And Just Like That… Season 3 Episode 9: “Present Tense” – A Turning Point in Carrie’s Journey
Introduction
Season 3, Episode 9 of And Just Like That…, titled “Present Tense”, marks a pivotal moment in the Sex and the City sequel. Airing on July 24, 2025, the episode delivers emotional catharsis for Carrie Bradshaw as she confronts recurring relationship trauma. With heartfelt callbacks to the original series, powerful music choices, and deft character insights, this installment balances nostalgia with narrative evolution. Below is a detailed exploration of the episode’s themes, character arcs, and cultural resonance.
Carrie and Aidan—Trust, Tense, and Termination
This episode centers on Carrie and Aidan Shaw’s rekindled relationship, which ultimately implodes under the weight of unresolved past betrayal and lingering jealousy.
Key Moments
Aidan visits Carrie unexpectedly while she’s working with downstairs neighbor and writer Duncan, sparking unease. His probing over Duncan’s presence and pipe-smoking sets off simmering emotional insecurities. Aidan’s inability to move beyond past trust issues culminates in a tense lunch appointment, where Carrie realizes their emotional needs are irreconcilable.
At lunch, Aidan admits he still "has" trust issues—not "had," highlighting that Carrie still hasn’t done enough in his eyes . Carrie delivers a powerful speech, clarifying she had been "100 percent in"—past tense. Their embrace in silence and Carrie's subsequent hike in heels towards independence closes their story with bittersweet liberation rather than regret, underscored by Taylor Swift’s “How Did It End?”.
Carrie and Aidan’s Emotional Arc in Episode 9
| Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| Tension in Terrace | Sparks between Carrie, Aidan, and Duncan emerge over perceived intimacy |
| The Trust Discussion | Carrie presses Aidan on sustained jealousy dating back decades |
| The Breakup Lunch | Carrie defines emotional standing ("was 100 % in") vs. Aidan's lingering doubt |
| Taylor Swift Cue | Swift song frames the emotional closure and transition |
| Final Scene | Carrying postcards; getting dressed; meeting girlfriends signifies rebirth |
Ensemble Subplots—Miranda, Seema, and the Chameleon Supporting Cast
Carrie’s story dominates the episode, but the supporting arcs provide texture and insight into midlife complexity.
Miranda and Joy
Miranda opens up to Joy about being an alcoholic, acknowledging she needs sobriety—not moderation. Joy reciprocates emotionally with her own insecurity admission, reinforcing their connection beyond labels.
Seema and Deodorant Drama
Seema’s subplot involving trying Adam’s crystal deodorant leads to a cringe-worthy lunch misstep—her colleagues notice body odor, signaling insecurity and lifestyle incongruences between personal choices and professional settings.
Anthony and Gia
Anthony invites Giuseppe’s mother, Gia, to dinner in hopes of impressing her, only for her to harshly reject him, accusing him of repeating past mistakes. In a climactic scene, she essentially offers money for him to leave her son’s life. Anthony refuses. The moment is humorous and unsettling in equal measure.
Charlotte and Harry
Charlotte continues to battle vertigo, while Harry recovers post-surgery. Their subplot is brief but emotionally authentic—balancing caregiving with optimism.
Nostalgia, Cameos, and Cultural Resonance
Andy Cohen Return
In a clever nod to Sex and the City lore, Bravo host Andy Cohen reprises his character Daniel, the shoe salesman from the Season 6 empathy subplot. Carrie visits him mid-breakdown, reminding viewers of a stable thread from the past as her romantic world collapses around her.
Nostalgic Callbacks
The episode includes numerous throwbacks: the women’s dinner at Italian restaurant San Sabino, reminiscent of classic friend lunches; Carrie's walk through a shoe store, iconic of her character; and reflections on aging, identity, and female agency.
Pop Culture Commentary
Taylor Swift’s melancholic “How Did It End?” underscores the end of Carrie and Aidan’s story—blending modern music storytelling with nostalgic TV continuity. Vogue and other cultural outlets applauded that moment as emotionally resonant, balancing humor with depth.
7 Standout Elements in “Present Tense”
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Carrie’s emotional clarity—calling out verb tense as signal of relationship defeat.
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Aidan’s betrayal by memory, not disloyal companionship.
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Miranda’s raw admission of alcoholism and mutual vulnerability with Joy.
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Seema’s deodorant subplot, spotlighting social anxiety through comedic lens.
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Anthony vs. Gia dinner—cultural clash with comedic frankness.
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Andy Cohen returning as Daniel—nostalgic anchor in modern chaos.
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Taylor Swift’s ballad choice—emotional punctuation on closure, not blame.
Reception & Critical Reflections
Season 3 earned mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised this episode most for its emotional honesty and pacing amid broader narrative criticisms. Rotten Tomatoes rating for Season 3 sits at 68%—up from earlier seasons—and Episode 9 is seen as a high point where And Just Like That… finally hits stride.
Vogue and other outlets praised the short runtime for delivering sharper moments, despite an overall season that some have described as lacking focus. This episode’s frenetic, tense energy was notably welcomed amid growing viewer fatigue with filler subplots.
Conclusion:
A Breakup That Feels Like Liberation
Episode 9 of And Just Like That… serves as both emotional finale and cathartic rebuke—Carrie breaking up with Aidan is not portrayed as tragedy, but triumph. The long-standing subplot of mistrust and hurt finally reaches a logical end. In place of heartbreak, we find closure.
Supporting characters continue to grow in small, realistic ways—Miranda owning her story, Seema opening to self-acceptance, Anthony facing ngo consent. Returning elements like Daniel and Swift's soundtrack remind viewers that the franchise still honors its roots while evolving.
