'And Just Like That' Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Carrie Bradshaw faces 'exit out of grief' sex turmoil
Spoiler for ‘And Just Like That’ Season 2 Episode 1
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Season 2 of ‘And Just Like That’ is back and replete with married sex, queer sex and grief-bound Thursday sex. The new season explores more of Carrie Bradshaw's life (Sarah Jessica Parker) as she gets over Mr Big’s (Chris Noth) death, Charlotte (Kristin Davis) puts her career aside for the sake of her family responsibilities, and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) struggles to figure out her relationship with Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez). Again, with its poignant story and exploration of the ever-evolving landscape of love, friendship and womanhood, these three women are on new journeys in their lives.
In Episode 1 of ‘And Just Like That’ Season 2, Carrie is moving on by way of her ‘exit out of grief’ sex, and in an exciting twist, she is bringing along her newly-expanded friend group. Many fans were intrigued if the unexpected kiss between Carrie and her podcast producer, Franklyn (Ivan Hernandez), in the elevator by the very end of Season 1 will stick out. It did, but not for long. Despite her eagerness for a fresh start after Mr Big’s death, Carrie still finds herself struggling with her dating life and follows every Thursday sex and watching cooking shows with Franklyn to see if their relationship grows.
Carrie Bradshaw’s ‘exit out of grief’ sex
‘And Just Like That’ Season 2 Episode 1 opens with Carrie having her podcast producer, Franklyn, in her bed. They’re clearly having sex and Carrie is finally moving on. It is revealed that three weeks have passed since their kiss in the elevator in Season One, and Franklyn managed to stick around despite Carrie’s inputs on her dating life. The episode unveils that Carrie and Franklyn have meet-cute-sex every Thursday after they record her podcast and watch cooking shows together. However, their relationship isn’t enough to invite him to the ‘Met Ball’ as her plus one, where the title was batted around like a ping-pong ball in the entire episode.
The episode confirms Carrie isn’t sure that she is ready to continue her romance with Franklyn as she barely bats an eye when speaking to her friends, Che, Miranda, Anthony and Seema, about Franklyn. Moreover, when Franklyn invites her to meet his friends on, at first, she agrees but she's reluctant about her decision. She calls Che, who knows Franklyn well, to ask about what’s going on inside his head, but it’s hard luck for Carrie. She reveals she’s "pathologically polite" and had to say yes to Franklyn’s invitation. However, her turmoil does not end there. When Anthony, Seema, Carrie and Miranda discuss the Met Ball while having dinner at a restaurant, the topic of Franklyn come ups when Seema asks about him. Carrie explains she was having “exit out of grief” sex every Thursday with a very nice man but does not see themselves as a couple.
In ‘And Just Like That’ Season 1, Carrie never used her kitchen for cooking but as a storage space. To everyone's surprise, including Charlotte, Carrie is seen poaching an egg in her kitchen. She has started using the kitchen as a kitchen.
Carrie’s not ready for a 'table at relationship place’
When Carrie reaches out to Franklyn after discovering that he left his jacket at her apartment, he responds with a smirk, informing her that he will pick it up on Tuesday, the very same day he had invited Carrie to meet his friends. To that, Carrie confronts him and tells him that she has changed her mind about the party invite and she was only ready for Thursdays for now. Franklyn, being a gentleman, understands her and supports her decision, stating, "You’re not ready to book a table at Relationship Place."
The episode ended with Charlotte, Carrie, Seema and Lisa dressed up in awkwardly-insane outfits as they leave for the Met Ball. While Carrie managed to move one step ahead of her grief from Season 1, we’re excited to see the moment she finally contacts her ex-lover, Aidan Shaw.
‘And Just Like That’ Season 2 Episode 1 is available to stream on HBO Max.