Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding day turned into a nightmare when Mr. Big, John James Preston, left her standing at the altar. This devastating scene unfolded in the first episode of Sex and the City’s sixth season, titled “To Market, To Market”.
This episode marked a pivotal moment in the series, solidifying Big’s reputation as emotionally unavailable and testing Carrie’s resilience in the face of profound heartbreak. Let’s delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this iconic television moment and address some frequently asked questions about this heartbreaking turn of events.
The Anatomy of a Disaster: How Big Left Carrie at the Altar
The buildup to the wedding was fraught with anxiety and premonitions. Carrie, ever the romantic, had embraced the fairytale wedding, despite Miranda’s (and, let’s be honest, her own) reservations about Big’s commitment. The episode opens with Carrie and her friends (Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha) navigating the complexities of wedding planning, from dress fittings to choosing a venue.
However, as the day approached, Big’s behavior became increasingly erratic. He admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the grand scale of the event and voiced his fears about marriage. Carrie, blinded by love and the dream of finally settling down with Big, brushed aside these warning signs.
The episode culminates in the devastating scene outside the New York Public Library. Carrie, radiant in her Vivienne Westwood gown, waits at the altar, surrounded by her friends and hundreds of well-wishers. Big, however, is nowhere to be found. The episode intercuts between Carrie’s growing anxiety and Big’s frantic calls to Miranda, ultimately revealing his decision to flee. He couldn’t go through with it.
The episode ends with Carrie shattered, humiliated, and alone, left to grapple with the painful reality that her dream wedding had turned into a public spectacle of heartbreak. The scene is made even more gut-wrenching by Jennifer Hudson’s vocal performance of “All Dressed in Love,” enhancing the emotional weight of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Big’s Altar Dash
Why Did Big Really Leave Carrie at the Altar?
Big’s reasons were complex and multifaceted, rooted in his chronic fear of commitment. While he loved Carrie, the immense pressure and finality of marriage triggered his deep-seated anxieties. He felt overwhelmed by the expectations, the social obligations, and the prospect of losing his independence. In short, he panicked. The large wedding exacerbated his fears; had it been a smaller, more intimate affair, he might have been able to handle the situation differently. Ultimately, it stemmed from his inability to fully commit and his deeply ingrained emotional issues.
What Was the Immediate Aftermath for Carrie?
The immediate aftermath was, understandably, devastating for Carrie. She was left humiliated and heartbroken. Her friends rallied around her, offering comfort and support. She fled to Mexico with Samantha, seeking refuge and escape from the painful reminders of her failed wedding. This trip allowed her to begin the process of healing and rebuilding her life.
Did Miranda Play a Role in Big’s Decision?
Indirectly, yes. Big called Miranda the morning of the wedding, confessing his fears and anxieties. Miranda, knowing Carrie’s happiness was at stake, initially tried to encourage him to go through with it. However, her own marital insecurities and pragmatic outlook on relationships likely contributed to Big’s growing doubts. She ultimately told him to do what he felt was right, which inadvertently gave him the validation to abandon the wedding.
Was There Any Indication Big Would Run Away Before the Episode Aired?
While attentive viewers might have picked up on Big’s growing unease in the episodes leading up to the wedding, the magnitude of his decision was a major plot twist. The show masterfully created tension and uncertainty, but the ultimate outcome was a shocking and unexpected blow for both Carrie and the audience. The scale of the wedding itself, something Carrie insisted upon, amplified Big’s anxieties and served as a subtle foreshadowing element.
Did Big Actually Regret Leaving Carrie at the Altar?
Yes, Big absolutely regretted leaving Carrie at the altar. His actions stemmed from fear and panic, not a lack of love for her. Throughout the rest of the series, and especially in the subsequent films, Big consistently displays remorse and actively seeks to reconcile with Carrie, proving that his impulsive decision was a significant mistake he deeply regretted.
How Did Carrie Eventually Forgive Big?
Forgiveness was a long and arduous process for Carrie. It involved years of reflection, therapy, and personal growth. She realized that Big’s actions stemmed from his own emotional baggage and that she couldn’t force him to be someone he wasn’t. Over time, she began to understand his fears and appreciate his genuine affection for her, even if it manifested in unconventional ways. The key to their eventual reconciliation lay in their ability to communicate honestly and address their underlying issues.
Did the Altar Incident Affect Carrie’s View of Marriage?
Undoubtedly, the altar incident profoundly affected Carrie’s view of marriage. It shattered her idealistic notions of fairytale weddings and forced her to confront the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in relationships. While she eventually did marry Big, the experience instilled in her a more realistic and nuanced understanding of commitment. She no longer viewed marriage as a guarantee of happiness but rather as a conscious choice that requires ongoing effort and compromise.
Did the Other Characters Blame Big for What Happened?
Absolutely. Carrie’s friends, particularly Miranda and Samantha, were furious with Big. They felt he had not only hurt Carrie but also humiliated her in front of a large crowd. Charlotte, ever the romantic, was especially devastated by the collapse of Carrie’s dream wedding. Their anger reflected the audience’s outrage and provided Carrie with a much-needed support system.
What Significance Does the Vivienne Westwood Dress Hold?
The Vivienne Westwood dress is iconic and symbolizes Carrie’s belief in fairytale romance and her aspirations for a perfect wedding. Its grandiosity reflects the excessive and unrealistic expectations she placed on her relationship with Big. The fact that she was wearing this dress when she was abandoned at the altar adds a layer of tragedy and underscores the shattering of her dreams.
Did Big’s Past Relationships Hint at His Commitment Issues?
Yes, Big’s past relationships consistently hinted at his commitment issues. His history of casual flings and reluctance to settle down were recurring themes throughout the series. He had a pattern of getting close to women and then pulling away when things became too serious. These patterns were evident long before the wedding, serving as red flags that Carrie, perhaps blinded by love, chose to ignore.
What Is the Episode’s Title “To Market, To Market” Refer To?
The title “To Market, To Market” is a subtle and ironic reference to the nursery rhyme about buying a fat pig but getting none home. This reflects Carrie’s experience of going to market for a husband, only to be left empty-handed and heartbroken. The nursery rhyme parallels the dashed hopes and unmet expectations that define the episode.
Were There Any Production Challenges Filming the Altar Scene?
Filming the altar scene at the New York Public Library was a logistical challenge, requiring extensive coordination and permits. The production team had to manage a large cast of extras and ensure that the scene captured the emotional weight of the moment. Furthermore, Jennifer Hudson’s involvement in the scene, singing “All Dressed in Love,” added another layer of complexity to the production. The scene was meticulously planned and executed to maximize its emotional impact on the audience.