When it comes to the unavoidedly subjective process of showcasing “The Best 15 Seasons of the Past 20 Years,” the controversial aspects can get pretty loaded. Ideally, my contribution to the series would have been a rehash of my previous review of “My So-Called Life.” Obviously, that wouldn’t generate any new discussion. Of course, I did have another selection in mind, which would have spared the majority of you from the trouble of shaking your heads in exasperation, but choosing the safer route just to avoid conflict is, well, a dull practice. So, the quest to pick the “best” would inevitably include a program that didn’t fit the template of intelligent, intertextual, and impossibly clever. Whether you hate, love, or remain ambivalent about “Sex and the City,” it’s impossible to deny the ubiquitous (even zeitgeistian) influence of the show’s elements — city, dialogue, friendship — within contemporary popular culture. After $300 million in DVD sales, the trend is anything but over, and, for better or worse, the Sex and the City feature film will soon be upon us. Of course, it is a truth universally acknowledged that, during the show’s six-season run, groups of women regularly assembled to watch “SATC.” A lesser known fact is that some men even watched the show without being physically confined or placed under duress. Shhhhhhhhh!
While I will confess to being one of those women who made a ritual of watching this show, I can still admit that, at times, it feels pretty good to diss the douchebags of “SATC.” A lot of what the series had to offer was well worth despising on face value: (1) Characters who enjoy all the perks of adulthood yet never really seem to grow up; (2) Rampant elitist consumerism offset by conveniently rent-controlled brownstone apartments; (3) Supposedly empowered women whose only real power is that they choose to sexualize themselves; (4) All four characters slept with loads of men, yet only one was considered a slut. Unreigned sexual empowerment can do that sometimes, but that’s one of the many ironic twists of this television series. Prada, Fendi, and Manolo Blahnik aside, what I’ve always liked about the show is its satire of dating rituals. One really can have it all — career, independence, beauty, friends — and still get hung up on the fear of ending up all alone in life. So, things really haven’t progressed much from Edith Wharton’s turn-of-the-century novels of social Darwinism. Or have they?
The four main characters are thirtysomething women: Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis). Carrie is the lead character and the most overtly analytical of the bunch. While she holds herself as a single, successful gal, she has a romantic side and believes she’ll eventually find her soul mate. Like Carrie, Miranda has a lot of pride in her independence, and, as a lawyer, she pretty much knows that in each transaction, one party will go home empty-handed. Her cynicism often functions as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Samantha prefers her sex without strings, but as the show wears on, she begins to want more than just the almighty orgasm to keep her warm at night. Charlotte never strays from her agenda of finding Prince Charming, settling down, and having a baby. Generally speaking, most of the series’ female audience can more or less at least identify with one of the four central female characters. That would account for all those discussions of whether so-and-so is a Carrie, a Samantha, a Charlotte, or a Miranda. Obviously, blatant stereotypes are at work within each of the four women’s personas, but this allows the theme of each show to be dissected in a very humorous, ironic way. Each episode’s four distinct points of view on each issue allow the show to present layers of meaning and encourage discussion, an extremely powerful form of narrative that explains the show’s pervasiveness within groups of women everywhere.
Although the first three seasons were all very irreverent, sexy, and poignant, Season Four was distinctive in that it took these four women out of the complete vacuum in which show had previously and blissfully remained. This season also features some fairly irresistable guest stars: Alan Cumming as the more vocal half of Dolce and Gabbana, Margaret Cho as a fashion show producer, and Candice Bergen as a nightmare Vogue editor. Finally, Season Four is when everything started to fall spectacularly apart in these characters’ perfectly compartmentalized lives. Carrie became engaged to Aidan (John Corbett), and when she postponed the engagement, he left her. Miranda became pregnant with Steve’s (David Eigenberg) child after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Charlotte and Trey (Kyle MacLachlan) dealt with his impotence, her infertility, and their eventual separation. Samantha entered into a brief lesbian relationship and then fell in love with a man. Throughout, the surreptitious satire was biting, and, if I had my way, the show would have ended quite nicely at the end of Season Four, but the show’s producers had to go and ruin a relatively good thing.
As usual, each episode in the season follows the same narrative template, with all four characters moving through interweaving stories centered around the same theme, which is kicked off by Carrie typing a question on her laptop, “I couldn’t help but wonder … [insert question]?” Sure, this structure is a bit gimmicky and carries the faint aura of Doogie Howser about it, but this framework is an efficient way of leaping into each show’s interconnected plotlines. As the central character, Carrie is a relatively omniscient yet ultimately unreliable narrator. As a self-declared sexual anthropologist who “knows good sex,” Carrie passes this supposed knowledge on to readers in the form of a weekly newspaper column. She is the subjective filter for the entirety of the series and chooses what does and doesn’t remain objectified about the other characters. Yet, for all her seeming authority in the realm of sexual relationships, Carrie really knows about as much as the rest of us — that is, absolutely zilch. She is both the fairy-tale heroine in search of the elusive happily-ever-after ending and the decadent temptress whose mistakes prevent her from realizing her present or future happiness. Even though a part of Carrie always believes in Mr. Right, her vision of this man is only complete as a combination of her fantasies of both the suave, gallant, witty Mr. Big (Chris Noth) and the earthy, loving, protective Aidan. While Carrie is smart, experienced, and lucid enough to realize the falseness of a fairy-tale romance, complete with Prince Charming and a happy ending, she still cannot stop herself from falling into this false consciousness on a semi-regular basis. Carrie deeply yearns for traditional romance, but when she receives the elusive fruits, she is clearly uneasy with their trappings. For example, while she loves Aidan and accepts his marriage proposal (“A man you love kneels in the street and offers you a beautiful ring — you say yes — it’s just what you do.”), Carrie chooses to wear the engagement ring on a necklace and sometimes even buried within strings of pearls. In this light, it’s quite fitting that she ends up alone after the season finale when Mr. Big moves away from New York City and Aidan is gone.
Carrie’s indecisiveness is complicated by the fact that she pursued a reunion with Aidan after their Season Three breakup and was, in fact, quite frantic in her quest to win him back. She even shows up outside his apartment window in a bizarre 180 on a Shakespearean balcony scene, which ends in Aidan yelling, “You broke my heart!” Upon their reunion, while Carrie feels secure sleeping next to Aidan in that coveted “nook” of space inside of him, she simultaneously rejects his offers to rescue her from distressing scenarios. He even comes to the rescue of her friends, like when Miranda hurts her neck and cannot pull herself off the bathroom floor. When Carrie’s laptop irretrievably crashes and her apartment building switches to co-op status, Aidan fixes the situations for her. His grand gestures are meant only to demonstrate his love and commitment, but Carrie can’t help but think he’s trying to control her entire life. She begrudgingly allows Aidan to move into her apartment and pay the mortgage, but, true to her character, she proceeds to go completely neurotic about her Secret Single Behavior and storms out during a fight: “You can stay here with your boxes of shit and your shoe-eating dog, and knock yourself out putting on the Rogaine and the Speed Stick!” When she returns, she asks Aidan to give her the quiet time she needs, and when he complies, she quickly becomes bored and returns to the room. Her voiceover tells the audience, “That’s the thing about needs. Sometimes, when you get them met, you don’t need them anymore.” This statement seems to extend to the entirety of Carrie’s love life, and while she continues to keep a sense of humor about her, she remains profoundly unhappy with the realities of a romantic relationship.
Perhaps the best contrast to Carrie’s hesitation to commit romantically would be Charlotte, who is my favorite character of the series because Davis plays her with such great comic timing. Charlotte remains the eternal optimist about her search for Prince Charming, but she deserves credit for, at a minimum, blatant honesty about her desires and needs. Her Prince Charming, Trey MacDougal, is played to perfection by MacLachlan, who is perhaps the only actor who could maintain a deadpan demeanor when Charlotte catches him furiously masturbating to Juggs magazine. Before marriage, Trey was everything that Charlotte had dreamed for in a husband — blue-blooded, successful, handsome, and well-mannered. Of course, his virile appearance masked his impotence and disturbingly unhealthy attachment to an overbearing mother. In Season Four, Trey finally starts getting it up around Charlotte, and they discover that their true issues go much further than the bedroom. However, Charlotte continues to present the facade of their relationship when their apartment is photographed by House & Garden magazine. As the barely married couple poses for the camera, Carrie’s voiceover admits that “Trey had moved out by the time the magazine was on the stands. But all over America, little girls in their mothers’ pearls saw the picture and thought, ‘That’s what I want.’” And so, the myth is perpetuated, and the cycle continues to influence the next generation of females. All is vanity, indeed.
Season Four comes to a climax with the breakup of Carrie and Aidan, who utters, “I can’t believe that I’m back here again.” Carrie reacts as if she’s been kicked in the stomach. Across town at that very moment, Miranda feels her baby kick for the first time. A few days later, Aidan gives Carrie 30 days to purchase her apartment or vacate the premises. For a down payment, she at first borrows $30,000 from Mr. Big, but she then refuses to take money from a man and tears up Big’s check. Over lunch, Miranda and Samantha both offer to loan Carrie enough for a down payment, but she declines borrowing from her friends who need the money. When Charlotte later lends her defunct wedding ring to Carrie, so she can sell it and have a down payment, nobody sees a problem with this because Charlotte can afford it. However, Charlotte’s wealth comes directly as a result of marrying and divorcing Trey, so essentially, Carrie is still finding her crutch by means of a man. This pretense satisfies the true nature of satire, and, like Charlotte, Carrie keeps her carefully maintained portrait of herself by grasping onto what is false to maintain her vanity. Like Carrie, “Sex and the City” keeps its sense of humor within its inconsistencies and on the offensive.
Neurotic? Yes. Bittersweet? Absofuckinglutely.
Agent Bedhead (a.k.a. “Kimberly”) lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She and her little black heart can be found at agentbedhead.com.
Pathology | | Pajiba Love 04/22/08
Comments
I haven't even read this review, but THANK GOD. This season was by far my favorite of the entire series, I'm glad to see someone agrees with me :)
Posted by: Kelsophecles at April 22, 2008 3:15 PM
alls I gots to say is
mmmm......John Corbett. I just want to smell him. But alas I have to settle for him coming into my home everyday in Appleby's commercials. Only he could make me want to eat food so crappy.
Posted by: wsapnin at April 22, 2008 3:22 PM
In my late 20s the show was racy and cool but in my early 30s I'd outgrown it. But I must agree that is was by far the best season. I always thought Carrie should have ended up with Aidan, but in the end, I know Aidan deserved much better (Charlotte, perhaps?) and that Carrie and Big deserved each other.
Posted by: Ciji at April 22, 2008 3:26 PM
I used to loathe the entire series. However, this is the season that won me over via DVD paired with too much Stolichnaya. I admire your choice, Agent Bedhead. DARING.
Posted by: Gudrun at April 22, 2008 3:29 PM
Are you kidding? There's no way a show about the sexual escapades (and failed romances) of one of the fugliest men in the history of humanity (and we're talking about a species that spawned BOTH good ole' Joe Stalin and Anne Ramsay) and his three female friends should ever be considered for the best of anything.
Why not just pick season four of Knight Rider for chrissakes (KITT gets retractable airfoils and jet boosters!!!) or season five of The Dukes of Hazzard (i.e., the Coy and Vance years)....
...Je-HESUS KAH-rist...
...and the bookend conceit of the show -- Fugly Man writes an advice column -- fairs no better here than it did in Dooger Howser, M.D. (why not pick that show while you're at it? I can start your review for you: "Doogie losing his virginity to Wanda Sykes [good luck erase that image from your mind] is the apex of the emotional development of this young man -- burdened with intellect and responsibilities well beyond his years -- with whom we have spent so much time.").
Just frakking kill me now.
Just FRAKKING kill me now.
Posted by: Jimmy V at April 22, 2008 3:33 PM
I'm probably going to get flack for this, but I didn't like Carrie and Aidan. She was too awful for him. She cheated and jerked him around. She belongs with Big because they are both crazy, and neurotic. This was a a great season though. I think my fave is season 5 though.
Posted by: lyricalcatt at April 22, 2008 3:35 PM
I watched the first four seasons marathon-style over the course of a weekend with my sister. She was all giddy to watch it, I thought I was in for a weekend of drinking enough to black out and sleep through most of it. However, I was thoroughly surprised to find myself actually enjoying the show, especially Season 4. Completely unrealistic, but it was pretty rock solid, through and through. Great review...
-- Name Withheld in Fear of Pajiba Beating --
(...although I still wouldn't touch SJP's dirty bits with Minim... uh, with a ten-foot, foil-wrapped Fist of Adonis...)
Posted by: Fuzzy Black Dot & Voice Scrambler at April 22, 2008 3:35 PM
The only way this show makes "The Best 15 Seasons..." is if it's in a crossover with the first season of "Dexter" and I get to see each one of these vapid drones on his table at one time or another
Posted by: Max at April 22, 2008 3:37 PM
really?? come on...
Posted by: baconator at April 22, 2008 3:39 PM
I can't believe that this show made the cut! Boo, I say! Whatta load of poop! Dork-ass music, pun, pun, pun, lousy clothes, pun, sex, whining, made of money, pun, computer scene, credits. Every friggin show!
...way to cover your ass...
Posted by: Skittimus Maximus at April 22, 2008 3:40 PM
Heeee...Skitt, you pussy, own up to your S&TC love!
I was already devoured by TK's zombie hordes for admitting that I enjoyed this show.
I would never classify it as good enough to beat out other seasons of better shows, but I thought that the friendships portrayed by all four women were incredibly believable, and when they weren't focusing on ridiculous sexcapades certain plotlines were sweet and affecting (Sam's cancer, Miranda losing her mother, Charlotte's pregnancy debacles).
I still fucking hate Charlotte though.
Posted by: Julie at April 22, 2008 3:43 PM
This really shouldn't be on the list. Maybe if the list was the 15 most influential seasons of the last 20 years... But this is by no means one of the best.
Posted by: baconator at April 22, 2008 3:45 PM
I really liked this review, Agent Bedhead - And I absolutely enjoyed this season of SATC as well. As much as I wanted to kick each of the main characters in the face half the time, I also sympathized with them, and the show was totally entertaining. I may just pick up the DVDS sometime soon and reminisce.
Posted by: b at April 22, 2008 3:45 PM
...way to cover your ass...
Wait a second...I knew I recognized that italic! It was YOU!!!
Man card REVOKED!!!!!
Seriously, brave choice, AB, and well defended. I have no problem with folks liking the show, as long as they realized it was a fucking SHOW and not a GUIDE TO LIVING YOUR LIFE. I think that is where the disconnect happened. Somehow, people started thinking these characters were actually making right choices and offering good advice, when the truth was, as you stated:
really knows about as much as the rest of us -- that is, absolutely zilch.
Thank you for showing your view on the show, and taking a chance in angering the masses. Because the only thing that pisses folks off more than knocking something they love (Whedon and Apatow) is lauding something they hated.
Posted by: Vermillion at April 22, 2008 3:49 PM
This season was amazing, and haters can step to the left.
Although, it's interesting that you point out that only one of them is considered a "slut." Does this mean you think they all should be labeled as "sluts" (in which case, eff you), or do you think that it's an unrealistic representation of society's view of women with active sex lives (in which case, interesting point)?
Posted by: Leigh at April 22, 2008 3:49 PM
I think Season 4 was by far the most infuriating season, good but infuriating...i really only liked it was because of Carrie's awesome bob. Other than that, I utterly loathe her character and feel no sympathy for her whatsoever.
Posted by: citizen_cris at April 22, 2008 3:51 PM
Umm, I own this season. I only paid $5 at a pawn shop.
Good choice. Carrie did not deserve Aidan. I always liked Miranda the best. I usually wanted to hit Carrie. She annoys the hell out of me.
Posted by: Melody at April 22, 2008 3:52 PM
Word of advice for Agent Bedhead: Pull your head out of your respective lover's ass. Perhaps then a review of an appropriately worthy bit of televised excellence will be possible. As is evident from the selection of this blight, accurately judging the merits of a television show through the filter of another's sphincter is near impossible.
Sarah Jessica Parker pulled hers out of Matthew Broderick's ass and, aside from the resultant trauma that has left her resembling a creature that has emerged 4.7 million years too early from the Earth's life-giving primordial goo, has managed to fashion herself an inexplicable career in an industry predicated upon beauty and fatuousness.
Posted by: Chuck Koosterman at April 22, 2008 3:58 PM
Hey, folks, come on. Picking Battlestar or Firefly or any of the Pajiba-popular shows would be fish in a barrel.
Picking SaTC takes balls.
God knows the show ain't my thing, but this is a great write-up, Bedhead. Kudos.
Posted by: TK at April 22, 2008 3:59 PM
Man, for once I'd love to read something about SATC without hundreds of men stampeding to the fore to declare how much they wouldn't sleep with SJP. We get it. You don't find her attractive. She probably wouldn't think you're a prize, either, and Ferris Bueller seems happy with her. Get the fuck over yourself.
Anyway.
I don't know if any Pajibans listen to the Sound of Young America and subsequently Jordan, Jesse, Go! -- but I think this was pretty well covered by the host Jesse Thorn's fiancee in one episode of JJGo. Basically, when asked what the allure was, she said it was because it's something girls watched with their girlfriends. Ask anyone who was a fan of the show and they'll probably tell you that they watched it with a group of friends, made a ritual of it or had "marathons" of it in college. And maybe it's not the best show ever, but it definitely was (as AB says) "zeitgeisty" and beloved by many.
So I'm OK with SATC being on the list, even though it probably fills the one slot reserved for "girly" show... one I think could have been better filled by Season 2 of Gilmore Girls.
Posted by: tetetetigi at April 22, 2008 4:01 PM
Yeah, okay... What I meant to say was that the show wasn't half bad. Look, I don't own the goddamed series, I don't "connect" with any particular character, nor do I cry much at the emotional bits... I eat manly-stuff when watching the show... like, uh... like friggin' Manwitches, and that Thick-N-Hearty Campbell's soup/stew shit, chased down with Tequilla shots and black & tans drank out of a giant leather mug with skulls and boobs on it...*
*aka - curled up on the couch in my bathrobe and comfy thick socks, kittys curled up on my lap next to a box of Kleenex and a full bag of Swedish Fish, sipping on a Zima while Minnimus paints my nails.
Posted by: Skittimus Maximus at April 22, 2008 4:03 PM
Gasp! Sex and the City descrating the fair halls of Pajiba? How gauche. Quite the rebel today Ms. Bedhead, but it's actually a pretty good choice. I count myself amongst the men who actually do watch Sex and the City sans ironic intentions (although to be fair, I barely can be considered a man). Nice to see that someone is capable of seeing past the veneer of Manolos and fabulousness to a show which, at its peak, simultaneously expolited and imploded the female stereotype. Good work Agent Bedhead. You get a cookie!
Posted by: Jeremy at April 22, 2008 4:07 PM
I loved the show the first time I watched it, and also on consecutive viewings when I made my parents and my best friends watch it.
However, since then, I've definitely outgrown the show. I don't think there was a single pitch-perfect episode in the entire six seasons. No matter what, I was always going to dislike at least one part of the story-line, or think the characters' reactions were just a bit much (also, I disliked a large amount of Carrie's boyfriends, so that doesn't help when it comes to rewatching).
Even though Samantha was supposed to be the sexually liberated one who was more "like a man" in her attitudes, she seemed to be the butt of jokes a lot and get punished for it - for example, every time she started developing feelings it would slap her in the face but she would be the one who came off as crazy.
I also couldn't understand how Charlotte could be the "more traditional" one since in the beginning she had almost as many sexual partners as Samantha. It seemed like whenever they didn't want to have Charlotte hook up, they'd throw in a story line about an animal.
I disliked Carrie (and most of her fashion choices - Charlotte's wardrobe was the one I liked most) until about the 4th season or 5th season. At that point, she finally seemed to grow up some. And yet, I would have considered this one of my favorite shows in college. Go figure.
I actually think The L-Word, while also over the top and ridiculous at times, does a better job of focusing on just the friendship aspect between women, and it isn't always about sex, though there is a good amount of that, too.
Good review - I was definitely surprised to see it up here, but I admire your decision not to take the safe route.
Posted by: Jen K at April 22, 2008 4:07 PM
Excellent point, tetetetigi! Season 2 is the best of Gilmore Girls, a show that's not given enough credit for it's wit, comedy, great writing, and distinctive story-telling. I enjoy SATC, but Gilmore Girls is much higher quality.
Posted by: valerie at April 22, 2008 4:07 PM
I love how everyone admits to liking this show ONLY after the make it perfectly clear they were drunk/stoned/watching it under duress. Just admit you like it. Grow a pair.
Posted by: J at April 22, 2008 4:07 PM
great review, but yikes...
my old girlfriend made me watch this show, and even though i did get caught up in the aidan/carrie relationship (he does have the same name as me afterall), its just too stereotypical and pun-filled for my tastes. The dialogue was so predictable and each show was so structured it got tiresome after a while.
When all 15 seasons have been reviewed, I'd be curious to see where this one ends up, cause I don't see it being on anyone's short list.
Posted by: aidan at April 22, 2008 4:08 PM
So far, out of seven:
# of seasons I've seen = 7
# of seasons I've enjoyed = 7
# of seasons I agree with = 6
I watched this entire series and enjoyed it a lot. I got together with my friends every week (yes, a couple of them are male) to watch together. I agree that this season is the best -- it has great storylines and a lot of character development (and non-development, in the case of Carrie). But one of the 15 best seasons in the past 20 years? No way. I can think of 5 better shows off the top of my head. Hell, I can probably think of 5 better HBO shows off the top of my head - not including Larry Sanders, which is already on the list. The list isn't which seasons were the most popular or had the most influence on pop culture, it's a list of the best.
Is there going to be a short list of also-rans so we can debate which ones shouldn't have been left out?
Posted by: Three-nineteen at April 22, 2008 4:10 PM
J...not everyone said that.
Posted by: Julie at April 22, 2008 4:10 PM
It's good that Kirsten Davis will be remembered more as Charlotte and not the uberbitch she played on Melrose Place way back. Her MP character was so horrible, people were yelling at her on the street, "Leave Billy alone, bitch!" Imagine having that as a legacy.
One thing I hated about Charlotte: she quit her awesome job BEFORE she got pregnant! Honestly, who does that? She was just inviting those infertility plots.
Posted by: happycat at April 22, 2008 4:11 PM
"Man, for once I'd love to read something about SATC without hundreds of men stampeding to the fore to declare how much they wouldn't sleep with SJP. We get it. You don't find her attractive. She probably wouldn't think you're a prize, either, and Ferris Bueller seems happy with her. Get the fuck over yourself."
Amen. Talk about an actress who gets beat up for no good reason. A non-traditionally pretty woman gets props and the whole world frigging jumps on her. Please go back to jerking off to Kristen Bell (whose appeal actually does elude me).
Always liked this show. Sure, it has its shit moments and its moments that don't quite ring true, but there is some fantastic comic timing and some legitimately funny and touching moments. When Samantha mouths "I'm sorry" to Miranda at her mother's service? Please. I defy you not to mist up. I also absolutely love the last episode when Charlotte gets the picture of the little girl and says "That's her. That's our baby." Aaaaaarrrrrgh - it get me every damn time.
As for Aidan, he kind of always got on my nerves. Carrie did treat him like shit and he didn't deserve it, but I could never quite understand why a guy like him would live in NYC what with the sanctimonious anti-smoking stance and woodworking shop.
Posted by: samantha t at April 22, 2008 4:17 PM
Aidan was far too attached to denim-on-denim ensembles and confusing grand romantic gestures with basic romantic comprehension. He bugged the shit out of me. As did Carrie. And Miranda. And Charlotte. And Samantha. And I wanted to personally wrench the pen out of the hands of every writer responsible for that godawful, hackneyed, trite dialog.
Of course, I've seen every episode of the show. Quite possibly twice. So, I guess that makes me the dummy. This review, though, almost had me convinced that I'm not a dummy. Then I remembered the dialog. The DIALOG! GAK!!!!!
Posted by: megbon at April 22, 2008 4:18 PM
What the eff? This show was balls. I can't even bother being more articulate than that. It's particularly obnoxious that it basically masqueraded as some kind of modern feminism in kicky designer clothing, when it was actually a bunch of patriarchal bullshit in hideous designer clothing.
And lyricalcatt, I agree. Aidan was way too good for Carrie. Well, everyone is too good for Carrie, really.
Posted by: Lannie at April 22, 2008 4:20 PM
I can't agree with this being one of the best seasons of television in the last 20 years, but I will damn well say you put forward a brave and thought-provoking argument. It was assuredly a ovary-sy choice. Good for you.
Posted by: insertclevernamehere at April 22, 2008 4:27 PM
This is a brave choice, AB, considering this is Pajiba. So here's my two cents.
I watched SatC from the beginning to end, and while season 4 was strong, I also think it was the beginning of the end for it. A lot of what went on later in the show bothered me, but you nailed it in the "rampant elite consumerism" bit.
Charlotte started off being my favorite, but she became such a bad parody of a 1950's housewife that I got sick of her. As for Miranda, sometimes she acted so cynical that I wondered why she had a baby in the first place.
Despite her being the comic relief, Samantha was my favorite in the end. For good or bad, she defended her sexual philosophies and basically said "fuck you" to those who didn't like it. I thought she was the most honest of them all.
While Carrie & Big were meant to be together, I do agree that she didn't deserve Aidan. Aidan may have been controlling later on, but who could blame him, considering that his girlfriend was still hanging out w/ the guy that she cheated on him with?
Jen-K, I've seen The L Word, and while it had a strong 3 seasons, it has been sucking hard since then.
Posted by: Brie at April 22, 2008 4:29 PM
Was this the season where Miranda's mother passed away? That episode was hilarious and touching.
So when will the backlash against this show stop?
Posted by: Andrew at April 22, 2008 4:29 PM
This is probably the only show I've ever seen that I liked, despite pretty much hating every single character (of course, reality shows don't count.)
I can't say it was my favorite show, or even a truly great show, but I still watch the reruns when it's the choice between SaTC and Everybody Loves that Obnoxious Cheese Guy. I give it props because, despite being a show geared towards women, it featured some pretty prominent raunch. Guys aren't the only ones who screw and swear, ya know.
Posted by: frumpiefox at April 22, 2008 4:31 PM
Guys aren't the only ones who screw and swear, ya know.
...as the ladies of Pajiba make quite clear :)
Posted by: Julie at April 22, 2008 4:33 PM
I've caught episodes of SatC here and there, but honestly I've never been able to get all the way through one because I loathe Carrie Bradshaw. Not SJP, who I'm more or less ambivalent to, but the character of Carrie just sets my teeth on edge.
Ultimately it's the same problem I had with Wuthering Height, a book which I've red twice and can still not give an accurate account of it or it's quality, because my all consuming hatred of the characters distracts me from anything else therein, redemptive or otherwise.
Posted by: darwinfox at April 22, 2008 4:35 PM
I love this show too and have never been afraid to admit it. Season 4 was the only time I cried while watching, when Miranda's mother died. I thought that episode was well done.
Season 5 was crapity-crap-crap-craptastic-crapola though. Sorry lyricalcatt.
I watched a poor sap friend of mine suffer through a relationship with a girl who fancied herself to be Carrie Bradshaw. This was in the SaTC heyday. She did well living up to the role, hitting the city scene every night she could, having a roommate who owned a wine bar downtown, and living the white powder party lifestyle. He just wanted to find a nice girlfriend for a long term relationship. She stomped on his heart real good.
Posted by: katy at April 22, 2008 4:48 PM
Despite my earlier adulation for the show, I cannot let the show's dearth of people of color and ridiculous Jewish stereotyping go unacknowledged. Cringe. When Miranda was dating Blair Underwood, couldn't they just have left it that she was dating some gorgeous doctor from her building?
Posted by: samantha t at April 22, 2008 4:56 PM
This was the first show I've seen that acknowledged that modern nice women do sleep around alot. Alot more than men would like to believe, I'm sure.
And SJP at least looks REAL. Yes, she has wrinkles, and an odd shaped body and face. People who complain about her being ugly seem like the same people who claim they don't like the plastic surgery clones, but will watch those babes without complaining. It reminds me of the guys who claim, "I really like a woman who doesn't wear makeup," and then you see them out with the a Tammy Faye wannabe. I actually like watching a lot of the British shows just because the women and men look real, and plain, and wrinkled and real.
Posted by: BWeaves at April 22, 2008 4:57 PM
I enjoyed SatC. Not 'fan' enough to know one season from another, but all in all it was enjoyable. Samantha was always my favorite; like Brie said, she was the most honest. Plus her cancer storyline was so well done.
Add me to the list of those who don't get the SJP hate. She's not THAT ugly. (backhanded compliment much?)
Posted by: Gabs at April 22, 2008 4:59 PM
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," I say. "Big fat hairy boo!"
...And JSP looks like a foot.
Posted by: paco at April 22, 2008 5:00 PM
I'll take the SATC women over the Real Housewives of NYC any day. Now those are some bitches who make us all look bad . . . .
Posted by: SCG at April 22, 2008 5:03 PM
SATC is one of my favorite shows. Season 4 being the best, and my favorite, of those. I know what it is, I know I should hate it, but I LOOooooove it.
But Top 20 seasons, really?? I understand your choice was ballsy and all that...but it's wrong. I think you're reasoning was well written, but it was in no way convincing. I'm not even sure it convinces me that you actually believe that it's in the top 20...
Whatever, I guess. My eyes almost popping out of my head when I got to the front page and saw the box with a Sex and the City pic on it was enough for me to keep it on there. I even refreshed it once thinking I was on the wrong page.
If Maximus' description of him watching this show doesn't get on the best comment list this week, grrrr...
except he can't win, can he? Dammit.
Posted by: jamiepants at April 22, 2008 5:03 PM
So on a tangent here.... I have no problem with not-very-pretty women as main characters, but it bugs the shit out of me when people insist an actress is beautiful when she's at best average (same goes for guys--and there are plenty of "hot" actors I just don't get.)
What I didn't (and still don't) about SJP is how she became a fashion icon. (And yeah, I realize that other people tell actors what to wear, but still.) Most of what she wore in the show, and a lot of what she wears to red carpet events, looks like the sexy Halloween version of a crazy cat lady get up.
Posted by: frumpiefox at April 22, 2008 5:09 PM
I've always thought Sarah Jessica Parker was attractive...her face isn't pretty, she had her moments where she looked very elegant.
That's RIGHT, I SAID it.
[runs away gigling].
Posted by: Julie at April 22, 2008 5:09 PM
"It reminds me of the guys who claim, "I really like a woman who doesn't wear makeup," and then you see them out with the a Tammy Faye wannabe."
Probably my biggest pet peeve of all time. Whenever a guy said that to me I'd say "No, you don't." So many dudes have absolutely no idea how much makeup women are wearing.
Posted by: samantha t at April 22, 2008 5:11 PM
There's not a lot of chance being noticed here, at the bottom of the thread, but screw it.
I loved SATC. Even though I am not a highpowered career woman who is capable of lots of sex with lots of men, I (at some time or other) identified with all the characters.
This show captured the slice of life that I was and am experiencing. Am I happy alone? What happens when 'Prince Charming' knocks on the door? is he too good to be true? I totally bought this whole season, hook, line and sinker.
Also, I love that the reviewers on this site aren't afraid to make insightful and sometimes controversial (?) decisions in their writing.
Great writing, Agent Bedhead. Fantastic stuff.
Posted by: Electric Monk at April 22, 2008 5:11 PM
(Should have been an "understand" in there after the didn't.)
Posted by: frumpiefox at April 22, 2008 5:12 PM
Giggling! I ran away too fast to type that extra G.
Posted by: Julie at April 22, 2008 5:13 PM
I personally can't stand the thought of SITC, however, I must bow respectively to you AB . Though the content of your review rakes at the very essence of my soul, must like peaking over the edge of the TV (trying to see around the corner) while watching Raiders of the Lost Arc and having the spirits within melt my face off, I must applaud you for iterating it as a show with so much influence and, dare I say it, power over the masses that it does deserve a top spot, or maybe an honorable mention (haven't quite decided).
Whether or not it was a good show, which it wasn't, it did add something to my life. Because of this show, several women that I know have become "empowered" by sex...and let me just say... for that... Thank you... Thank you SJP, Thank you Thank you Thank you... I have no problems "empowering" my girlfriend on a regular basis...
Posted by: Nico at April 22, 2008 5:24 PM
*Much like, not Must like...doh...
Posted by: Nico at April 22, 2008 5:26 PM
I honestly TRIED to like this show. My sister loved it, lots of my girlfriends loved it, but GAH, I hated it. Because I hate Carrie. Seriously hate.
It's not SJP. I think she's cute and bubbly and adorable in a lot of things - say...Girls Just Wanna Have Fun or Hocus Pocus.
But CARRIE??? Ew. She sucks. She's completely whiny and self-absorbed and materialistic and self-destructive and just...ew. All four of those women were totally psychotic and fed off of each other. "Ooooh, poor Carrie. Another tough lesson you had to learn because you didn't learn the last 500 lessons! Boo, poor you! Go buy some expensive shoes you can't afford and go to a club that's totally inappropriate for someone your age and it'll all be better!"
And Aidan, who was hot and actually nice to Carrie? Actually loved her? Oh, fancy that, Carrie the dumbass is still hung up on that egomaniacal bastard Big. I even hated the nickname Big. I hate this whole damn show.
Anyway, the Aidan thing sealed the deal. I never watched the show again - not even once in a while.
But, nonetheless, that's my personal taste, and I know a lot of people love the shit out of this show. So, you know...good review, Bedhead.
Posted by: tt_marie at April 22, 2008 5:27 PM
PS - Sorry if all my comments lately are bitchy and snappish. I'm kinda under the weather and stressed and PMSing to boot and I think I might be taking it out on all the kind citizens of Pajibaland.
PPS - I do hate Carrie, though.
Posted by: tt_marie at April 22, 2008 5:40 PM
oh! I was so enjoying readin that I wish it had been longer.... & yeah, props for the ballsy choice Bedhead.
Im too tired to attempt any grandstandin' soapboxin' tonight.... but the show was alot of fun, I acknowledge and accept its flaws, and SJP seems like a nice person, & I always thought Aiden was a dick....aaaaaaannnnd Carrie was my favourite but Charlotte had the best wardrobe....and im going to bed, gnite all! xx
Posted by: short4astormtrooper at April 22, 2008 5:56 PM
Really? Seriously? Buffy..., The West Wing..., and Sex and the City? I've enjoyed watching The Big Bang Theory and Reaper more than I had any season of Sex and the City.
It was just the extremely annoying Carrie blabbing on about relationships and shoes while Miranda's even more annoying face blabbed about something (wtf cares what she was talking about, I tuned her out any time she started talking) while Charlotte was being a ditsy princess who was even more of a hopeless romantic than myself (who hopes to marry Kristin Kreuk someday) while Samantha fucked everything in site and acted like more of a guy than most guys I know.
Any season of The Sopranos and the only season of Firefly blow Sex and the City out of the water. I hope to see those two make the list.
Posted by: Dave at April 22, 2008 6:10 PM
Please go back to jerking off to Kristen Bell (whose appeal actually does elude me).
May I still do that, even though I do not agree with the slamming of Ms. Parker? Or are they mutually exclusive?
Posted by: Vermillion at April 22, 2008 6:13 PM
Well, samantha, I'm certainly on record for finding both Parker and Bell unappealing. And I'm certainly not afraid to be seen with this show and don't need a qualifier to admit liking it, I just don't want it anywhere near me.
So, you know, boo to sexist generalizations and all that rot, blah blah blah.
Yes, I did watch an episode when it became clear that's what the rest of the room had been planning. Two female friends, the mother of one of them, one gay guy, and me. Just had to be bored and mildly annoyed for a while.
Oh well, eight more chances to score, though I did at least watch Farscape a long time ago (not that I think an entry should be controversial as a matter of course, just good, but they've pretty much all been fish in a barrel, except Farscape is just obscure rather than divisive. But that's fine. Just haven't been stuff I watch).
Posted by: Jay at April 22, 2008 6:16 PM
Vermillion - you may continue doing what you're doing. Carry on.
My point was that there's a bit of hegemony amongst Pajibans as to who is hot and who is not. I understand people love Bell's show and her sass. I think she's a fine actress and I loved her cameo on Deadwood. I do, however, think she's very plain Jane and suspect that she'd be heavily criticized as such if her show wasn't as good as it is. Similarly, I think people have an axe to grind with respect to SJP because they detest SATC. I read quite a few reviews of "Smart People" that lauded her performance (and a couple that pretty much panned Ellen Page, a darling here on Pajiba) and, yet, many Pajibans dismissed the movie out-of-hand because of SJP's presence. It just seems some actors can do no wrong while others can do no right.
I love y'all, but I just have to shake it up a bit sometimes.
Posted by: samantha t at April 22, 2008 6:40 PM
I try to catch SATC at night & on the weekends on TBS. Alot of people say it's watered down but I still think it's great even without the sex scenes. I'm 21, I'll be 22 on Sunday (yah!) and I was probably too young to be watching SATC when it first premiered, but this show taught me alot about sex and dating in general. I always thought Carrie was annoying especially with her choices of men. The Russian & Berger y/n?
I am one of those chicks that wanted my life to be seemingly fabulous and carefree like that, but it's a damn tv show. I don't have the money for Manolo's or Gucci. Neither did they really. At least not Carrie. In one episode an old friend of hers bought a pair of shoes for her after her credit card was cut up. There was an article on EW's Popwatch asking what episode of SATC did you relate to the most. There are a couple I could name but the one that stands out the most, that I think is from the 4th season, is where Carrie goes to apologize to Natasha, Big's ex-wife. This is after Carrie sleeps with Big and Natasha catches her in their apartment and after chasing her out, Natasha falls and chips her tooth. Carrie finds out where Natasha is having lunch and goes to apologize, but Natasha gives her a big fuck off by saying "I'm sorry too. I'm sorry I went to Paris and we fell in love. I'm sorry we got married. I'm sorry he cheated with you. I'm sorry that this tooth is a different color than this one. Not only have you ruined my marriage but now you've ruined my lunch" Maybe not her exact words, but it was great.
The reason that episode stuck out to me was because I was that bitch in high school that was always trying to break up relationships or get a guy to like me over another girl. I'm not proud. In fact I still feel really guilty and wish that I could go back and apologize.
Posted by: B at April 22, 2008 6:58 PM
Well, it sure was among the most important in some fashion (no pun intended), but certainly not "the best".
Posted by: gargumma at April 22, 2008 7:09 PM
Ok Im not even going to get into how crazy it is to consider SATC5 as one of the all time best seasons EVER (and I watch the show, ALOT). I cant believe people are raving about the review itself. FUCKING. BORING.
Wheres the humor? The bitchiness? Wheres the rest of the season? SERIOUSLY?!? And its not really ballsy choosing SATC, you know women will defend their stories. It'd be more ballsy if you actually showed some emotion in one of your reviews. I know, Im being a super powerbitch/fashioncunt, but Im tired of AB getting all the good girly reviews only to bore me to tears.
Posted by: peepants at April 22, 2008 7:42 PM
Great review, Bedhead! I don't know the series well enough to tell one season from another, but I recall the story lines you described, and enjoyed them thoroughly. I do understand people's objections to the show, but I think Vermillion said it nicely--the problem is when people take SaTC as an ideal lifestyle, rather than just as amusement.
Now...is it just me, or was Aidan a bit of a passive-aggressive tool? (I take it from other comments that it's mostly just me) Ugh, the man annoyed me to no end! Not that Carrie was a terribly sympathetic character, but I can understand her feeling smothered by Aidan.
Steve, on the other hand...ohhh, how I loved that man...yummy....
Posted by: MO at April 22, 2008 7:44 PM
My housemate used to make me watch it with him, and all I can really say is I recommend seeing the show with a man who's gay. Listening to him rip on their clothes and whatever fashion issues that were going on while drinking heavily was more fun than should be allowed.
Posted by: Becky Tri-Tip Goddess at April 22, 2008 7:45 PM
I actually thought this was a joke when I saw it. But it's not April 1st anymore. Is it?
Posted by: osmate77 at April 22, 2008 8:32 PM
Something's rotten in the state of Pajiba.
please please please do not pick Desperate Houswives for the next best 15 seasons bit.
Posted by: Our Mrs Reynolds at April 22, 2008 8:34 PM
Same here, osmate77...same here...
Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at April 22, 2008 8:35 PM
Great write-up. Spot on.
When I started watching this I was already married with one kid, but the stuff they talked about made me damn glad I was out of the dating thing. I was stunned to see that in the very first episode they talked about having sex "like a man." I've done that!
And yeah, most of the clothes sucked ass, but you've got to admit, those SHOES! That show re-ignited my love of footwear.
As much as I enjoyed the show (and yes, own all the DVD's) and am looking forward to the movie, I can't help but wonder...will I ever stop seeing SJP as the geek in Square Pegs???
Posted by: GroovyVic at April 22, 2008 8:43 PM
Before I started watching it, I hated Sex and the City. But then I saw it and realized that despite all the ridiculous crap from Carrie, the show has some great funny, unrealistic, and really true-to-life moments. I mean, Miranda and Steve are probably one of the most realistic couples I've ever seen on tv. Also, I was pretty young when I started watching it, and I feel like the show taught me a lot about sex that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else, and for that I'm grateful.
Posted by: Meredith at April 22, 2008 9:08 PM
I enjoyed SAtC as a light-hearted, fun show. I'm not sure I would include it in the top 15, but I'll wait to see what's to come in the rest of the list. Just please tell me Homicide: Life on the Street is in there somewhere.
Posted by: Cindy at April 22, 2008 9:29 PM
Just please tell me Homicide: Life on the Street is in there somewhere.
Oh don't worry, Cindy. I've promised murder in the event of its exclusion.
At the very least one of you...one of you...one of you is gonna have his eye torn out. Period.
Posted by: Jay at April 22, 2008 9:47 PM
Great choice, Agent Bedhead! As a relative newcomer to SATC, I have to say that I enjoyed the irony/satire just as much as Carrie's godawful clothes. And yes...I will be watching the movie.
Posted by: bonnie at April 22, 2008 9:47 PM
season 2 of gilmore girls? huh? totally season 3.
Posted by: eliza at April 22, 2008 9:54 PM
osmate77 - That's the first thing I thought when I saw the review, too . . . of course, I've only seen one episode of the entire series, so maybe I shouldn't judge, but . . . SATC???
Posted by: Elfrieda at April 22, 2008 10:03 PM
i love this show. it took me a while to warm up to it, not only because i am a cynical person and assumed SatC was crap, but because i didn't have cable when it aired! it is one of the few complete TV series that i own (mainly because it's always on sale at target). now i must wait to see if homicide makes the cut. i said this before, but you can't leave out pembleton and bayliss! give season 6 (i think it's this season) a nod for vincent d'onofrio because i don't think criminal intent is going to make this list!
Posted by: kelley at April 22, 2008 10:04 PM
"I can't help but wonder...will I ever stop seeing SJP as the geek in Square Pegs???
Posted by: GroovyVic at April 22, 2008 8:43 PM"
Square Pegs! Squee! I loved that show and can't wait for my dvd set to arrive. :D
It only took them 25 years to release it. Not bad.
Posted by: Loob at April 22, 2008 10:19 PM
I never got this show. While everyone was talking about how radical it was, I was wondering where the hell everyone's memory of the sexual revolution had gone. My mothers generation was just as sexually free as the girls on SATC, but they had much better things to do than discuss shoes and the minutae of their sex lives. They were strong, powerful women who actually did something with their lives, instead of biding their time until Mr Right comes along.
The girls (because they sure can't be called women) were vapid, shallow, dull beings who judged their worth by who would fuck them and if he called the next day. I've met girls like this...in high school.
Thn there's the Carrie, Big romance. He treats her like shit, yet everyone wanted them to wind up together. It's not romantic, it's fucking pathetic.
The idea that there a women out there who thought their lives were fun makes me sad. The fact that this show has been aligned with feminism makes me want to scream. SATC being on Pajiba's best list makes me hate this site.
Posted by: Are You Kidding at April 22, 2008 10:38 PM
Holy macamaroni, AyK... Don't hate the site. The Pajibaverse is a magical realm. Granted, sometimes shit just don't make any sense and you'll have a little freak out now and again, but in general, the company is nice and the water's just fine.
The debate and snark and tongue-in-cheek insultery is what makes this such a special, loving place... Now, if you've got a moment, I'd like to show you something in my van - it's right over here... C'mon, it'll only take a sec. What's that? Oh, the windows covered from the inside in cardboard? Oh... it's just... uh, weather protection for the viny... er. ostrich leather seats... C'mon. It'll be fun. Pajiba needs you... (cue freaky-ass music and some crazy camera effects).
STAY TUNED FOR SCENES FROM THE NEXT EPISODE: "How Minumus Got His Groove Back"
Posted by: Skittimus Maximus at April 22, 2008 11:07 PM
season 2 of gilmore girls? huh? totally season 3.
Not to derail the discussion, but it was a toss up when I was writing about it. Seasons 2 and 3 are both high up there on my list... I guess I just think Lauren Graham is prettier in season 2, heh.
Posted by: tetetetigi at April 22, 2008 11:16 PM
I just wanted to jump on board and agree that I think Sarah Jessica Parker is a fairly attractive woman. Her looks are not super conventional, like say Kristen Bell (the name that keeps getting splashed around here), but I definitely think she's pretty. However, like any of us NORMAL women, she can often get hit with bad angles on camera. Not her fault.
I stand by Parker...but not Carrie Bradshaw, NEVER Carrie Bradshaw. I want to impale her through the forehead with the heel of one of her coveted Jimmy Choo stilettos.
Posted by: citizen_cris at April 22, 2008 11:23 PM
Ha! Jay, so is that the way we get a show on the list? I think I might be able to throw a few good punches, but I'm no good with a knife.
Posted by: Cindy at April 22, 2008 11:36 PM
"Odd shaped body"? Her body was fantastic, especially in SATC.
Absolutely agree with frumplefox: as much as I disliked every single character, I still found the show easy to watch. I don't think I would describe it as great television, however.
I also think Gilmore Girls should've been the requisite girly show pick. Classier, wittier, better-written, and with an amazing ensemble cast. Oh well.
Posted by: serena at April 23, 2008 12:11 AM
And add me to the list of people who are fucking sick and tired of hearing about how hideous SJP is. She ain't. At worst, she looks like a woman you might see walking down the street.
For a celebrity of whom I have never read a bad word, I can not fathom the hatred she inspires. Numerous directors, fellow actors, crew members, etc. have mentioned how polite, ladylike and sweet she is (she doesn't swear! ever! which is cute, and you know it.)
Furthermore, she is talented as shit. Acting ability aside, she can sing and dance. She was motherfucking Annie on Broadway for fuck's sake.
Honesty, the only reason I can imagine is because she has achieved a fair amount of fame and fortune even though she doesn't perfectly fit the male ideal for beauty. I imagine this would irk your average dumbfuck.
Posted by: serena at April 23, 2008 12:23 AM
Ick.
Posted by: Denial Fiend at April 23, 2008 12:47 AM
I watched this season with my mom while I was in high school, and I definitely loved it back then. Of all the seasons of SATC, this is the one that holds up.
You seriously better pick Friday Nights Lights season one for this countdown though. I know I pimp it a lot, but if Sex and the City makes it and FNL does not, I may have to rescind my pajiba love.
Posted by: kp at April 23, 2008 1:20 AM
My tv DVD collection includes Freaks & Geeks, 30 Rock, the Office, Arrested Development, Weeds, My so-called life...and every season of SatC. Am I embarassed about it? Yeah, kind of. But you know, when I get my heart broken it is one of the 3 (unapologetically cheesy, yet surefire) remedies I turn to cheer me up and make me feel like less of a loser. (the other two: the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, and Under the Tuscan Sun).
Also, I always felt that the moment when Aidan yells "You broke my heart!" was possibly the most sincere moment of the entire series. It always gets me.
Posted by: ami at April 23, 2008 2:26 AM
I watched exactly one episode of this show, just out of curiosity. I don't know if it was in this season, but it was the episode in which SJP's character gets drunk and then throws up at Vogue, after which she continually says "I can't believe I threw up at Vogue!" Throughout the entire episode, I kept thinking: Why is SJP talking in that fakey actor-voice? The only theory I could come up with was that it was her way of compensating for the self-conscious fakeyness of what she was being asked to say. It was so cloyingly cute and contrived and obvious, devoid of subtext -- it almost seemed to be apologizing for its own badness, as if the writers were saying "Honestly, we know this is awful, but let's get drunk and have a laugh about it, okay?"
Posted by: dorkenheimer at April 23, 2008 3:12 AM
This makes sense to me, and Pajiba was right to put it on the list because love or hate it, everybody saw at least a little bit of it and had an opinion.
Frankly, I enjoyed it for what it was but I LOVED the idea of Samantha. Stupid as it sounds (but it might ring true for a lot of the people who liked it when it was 'all happening') it made me feel incredibly less guilty about my sex life, and certainly touched upon some unresolved issues I had about friendship and being okay with all my incredible failures and mixed rationales for my actions...in fact, they served up enough universally recognizable failure feasts as they did 'canned female fantasies'...and I guess that is why it worked. Something for everyone, fantasy and fact.
Posted by: replica at April 23, 2008 4:14 AM
Are You Kidding:
1. Did you survive your visit with Skittimus? We should have warned you never to go near his van! Eep!
2. Do you really think the ladies of your mothers' generation didn't spend any time talking about the minutiae of their sex lives? Ever? In a similar vein, the ladies of SaTC obviously did more than just talk sex; at least two had fairly high-powered careers, in law and public relations. However, this wasn't a show about women's careers, but rather a show about women's sex lives.
Not necessarily a realistic depiction of every gal's sex life, but still...
Posted by: MO at April 23, 2008 6:44 AM
Charlotte annoyed the holy flying shit out of me; annoyed me so much I couldn't help but want to give her a penis fracturing, labia bruising, spine shattering fuck.... and then drink some skittelbrau... mmm skittles
Posted by: Colombo at April 23, 2008 6:53 AM
I would rather watch an entire season of The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, with a Gilbert Gottfried/James Lipton commentary, than endure an hour of these annoying, superficial hosers.
Posted by: celery at April 23, 2008 7:18 AM
You gotta be kidding me with this. Without a doubt one of the worst TV series EVER!!!!!!!
Posted by: RAT at April 23, 2008 8:39 AM
I never loved SITC (though I think it is underrated as a comedy), but I have newfound respect for Pajiba for picking a popular show that is not only for critics and internet snobs.
good job Agent Bedhead!
Posted by: Chris at April 23, 2008 8:44 AM
"This makes sense to me, and Pajiba was right to put it on the list because love or hate it, everybody saw at least a little bit of it and had an opinion."
True, and if this series was called "15 Most Influential Seasons of the Past 20 Years"
Just because everyone has an opinion on it doesn't make it one of the best seasons of the past 2 decades.
We're confusing quality with zeitgeisty-ness.
Posted by: WestCoastPat at April 23, 2008 9:17 AM
"Just because everyone has an opinion on it doesn't make it one of the best seasons of the past 2 decades."
And just because you don't like it doesn't make it one of the worst.
I think y'all are forgetting that "The Best" is an entirely subjective phrase. If Bedhead's opinion of one of the best shows doesn't match yours, too fucking bad.
Posted by: TK at April 23, 2008 10:40 AM
When I was in my late-teens/very early twenties I thought this show was brilliant. But as time goes by I dislike it more and more. And the problem is Carrie. She's annoying and selfish and I hate how every line in the show is written around her "cute puns." I can't believe some women fight over who gets to be Carrie. Charlotte's another story. She's absolutely hilarious and THANK YOU for pointing out Davis' amazing comedic timing. "Don't talk about moving in in front of the penis!" Classic Charlotte.
This season was great. Some episodes were better than others (I think Carrie's abortion story was weak) and Cynthia Nixon was thrilling. Samantha can get a bit exhausting sometimes, but she was versatile in this season.
Season five, on the other hand, tea-bagged big time.
Posted by: Sofía at April 23, 2008 11:04 AM
...she has achieved a fair amount of fame and fortune even though she doesn't perfectly fit the male ideal for beauty. I imagine this would irk your average dumbfuck.
Exactly, serena!. And ditto to tetetetigi and samantha t as well. I am so tired of people being angry about the shape of the face of someone who has been successful. How fucking stupid is that?
Posted by: Lilly at April 23, 2008 11:30 AM
This will easily go down as the worst pick of the bunch.
Not only was the show easily despised for the four reasons you mentioned, but it was also never able to make me laugh, made me cringe with bad acting, and never introduced more than a mildly compelling story. One of the most overrated shows in TV history.
Posted by: Matt K at April 23, 2008 11:36 AM
That steaming pile was unwatchable. No straight man I have ever met has been able to gut it through a single episode of this visual dry heave. Yikes.
Posted by: ganesh at April 23, 2008 11:45 AM
I am so tired of people being angry about the shape of the face of someone who has been successful. How fucking stupid is that?
Okay, for me, it's not entirely HER, the show was the deciding factor. I had no conscious problem with her, I watched "Square Pegs", I thought she was cute, if ridiculous, in "Mars Attacks!", but suddenly this came along and the promotion seemed to have a lot of open-mouthed "yeah I'm hot stuff!" struttin around and I'd think "she's the leader? This is the most attractive woman of these four? The sex bomb? I'm supposed to buy that she's beating them off with a stick? Come on".
Sure, that's a superficial appraisal, but it was superficial promotion. I felt I was being asked to believe Parker was a raging hottie in order for the show to work. I don't care if she has a successful career, she can be as happy and successful as she wants. Granted, the show wasn't aimed at men so I'm not sure what they really wanted to do with the marketing of Saucy Parker, but it just bugged me. As I've mentioned here before, Sci-Fi did the same thing marketing Tricia Helfer and that also annoyed me, like "why do you assume I'm gonna go for this?" But really, unless it's actually your job to arouse prurient interest I don't like the "You know and I know that I am alllllllll that" pose. Pfffft.
So that's my Parker problem.
Plus they seemed to be really obsessed with this "strappy stiletto" kinda thing, and I don't want to see anyone's toes anytime anywhere, so that didn't help either.
And AGAIN, Maria Thayer is the truly attractive woman in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Stop paintin me with that Bell brush!
Posted by: Jay at April 23, 2008 12:10 PM
Ah! I think I finally see the disconnect where all sorts of men are offended that they 'are supposed to think SJP is hot'...my gut reaction on those ads was that she 'SHOULD and DOES find HERSELF hot enough to rock out with no fear of what other people think because she's every woman!' type of thing.
Not to discredit men as thinking, variable assessing, and multifaceted media consumers...but a heck of a lot of them seem to think - they showed me boobies and a stripper walk - therefore that is supposed to represent the concept of 'hot'.
I am imagining that most women saw Carrie strut and said - 'Hells yeah, I do that too when I feel fly, and I rock. Love her shoes.'
Posted by: replica at April 23, 2008 12:38 PM
Not to discredit men as thinking, variable assessing, and multifaceted media consumers...but a heck of a lot of them seem to think - they showed me boobies and a stripper walk - therefore that is supposed to represent the concept of 'hot'.
I'm not sure if there's a negative missing at the beginning or not but I suppose I'm supposed to be insulted.
But like I said, it looked like something supposed to appeal to men, but I know it wasn't, so there must be something else going on, and I don't like that style of marketing, plus I'm not finding this person attractive anyway and the come-hither is just looking silly on someone who I've known to generally be a comedian to begin with. Thus no desire to look at this show.
But if that's the effect it had on you that was probably what they wanted and obviously it worked. I'm just trying to explain my take on the whole thing.
Posted by: Jay at April 23, 2008 1:09 PM
I have no problem with folks liking the show, as long as they realized it was a fucking SHOW and not a GUIDE TO LIVING YOUR LIFE. I think that is where the disconnect happened.
That's very well put Vermillion. The show itself, at least for the first four or so seasons, was not bad. It was well acted, the dialogue (apart from tragic corniness and punnery on SJPs part) was decent and sometimes quite funny and touching.
It seems like the backlash (especially from men) came around when a legion of stupid stupid women decided that they needed to emulate the seriously unrealistic aspects of these characters under the guise of empowerment. Spending impractical amounts of money on shoes and sleeping with a new man every other day can actually jeopardize your health and well-being, but this show made it seem like the everyday practice of sophisticated women, which let's face it, if you don't know any better, many women strive to become.
The show was good in that it examined real-life issues of friendship, relationship and the societal views of women. The problem was it did so in an extremely exaggerated way, where many characters came off as one-dimensional and immature, and in an idealized view of New York, restaurant openings and blissfully spacious apartments, complete with fabulous clothes and shoes. That exaggeration was what a lot of the audience clung to as real, and as such, it kind of crossed the line to ridiculous.
Strangely enough, it seemed like the men on the show were given more depth than the four main women. They were often treated as accessories or disposables, but as characters, were often much more interesting than the stereotypical "chick" roles (ie; slut, clingy romantic, neurotic, man-hating, whatever).
Never thought my first Pajiba dissertation would be on this topic, but whatever. All that said up there, I really fucking hated Carrie. I got bored by her total self-indulgence by about the end of this season.
Posted by: MG at April 23, 2008 2:13 PM
Well, I confess I haven't seen SitC. Not even a single episode. Shocking, I know. But I kind of want to, as my father's fiancee seems to think I'd enjoy it (and she is generally pretty on top of what I'd like).
So yeah. It's on my list. One day I'll start renting it.
SJP was awesome in Hocus Pocus. But then, that movie was kind of one big gaygasm, what with also having Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy.
Oh, and hi there. I'm not sure why this topic, after months of reading in silence, has inspired me to make my first comment, but I'm odd that way.
Posted by: Dorian at April 23, 2008 6:32 PM
"Do you really think the ladies of your mothers' generation didn't spend any time talking about the minutiae of their sex lives? Ever?"
Of course they did. But they also talked about politics, world news, and you know, something besides themselves and their vagina.
Posted by: Are You Kidding at April 23, 2008 11:21 PM
Are You Kidding, though that of course was a main component of the show (and at the time compelling, now it's not quite as taboo to see women discussing anal), the characters did far more than talk about their vaginas. Granted, the purpose of Sex and the City was to show single women in Manhattan coping with relationships, with dating...so the subject of when to sleep with a guy, the art of giving blow jobs, frequency of masturbation, etc etc was discussed to no end. :) But it also focussed on their friendships and on personal matters other than sex. Careers, balancing work with relationships, the tumultuous state of adult friendships, losing a family member were just a few.
I am loathe to defend S&TC in such a way...though I enjoyed this series, I was also well aware of how superficial, stereotypical, and unrealistic it could be. But to give it some credit, it wasn't always that way. Yes it was often shallow and stupid, but it had it moments full of clarity and of the knowledge of what it is like to be a woman.
That being said, any woman who would base her life on this show is a mental midget.
Posted by: Julie at April 23, 2008 11:44 PM
Focused. I spell better when I'm not drinking, I SWEAR.
Posted by: Julie at April 23, 2008 11:45 PM
Jay, no insult intended...I just meant that it has occurred to me that one takes from media what one is looking for - hence the walky walkerson routine didn't grab you at any level, it being unlikely for you to find her appealing and hence not interested in what's she's up to. It's kind of the gut reaction thing...essentially I never intended to slam men as one-dimensional.
I guess I did make a bit of a comment that men tend to respond to signals as sexual that women would perhaps try to parse a bit further, or even apply to themselves...but that makes me sound like I believe all the male AND female stereotypes and that I might be doing the gut level thing too.
Oh, Pajiba comments section - you deep dark truthful mirror - damn ya all to hell!
Posted by: replica at April 24, 2008 4:06 AM
I've read this at http://www.bigblackconnect.com/ some days ago.
Posted by: Roy at April 24, 2008 4:24 AM
Oh fine, go ahead and remind me that Elvis postponed the show next Monday!
Well, I should go pick up the "Momofuku" I ordered anyway, along with a new turntable on the way back. Always good when there's suddenly a compelling reason to buy toys that have been on the back burner.
Posted by: Jay at April 24, 2008 6:55 AM
"And just because you don't like it doesn't make it one of the worst.
I think y'all are forgetting that "The Best" is an entirely subjective phrase. If Bedhead's opinion of one of the best shows doesn't match yours, too fucking bad. "
TK, I was simply responding to the comment. Calm the fuck down. If you notice, I didn't even touch on the quality of the show.
Posted by: WestCoastPat at April 24, 2008 12:00 PM
I actually have to say I've always had a soft spot for SATC. I thought it was well written and extremely enjoyable to watch, especially if you analyze it a little bit. I don't think the characters were vapid and shallow, definatly no more than most people on a regular bases. I find it especially fascinating how the first thing anyone ever says about this show is how ugly they find SJP. So if a woman doesn't look like a super model she shouldn't have any sexual self esteem. Gotcha.
Posted by: LittleDead at April 24, 2008 5:40 PM
The word "butterface" was invented for SJP.
Posted by: bucdaddy at April 26, 2008 2:55 AM
I can sympathize with the poster who argues that SJP is fine looking, but that it was the constant pushing of her as the "hottie" of the four that was bothersome. I think the bashing of her is a result of this: An extremely popular show's main character isn't the most attractive of her costars. This is noticed and her looks are exxagerated into being more horrible than they realistically would be considered. People (men and women, but mostly men) who lack the mental faculties for creative humor, latch onto this and think that by making fun of SJP's looks, they are being funny and timely. "Hey SATC is popular! Hey, calling someone ugly is funny!" I can be hilarious and relevant without doing any original thinking at all. And, let's not forget that Carrie was a beloved heroine to many women despite her flaws. Anything that fucks with reckless abandon, and has the perception of being fairly independent (lives alone, supports herself, this is debateable but w/e.) is threatening to men. Enter the timeless "but she's ugly.." defense.
Posted by: Jac at April 26, 2008 4:31 AM
I used to love this show. Now I find it excruciatingly annoying at points (or all the time), but I can't help but still love it.
I will say this, though - Carrie is the most fucking loathsome character in the HISTORY of characters. She is just awful. I sometimes want to fling poo at her through my television screen.
Thankfully, the other three make up for it; especially Samantha. Her frank sluttiness and bitchiness is a hilarious salve on the whiny, holier-than-thou wound that Carrie's character inflicts on me.
Posted by: monkey_b at April 28, 2008 5:15 PM
omg these poeple rocks!!!
Posted by: jorie shaut at April 30, 2008 5:17 PM