Last night, the much-anticipated finale of And Just Like That… left viewers in a state of disbelief, delivering what can only be described as a fever dream of a conclusion. In a bizarre half-hour of television, fans of the beloved series witnessed Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda bid farewell in an unexpected manner that included product placements, pie montages, and an unforgettable toilet overflow scene. This unconventional ending struck many as emotionally unsatisfying and even demeaning, leading to a sense of betrayal among long-time fans.
Despite the mixed reactions from viewers, showrunner Michael Patrick King and star Sarah Jessica Parker expressed their satisfaction with the finale. In a pre-finale interview with Variety, King revealed that the decision to end the series at this point was not made at the beginning of the season. He emphasized that it felt instinctive to conclude the story here, stating, “It’s an instinct. Anyone else could keep going. I can’t.” This sentiment reflects a conscious choice to not overstay the show's welcome, a notion that resonates with both King and Parker.
In discussing their creative choices for the series finale, King and Parker acknowledged the absence of a scene featuring the three main characters together. Instead, they opted to dedicate valuable screen time to a toilet crisis, which many fans found perplexing. Parker defended this decision by suggesting that the deep bond among the characters was already established over the decades, making a literal portrayal unnecessary. “The audience understands, and we don’t have to assure them. Everybody’s well. Everybody’s good. Everybody is solid. Everybody ends together,” she stated.
However, this season has led some fans to question the strength of the friendships among these iconic characters. Instead of the tight-knit camaraderie once depicted, viewers were left with the impression that Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda may have grown apart and are merely maintaining their relationships out of habit. The finale’s bizarre moments, including the infamous toilet scene, have led many to wonder if the series truly honored its legacy or simply exploited its audience’s loyalty.
As the credits rolled, fans were left feeling a mix of confusion and disappointment. Being bombarded with unexpected imagery, such as the overflowing toilet, felt less like a tribute and more like an affront to those who have invested years in these characters' journeys. Although King and Parker believe their choices honor the audience, many are left questioning whether this finale truly respects the emotional depth and complexity of the relationships that defined And Just Like That… and its predecessor, Sex and the City.
