And Just Like That is great. There, I said it. After a clunky start, the show has settled into its self with a great balance of intriguing characters, quippy one liners and eyebrow raising moments. Seriously, considering two decades have passed since it first enthralled viewers with bold conversations about sexual taboos, the fact it still continues to shock us (yes, we’re talking about Miranda’s moaning during THAT fingering scene) is a testament to its adaptability.
But there’s one adaption proving poor: the absence of Samantha. We can’t be shocked really, her presence was so integral to the series success that viewers have been demanding her back since it was first revealed that Kim Cattrall wanted no part in the reboot. Of course, we hoped and prayed the friendship group could continue to entertain without her – and while they certainly have, it’s just not enough.
After four episodes, we still find ourselves typing in the group chat, ‘God, if only Samantha were at that brunch.’ There are a few moments we can point to for evidence of the fact.
And Just Like That Scenes We Needed Samantha - Grazia
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1 of 5The finger confessional
Most recently, Miranda confessing about that slip (of the finger) with Che at Carrie's apartment. As Charlotte reacted with her classic judgement and awe, Carrie sat passively scolding her friends momentary affair. 'I can feel judgement emanating from your pores!' Miranda said. It was a heated moment that resulted in a heart-warming resolution when Carrie's grief brought the group back together. But frankly, if Samantha were there, we could've taken a much funnier path to said resolution. As Miranda rushed to explain herself to her holier than thou friends, we could practically hear Samantha's carefree interjections of 'It's just a finger, it could've been a whole fist you know!'… 'I had sex in Carrie's kitchen once, there's something so erotic about crockery'… 'Charlotte, honey, if you're eyebrows raise any further you're going to need a facelift yourself.'
2 of 5Big’s funeral
Remember immediately after Big's death when Carrie got lost in the stress of planning his funeral? That may've been the first time we screamed at our televisions 'SHE NEEDS SAMANTHA!'. Rifling through papers confused at what to do next, accompanying a guilt-ridden Charlotte to pick out coffins, all Carrie needed in that moment was her emotion-free, efficient friend Samantha to swoop in and take care of everything. She would've had it handled in less than a day, the same way she cleaned up Carrie's life after Big left her at the altar. And you know what? Maybe then it would make more sense how quickly the narrative around Big's death has moved on.
3 of 5The first dinner
That first lunch back was an eery moment for Sex and The City fans. Samantha's absence had been addressed, but it was clear how much the group was missing her when Charlotte began rambling about the woes of being a Park Avenue princess turned mother of two tweens. As she talks through the dynamics of her life competing with other mums on the schoolboard, one could only wish Samantha was there with a witty remark about kids not needing anything but a colouring book. While Carrie continues to represent those of us that chose not to have children, she's never as loud about loving her childfree life as Samantha was. There is a void to be filled for the woman over 50 that never married, living her best life regardless – and we miss that.
4 of 5The comedy show afterparty
So far, And Just Like That is doing a stellar job of showcasing that life doesn't have to slow down with age. But one thing we're missing? The party days. When Miranda wanted to stay for the after party of Che's comedy gig, Carrie and Charlotte quickly scuttled off in a taxi as if nights out past 9pm are off the menu once you hit 50. Who did she need? Her always-up-for-it friend Samantha. She would've headed into that party, bought everyone champagne and cheered Miranda on as she shot-gunned a spliff from Che's mouth. Hell, we might've even got to explore Miranda's new feelings more in-depth had Samantha been there to listen without judgement.
5 of 5Stalking Natasha
You know who wouldn't have settled for Carrie being ghosted by Natasha? Samantha. She would've stormed into that office, used her name and demanded Carrie get a meeting to clear up the million-dollar mess Big created. She also would've come up with a funnier put down that 'She's wearing flats!', no offence Charlotte.
Read More:
And Just Like That: Could Samantha Jones Really Be Coming Back?
And Just Like That: All The Funniest Reactions To That Che And Miranda Scene