Carrie Bradshaw’s on-again, off-again relationship with Aiden Shaw remains one of the most discussed and debated pairings in Sex and the City history. The final nail in the coffin of their second attempt at romance occurs in Season 4, Episode 19, titled “The Good Fight.” This episode sees Carrie confessing to her lingering, ultimately insurmountable feelings for Mr. Big, leading to a painful but necessary conclusion to her relationship with Aiden.
Why This Breakup Still Matters
The breakup between Carrie and Aiden resonates so strongly with viewers because it showcases the complexities of love, timing, and self-awareness. Aiden, the kind and stable furniture designer, represented everything Carrie lacked in her tumultuous relationship with the unavailable Mr. Big. Their relationship became a battleground for Carrie’s emotional maturity, forcing her to confront her deepest desires and ultimately acknowledge that she wasn’t ready for the commitment Aiden offered. This wasn’t simply a case of “bad timing,” but a fundamental incompatibility rooted in Carrie’s own internal struggles.
The Breakdown of “The Good Fight”
Carrie’s Confession and Aiden’s Response
“The Good Fight” builds tension gradually, highlighting the growing strain between Carrie and Aiden. Carrie feels trapped by their shared apartment, a symbol of Aiden’s commitment and her own ambivalence. The pivotal moment arrives when she finally confesses her inability to fully move past Mr. Big. Aiden, heartbroken and realizing he can no longer trust her completely, decides to end the relationship. The scene is raw and realistic, depicting the pain of knowing you are not enough for someone, despite your best efforts. He articulates that he can’t get past her lies and feels he will never truly have her heart, and thus their relationship cannot continue.
The Impact on Each Character
The breakup has a profound impact on both characters. For Carrie, it’s a catalyst for self-reflection, forcing her to confront her patterns of behavior and her attraction to emotionally unavailable men. For Aiden, it’s a heartbreaking lesson in the importance of trust and the acceptance that some relationships are simply not meant to be, regardless of how hard you try. The episode also emphasizes the importance of honesty, even when it’s painful, as Carrie’s continued deception ultimately expedited the ending she couldn’t bring herself to address.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Carrie and Aiden
FAQ 1: Why did Carrie cheat on Aiden the first time?
Carrie cheated on Aiden during their first relationship in Season 3 because she was still deeply in love with Mr. Big. She craved the passion and excitement that Big offered, something she felt was missing in her more stable and predictable relationship with Aiden. The affair stemmed from Carrie’s own emotional immaturity and her inability to let go of a toxic but alluring connection.
FAQ 2: Did Aiden ever truly forgive Carrie for the affair?
While Aiden genuinely tried to forgive Carrie and rebuild their relationship, the affair left deep scars. The second time around, the underlying lack of trust remained a significant issue, contributing to the eventual breakup. He constantly questioned her honesty and fidelity, making it impossible for them to establish a healthy and secure foundation.
FAQ 3: Was Aiden too good for Carrie?
Many viewers believe Aiden was too good for Carrie. He represented stability, commitment, and genuine affection, qualities Carrie seemed to struggle to appreciate initially. Whether he was too good is subjective, but he certainly represented a healthier and more emotionally available partner than Carrie was ready for. He needed someone who reciprocated his devotion without reservation.
FAQ 4: What was the significance of the furniture Aiden made for Carrie?
The furniture Aiden crafted for Carrie was a symbol of his commitment and desire to build a life with her. Each piece represented his intention to create a stable and loving home. This contrasted sharply with Carrie’s more impulsive and independent lifestyle, further highlighting their fundamental differences.
FAQ 5: Did Carrie regret breaking up with Aiden?
There’s evidence to suggest Carrie did regret the breakup, at least on some level. In the movie Sex and the City 2, they encounter each other again, married to other people, and share a kiss. This scene implies lingering feelings and perhaps a sense of “what if.” However, it also highlights that their issues were never truly resolved.
FAQ 6: What was the biggest difference between Aiden and Mr. Big?
The biggest difference was their emotional availability. Aiden was open, honest, and willing to commit, while Mr. Big was emotionally guarded, non-committal, and often elusive. Their contrasting personalities represented two different types of relationships: one based on stability and security, the other on passion and uncertainty.
FAQ 7: Did Carrie ever learn from her mistakes with Aiden?
While it’s debatable, Carrie arguably learned from her mistakes with Aiden, at least to some extent. Her eventual commitment to Mr. Big in the first Sex and the City movie suggests a growth in her ability to embrace commitment and vulnerability. However, her relationship with Big remained flawed, demonstrating that lessons learned are not always perfectly applied.
FAQ 8: Why did Aiden agree to get back together with Carrie after the affair?
Aiden’s decision to get back together with Carrie after the affair was likely driven by his deep love for her and a belief that she could change. He saw potential in their relationship and hoped that with time and effort, they could build a stronger and more trusting connection. This highlights his optimistic nature, even in the face of significant betrayal.
FAQ 9: How did the shared apartment contribute to their breakup?
The shared apartment became a symbol of Carrie’s trapped feelings. It represented Aiden’s desire for a committed future, while Carrie felt suffocated by the idea of settling down. The apartment, meant to be a haven, became a constant reminder of their conflicting desires and ultimately contributed to their growing resentment.
FAQ 10: What was the fan reaction to the Carrie/Aiden breakup?
The Carrie/Aiden breakup sparked a wide range of reactions among fans. Some sympathized with Aiden, viewing him as the wronged party who deserved better. Others defended Carrie, arguing that she was simply being honest about her feelings and that it’s better to end a relationship than to live a lie. The breakup remains a highly debated topic within the Sex and the City fandom.
FAQ 11: What would Aiden’s life have been like if he stayed with Carrie?
If Aiden had stayed with Carrie, it’s likely he would have faced continued emotional turmoil and uncertainty. Carrie’s deep-seated feelings for Mr. Big would likely have resurfaced, leading to further conflict and potential heartbreak. Aiden likely made the right decision for his own well-being by ending the relationship. He found happiness and a stable family life with his wife and children.
FAQ 12: Is there any possibility of a future reunion between Carrie and Aiden in the “And Just Like That…” reboot?
Given Aiden’s brief but significant return in the And Just Like That… reboot, where they rekindled their romance, it is not out of the question that he could appear again. The writers seem to enjoy revisiting past relationships and exploring the complexities of second chances. However, the future of their relationship remains uncertain, adding another layer to their already complicated history. His current relationship status in the reboot seems rocky, implying that their dynamic could evolve in future seasons.