Let's go to the Ball!

And just like that, MPK is back with his puns and his tired oven jokes.

Note: this post does include spoilers for Season 2 Episode 1 of “And Just Like That.”

As I mentioned in my most recent post, I recently watched a few episodes of the OG “Sex and the City,” and they reminded me why we all fell in love with these characters. They were 30-something women, successful but not lavishly wealthy, who were looking for love and/or sex (sometimes at the same time, but not always). The show embraced New York as its fifth main character, giving us lovingly shot views of the city, and, while fashion was certainly an important aspect of the show, it was also very high/low, thanks to Patricia Field’s genius. As the show became more successful, the HBO budget grew, and the fashion—and jokes—lost some of their edge, but it never really lost its soul, perhaps thanks in large part to Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones.

“And Just Like That” is not pretending at all to be relatable. These characters are uber-wealthy and it is a feast of labels. And Samantha’s absence is still sorely missed.

The show opens with a montage of each main character—Carrie, Lisa, Charlotte, Seema, and Miranda—gearing up for a sexy evening with their partners at home. The lone exception is Nya who settles in with snacks and her television, which pointedly features the brand-spanking-new Max app, which didn’t even exist (for us consumers) when this was shot. I appreciate the attention to detail, HBO. Nya has a framed photo of her and her husband André on the coffee table, just in case you skipped the very detailed “previously on” and forgot that she and André are taking a bit of a break. We see everyone except Carrie and her man having sex, because SJP’s “no nudity” clause is still going strong. This montage feels very out of place; its only purpose seems to be to attempt to make up for the fact that there is no other sex in this episode. OK then.

Carrie and her paramour Franklyn (who happens to be her podcast producer) (yes the podcast is still happening) watch a cooking show aprés sex and chat about the fact that neither one of them cooks. I was anticipating an “I keep sweaters in my oven” line, delivered in an annoyingly self-aware tone—and it did come, just not in this moment. Carrie decides to poach an egg and is interrupted by Seema calling to ask if Carrie received the caviar she sent as a thank you for inviting her to the “Met Ball.” Why are they going to the “Met Ball,” and why don’t they know it’s called the “Met Gala”? Neither question is ever answered, but OK, let’s roll with it. They are all apparently minor celebrities in this world. Seema apparently doesn’t have a dress yet (or even a designer secured to make it), which is concerning as this event seems to be imminent.

Charlotte pops by Carrie’s apartment and crosses paths with Carrie’s sex buddy-slash-coworker, because, of course she does. Charlotte is also going to the “Met Ball” and is excited to show the sketch of her dress to Carrie. Again, why are they going to this hyper-exclusive event? We will never know.

Yes, Carrie. We all know, and you have been making this joke for decades.

Cut to LTW’s closet, which is quite extravagant and even include wigs (nice touch!). She is Busy with a capital B, talking to someone on the phone about her documentary edits, listening to her daughter recite a poem in French, telling one son where his lacrosse stick is (how Upper East Side), and confirming that she sent in a permission slip for a robotics competition for her other son. And of course, Husband Herbert wants his Morehouse tie. Herbert not-so-subtly hints that feels neglected, sexually (men, amirite!), and then offers to fund LTW’s film so she doesn’t have to go all the way downtown to dazzle a foundation to secure funding. LTW is unimpressed—she reminds him—and us—that has an MFA and has already made two documentaries, so she doesn’t need his money!

Back on Perry Street Carrie’s UES block, Carrie explains the FWB sitch to Charlotte. Carrie and Franklyn hook up every Thursday after recording the podcast. That’s it. That’s the situation. Carrie asks Charlotte to not do her “excited about a relationship” Charlotte thing, and in what became the first moment of this episode (and perhaps of the show?) in which I actually laughed out loud, Charlotte gives us spot-on impressions of Samantha and Miranda: “How big is his dick?” and “If you sleep with someone at work, you’re giving away your power.” Kristin Davis’ delivery is excellent. Carrie says she misses Charlotte, and I, of course, still miss Samantha.

On the West Coast, Miranda is about to enter a sensory deprivation pod and inexplicably Facetimes Nya while in her underwear. I didn’t realize they were so close. Nya and André have apparently been to every restaurant in New York because Nya complains about not being able to go out without servers asking where André is. Miranda reminds Nya (and us) that she is a “brilliant, tenured Ivy League professor” and she can go out to eat on her own before getting into the pod. “It’s a new me,” Miranda declares. I think we can all see where this is going.

Cut to Che in their costume fitting for their “TV pilot.” The costumers are forcing them to wear a jacket when all Che really wants to do is wear what they’re comfortable in—jeans and a T-shirt. Fair enough. But it’s implied that the production team feels Che is too overweight to go without a jacket. We learn there is a head writer of this pilot and I’m a bit confused because I thought Che was writing and starring in their pilot. Who knows.

Unsurprisingly, Miranda, in a nod to the control freak we know and love from the original show, does not enjoy sensory deprivation. She makes her way out of the pod and we basically get some full-frontal Cynthia Nixon. Clearly, she did not feel the need for a no nudity clause. I am very relieved to get a scene so true to Miranda.

Carrie is applying lollipop-flavored lip gloss (what brand? the beauty girlies want to know!) while at a bar with Jackie, who picks up the bill as a “thank you” to Carrie for letting his wife, Smoke, design her “Met Ball” dress. There is a joke about “Smurf National Bank” (???) which I could have done without, but OK, we get it—Carrie is wearing a new, unknown designer to the Met Ball. This also will not end well.

LTW and Charlotte are getting fit for their “Met Ball” dresses. Anthony admonishes them for complaining about “Rich People Problems,” which I appreciate. Charlotte reminds Anthony (and the us) that he is her date at LTW’s table. Is LTW the reason the whole gang (sans Nya) are attending the “Met Ball”?

We learn the theme of this year’s gala is “Veiled Beauty,” and get a great line from Anthony about how much he loves balls. Is this joke the only reason they insist on referring to it as the “Met Ball”? Nevertheless, the delivery was on the nose, not too self-aware at all! Mazel tov, Mario Cantone.

At the York-Goldenblatt abode (is this still the same apartment Charlotte won in the divorce from Bunny Trey?), Lily plays the piano beautifully and we are all reminded of Big’s untimely death. Rock is wearing a bucket hat that practically matches Charlotte’s skirt. WASPs gonna WASP. The children tell Charlotte that Harry thinks is going to the Met. Hijinks are sure to ensure—and here comes Harry in a top hat, which apparently matches Charlotte’s hat. Can’t wait to see this dress of hers. Harry is very excited to see Rihanna and Charlotte has a fake smile pasted on her face.

Back in the podcast studio, they have all finally learned that podcasts don’t take live callers and we hear a listener ask Carrie a question via a voicemail. Of course, because Carrie is in a FWB situation, the caller is asking how to know if and when her own FWB wants something more. Carrie gives some decent advice while caveating that she is “no expert.” Ma’am, you were a sex and relationship columnist for literal decades. She says the guy will step out of the FWB pattern and indicate he thinks the relationship is more than just sex.

Naturally, after the podcast recording is done, Franklyn takes Carrie’s advice and invites her to a rooftop party with his friends. Carrie clearly does not want to go but feels she can’t say no. And just like that, Franklyn wants to take things further than just sex.

This is the point where I texted some friends, “I’m actually not hating this so far?” and then immediately had to retract that statement because, cut to Miranda attempting to don a strap-on. “You scream, ‘give me a dick,’” Che tells Miranda before reminding Miranda that they are not a beginner when it comes to strap-ons. For some reason, Che feels the need to answer the phone when Carrie calls—why do all of these people answer the phone at such inopportune times?! I literally never answer my phone!—and Carrie the Former Sex Writer does not want to hear about Miranda’s sexcapades.

This was a perfect callback. 10/10 no notes.

Carrie discloses to Che that she is sleeping with Franklyn, and Che then puts Carrie on speakerphone. “If you sleep with someone at work, you lose your power,” the real Miranda admonishes her. Carrie tells her apparently close friend Che that she doesn’t want to take her relationship with Franklyn to the next level and that she needs to get out of the rooftop party.

“Some relationships are just about sex,” Che tells Carrie while Miranda, who is half-in and half-out of the strap-on, looks on worriedly. Seems like Che is speaking to Miranda’s deepest fears. Che and Carrie wrap up the convo, and Miranda returns the strap-on to whence it came. Che does not want Miranda to see their new material at what I can only assume is a comedy concert, which does not ease Miranda’s worries.

Back in New York, Seema and that dude whose name I cant’t remember are enjoying a post-coital moment when he invites her to meet his son at lunch which—who saw this coming—is the day of the “Met Ball”. I just do not care about Seema or this dude and the show isn’t really giving us reasons to start caring.

Seema, Carrie, Charlotte, and Anthony gather at lunch, where a polite waiter brings stools for everyone’s handbags. SJP’s delivery of “my purse was exhausted” exhausts me. Sometimes SJP is just way too self-aware that she is on a show and makes a Carrie-cature out of her character. (You can have that pun for free, MPK.)

Charlotte, being Charlotte, is excited for Seema’s relationship to move forward, but Seema is understandably upset about missing the “Met Ball”. Nevertheless, she persists, and decides there is too much on the table with that Dude and she has to miss the Met. Anthony brings up Carrie’s booty call, and an offended Charlotte clarifies that she never said “booty call” (which tbh, I can believe). Carrie calls it “exit out of grief sex” and explains, once again, that she doesn’t want to attend the rooftop party and we get a very forced “c u next Tuesday” joke.

OK.

Anthony describes how he takes rejection “like a man” (can we retire that phrase yet?) and Charlotte takes this opportunity to tell him how excited Harry is to attend the “Met Ball”. But of course, Seema is bailing, so Anthony can go with Carrie. Problem solved.

Nya, who does not interact with any of the other characters save that earlier Facetime with Miranda, is eating dinner alone at a bar and of course is approached by an attractive man named Toussiant.

He astutely discerns that Nya is using her massive purse as a barrier, which explains the weird blocking of some of these shots (see above). She flashes her ring, and then proceeds to order a third glass of Malbec after Toussaint leaves. This won’t end well.

It’s comedy concert time! (Thankfully, that phrase is never actually uttered, but it will be burned into my brain forever.) We are at The Comedy Store watching Che finish their lackluster set, which ends with an unfunny joke about taking an Uber from their bathroom to their bedroom because, LA, amirite?! We have yet to see evidence that Che is funny. In the lobby after the show, Miranda tries to hug Che and is brutally rebuffed. “I’m at work,” they say abruptly.

Back in Nya’s bedroom, it is the same night as earlier and she is still drinking wine, and is now clad in lingerie. She Facetimes André, who hurriedly tells her that he is not alone before she points the camera south in mixed company. Nya, who is not sober, freaks out and tells André that she was approached by a “super fine” man and implies that she wants to break up with André. Genuine question: is anyone invested in this storyline?

It’s Met Monday! Jackie and Storm arrive at Carrie’s apartment bearings lots of coffee and a dress that is much too small. (But don’t worry, the cape is done!) Smoke promises to get the dress done in the six hours before Carrie has to leave. The show does a great job of building the tension here; I am genuinely nervous for Carrie and Smoke! Of course, Franklyn has left his jacket in Carrie’s room and Jackie the Super Smeller forces Carrie’s hand. She comes clean about their FWB situation and once again confides that she doesn’t want to go to this rooftop party. Why is she telling every single person in her life about this—especially Che and Jackie, who know Franklyn???

Back in LA, Miranda and Che are lounging in bed, scrolling through photos of her child and his girlfriend gallivanting through Western Europe and studying their TV pilot lines, respectively. Miranda makes a move on Che and is once again brutally rebuffed. Miranda musters her courage and asks why Che doesn’t want Miranda to hold them. In what is the only genuine Che moment of this show so far, they tell Miranda that they are on a diet because the costume department says they don’t like their belly hanging over their jeans. Che tears up and says they didn’t want to tell Miranda because they didn’t want Miranda to think they were caught up in the Hollywood bullshit. Che finally lets Miranda hold them, placing her hand on their stomach in what is actually sort of a tender moment? Who am I becoming????

Miranda confesses she thought that Che thought their relationship was just sexual and that coming to LA might have been a mistake. They have a somewhat sweet convo and decide to order a pizza. I am still unclear on what Miranda sees in Che, but this was the realest Che moment we’ve seen thus far.

Carrie finally calls Franklyn to fill him on what she has already told everyone else—she doesn’t want to go to the rooftop party. He seems fine with it—all of Carrie’s angst was for nothing, as usual—and then the hair and makeup team arrive. Smoke is still not done with the dress.

At lunch, Seema and the man whose name I still don’t know are with his ex-wife and son. Their banter isn’t worth getting into, until the son and his father get up to smoke (they are European, y’all) and Seema learns that her man is still living with his ex-wife. Seema is out, and just in time to make it to the Gala. Get the mice and birds ready, we are having a Cinderella moment!

Seema calls Carrie, who is in full glam with a dress that won’t zip up, and informs her that she is reclaiming her time as Carrie’s plus-one to the Met. Poor Anthony! He is already in his outfit! I am annoyed on Anthony’s behalf that he is getting booted out just because Seema changed her mind. No take-backs!!

Back in LTW’s closet (did the set design team lose their budget for her art-filled apartment this season?) Herbert is hot and bothered and Lisa is just bothered, as her computer crashed and lost “her edit.” She is in lingerie with a very cool hair look, and tells Herbert he can have his way with her, as long as he doesn’t smear her makeup or mess up her hair—one of LTW’s most relatable moments to date.

Sorry to Kristin Davis for this photo.

Lily is trying to secure Charlotte’s dress in a scene oddly reminiscent of Mrs. DeWitt Bukater lacing up Rose (and also of a scene in “Gone With the Wind,” but I don’t acknowledge that racist-ass movie anymore.) Rock is called in as a pinch-hitter and Harry unveils the high boots that are accompanying his top hat. It is a lewk.

LTW emerges from her building, hair and makeup intact (phew), with Herbert holding up her train behind her. She has a very elaborate headdress on and pointedly tells Herbert, “it’s not crazy. It’s Valentino.” With a headdress like that, of course she forgot to confirm the van and now has to walk 10 blocks to the Met, because there are no cabs or cars to be found on the Upper East Side on The First Monday in May (and also because her outfit won’t fit in one). We get a very dramatic shot of them crossing Park Avenue.

When Harry, clad in an incredible long jacket, top hat, and tall boots, finds out that he doesn’t get to walk the red carpet or meet Rihanna, he is out, y’all. He, understandably, wanted all of his coworkers to see him on TV. Charlotte’s outfit is…something…and that is all I have to say about that.

Cut to Anthony shoving Fiddle Faddles into his mouth while streaming the red carpet. (I have literally never heard of this snack before this episode and can only assume they are a favorite of Michael Patrick King’s.) Charlotte is calling him up to bat and he is ready. I am happy for Anthony. What an emotional journey these ladies took him on this week. He deserves the Met.

Seema emerges from he building with a full hype squad in tow. Who are these people?! Why is she on this show???

Smoke still can’t get Carrie’s dress closed. She apologies to Carrie, who is somewhat gracious given the situation, and asks Carrie if she has “something fabulous” to pair with the finished blue cape. “I can’t just go to my closet and find a perfect dress to wear to something called ‘Veiled Beauty,’” Carrie says. And I think we all see where this going…

The Vivienne Westwood with the bird veil!!!!

Of course, it pairs perfectly with the blue cap and we get a great shot of her walking down the stoop, bird veil secured. All’s well that ends well.

Final thoughts

I am pleasantly surprised to report that I…didn’t hate it? This episode was…fine? Which is the highest compliment I can give this show right now. Season 1 was so messy and poorly written that the mere lack of cringe-worthy moments in this episode makes it feel leaps and bounds better by comparison. And, I think we can all agree that not hearing the phrase “comedy concert” is a win. (Blissfully, Miranda’s Che-given nickname of “Rambo” also does not resurface.)

I actually do love the first SATC movie, and the final scene of this episode managed to make me emotional! The drama of the dress that didn’t fit paired with pulling this dress, of all dresses, out of the archives was a great fashion moment for the fans.

But, there are still so many characters and the writing did a lot of telling, not showing (my biggest writing pet peeve). The characters reminded us of their backstories quite a bit, which is somewhat helpful since there are so many damn characters, but also just feels a bit lazy. There were a lot of short scenes, so we never feel like we are settling in with these characters, and the storylines feel flimsy since they are all so rushed. (And a minor complaint, but we know what a pilot is! They don’t all need to say “TV pilot” every time a pilot is mentioned. We may not make TV shows like Michael Patrick King but we get it!) (And the pilot is called “Che Pasa,” which…is also now burned into my brain.)

I read Evan Ross Katz’s quick summary of some of the reviews, and it seems like critics are mostly underwhelmed, once again, so we’ll see where the next few episodes take us.

And just like that…I need to mentally prepare for episode 2 (which is also available now on HBO). (Recap coming soon!)

What did everyone else think of S2E1?