, he is “playing with fire.” —Taiyler
I’m down for another single lady on this cast. I just hope the writers find a way to anchor her storyline with the other women in New York instead of just through her phone calls with Miranda. — Lydia
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Thank God They Changed This Small Hair Detail In 'And Just Like That'
This was one of the most egregious small details about the first season of “And Just Like That…” Cynthia Nixon has gorgeous short red hair, and that coif has been so iconic for her “Sex and the City” character Miranda. But in Season 1, she was in this horrible white-gray wig for most of the season and it was so distracting. I love a good gray ‘do, but it just did not work. In Season 2, the red hair is back and now Miranda doesn’t look like a caricature of herself. Brava to the hair team. — Erin
*Sigh of relief.* — Taiyler
*Sigh of relief.* — Taiyler
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Che Diaz's Comedy And Sitcom Feels Like A Parody — But Not In A Good Way
Like I said, I like Che as a character most times, but their comedy makes me cringe. That feeling is not uncommon for me whenever I watch comedy, but I would prefer comedy from queer people and/or POC. This just feels like a disservice. — Taiyler
I think a major part of why Che became a meme and a punchline in the first season was because their character development came off as one-dimensional. Like many aspects of identity last season, it all felt shoehorned in, and as if the show didn't really understand Che as an actual person.
So far this season, I think the show is trying to do more with them and move beyond clichés. That said, its portrayal of their standup and new sitcom still feels sort of like a parody, or like what the writers think Che’s comedic style would sound like — rather than what it actually would be like. So that part still ends up feeling flat to me. — Marina
I think a major part of why Che became a meme and a punchline in the first season was because their character development came off as one-dimensional. Like many aspects of identity last season, it all felt shoehorned in, and as if the show didn't really understand Che as an actual person.
So far this season, I think the show is trying to do more with them and move beyond clichés. That said, its portrayal of their standup and new sitcom still feels sort of like a parody, or like what the writers think Che’s comedic style would sound like — rather than what it actually would be like. So that part still ends up feeling flat to me. — Marina
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So … Will Che and Miranda Last On The West Coast?
At first, I was more invested in Miranda and Nya’s friendship, to be honest. I love Che but haven’t grasped the intimacy in their relationship beyond sex so far. But by Episode 2, my mouth absolutely dropped when Che’s husband picked up stranded Miranda. I can’t wait to see more. — Taiyler
Miranda asking Che, “Is this a strap-on or a cat toy?” sent me. But in general, I can’t stand how much our dear Rambo has lost herself in this relationship. She feels like a supporting character in the Che Diaz show, even more than she did last season. And Che acting like it’s no big deal she didn’t tell Miranda she’s MARRIED is so gaslight-y. That’s a very reasonable thing for Miranda to be distraught over! I did feel the old Miranda come out when she’s struggling to get out of the sensory deprivation tank, and says, “Fuck the new me!” I mean … there’s our girl! — Lydia
Miranda asking Che, “Is this a strap-on or a cat toy?” sent me. But in general, I can’t stand how much our dear Rambo has lost herself in this relationship. She feels like a supporting character in the Che Diaz show, even more than she did last season. And Che acting like it’s no big deal she didn’t tell Miranda she’s MARRIED is so gaslight-y. That’s a very reasonable thing for Miranda to be distraught over! I did feel the old Miranda come out when she’s struggling to get out of the sensory deprivation tank, and says, “Fuck the new me!” I mean … there’s our girl! — Lydia
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This 'AJLT' Scene Felt Forced — But It Also Hit Close To Home
In Episode 2, Carrie spends a lot of time trying not to talk about her vagina on her podcast for an ad for vaginal suppositories. Apparently, the podcast company she was working for was hurting for cash, and they ended up shutting down the studio and her podcast by the end of the episode. Media cash flow problems, eh? Watching this felt so close to home as media companies shutter and lay off staff. But now I’m curious what she’s going to do next. Also, I really want to know how much she was making as a podcast host. She famously got $4 a word at Vogue as a freelancer in the later seasons of “Sex and the City,” so ... maybe she just drained the podcast company to the ground. — Erin
And then it went up to $4.50 by the end of the episode! Every time I rewatch that episode, I chuckle loudly.
Lol, Erin, I was just about to comment about how this storyline was relatable only to a point. Yes, every scene of media layoffs on a show sends a shiver down my spine (see also: “Succession”). But this one felt so forced — like, it would not happen simply because Carrie didn’t want to read that ad! Also, Carrie will be fine! I feel bad for the rest of the staff at the podcast company, who, like in real life, are heading into a rough job market for journalists. :( — Marina
This storyline did not hit for me. Are we really supposed to believe an entire podcast studio was shut down because Carrie didn’t like the ad copy for a vaginal suppository ad? At first I thought Carrie was objecting to the ad because products for vaginal hygiene tend to prey on women’s insecurities and wreak havoc on vaginal flora! Then I remembered ... it’s Carrie. And of course Carrie just doesn’t want to talk about vaginas. — Lydia
And then it went up to $4.50 by the end of the episode! Every time I rewatch that episode, I chuckle loudly.
Lol, Erin, I was just about to comment about how this storyline was relatable only to a point. Yes, every scene of media layoffs on a show sends a shiver down my spine (see also: “Succession”). But this one felt so forced — like, it would not happen simply because Carrie didn’t want to read that ad! Also, Carrie will be fine! I feel bad for the rest of the staff at the podcast company, who, like in real life, are heading into a rough job market for journalists. :( — Marina
This storyline did not hit for me. Are we really supposed to believe an entire podcast studio was shut down because Carrie didn’t like the ad copy for a vaginal suppository ad? At first I thought Carrie was objecting to the ad because products for vaginal hygiene tend to prey on women’s insecurities and wreak havoc on vaginal flora! Then I remembered ... it’s Carrie. And of course Carrie just doesn’t want to talk about vaginas. — Lydia
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So, What Do We Think About Carrie And Her Producer Hooking Up?
I can’t tell how I feel about the two as a couple yet, but I love the theme of newness that I’m seeing with these women in the show. It’s so refreshing to me and I can’t wait to see where the story goes. — Taiyler
Carrie seems so comfortable with Franklyn! I’m rooting for her to make him a Friday-Wednesday man, too. He seems a little one-dimensional to me right now, but I’m looking forward to watching his character develop. — Lydia
Carrie seems so comfortable with Franklyn! I’m rooting for her to make him a Friday-Wednesday man, too. He seems a little one-dimensional to me right now, but I’m looking forward to watching his character develop. — Lydia
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'And Just Like That...' Brings Sex Back — And We're Loving It
Apparently, the writers of “And Just Like That…” heard at least some of our complaints about the first season. The first episode of Season 2 opens with all the couples getting their freak on, bringing the sex back to the storied franchise. It was the perfect cold open to let us know the status of all the couples. I hope the other episodes keep the sex and sexiness coming. — Erin
I liked the recentering of sex, especially hinging on the ending of the previous season with Carrie and the podcast. Also, I’m a fan of the song choice for said montage. — Taiyler
I co-sign all of the above! The lack of sex was a bummer last season, and this feels promising. Also, did anyone else notice that when Nya (the only one not getting laid in the opening montage) scrolls through the apps on her TV, there’s an icon for Max? Are the women of "AJLT" watching themselves on HBO’s many-named streaming service? — Lydia
Without giving away anything (since I’ve watched screeners for a large chunk of this season), I’m happy to report this new season feels like it’s leaning into the original series a bit more. There’s a chunk of episodes coming up where we’ll get the classic “SATC” setup of “characters having a dating debacle or a relationship quandary, and then cut to a few of them brainstorming about it over drinks.” — Marina
I liked the recentering of sex, especially hinging on the ending of the previous season with Carrie and the podcast. Also, I’m a fan of the song choice for said montage. — Taiyler
I co-sign all of the above! The lack of sex was a bummer last season, and this feels promising. Also, did anyone else notice that when Nya (the only one not getting laid in the opening montage) scrolls through the apps on her TV, there’s an icon for Max? Are the women of "AJLT" watching themselves on HBO’s many-named streaming service? — Lydia
Without giving away anything (since I’ve watched screeners for a large chunk of this season), I’m happy to report this new season feels like it’s leaning into the original series a bit more. There’s a chunk of episodes coming up where we’ll get the classic “SATC” setup of “characters having a dating debacle or a relationship quandary, and then cut to a few of them brainstorming about it over drinks.” — Marina
So we watched the first season of "And Just Like That..." mostly wondering why we kept tuning in.
There are some obvious reasons: We love the characters, the original show is iconic television and, well, we just couldn't look away at some of these storylines — for better or worse.
If we were in the writers room, we'd like additions to the cast Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker and Karen Pittman to get more screen time and more developed storylines.
And of course, we need more of that original "Sex and the City" magic.
Let's see how the second season treats us!
There are some obvious reasons: We love the characters, the original show is iconic television and, well, we just couldn't look away at some of these storylines — for better or worse.
If we were in the writers room, we'd like additions to the cast Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker and Karen Pittman to get more screen time and more developed storylines.
And of course, we need more of that original "Sex and the City" magic.
Let's see how the second season treats us!
