The ‘And Just Like That…’ finale grappled with the question of individual fulfillment, or finding “lasting contentment,” leaving many viewers underwhelmed. While promising resolutions for its characters, the episode, recapped by outlets like ELLE, The Guardian, and NZ Herald, ultimately delivered an ending that felt anticlimactic to some, missing the signature “fabulous” flair of its predecessor, ‘Sex and the City.’ Carrie Bradshaw’s journey, in particular, emphasized self-discovery over romantic entanglement, a theme that resonated, albeit with a somewhat muted impact.
Carrie’s Solo Revelation
Carrie’s storyline culminates in a pivotal moment of self-realization. After navigating a season-long love triangle, she chooses to embrace her own company rather than immediately committing to a new relationship. The finale suggests an acceptance of “maybe just me” over “maybe a man.” This is underscored by the completion of her novel, ending with the poignant line: “The woman realises she was not alone – she was on her own.”
According to ELLE’s recap, the episode’s final scene, featuring Carrie alone in her kitchen dancing to Barry White, is a direct callback to the original ‘Sex and the City’ finale. The intention was to reiterate the importance of the relationship one has with oneself. However, several critics noted that the scene lacked the emotional resonance of its predecessor. The Guardian described the ending as disappointing, suggesting that while the message was clear, the execution fell short of delivering a truly satisfying conclusion.
Other Characters’ Journeys
While Carrie’s narrative took center stage, other characters experienced their own resolutions, albeit with varying degrees of impact.
Lisa Todd Wexley: Setting Boundaries
Lisa Todd Wexley’s storyline involved setting boundaries with her film editor and subsequently rekindling her relationship with her husband. However, several reviews, including one in the NZ Herald, noted that Lisa’s plotline felt somewhat disconnected from the main narrative arc. While her personal growth was evident, its integration into the overall theme of the finale felt somewhat disjointed.
Charlotte and Harry: A Moment of Joy
Charlotte’s storyline offered a moment of lightheartedness as Harry finally experiences a return to sexual function. This brought a happy note to their relationship. Furthermore, Charlotte ends the season with a more stable relationship with her children. Unlike Carrie and Miranda, Charlotte didn’t have a structured character arc. Instead, her story focused on the everyday challenges and triumphs of motherhood and marriage.
Miranda: Navigating New Territory
Miranda’s journey involved navigating the unexpected news of becoming a grandmother. This revelation adds a new layer to her character, forcing her to confront the complexities of family dynamics and aging. The finale also features a “vile plumbing disaster” at Miranda’s party, adding a touch of comedic relief amidst the more serious storylines.
Seema: Embracing Commitment
Seema’s storyline concludes with her telling Adam that she doesn’t miss gluten. This seemingly simple statement signifies her full commitment to their relationship. It represents a willingness to embrace change and prioritize her connection with Adam over her personal preferences. This, according to The Guardian, shows the show’s attempts to show diverse forms of female empowerment, not only through independence but also through committed relationships.
Critical Reception: A Disappointing Conclusion
Overall, the finale of ‘And Just Like That…’ received a mixed reception from critics and viewers alike. Many described it as disappointing, cliché, and even abysmal. The show’s focus on female empowerment through independence was perceived by some as heavy-handed. The Guardian specifically pointed out that the attempt to modernize the themes of ‘Sex and the City’ sometimes resulted in forced narratives and a lack of the original series’ subtlety.
Several reviews highlighted the absence of Samantha Jones’ character as a significant contributing factor to the finale’s shortcomings. While attempts were made to address her absence, her vibrant personality and witty banter were sorely missed. The lack of her presence further contributed to the feeling that the finale lacked the “fabulous” energy that defined the original series.
Was Contentment Found?
While the characters in ‘And Just Like That…’ experienced personal growth and resolutions in their respective storylines, the finale left many viewers questioning whether they truly found their “everything.” Carrie’s self-acceptance, Lisa’s boundary-setting, Charlotte’s marital bliss, Miranda’s new role, and Seema’s commitment all represent different facets of fulfillment. However, the overall sentiment, as reflected in reviews from ELLE, The Guardian, and NZ Herald, suggests that the finale fell short of delivering a truly satisfying and uplifting conclusion. The search for lasting contentment, it seems, remains an ongoing journey for these characters.
