With news of the Sex and the City (1998) revival, And Just Like That…getting the green light from HBO Max, fans are hyped about the endless possibilities that await them when the series returns to the small screen in 2022.
Leading the pack of New York City’s most famous girlfriends is none other than the iconic Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). Armed with her trademark Manolo Blahnik shoes and signature Cosmo, there are some things about Ms. Bradshaw that are timeless. However, while fans have been blessed with two film sequels since the series ended, a lot of time has passed, leaving everyone wondering what the revival and this new era will have in store for Carrie.
Technology
It’s no secret that Carrie was a little behind the times when it came to technology. During a time, everyone was excited about cell phones, Miss Bradshaw preferred payphones, and when her faithful laptop died, she was in major denial.
When SATC ended in 2004, it coincided with the creation of social media titan, Facebook. Since then, multiple other social media apps have integrated themselves into society and become a constant presence in our everyday lives. It’s undeniable that social media will have to play a part in the series, and it’ll be interesting to see how Carrie has adapted to the digital age.
Her Style
Just like technology, trends in fashion has changed since the early 2000s. For every episode of SATC, costume designer Patricia Field excited audiences with countless iconic Carrie outfits that ranged from classic chic to over the top glam.
No matter what style trends Carrie follows when the revival returns, viewers will undoubtedly be in for an epic array of designer jaw-dropping styles. Perhaps, if audiences are lucky enough, they’ll even see a few fan favourites make a cameo or two!
Her Relationship With New York
On Sex and the City, New York is more than a backdrop, it’s a character, and no one loves it more than Carrie Bradshaw. She once referred to Manhattan as her “boyfriend” and even went on little dates with the city. Honestly, the city treated her better than most of her actual boyfriends.
Her love for NYC knew no bounds, but there’s an understandable curiosity sounding her relationship with the city today. Is she still in love with it? Has the hustle and bustle of urban sprawl gotten to her? Have her and Big found solace outside of the city? It’s hard to imagine New York without Carrie or Carrie without New York, but it’s reasonable to assume that, like all relationships, this one isn’t always perfect.
Her Friendship With Stanford
Although she was his Best Man at his wedding, it always seemed like Carrie and Stanford’s relationship was never as prominent as it could have been. For the most part, the pair usually hung out alone and only occasionally was he featured with the four women. He was always a great friend to Carrie and brought a sweet and kind essence to every scene he was in.
He never quite broke into their tight-knit circle, but he’s earned a place in the main cast. He’s Carrie’s soulmate as much as Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha are, and it’s about time viewers saw more screen time between Ms. Bradshaw and Mr. Blatch.
Her Financial Situation
One thing about Sex and the City that always left fans scratching their heads was Carrie’s financial situation. She was able to afford designer clothes but struggled to pay her rent. She even admitted to choosing to buy Vogue over food because it “fed her more.” It could be argued that it’s hardly anyone’s business how and why she spends her earnings. Still, it’s a puzzling situation that removes a vital sense of relatability from the character.
Fans are curious to see how Carrie will be living in this next chapter of the show.
Her Marriage
Before the revival was announced, it was reported that a rumour third SATC film would chronicle Carrie's life as a widow following Mr. Big's death. While this would be an interesting plot for Carrie to go down, killing off Big seems rather harsh.
When we last left the couple in the second SATC film, their marriage had hit a wall, and Carrie was forced to question what happened to their spark. While it's natural that marriages will go through their ups and downs, it would be great to see how they have grown as a couple and how they kept their relationship exciting and new.
Career
Fans saw Carrie go from New York Star columnist to Vogue contributor to a best selling author. From bus ads to the New York Times, she built a career off of her words and experiences as a singleton in Manhattan. With the ever-changing landscape of print media during the digital age, it'll be interesting to see how she copes with this new era.
Perhaps she'll find a new path or expand upon her prolific career in a way that pushes her out of her comfort zone. Either way, one of the best versions of Carrie is when she's goal-oriented, and we can't wait to see her continue her climb to the top.
Her Relationship with Samantha
Since Kim Cattrall won't be a part of the revival, the SATC writers have to figure out what happens to Samantha Jones. While there's an endless amount of possibilities, fans hope that, no matter what, Carrie and Samantha are on good terms.
One of the reasons why the series was a success was because it always made sure that the fabulous foursome had each other's backs, and any riffs that came between them were always patched up. Their respect for each other still managed to grow despite obstacles, and here's hoping that won't change.
Friendships
Although the famous foursome will become a threesome, the bond between the SATC girlfriends is still unbreakable. One of the series's more exceptional traits was proving the power and importance of female friendship.
Fans are hoping that no matter what the plot throws their way, that their friendship will remain anchored. While Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte's storylines will feature them going through some lows and highs, fans are definitely expecting these self-declared soul mates to stay united every step of the way.
Growth
Without a doubt, Carrie Bradshaw was problematic. For a sex columnist, she had a pretty narrow understanding of sexuality, and her casual racism made an appearance more than once. That being said, the revival has the perfect opportunity to address these issues and present a more culturally aware and active Carrie.
Between the Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements, she is entering into an era where problematic behaviour is being rightfully called out, and white privilege is being confronted more than ever. As a viewer, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing one's favourite character grow, and this is the part of Carrie that needs the most work.