Susan Granger’s review of “And Just Like That: Season 1” (HBO Max)
Six sassy seasons and two movies later, “Sex and the City” is back, streaming on HBO Max in its new incarnation: “And Just Like That.” Yes, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York-Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) have remained close friends.
The awkward absence of spunky Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) is addressed, explaining that she’s in London. Actually, these mid-50s ladies-who-lunch are far more concerned with aging: specifically, their hair. Miranda’s gone gray, Charlotte maintains brunette, and Carrie finances extravagant streaks.
But that’s not the big surprise. Since there’s been extensive news coverage, I don’t think it’s a ‘spoiler’ to report that Carrie’s husband, beloved Mr. Big (Chris Noth), dies in the first episode after an exercise session on his pricey Peloton bike. An unfortunate product placement,
Peloton responded immediately: “Mr. Big lived what many would consider an extravagant lifestyle – including cocktails, cigars, and big steaks – and was at serious risk as he had a previous cardiac event in Season 6. These lifestyle choices and perhaps even his family history were the likely cause of his death. Riding his Peloton Bike may have even helped delay his cardiac event.”
Significantly, Peloton’s stock price fell over 11% the day after the series premiered. In full damage control, Peloton produced and released a parody commercial with Chris Noth and instructor Allegra (Jess King) within 48 hours. That’s crisis management!
But, wait – there’s more! After Chris Noth was accused of sexually molesting two women in separate incidents, Peloton quickly dropped that ad.
Back to the series: Grief-stricken Carrie remains as self-centered as ever. The former newspaper sex columnist has become a social media maven, podcasting with a weed-smoking, bisexual, non-binary comedian (Sara Ramirez).
Attorney Miranda wants a Master’s degree as a human rights advocate but stumbles awkwardly when she discovers her professor (Karen Pittman) is Black. And social-climbing Charlotte is guilt-ridden for shaming Carrie into attending her daughter’s piano recital instead of vacationing with Big.
FYI: Actor Willie Garson died during production, which is why his character, Stanford Blatch, is written off in the fourth episode.
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “And Just Like That” is a somber 6, streaming on HBO Max.
