The first episode of And Just Like That…, titled “Hello It’s Me,” irrevocably altered the landscape of the Sex and the City universe, shocking viewers with the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Big, Carrie Bradshaw’s longtime love interest. This tragedy, compounded by the evolving dynamics of Carrie’s friendships with Miranda and Charlotte, immediately set the stage for a story about loss, grief, and navigating life’s complexities in one’s fifties.
The Big Apple, a Bittersweet Core
The return to the familiar streets of New York City, and the comfortable rhythm of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte’s brunch dates, felt initially like a warm embrace. However, this comfort was quickly shattered. We witnessed a group grappling with the realities of aging, the challenges of motherhood with teenagers, and the pressures of modern social issues. The idyllic image of perpetually youthful, fashion-forward women navigating Manhattan’s dating scene was replaced with a more nuanced, realistic, and at times, uncomfortable portrayal.
Reintroducing the Icons
- Carrie: Now a podcaster, Carrie’s voice remains central to the narrative, offering introspective observations on life and loss.
- Miranda: Navigating a career change and motherhood with a teenage son, Brady, Miranda grapples with social justice issues and feels increasingly out of sync with her former self.
- Charlotte: Committed to her daughters, Lily and Rose, Charlotte navigates the challenges of parenting teenagers and strives to be a politically correct and supportive mother.
The Fatal Ride: The Demise of Mr. Big
The pivotal event, and the one that defines the entire episode, is the death of John James Preston, a.k.a. Mr. Big. After an intense Peloton session, Big suffers a fatal heart attack. Carrie returns home to find him collapsed in their bathroom. The scene is raw, heartbreaking, and undeniably impactful.
The Aftermath: A City in Mourning
Big’s death throws Carrie’s world into chaos. The episode portrays her initial shock, disbelief, and the gradual realization of her devastating loss. The reactions of Miranda and Charlotte, along with other friends, offer a glimpse into the support system Carrie will need to navigate her grief. The immediate future, as indicated by the final moments of the episode, will undoubtedly center on Carrie’s journey through mourning and finding a new normal without the love of her life.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Absence of Samantha
The absence of Samantha Jones is addressed directly. The characters acknowledge a falling out between Carrie and Samantha after Carrie stopped employing her as a publicist. Samantha has moved to London, a storyline crafted to explain actress Kim Cattrall’s refusal to reprise her role. This storyline is a point of contention for many viewers, feeling forced and ultimately unsatisfying.
A New York Without Samantha
The show attempts to fill the void left by Samantha with new characters, most notably Che Diaz, a non-binary comedian and podcaster. However, Samantha’s absence is deeply felt, leaving a noticeable gap in the dynamic of the group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About And Just Like That… Episode 1
Here are the answers to some of the most pressing questions viewers had after watching the premiere:
FAQ 1: Why did Mr. Big die?
The cause of death was a heart attack, triggered by strenuous exercise on a Peloton bike. He had pre-existing heart conditions, hinted at throughout Sex and the City.
FAQ 2: How did Carrie react to Big’s death?
Carrie’s reaction was characterized by shock and disbelief, followed by intense grief and a gradual acceptance of the irreversible reality.
FAQ 3: What was the controversy surrounding the Peloton scene?
Peloton initially approved the use of their bike in the episode. However, after the episode aired, they expressed concerns about the negative portrayal of their product and the implication that it contributed to Big’s death. They released a statement clarifying that Big’s lifestyle and pre-existing heart conditions were more likely contributing factors.
FAQ 4: Why isn’t Samantha in And Just Like That…?
Actress Kim Cattrall declined to reprise her role as Samantha Jones. The show explains her absence by stating that Samantha had a falling out with Carrie and moved to London.
FAQ 5: How is Samantha’s absence explained in the show?
The show attributes Samantha’s absence to a professional falling out with Carrie after Carrie stopped using her PR services.
FAQ 6: Who is Che Diaz?
Che Diaz is a non-binary comedian and podcaster who becomes a recurring character in And Just Like That…. They are introduced as Carrie’s podcast co-host.
FAQ 7: How does the show address social issues?
The show attempts to address various social issues, including race, gender identity, and sexuality. Miranda, in particular, grapples with navigating these issues in a politically correct manner.
FAQ 8: What are the main themes of And Just Like That…?
The main themes revolve around aging, loss, grief, friendship, and navigating life’s complexities in middle age.
FAQ 9: How have the characters changed since Sex and the City?
The characters have evolved significantly. They are now grappling with the challenges of middle age, motherhood, career changes, and societal shifts.
FAQ 10: What is Carrie’s profession in And Just Like That…?
Carrie is a podcaster, co-hosting a show with Che Diaz.
FAQ 11: How are Charlotte’s children portrayed in the show?
Charlotte’s children, Lily and Rose, are portrayed as teenagers navigating their own identities and challenges. The show explores Charlotte’s attempts to be a supportive and politically correct mother.
FAQ 12: Is And Just Like That… worth watching?
Whether And Just Like That… is worth watching is subjective and depends on individual preferences. It offers a different perspective on the lives of these characters, grappling with mature themes and societal changes. However, it has received mixed reviews, with some viewers appreciating its realism and others criticizing its handling of certain storylines and characters. Ultimately, it’s a matter of individual taste.