MORE THAN MANOLOS, AJLT… DIVERSITY TAKES A BIG STRIDE
BY: JANICE RONAN
Created by Darren Star and based on Candace Bushnell’s newspaper column and 1996 book anthology of the same name, the HBO cult following series, ‘Sex and the City’ captured the hearts of millions with its romanticised portrayal of four unapologetically vibrant, independent women. Fans religiously tuned in weekly as Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) and Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) fearlessly navigated he tumultuous terrain of love, work, and relationships against the iconic backdrop of New York City. Celebrated for pushing boundaries, candid discussions about sexuality and an empowering depiction of female friendships, the original series was rich in storyline but lacked variety, with a primary focus on affluent, Caucasian women in their 30’s.
Two decades later, a sequel was developed by Michael Patrick King for HBO Max. While the revival undoubtedly pays homage to its predecessor, it also acknowledges its shortcomings. The original show has been criticized for its lack of racial and ethnic diversity, as well as its limited exploration of 2SLGBTQIA+ perspectives. Upon hearing of the reboot, viewers couldn’t help but wonder, what is the next chapter for everyone’s favorite, beloved characters?
‘And Just Like That’… Carrie Bradshaw and crew return, now in their 50’s with a much-needed societal makeover, donning fresh pairs of Manolos and clad in contemporary attire: diversity. The girls have stepped into an exciting new era. The streets of Manhattan, once populated by a privileged group of fashionistas, have now evolved into a rich melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, sexual identities, and orientations. A shift that not only mirrors the ever-changing face of the city but also reflects the real-world conversations about representation and equality that have amplified since the original series aired. ‘And Just Like That’ – currently in its second season, addresses these past omissions head-on, proving that even beloved classics can evolve and grow.
Diversity is not just a buzzword; it is a driving force that adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Onlookers are introduced to new, diverse cast characters, while writers tackle relevant social issues. As the series delves into themes of gender equality, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, mental health, and ageism, important conversations are sparked in living rooms across the globe, fostering empathy and understanding among its audience.
New cast members bring a breath of fresh air and fresh drama to the show. Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez) is a nonbinary stand-up comedian, and Miranda’s new love interest. Even though she is still married to Steve, she falls hard for Diaz, a polyamorous, pansexual agent of chaos who co-hosts ‘X, Y and Me,’ a podcast that covers “gender roles, sexual roles and cinnamon rolls.” The portrayal of a middle-aged woman exploring her queerness demonstrates that love and acceptance can bloom at any stage of life, highlighting the importance of conveying authentic experiences.
There have also been some fabulous new editions to the infamous girl squad, Lisa Todd Wexley (Nicole Ari Parker), a powerful documentarian and mother of 3 children who becomes friends with Charlotte after meeting through their kids' school. In season 2, she is promoting her new film on lesser-known Black female icons, which she has been working on for several years.
Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury) is of Indian descent, a no-nonsense, big city Real-Estate Broker with expensive taste who befriended Carrie. Her dating escapades provide their fair share of entertainment.
Nya Wallace (Karen Pittman), a Columbia Law Professor who leads Miranda's human rights course. After a rocky start, the pair become firm friends. Nya and her husband Andre are trying to make a long-distance relationship work while he is on tour.
It is not just about the characters; It is about the issues they are addressing eye to eye. A stark reminder that even those at the top of their game still have battles to fight for a more equal world.
The success of ‘And Just Like That’ serves as a testament to the fact that television plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes and norms, and that diversity sells and resonates with broad audiences. As more shows embrace inclusivity, the entertainment industry is forced to reckon with its past lack of representation. This creates opportunities for underrepresented talent, both in front of and behind the camera, encouraging creators to be bolder in their storytelling.
Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha, and their diverse new friends continue to thrive - sipping cosmos, shattering stereotypes, and strutting through the magic of the big apple in their Manolos. All done with style, wit, and an open heart, after all, that’s what ‘And Just Like That’ is all about!
Image(s) Source: HBO