And Just Like That … Recap: It’s a Pippin Funeral

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Carrie Bradshaw humorously wondered, “How is it we’ve never discussed this before?” Indeed, Carrie Bear, one might ask how two adults like you and Aidan haven’t settled the fundamental aspect of your five-year relationship – monogamy. I must confess, I assumed these two lovebirds had already sorted things out, but apparently not. They kept us, the audience, in the dark because that seems to be just the way And Just Like That… works. However, it transpires they hadn’t reached an agreement and were on opposite wavelengths about it. When Aidan finally admits he slept with his ex-wife, Kathy, their unspoken rule is brought into the open. They address this issue in a frustrating manner – as one might expect from this show.

I understand.” Girl, really? This response doesn’t seem to stem from contemplation about the situation. Aidan expresses remorse and quickly clarifies that it was a mistake, yet Carrie’s immediate reaction is a composed “I understand.” It’s baffling because she seems to accept this revelation without any emotional turmoil. Later, she explains that they are permitted to sleep with others in their relationship, which Aidan wasn’t aware of. This arrangement’s foundation has always been the subject of mystery to Aidan, and it’s astounding that they hadn’t discussed it earlier. Despite Carrie being correct about the rule’s impracticality, it’s mind-boggling that they had never broached this topic before. This issue lies at the heart of their relationship dynamics.

It’s baffling: They don’t seem to discuss their issues, yet they end up in bed together. The narrative suggests that Carrie and Aidan should be working through their relationship problems, but we never see them doing so. Instead, we’re left wondering if Carrie’s statement about abstaining from sex for five years is the final word on their relationship. There’s no emotional turmoil, no heartfelt conversations, and no passion. However, Aidan does accompany Carrie to her father’s funeral, and his suit is too small, causing his pants to tear, revealing his “big and tall” size. This show continues to lack focus. The episode ends with Aidan preparing to return to Virginia and unexpectedly running into Duncan as he leaves Carrie the first chapter of his book. Aidan’s expression suggests that he suspects Duncan might be the one Carrie will soon be intimate with, which seems to wrap up this storyline rather abruptly. This Carrie-Aidan dynamic remains a significant drawback for the series.

It’s surprising how the typically heavy moments – Lisa dealing with her father’s passing, Charlotte confronting Harry’s mortality – become the most fulfilling and emotionally impactful aspects of this episode.

In the editing suite, Lisa is engrossed in her work alongside Marion, a person she admires deeply, when she receives devastating news about her father – he suffered a stroke and passed away. To concentrate on her project (and perhaps Marion as well), Lisa silences her phone for the day. Her colleague, Herbert, informs her of this tragic event at work. The guilt of having missed the chance to bid farewell to her father before his passing is immense for Lisa. This guilt intensifies when she learns that Lucille, a coworker who worked with her father at the Newark Theatre, is planning a grand funeral without even consulting Lisa. Lisa receives an invitation to her own father’s funeral and feels enraged. She meets Lucille at a diner in Newark to discuss the arrangements, but their conversation only deepens Lisa’s feelings of guilt for not being able to be there for her father consistently. Although her father was extremely proud of her achievements, Lisa can’t help but feel remorseful. At least, she manages to convince Lucille to plan a modest and refined funeral at the theater, devoid of any excessive spectacle.

There’s an element of drama at the event. Lucille, despite her best efforts, starts things off with a solo performance from the musical “Pippin.” The phrase “is this a ‘Pippin’ funeral?” is undeniably amusing. Indeed, it is a “Pippin” funeral. When Lisa takes the stage to give her speech — Lucille, who emceed the event while holding a microphone in her Michael Kors purse, gives Lisa only three minutes for her eulogy — she’s overwhelmed. The guilt overwhelms her and she can’t deliver her speech. However, Herbert stands by her, reminding her that she was there for her father. Surprisingly, on this emotional day, LTW finds solace not from Herbert but from her mother-in-law. Yes, the same mother-in-law who often subtly criticizes Lisa’s life choices, even on a day as solemn as her father’s funeral. But in the end, after hearing Lisa express her regret over missing her father’s final moments, her mother-in-law offers comfort by suggesting that if she wasn’t there with her dad at the end, it was because his spirit didn’t want her there and because he didn’t wish to be remembered in that way. It is a comforting sentiment coming from an unexpected source.

Regarding coping during difficult times: The conversations about death have taken a toll on Charlotte. Although she’s trying hard to stay optimistic about Harry’s prostate cancer diagnosis, the strain of keeping it hidden is becoming apparent. He has chosen to undergo surgery and has a 98% chance of survival, but witnessing Lisa cope with her father’s unexpected passing – an almost-90-year-old man in this case – makes Charlotte doubt that everything will turn out alright. Not even the gentle forehead touch from Harry can calm her worries. Despite all this, Charlotte is resolved to deal with it privately.

One day, Carrie visits her neighborhood drugstore to get some more Tums after Aidan. Meanwhile, Charlotte is shopping for adult diapers downtown. When their paths cross in the store, Charlotte can’t help but spill the beans about what’s been going on with her. Amazingly, Carrie doesn’t make this about herself and instead promises to keep Charlotte’s secrets. She consoles her friend as she cries, saying, “You can tell me anything, big or small, I won’t tell a soul.” The show And Just Like That … has its flaws, but it truly shines when it shows these women supporting each other.

This and That

Miranda’s attempting to avoid stereotypes, yet she finds herself introducing her partner to Brady, catering to Joy’s pets by dining alfresco, and jointly deciding on properties that suit Joy – it seems Miranda has found herself deeply entwined with Joy’s life.

Seema bids a heartfelt farewell to her driver and feels quite down after being compelled to use the PATH towards Newark instead. Despite this, she’s superb at what she does – she manages to locate two almost perfect apartments for Miranda. So, it won’t take long before she’s back to her usual self.

It’s quite evident that Nicole Ari Parker, also known as LTW, could successfully venture into the creation of a formal wear line for funerals. That dress she wore had me momentarily forgetting to mourn!

From now on, I’ll adopt Jennifer Lewis’s expression “this key lime has seen better days!” It’s such a delightful way to put things!

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2025-07-04 04:54