‘And Just Like That’ Season 3, Episode 2: Review

Well, after the humongous hat seen ’round the world riled up “And Just Like That…” fans in the Season 3 premiere, there wasn’t nearly as much hoopla to dig into in this week’s episode.

That is, unless you’re into the mechanics of a “rat superhighway.” In Thursday’s episode, the “Sex and the City” spinoff takes on Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) rat-yard in her once-lovely private garden. Those pesky rats that made their debut in the season’s trailer scurried across her feet in an early scene. Carrie spends the episode getting rid of the rats — and trying, but ultimately failing, to figure out the dynamics of her long-distance relationship with Aidan.

Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is trying to meet someone new after moving on from Mary the nun (Rosie O’Donnell) in the season premiere. Ultimately, we can’t tell where her romantic storyline is going, but we get a peek at a possibility in Episode 2. Seema (Sarita Choudhury) is also back in the dating pool and turns to someone for a bit of help.

Then, there’s Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker), who become obsessed with Lois (Kristen Schaal), an admissions counselor who can help soon-to-be high school graduates get into Ivy League schools. Let’s just say that storyline ends in lots of tears.

celebrity.land staff watched the new episode of “And Just Like That…” and chatted about the characters’ plotlines. See our unfiltered thoughts below.

Just when I thought “And Just Like That” couldn’t bore us any more with Charlotte and Lisa Todd Wexley’s snooze kid storylines, here comes this. I did cackle when they burst into the principal’s office and scared him into putting on his bulletproof vest. But I think his reaction just highlights how unserious this business of other parents using an outside college admissions consultant really is. Seriously, is this the best they can do this season? — Njera

My very least favorite storylines in “And Just Like That” have revolved around the kids. Sure, part of Charlotte and Lisa’s storyline should be about motherhood. But I immediately am going to tap out on their characters if their plots are ONLY about the kids. Where is the sex in their storylines!?!? If Carrie and Aidan can only have phone sex, and Seema and Miranda are single and not really getting it in, then, why can’t at least either Lisa or Charlotte be having a robust sex life that we actually see on screen?! Snooze! I did kinda love Kristen Schaal’s character Lois, the admissions expert, though, if I have to say one positive thing. — Erin

If these storylines continue, I fear I will have little to say about Charlotte and LTW each week for these recaps. This is supposed to be a show about relationships (I think?) and it would have been so easy to explore how this duo’s finagling to get their kids into prestigious universities causes strife with their husbands, for example. I could totally see Harry putting the kibosh on the whole thing and getting into a fit-for-TV disagreement with Char.

Charlotte’s storyline remains the biggest disappointment for me. I think it’s fine if she’s hyperfocused on her kids — that’s pretty fitting with her character — but not delving into the ways that plays into her marriage feels like such a departure from the original series. — Lydia

Indeed, the first two episodes have been such a snooze for Charlotte and LTW. I suppose it’s an accurate reflection of New York life to show how competitive the school system can be — but it’s a very odd fit for “And Just Like That.” Giving a college admissions professor a nickname like “The Finger” seemed like it might have some kind of sexy payoff, or at least offer some saucy puns; it certainly would have on the original “Sex and the City” — but alas, no such luck. As uncomfortable as it is to see the original characters’ kids in romantic situations of their own, having Charlotte interrupt Lily and Diego’s make-out session was a nice break from this storyline. — Curtis

This is exactly why Carrie has no business living in that big house all by herself. But honestly, I would’ve had the same reaction too if a sea of rats randomly poured into my backyard. Also, as a former resident, this reminds me why I’m no longer a fan of NYC living. Because what do you mean a “rat superhighway” is just casually resting behind this luxurious home?! Just gross.

Side note: Did anyone else bust out laughing over Shoe, the cat, and Aidan scaring the daylights out of Carrie? Her over-the-top reactions are starting to become the funniest part of the show. — Njera

I definitely jumped when Shoe grazed her leg. Like, the show needs some physical comedy at least because the writing has NOT been funny at all. Even when it’s trying its hardest to make me laugh. Now, I’ve had a couple mice encounters in my Brooklyn apartment, so I definitely felt her pain in this episode.

This is kind of an aside, but, why is Carrie’s house so huge and that kitchen is so small? Was that like a side kitchen toward the back of the house and there’s a main kitchen elsewhere? I couldn’t stop thinking about it when she and Aidan were having breakfast together. They were cramped in there, for what? I know Carrie is famously known for keeping sweaters in her oven, but we saw a whole new arc last season of her being into cooking. So … this small-ass kitchen in this huge house? Why? — Erin

LOL, only in NYC is that a thing. — Njera

Will this rat trauma please be a setup for Carrie having a crush on Adam the cute gardener? He has a sort of young Aidan quality about him. These are the moments I really miss the Carrie voiceover. Was she flirting with him when she asked him about his band T-shirt? Voiceover Carrie would have told us.

And I know we have to move on from the original series, but I’m tired of Carrie’s rich-lady problems (rats in her mansion, a bad Met Gala dress, etc.). I miss the days of our girl spiraling out when she realized she’d spent $40,000 on shoes and couldn’t afford her home, digging a cigarette out of the gutter on an early date with Aidan and feeling like she was a little too scrappy and unpolished for Mr. Big’s world. — Lydia

Sigh, oh, how I miss those days, too, Lydia. — Njera

I’m hoping that Adam the gardener plays a more significant role, too! You can’t just introduce a guy like that into the “Sex and the City” universe and not give us something more profound or hilarious (or both). I think Sarah Jessica Parker is at her best with physical comedy, so the rat scene — and subsequent jump scares with Shoe and Aidan — were great.

And I’m with you, Lydia and Njera, in longing for the days when the show attempted to be at least somewhat realistic about Carrie’s finances. I sometimes wonder what might happen if they brought Darren Star back to write and direct a few episodes — would he be able to bring back some of the original grit? – Curtis

Listen, between “Sex and the City” and “And Just Like That,” we have already endured several seasons of Carrie being a horrible communicator in her relationships. I guess some things never change. Because only she — and the writers — would find a way to make a huge deal out of choosing a table for the house, which … wasn’t even that cute, imo. Again, this feels like a symptom of her not knowing how to navigate this weird gray area of her long-distance relationship with Aidan.

Speaking of, Aidan needs to share some of the blame here, too. He made it clear at the start of this little arrangement that he wanted very little communication with Carrie while he figures out fatherhood in Virginia. Yet he’s only sent her mixed signal after mixed signal, from the drunk phone sex call in his truck to now this surprise one-day visit to New York. I’m glad Carrie called him out about it, but she’s not helping things by being so accommodating when this is clearly not something she wants. I just don’t understand why she’s content with ignoring her own wishes to maintain whatever this is supposed to be. Like, is the goal for them to eventually get married and grow old together? If not, this whole situation is a HUGE waste of time, for them and us exhausted viewers. — Njera

Quite frankly, I’m so sick of them. The table was ugly (and I hope it wasn’t supposed to go in the kitchen because that kitchen is already small). Please just end this national nightmare of a relationship and move on. — Erin

I don’t want to hear Carrie talk about emojis! One of my favorite running jokes in the original series is how she’s such a luddite. Frankly, I find it unsettling to even watch this woman text.

That aside, I agree with Njera that this texting debacle is a decent way of showing how lost Carrie is in this bizarre long-distance relationship, if that’s what it is. I wanted to shout out “THANK YOU!” when Carrie confronted Aidan about his unclear no-contact policy, because I, too, have been very perplexed. However, Aidan explaining he’d realized his original request was too extreme felt like lazy writing. I hate when shows introduce huge conflicts and make them a season-ending cliffhanger only to quickly settle the matter at the start of the next season. — Lydia

While I can certainly relate to the hard-to-decipher text issue, this would’ve been a better fit for Miranda, Seema or another character grappling with a new relationship. Aidan’s never been especially great with his tech-related communication skills. Remember how he didn’t respond to Carrie’s email in Season 4 of SATC — so, yes, even luddite Carrie should be used to this by now. Also, they just had phone sex (albeit not good) last episode, is a thumbs-down emoji really worth stressing about? Also, it’s clear he didn’t like the table, what’s left to interpret? Granted I’d probably have just furnished the place to my own liking at this point and let him deal with it later if he doesn’t like it. I’m glad, however, he finally acknowledged that his five-year proposal for Carrie was unrealistic. — Curtis

The Miranda and Vibe Bingo and guacamole girl storyline might be the most perplexing of them all for me in this episode. First off, I could not tell if they were saying “Vibe Bingo” or “Bye Bingo” for half the episode, which might just be a me problem. (OK, thank you, Njera, for making the sensical guess of Bi Bingo, considering its premise lmao). I knew inevitably that Miranda was going to start crushing on the tableside guacamole lady, and I’m oh so glad that got shut down pretty quickly. You know what I would live for? In Season 1 of “Sex and the City,” Miranda’s boss thought she was a lesbian. It would be such a treat for the writers to bring back Miranda’s coworker Syd, even if just to catch up and not necessarily to hook up with. Another question about Miranda’s storyline … who was that lady that showed up to Miranda’s office toward the end of the episode? Was I supposed to remember her? — Erin

So, I actually want to give Miranda a little grace in shooting her shot at the guacamole lady because she did give off subtle vibes that she was potentially a lesbian or at least bisexual. When she and Miranda were talking about “Bi Bingo” (what a name for a reality dating show), the guacamole lady said, “We should be on that show,” so … was Miranda wrong to assume she could ask her out on a date? I felt a little bad when she got turned down: “I’m flattered but I’m straight. And married. With two kids.” Ouch. She could’ve saved that snarky response to Miranda’s confusion, too. Like, just because she watches a show called “Bi Bingo” doesn’t mean she has to be queer but … her earlier comment suggested she was.

But kudos to Miranda for being brave and putting herself out there anyway. Hopefully she gets lucky with someone else this season (still hoping Rosie O’Donnell’s character makes another appearance).

Also, I looked into who that woman was that popped into Miranda’s office, and, according to Deadline, she’s Joy (played by Dolly Wells), Miranda’s “possible new love interest” who “loves greyhounds more than children.” Guess that solves the mystery of who she’s going to get tangled up with this season. Can’t wait to see how that unfolds. — Njera

Did anyone else take Miranda’s remark about having “finally discovered the joy of hate-watching” as a wink at critics of this series, or was that just me?

I’d love it if they got Syd from Season 1 to return, Erin! How amazing would that be? It seems natural for Miranda to find a connection through work, so I’m glad it seems that’s the direction they’re going with her and Joy. — Curtis

Curtis, you’re so right about the “hate-watching” comment. I mean, that’s definitely what I’m doing with this show at this point. — Erin

I’m low-key not surprised Seema resorted to hiring a matchmaker (against her will) after last episode’s shenanigans. To her credit, when you date the same five types of guys in New York and still strike out, it may be time to bring in some professional help — even if Seema’s Indian mother has been “working pro bono” since she was 12. I do think it’s hilarious (and a little concerning) that after six seasons of “Sex and the City” and all these years later, successfully dating in NYC is still a nearly impossible task. I think that says less about Seema and more about dating culture overall.

But even after taking Sydney’s style suggestions (still cringing over that pastel outfit and pearls) and date tips, Seema struck out once again. But it sounds like she dodged a bullet because she doesn’t need to be with a man who can’t deal with her honesty, because he has “enough challenges at work.” Good riddance. Hopefully, though, this won’t be a trend for Seema’s love life for the rest of the season. That’d be way too depressing. — Njera

I absolutely loved that scene where she immediately clocks those guys on the first date. I want more of that energy on “And Just Like That.” So much of this episode felt like a slog to get through, but this particular “hate-dating” scene felt so fresh and fun. That said, I was so sad to see Seema with that straight hair and pastel outfit on that matchmaking date. She didn’t look like herself (still gorgeous, but not at all her style). Here’s hoping that next week she gets a good match. — Erin

Yes, Erin! This is why Seema has become my favorite on the show, because she’s not afraid to say exactly what’s on her mind — unlike her dear friend (coughs), Carrie. That’s also why her zingy one-liners are my favorite, too: “This wasn’t the Sydney Cherkov experience. It was the Sydney Jerk-Off experience.” Ha! S/O to the writers for that one. — Njera

I really loved that scene where Seema clocked the first date guys, too, Erin — even if some of them were cute! It was a little uncomfortable for Seema’s boss to set her up with a matchmaker, but I think it’s to the show’s benefit that she appears to be stepping more formally into the seemingly unfillable void left by Samantha this season. — Curtis

“And Just Like That…” streams on Max at 9 p.m. ET Thursdays.