Editor’s note: The following content contains spoilers for the third season of And Just Like That.

As And Just Like That enters its third season, it becomes increasingly apparent that this series diverges significantly from its iconic predecessor, Sex and the City. While it continues to feature some of the beloved characters and retains a few memorable fashion moments, it undeniably lacks the original series’ charm and wit. From the moment And Just Like That was announced, it faced a monumental challenge by attempting to continue the story without one of its core cast members, Kim Cattrall. Despite initial optimism that the show could thrive without Samantha, it has become clear with each new episode that her absence is impacting the narrative and the audience’s connection to the show.

Kim Cattrall made the decision to step away from her role, a choice that many fans have respected. However, And Just Like That has made several attempts to fill the void left by Samantha, whether through the introduction of numerous new characters or by incorporating risqué dialogues reminiscent of Samantha’s boldness. Although Cattrall did make a brief appearance in the Season 2 finale, which delighted fans, it’s crucial for And Just Like That to acknowledge that the void left by Samantha’s departure is irreplaceable.

The Struggles of ‘And Just Like That’ Without the Iconic Samantha

While Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) was the central character in Sex and the City, it was Samantha who truly brought vibrancy and energy to the narrative. Her adventurous escapades, unapologetic conversations about her love life, and unshakeable self-confidence made her a character that audiences adored. The reboot series cannot replicate the magic without her presence. Initially, when the new series did not resonate, some attributed it to prolonged episodes or attempts to attract a younger demographic. However, the reality remains clear: There is no Sex and the City without Samantha, and there is certainly no authentic depiction of sex in the city without her unique flair. The past three seasons of And Just Like That have reinforced this undeniable truth.

The absence of Samantha has left a noticeable void in the series, as she was the source of excitement and depth in the original show. The extravagant parties and wild encounters that the characters experienced were often thanks to Samantha’s influential social network. The hilarious romantic entanglements, such as Mr. TOO Big and the infamous “Funky Tasting Spunk” guy, were part of her storylines. Furthermore, the frank and humorous discussions about relationships were frequently initiated by Samantha, who was never hesitant to share her thoughts. And Just Like That lacks these vibrant moments, and when they do occur, they feel sporadic and forced. There was an incredible opportunity to illustrate that life and love continue to evolve beyond one’s twenties. Samantha, who was 40 in the original series, exuded fabulousness and empowered everyone around her. Sadly, And Just Like That falls short of achieving that same level of authenticity and excitement.

Celebrating the Uniqueness of Samantha Jones

The portrayal of Samantha’s absence in And Just Like That is one of the show’s most unrealistic aspects. Initially, the narrative suggests that Samantha and Carrie experienced a falling out. However, once that issue is seemingly resolved, she is never mentioned again. It feels implausible that Carrie, Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) could simply forget about Samantha after decades of deep friendship. This is especially perplexing given the various challenges and milestones they face in their lives, as Samantha would undoubtedly have provided her unique insights and advice.

For instance, Charlotte’s overly strict parenting style? Samantha was always the one encouraging her to embrace life and have fun. She would have supported Charlotte and Harry (Evan Handler) in enjoying their romantic life, even when Carrie and Miranda made jokes at their expense during Season 1. Carrie and Aidan’s (John Corbett) long-distance relationship troubles in Season 3, including their phone sex mishaps, would have been a perfect opportunity for Samantha to offer her expertise on how to reignite passion and sustain romance. Conversely, she would likely tell Carrie that waiting five years to be together is not realistic and encourage her to move forward. Regarding Miranda’s exploration of her sexuality, Samantha would have been the first person Miranda reached out to, considering they shared similar experiences. Instead, Miranda finds herself judged and misunderstood by Charlotte and Carrie, who dismiss her feelings as a midlife crisis. Samantha would have been there to support Miranda, helping her navigate her journey of self-discovery.

Instead, And Just Like That seems to erase Samantha from existence. Aside from Carrie, no one reaches out to Samantha, and her name is rarely, if ever, mentioned in conversation. The show may attempt to compensate for Samantha’s absence with an array of new characters, but the reality remains: it struggles without her. Capturing the essence of what made Samantha Jones so remarkable is nearly impossible, as she was a trailblazer and a unique character in her own right — so why settle for an imitation when the original was so extraordinary?