And Just Like That… Season 2 has been stringing certain narratives along since the start — sprinkling hints at what’s to come with each passing episode but waiting for the denouement to tie the season up with a bow. “The Last Supper” — so apropos of the culmination of the season — and Carrie’s 20+ years in that glorious flat — features a few inevitable moments that, though slightly predictable, are no less impactful. No less emotionally stirring as a result of inevitability — but rather validating and fulfilling.
Spoiler Warning for the Season 2 Finale of ‘And Just Like That…’
Anthony relinquishes control
Anthony has had several hangups in his relationship with the younger Italian heartthrob Giuseppe (Sebastiano Pigazzi), who was introduced as the “well-hung Disney Prince” in an earlier episode. Yet, it’s not the man’s well-endowed fortune that has kept Anthony from permitting backdoor entrance. Rather, Anthony always called the shots in his previous relationship, and bottoming was not part of his boudoir repertoire.
Earlier in the show, his antiquated notions of masculinity and femininity surfaced when he indicated that he is “the man” in the relationship, so he tops. Yet, this viewpoint is not only dated, it’s problematic. Giuseppe explains that they are both men and versatility in the bedroom does not change that. Yet, Anthony is not only sexually closed off, but emotionally as well. He puts up walls and the sex is only part of it. He must relinquish control and allow for equal dominance – for he and Giuseppe to call the shots together. He’s becoming a more realized man as a result of his relationship with Giuseppe.
Though this moment was inevitable — given all the other jabs and quippy remarks about their bedroom escapades — it was a necessary step in Anthony’s journey. And, we hope to see his character flourish as a more vulnerable and open man — and a less stuck-in-his-ways gay man with a heteronormative and quite toxic mindset.
Miranda and Steve reconcile
Miranda has been running away from exes for far too long. She has been cutting off former flings with fervor since the early days of Sex and the City. There’s just one problem: Steve was not a fling she can dismiss. He is not a person who will cease to impact her life. Miranda and Steve brought a child into this world together. And, though she may have had less time with Che, that relationship opened her up to her queer identity, and it will always possess a great deal of value. Thus, these two reconciliations were necessary for her transition from someone who burns bridges to someone who builds them. After 20 years, she will begin to break a cycle that has ceased to serve her.
In an earlier episode, Nya — in a complimentary fashion — noted that she wished she could just write off her ex Andre like Miranda did with Che and Steve. This comment sits poorly with Miranda, who comes to realize that this habit is not admirable or beneficial. In the season finale, Miranda and Steve reconcile and possess a heartwarming moment that hints at the great friendship that has always persisted between them.
They were always lovers and besties. And, though besties may be far down the path they’re starting to walk, friendly exes is step one. And, it’s a necessary step to ensure they can continue to successfully co-parent Brady. There was no way this divorce – initially boiling with hatred, resentment, rage, and regret – wouldn’t reach a plateau and return to baseline. Steve has never been one to hold a grudge against Miranda, and Miranda (though sometimes needing a moment to reflect) always comes to the conclusion that she is better off with a man like Steve in her life — whether it be romantic or platonic.
Samanta calls Carrie
A while back, news got out that Kim Cattrall’s Samantha would have a very brief cameo in the season 2 finale. Thus, when Carrie’s phone rings and the screen reads “Samatha,” the shock factor is no longer part of the experience. Yet, the experience is nonetheless gratifying. Samantha slings some curse words before thanking the flat via speakerphone for all the wonderful times the group had together all those years ago.
It’s Samantha just as we remember her. And, the interaction between Carrie and Samantha is compassionate and carefree – a perfect combination of levity and depth. They need not say much for the significance to transfer. The call is enough. Samantha tried to get back to New York…for one single night. That gesture alone suggests, through thick and thin, there will always be love between these two characters (note: we’re not talking about the actors).
Aidan leaves Carrie…for now
There was no way Aidan was going to stick around for the run of And Just Like That. Charlotte is married and Samantha is gone. That would leave one single member from the original group: Miranda. And one single person in the Sex and the City spinoff/reboot (whatever word you think fits) just doesn’t work. And, Carrie could not break Aidan’s heart again. She couldn’t do that to him (or to us at home who would have never forgiven her twice)!
When Aidan’s son Wyatt got in that accident, we knew Aidan was a goner. He would never leave Carrie otherwise. He says it himself: his children are the only ones he loves more than her. Thus, they are the only ones who can take him away…and the only ones who can take him away without a fight from Carrie. It was inevitable (and predictable) from the second Aidan got the news. Aidan had to be the one to leave this time, for he had to be the one to initiate the heartbreak this time around. It’s only fair. It’s only karmic.
He’ll come back to her, he says — in five years — when Wyatt is out of his teens. If the show is still on in five years, this would be a perfect, full-circle series finale…
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