The conclusion of 'And Just Like That...' proves to be a significant success
In the recently concluded season of HBO Max's series "And Just Like That...", the iconic Carrie Bradshaw embarks on a journey that delves into themes of women's independence and self-love.
The finale of the series contrasts Carrie's parting words with those from the final episode of Sex And The City, emphasising the importance of self-love. In the closing scene, Carrie's voice narrates, "She was not alone; she was on her own." This declaration signifies Carrie's acceptance of singleness as a permanent state.
Throughout the season, Carrie grapples with her future alone. In one episode, she declares that it's an issue for women to be alone in the future. This sentiment is mirrored in the series' exploration of the endings we've been conditioned to crave and questions whether women really want marriage or if they're just told they should aspire to it.
The series also features Carrie handing in her manuscript to her editor, only to be declared a "romantic tragedy" that the protagonist ends up alone. However, Carrie's journey towards self-reliance is evident when she ends a relationship with Aidan, portrayed as a possessive and jealous partner.
The finale ends with Carrie dining alone in a futuristic Japanese restaurant, where she is given a cuddly toy tomato named Tommy as company. This scene mirrors how Carrie started on the show, dining alone in a restaurant, but this time, she seems content and at peace.
However, not all reviews have been favourable. Some critics argue that the characters, including Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte, were diminished in the final season, portrayed as less vibrant and less independent. This undermines the show's potential to explore meaningful themes of independence.
Despite these criticisms, the finale's focus on Carrie's self-reliance is a form of self-love. By choosing not to pursue another relationship after her marriage, Carrie demonstrates a commitment to her own happiness and well-being, reinforcing the theme of self-love.
The complete series of "And Just Like That..." is now streaming on HBO Max, offering viewers a chance to form their own opinions on the show's exploration of women's independence and self-love.
[1] The New Yorker, "And Just Like That...: A Final Season Exploring Women's Independence and Self-Love", [link] [2] Vulture, "And Just Like That...: A Mixed Review of the Final Season", [link] [3] The Guardian, "And Just Like That...: A Review of the Final Season", [link]
- In the final season of "And Just Like That...", streaming on HBO Max, Carrie Bradshaw's journey towards self-reliance can be seen as a form of self-love, as she decides not to pursue another relationship, exemplifying a commitment to her own happiness and well-being.
- In the finale, Carrie dines alone in a futuristic Japanese restaurant, symbolizing her acceptance of her singleness as a permanent state, reminiscent of the initial scene in the series where she also dined alone, but this time seemingly content and at peace.
- Despite some criticisms suggesting that the characters, including Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte, were diminished in the final season, portrayed as less vibrant and less independent, the series still offers viewers a chance to explore meaningful themes of independence and self-love.
