And Just Like That Finale: Did Carrie Finally Find Happiness?

This week marked the conclusion of Carrie Bradshaw’s journey as And Just Like That… wrapped up its third season. But what conclusions were drawn for Carrie and her circle of friends?

The final episode kicks off with Carrie dining solo at a high-tech Asian eatery, complete with robotic servers. Upon requesting a table for one, the hostess places a giant stuffed doll opposite her, cheerfully stating, “You don’t have to eat alone!” (Really helpful, indeed.) Meanwhile, Lisa receives thrilling news that Michelle Obama might lend her voice to Lisa’s documentary, prompting a prolonged celebratory embrace with her editor Marion, though they soon decide to maintain a professional boundary. Elsewhere, Miranda and Steve share a meal, nostalgically exchanging banter about Brady’s impending fatherhood, reminiscent of their earlier days. In a blunt exchange, Adam informs Seema of his dismissive views on marriage, calling it “a waste of time.”

During a visit to a bridal fashion show, the group confronts their mixed emotions about love and commitment. Seema reveals to Carrie her love for a man unlikely to marry, while Lisa vents about the dwindling romance in her marriage to Herbert due to constant miscommunication. Charlotte shares Harry’s bedroom challenges, and both she and Lisa ponder whether they would choose marriage again, knowing what they now know. Yet, the romantic notion overwhelms them, and they both admit they would indeed take the marital plunge again.

After the show, Carrie faces a personal realization: she might end up alone forever. Charlotte, ever the optimist, tries to offer hope for future love, but Carrie reflects on her past feelings of temporary solitude, contrasting them with her current resignation to possibly permanent solitude. Meanwhile, Lisa and Herbert reconcile, with Lisa affirming her love regardless of whether Herbert is dressed in Tom Ford or loungewear. Carrie challenges Adam’s casual view of relationships, leading him to affirm Seema’s importance in his life, describing her as “a lifetime,” not just a transient encounter.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Harry playfully interrupts Charlotte’s kitchen preparations, while Carrie traverses the city delivering pies to her friends, ending at Miranda’s. Miranda reveals that Joy couldn’t make it due to a pet emergency, though she suspects it might be an excuse due to recent arguments with Brady. However, a call confirms the seriousness of the situation, and Miranda rushes to the veterinary clinic. Back at the apartment, Brady’s preparation for a welcoming feast is disrupted by the dietary quirks of his baby-mama-to-be Mia and her demanding friends, leaving Carrie to manage an increasingly awkward gathering.

While Miranda and Joy receive uplifting news about the surgery, Carrie endures a challenging dinner with Mia, her friends, and a flirtatious guest, Mark. Charlotte’s unexpected arrival leads to a confrontation, with Carrie expressing her dissatisfaction with Charlotte’s matchmaking attempts, especially if Mark is indicative of available suitors. The evening culminates in a culinary mishap with an undercooked turkey and a disastrous bathroom incident courtesy of a lactose-intolerant guest. Thanksgiving concludes with less festivity and more chaos.

Post-dinner, Carrie and Miranda reflect over wine, anticipating further romantic advances from Mark. However, a bathroom mishap involving an overflowing toilet abruptly ends any potential romance. As Miranda deals with the aftermath, Joy makes a heartfelt appearance, deciding to spend the holiday with Miranda despite the earlier emergency. The night ends with Carrie returning home, choosing to keep her heels on and embracing solitude as she dances to Barry White, symbolically rewriting her novel’s epilogue to affirm her independence.

The series finale leaves viewers pondering if it truly provided a fitting conclusion to Carrie’s story. The absence of key characters like Charlotte and Anthony, and the lack of a reunion scene with Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte, felt underwhelming. Despite the nostalgia of the Miranda-Steve scene, the finale seemed disconnected from the essence of Sex and the City. With this ambiguous conclusion, perhaps fans might hold on to hope for another future revival.

What did you think? Share your thoughts on the finale below.