I recently finished binge watching Sex & The City for the first time, and I’m so bummed there aren’t any more episodes that are a part of the original series. And believe me, I’ve watched both movies too. Now that I’ve watched the series beginning to end, excluding the reboot, And Just Like That, I’m ready to share my review.
It took me a while to finally start the series, but I’m so glad I finally did. Sex & The City quickly became my comfort show, and while I have my character criticisms, I really did love the iconic show.
All of the characters had their short-comings, but it’s hard to talk about SATC without paying special attention to Carrie Bradshaw. While I loved her witty remarks, fashion sense and overall aesthetic; she could be pretty problematic when it came to her relationships, romantic and platonic.
Her relationship scenes with Aiden Shaw, the first and the second time around, were difficult to watch. She moved through the dynamic selfishly, prioritizing her needs and desires. To cheat on Aidan repeatedly, but then talk about it as if it were a mistake was ridiculous. I believe she wasn’t trying to hurt him, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Mr. Big and Carrie were deciding to hook up time after time again.
Aidan had every right to be upset and heartbroken, and I think he needed time, something Carrie didn’t seem to fully understand during their second attempt at love. While Aidan was wrong for disregarding her feelings simply because he was still hurt, she acted as if his forgiveness is something she was entitled to, even though she was the one to make herself untrustworthy.
I became especially annoyed with Carrie whenever Aidan and Carrie were engaged, and Carrie wouldn’t wear the ring on her finger. It was obvious she wasn’t committed to the idea, and whether she meant to or not, she dragged Aidan through her uncertainty.
When it came to how she showed up in her friendships, Carrie upset me whenever Aidan and her were separating for the second time, and she was going to have to buy her apartment or move out. She lashed out at Charlotte for not offering to help her pay, as if it were her responsibility to tend to Carrie’s money problems. Sweet Charlotte ended up apologizing and helping her, but the way Carrie treated her and the comments she made made her character seem immature, self-centered and hypocritical; three consistent traits put on display throughout the series.
Even though I could bash Carrie all day, I appreciated the show for presenting four women’s unconditional love for one another as they navigated their careers and love lives. Each had different goals and desires for their lives, and I think that sort of diversity is needed.
There’s so much to say about all of the character’s love lives, but I’m glad that in the end, they all got what they wanted.
Overall, one of my biggest take-aways from the series — I need to learn how to walk in heels.