Samantha Jones is known for her no-judgment attitude, her underestimated intelligence, a wicked sense of humor, and shame-free sexual escapades in Sex and the City. But the usually blasé PR maven and commitment-phobe has her feathers ruffled a couple of times in the series, first when she falls for dishonest executive Richard Wright and later when she unwittingly enters into a romance with Jerry "Smith" Jerrod in season six.
Although she's no stranger to bagging younger men, Samantha's relationship with Smith stands out for its honesty, its longevity, and the sheer joy it brings her. Although she's reluctant to commit at first, by the series finale she has spent many memorable and heartwarming episodes by Smith's side.
"Let There Be Light" (Season 6, Episode 13)
Samantha is getting tired of Smith's youth and beginning to crave a more high-powered and established partner in this bittersweet episode. She accompanies Smith to a "30 Under 30" party hosted by Richard Wright but leaves Smith to go upstairs with her two-timing ex.
Shockingly, when Samantha realizes she's made a terrible and questionable mistake, Smith is waiting for her downstairs. It's a remarkable moment where Smith's forgiveness and unwavering commitment to his girlfriend are on full display.
"The Cold War" (Season 6, Episode 17)
When Smith and Samantha are photographed with Stanford and his hunky boyfriend Marcus, rumors about Smith's sexuality begin to circulate in the press. Miffed that their relationship is being questioned, Samantha convinces Smith to shoot a sex tape to convince the public that their union is the real deal.
This light episode for the couple finds Samantha affirming her thriving relationship in a hilarious way that only she could come up with.
"The Catch" (Season 6, Episode 8)
Smith leaves to film his first movie role and Samantha feels his absence for the first time in this metaphor-fueled episode. Samantha finds Smith the perfect companion when she needs help unzipping a dress or taking off her bracelet, but remains uninterested in monogamy.
She urges him to have fun and sleep around when he's away, but her second thoughts on the matter materialize in the form of a pearl bracelet that remains glued to her wrist. It's a funny gag that symbolizes Samantha's deepening reliance on her heretofore casual partner.
"Hop, Skip, and a Week" (Season 6, Episode 6)
Samantha supports Smith's acting dreams by leasing a massive Times Square billboard for a vodka ad, but Smith has reservations about the ad's explicit nature and his endorsement of an alcohol product. Just when Samantha feels she's in over her head with a new relationship she's not sure if she wants, Smith gets his big break in a Hollywood film.
The revelation of Smith's billboard ad is one of season six's most iconic moments, with Samantha continuing to pour herself into her beau's career but still unsure of what she wants from their label-free union.
"Lights, Camera, Relationship" (Season 6, Episode 5)
Samantha breaks her no-borough rule to attend the modest production of Smith's new play and is happily surprised when he appears nude onstage. She's touched by his dedication after finding out he quit his day-job, and in no time she's committed to using her publicity talents to make Smith's play a must-attend event.
At this point in the series, it's the furthest fans have seen Samantha go for a sexual companion out of the goodness of her heart, suggesting that this relationship may be something unique.
"Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little" (Season 6, Episode 4)
Samantha capitalizes on Smith's aspirations as an actor to enact a variety of elaborate roleplay scenarios. But when he interrupts the fantasy to disclose that he's attending a sobriety support program, Samantha recoils and soon high-tails it home. When Smith tells her that he's hurt by her reaction, it leads to one of Samantha's most honest conversations with a sexual conquest thus far.
This episode finds the pair working through conflicting needs, and their burgeoning relationship deepens as a result.
"Catch-38" (Season 6, Episode 15)
In this emotional episode for the couple, the usually guarded Samantha reveals her breast cancer diagnosis to Smith. While she accepts that it's a trial they will face together, Smith is fully supportive of Samantha in her time of need.
It's a difficult time for Samantha as she fights to secure an appointment with a fully-booked oncologist, but her famous boyfriend turns out to be the key to influencing the receptionist.
"Great Sexpectations" (Season 6, Episode 2)
At the beginning of the show's final season, Samantha meets Smith (then Jerry) as her waiter at Raw, where she endures a standoff with another customer looking to get their server's attention. After paying off her top competitor, Samantha and Smith go home together, making for one of Samantha's wildest nights.
It's a hilarious initiation for a character who, despite the lighthearted nature of his introduction, will become extremely significant just a few episodes later.
"Out of the Frying Pan" (Season 6, Episode 16)
When she feels her hair loss getting in the way of her and Smith's sex life, Samantha hunts for wigs but can't find one that's just right. Fed up with the search, she decides to skip Smith's movie premiere and shave her head.
In one of the couple's best-ever touching moments, Smith finds her in the bathroom and shaves his own head in solidarity. His small act helps Samantha regain her joie-de-vivre, and the couple attends the premiere with her clad in a neon pink wig.
"An American Girl In Paris (Part Deux)" (Season 6, Episode 20)
The series finale finds Samantha in a dry spell, with her libido dormant from chemo. She urges Smith to sleep around on a film shoot - the same proposal she made far earlier in the season (and in their relationship). But when she receives a budding bouquet and a note reading "Looking forward to spring," she realizes that she wants to be exclusive and takes back her suggestion.
When Smith wakes Samantha up, back in New York while on a break from filming, and the pair embraces just as the first flower blooms on the nightstand, it's a perfectly heartwarming conclusion to the couple's romantic arc.