Are You A Charlotte? | S2 E10 – “Charlotte’s Wylie Coyote” with Brian Van Holt
Episode Theme:
Kristin Davis and guest Brian Van Holt revisit Sex and the City S2E10, “The Caste System,” exploring themes of class, dating, gender dynamics, and memorable behind-the-scenes moments—particularly Charlotte’s ill-fated romance with Van Holt’s Wiley Ford.
1. Setting the Scene: Revisiting “The Caste System”
- Opening reflections on what made Brian Van Holt’s Wiley Ford such a memorable foil for Charlotte York.
- Praise for director Alison Anders and writer Darren Starr—both celebrated for the authenticity and energy they brought to the episode.
- The central episode theme: relationships across class divides, and the social pressures that surface around money, status, and love in New York City.
“What worked so incredibly well with a part of Wiley is that you knew the character you were playing, but you weren’t that. So there’s a sweetness underneath where you totally understand why Charlotte is so excited and so into you. … But you, to me, that's a great combination of when you know, the milieu, but you're not actually that.”
— Kristin Davis (03:15)
2. Key Episode & Character Moments
A. Carrie & Big: The Complexity of Saying ‘I Love You’
- Carrie’s internal debate about telling Big “I love you,” and the vulnerability and withholding that characterizes Big.
- Kristin admits that, looking back, Big’s behavior reads more toxic than she realized at the time.
- Social media has reassessed his actions with a more critical eye.
“Sometimes I just hate him passionately. … It was such a thing we all went through — that withholding guy. … But at least there’s conversation around it and deeper understanding.”
— Kristin Davis (07:03)
B. Miranda & Steve: Money, Class, and Gender Dynamics
- The couple’s central tension: the awkwardness and pain of dating across a financial divide.
- Steve balks at Miranda’s attempt to buy him an expensive suit for her law firm’s party.
- The heartbreak of Miranda being “punished” for her success.
“Because it’s true … her line was, ‘I’m being punished for being successful.’ For a woman, that’s pretty profound. And there’s a lot of truth to that.”
— Brian Van Holt (16:55)
- Both hosts empathize from personal experience with the embarrassment and obstacles caused by status or income differences.
- Discussion broadens to social class in America and how Sex and the City was prescient in addressing these themes.
“You all are pretending that we live in a classless society … you can’t think about being with a guy whose income is based on tips, which is, like, so practical and weird. Like, I would never say that in life … but it is true, still today, that the class situation in America is complex and not worked out.”
— Kristin Davis (18:28)
C. Samantha: Class and Control
- Samantha becomes involved with a wealthy man whose servant mistreats her, highlighting dynamics of power and class even among the ultra-rich.
- The servant’s cruel double standards become a surprising and memorable plot device.
3. Behind the Scenes: Chemistry, Awkwardness & Iconic Lines
A. Charlotte & Wiley Ford: From Cute to Unsettling
“That was the hall of fame line and moment of my entire career. And I still hear from it. I still get recognized from it — no way — to this day.”
— Brian Van Holt (41:02)
- Kristin describes precisely how Charlotte navigates the moment: “There is a moment there where I’m like, please, God, and I didn’t remember … I think I’m contemplating how to politely get out; Charlotte always wants to be polite. But also, you have pushed me too far …” (44:52)
4. Reflections on the Show’s Social Impact
- Ongoing cultural conversation about SATC’s effect on gender politics, women’s voices, and relationship expectations.
- Brian notes that some men criticized the show for “ruining” dating; Kristin pushes back on the double standard.
- [13:19] “Some dudes would say, ‘You ruined my dating life, man.’ I was like, ‘No, you ruined your dating life, dude!’” (Brian)
- Appreciation for the bold, boundary-pushing writing, and how themes around class, gender, and power remain deeply relevant.
5. Standout Quotes and Moments by Timestamp
- [03:15] Kristin on Brian’s character: “...there’s a sweetness underneath… great combination…”
- [07:03] Kristin on Big: “Sometimes I just hate him passionately.”
- [08:33] Judith Leiber purse discussion.
- [10:08] Kristin’s favorite SJP moment: “Out of order here: it is one of my all-time favorite Sarah Jessica moments…”
- [14:25] Miranda’s heartbreak: “Her line was, ‘I’m being punished for being successful.’”
- [16:55] Social class relevance: “It is still, it’s interesting that it’s a real thing … almost 30 years [later].” (Brian)
- [28:17] Brian admits being a “Charlotte.”
- [41:02] Hall of fame cringe line revelation.
- [49:17] “Did you smell it?” — The line’s lasting legacy.
- [46:11] On Big finally saying ‘I love you.’
- [47:02] Carrie’s therapy arc and Bon Jovi cameo (upcoming).
6. Closing Thoughts: Why “The Caste System” Still Resonates
- Both hosts reflect on how much ground the episode covers in just 22 minutes.
- Pride in being part of a show unafraid to mix “heart, humor, and some optimism” with social critique.
- Brian and Kristin’s mutual admiration: for the writing, each other’s performances, and the way SATC continues to spur conversations.
Summary Table of Main Segments
| Timestamp | Section/Highlight |
|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 03:15–05:34 | Working with Alison Anders & Show’s Emotional Tone |
| 07:01–09:13 | Carrie & Big dynamic; Judith Leiber purse subplot |
| 10:08–12:03 | Carrie’s performance artist date; SJP singing scene |
| 13:09–17:11 | Miranda/Steve storyline; money, class, and “punishment” for success|
| 18:28–19:52 | Charlotte’s comments on class; intersection with money and love |
| 26:04–28:17 | Charlotte & Wiley: Art gallery, limo make-out, romance dynamic |
| 40:01–41:55 | Wiley’s crass line; its ongoing impact; behind-the-scenes |
| 46:06–47:11 | Carrie & Big’s ‘I love you’ resolution |
| 49:14–49:54 | Brian on being recognized for the notorious line |
Final Word
This episode is a rich, funny, and bittersweet deep dive into the legacy of Sex and the City’s social commentary, highlighting why the show endures as both a pop cultural touchstone and a protest against the boundaries of its time. The chemistry between Kristin Davis and Brian Van Holt is palpable, refreshing, and filled with delightful honesty—making for a must-listen for fans and first-timers alike.
