Farewell to Sex and the City

February 28, 2004 11:37 AM
by

In 1998, 4 New York women captivated audiences with their entertaining wit, unrefined sexuality and raw honesty.

These characters spoke with a voice that was often hushed by etiquette rules, social standards and fear that their inhibitions would be considered un-ladylike.

Sex and the City changed society…and the way women were viewed. For men, it was the show that made them grit their teeth when certain topics were discussed (how could we forget funky spunk guy?)

The show was a fly on the wall for intimate girlfriend-only conversations. It gave insights to the bedroom, friendships, relationships and life. Sex revealed that women, like men, have insatiable sex drives, passionate work ethics and are ultimately searching for the definitive relationship- whether it be with themselves, their friends or Mr. Right.

Over the years, we’ve seen viewers try to categorize themselves as a specific character, but in truth we all have a piece of each of them in us.

Samantha is the sexual, take-charge conquistador. She owns her own PR Agency- appropriately named after herself- and does not succumb to anyone or anything.

Miranda represents the cynic inside us all. She is the successful lawyer who likes Tevo, chocolate and an organized schedule.

Charlotte is the princess we wanted to be in our youth- the fairy tale weddings, the tailored clothing and the blue-blooded upbringing.

Our uber-heroine, Carrie Bradshaw, brings inquisitiveness to her relationships, apprehension, absolute devotion, and an uncanny fashion sense that only she could pull off.

Each season represents a stage in their lives and as time goes on, there are more guts and emotion involved. By the time season six rolls around, these women are our friends.

We experience their joys and sorrows whether it be family, friend, boyfriend or career related. In the end, we want them to be content—however that may be.

Season One introduces the characters and all their sex-capades. This show caused a lot of stir in its topic matter because of its candid reality of NYC single life and uncanny approach to resonating it to the audience.

These characters could get away with what they did because they became lovable and truly human to the viewers.

Season Two delves into the relationship of Carrie and Big. Samantha’s x-rated love affairs continue as she toys from one man to the next. Miranda and Steve meet in a downtown bar and Charlotte continues her quest for true love.

Season Three finds Charlotte getting married to the impotent Trey McDougal. The anti-emotional Miranda finds herself in a web of emotions with Steve.

Samantha realizes she is getting older and Carrie begins a relationship with the devoted Aiden. Unfortunately she never gets over Big and has an affair with him. Carrie and Aiden break up at Charlotte’s wedding.

In Season Four, Carrie is back with Aiden and accepting his proposal, only to call it off in fear of commitment. She migrates back to Big only to discover he is moving to Napa.

Miranda has Steve’s baby and Charlotte’s fairytale marriage ends. Samantha finally takes the plunge and opens her heart to hotel magnate, Richard Wright.

Season Five finds Carrie single in love but doubling her assets professionally. Samantha catches Richard cheating and breaks up with him vowing never to love again.

On the other hand, Charlotte finds love in the form of her divorce lawyer, Harry Goldenblatt. Miranda finally comes to terms with being a mom.

The Final Season Six- Charlotte converts to Judaism and marries Harry. After trying to have a baby, they choose to adopt.

After a failed attempt with a southern couple, they find out a baby from China is on her way in 6 months.

Charlotte also has company in her new pet pooch, Elizabeth Taylor. Miranda dates Dr. Leeds- her neighbor- only to discover she is really in love with Steve.

They get married and move to Brooklyn. Samantha finds love at Raw (a hot new eatery). Jerry Jerrod- who she renames Smith Jerrod- becomes an overnight success thanks to her PR support.

During their relationship, she discovers she has breast cancer. She goes through the protocol, beats the odds and becomes an inspiration to other survivors.

After many attempts of pushing Smith away during this time, she finally realizes that she’s found love. Her last words to him in the final episode are, “You have been better to me than any man I’ve ever known” after he wakes her in the middle of the night to say “I love you.”

Carrie briefly dates a guy named Berger who becomes threatened by her fame. She eventually winds up with art legend, Aleksandr Petrovsky. She moves to Paris with him- against her friend’s wishes- believing he can give her an amazing life.

She soon discovers he is not what she wants, runs into Big who finally professes his love and they return to NY (where they belong). The audience finds out that Big’s name is John when he calls her cell phone to say his Napa house is on the market.

Carrie offers insights in every episode, and I think the final one is her most poignant of all. It encompasses everything these four women have experienced in the past six seasons. T

hrough tribulations, triumphs, health problems, wining, dining, shopping and matters of the heart, each character ultimately finds out who they are and where they want to go.

“The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”

The bottom line: The ladies had quite a journey but they discovered themselves and found the right men who loved them for the right reasons…I can’t think of anything more fabulous than that.