And Just Like That Season 2: An Enticing Improvement with Unresolved Frustrations

And Just Like That… season 1 was a disappointing viewing experience as it lacked the captivating conversations and thought-provoking themes that made Sex and the City so enjoyable from the start. Instead, the revamped series introduced characters who lacked the same depth, explored personal issues and journeys in a superficial manner, and struggled to make any of it compelling. While season 2 of And Just Like That… shows some improvement compared to its predecessor, the bar is set incredibly low. I didn't expect it to be significantly better, nor did I delude myself into thinking it would match the quality of the original HBO series. Although there are moments that offer genuine warmth and humor, season 2 continues to be plagued by the same shallow content. At this stage, it is simply unacceptable.

Season 2 continues the story shortly after the conclusion of And Just Like That’s season 1. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is now involved with her podcast producer Franklin (Ivan Hernandez), but is not looking for anything serious. Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) has relocated to Los Angeles with Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez), who is working on a comedy pilot. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is attempting to find balance in her life as she navigates the ever-changing needs and growth of her children. Meanwhile, Nya (Karen Pittman), Miranda's former professor turned friend, is struggling with dating after her breakup. Seema (Sarita Choudhury), a real estate agent and Carrie's friend (and somewhat of a replacement for Samantha), is having trouble finding the right partner. Additionally, Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) is working on a documentary while juggling her family responsibilities.

Above all else, And Just Like That lacks direction. Although things do happen and the characters undergo minimal development, it all unfolds at a painfully slow pace, devoid of any energy. Conversations and scenes feel incomplete, ending abruptly just as they begin to pique interest. Take, for instance, a lively discussion between Charlotte and her husband Harry (Evan Handler) about their sex life, which could have been reminiscent of the engaging conversations on Sex and the City. Unfortunately, it is disappointingly short-lived and fails to leave a lasting impact. This serves as an example of the show's tendency to offer glimpses of its potential, only to shy away from further exploration or meaningful commentary. This is where the problem lies: And Just Like That season 2 glides along the surface, hesitant to delve into the various topics it introduces. Although there are a few breakthrough moments, the overall build-up feels lackluster.

What’s more, the character dynamics are not fully developed. The majority of the season revolves around phone calls, and even when Carrie and her friends meet for brunch or dinner, the interactions are restrained and sanitized. Season 2 could have explored various directions and storylines, such as the consequences of Carrie dating her producer or Charlotte's daughter Lily feeling neglected. However, And Just Like That fails to delve into these intriguing plots, resulting in a disconnected viewing experience. Even the characters of color feel one-dimensional in a world brimming with potential storylines about their experiences, indicating that the show ultimately falls short in delivering something compelling. Instead, what we are presented with is something that feels rather insignificant and empty, especially considering the history of these characters.

The second season of And Just Like That... still has its cringe-worthy moments, although they are fewer in comparison to the first season. The initial seven episodes, which were available for review, are more tolerable if one sets lower expectations. There are a few genuinely funny moments sprinkled throughout, but the series still lacks a sincere emotional connection, thought-provoking conversations, and consistent thematic elements. It simply exists without a purpose, and that falls short considering the lost potential as the characters navigate storylines that appear more intriguing on paper than in execution.

The first two episodes of And Just Like That... season 2 are now available for streaming on Max, with the remaining episodes being released weekly on Thursdays.