Are You A Charlotte?

Host: iHeartPodcasts

Episode: The Write Stuff with Jenny Bicks... (S1 E8 "Three's A Crowd")

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Summary:

In the eighth episode of Season 1, titled "Three's A Crowd," hosted by Kristin Davis of Are You A Charlotte? alongside Cynthia Nixon, the discussion revolves around the intricate storytelling and character development in Sex and the City, specifically focusing on episode 108, penned by Jenny Bicks. This episode delves deep into Charlotte York’s exploration of her sexual desires, a pivotal moment that underscores the show's progressive approach to female sexuality.

Episode Overview

"Three's A Crowd" marks a significant turning point in Sex and the City, intertwining multiple character arcs with the central theme of sexual exploration and personal fulfillment. Written by Jenny Bicks and directed by Nicole Holofziner, the episode balances humor with poignant moments, shedding light on the complexities of relationships in New York City.

Key Discussions

1. Charlotte’s Threesome Proposition

Kristin Davis opens the discussion by expressing her initial confusion and surprise upon rewatching the episode:

Kristin Davis [03:01]: "I really didn't have a lot of memories of this episode. I was like, what on earth is happening? It's a bold first episode, Jenny."

Cynthia Nixon agrees, highlighting the episode's boldness:

Cynthia Nixon [03:24]: "It's bold. And yet it was, you know, it was of the time."

The crux of the episode centers on Charlotte's contemplation of engaging in a threesome to satisfy her husband's fantasies, juxtaposed with Carrie and Big deepening their relationship amidst unexpected revelations about Big's past.

2. Balancing Sexuality with the Female Gaze

The hosts discuss the delicate balance the show maintained between portraying sexual themes and catering to a female audience:

Cynthia Nixon [06:18]: "We didn't want to be that. We wanted to be, for women, from the female gaze."

This perspective ensured that sexual content was meaningful and character-driven rather than titillating, setting the show apart from contemporaries like HBO's Dream On.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Challenges

Kristin shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about filming intimate scenes:

Kristin Davis [07:01]: "We didn't really know what the tone was, so we weren't really sure in the acting of it also."

She recounts moments of uncertainty and the absence of modern protocols like intimacy coordinators:

Kristin Davis [09:06]: "And because it wasn't sexual, it's much easier... there were no rules. And sometimes you had to call people... Help, help, help."

Cynthia adds her perspective on the actors’ approach to handling intimate scenes with professionalism:

Cynthia Nixon [06:19]: "We never wanted fake. It was a very awkward. It was a fine line."

4. Character Evolution and Themes

The conversation shifts to the evolution of Charlotte’s character and her interactions with other characters, particularly Miranda and Samantha:

Cynthia Nixon [27:40]: "She is she's there for these women at times where other people might not be."

Kristin reflects on how the character dynamics mirrored real-life friendships and personal growth:

Kristin Davis [28:45]: "I was trying so hard to fit in. I was trying so hard to pull off these things and trying to figure out how Pat wanted to dress me and could I do it."

5. Societal Impact and Legacy

Both hosts contemplate the show's impact on conversations around female sexuality and relationships:

Cynthia Nixon [36:21]: "We always wanted the sex to be almost like. We never wanted to be like, ooh, we're shooting a soft porn."

They acknowledge the show's pioneering role in normalizing discussions about women's sexual desires and relationship complexities.

Notable Quotes

• Kristin Davis [05:16]: "What are you gonna do? And it was, in fact, a dream."

• Cynthia Nixon [10:42]: "It was the 90s. It was a longish time ago now. And I think a lot has happened with how men communicate now."

• Kristin Davis [27:08]: "So that was your goal, and you guys really, really did it."

• Cynthia Nixon [55:07]: "It's like, I. I have some dignity, and I am taking this mask and leaving."

• Kristin Davis [74:35]: "I did not even realize how much the characters were developed."

Insights and Reflections

1. Authenticity in Storytelling:
The hosts emphasize the authenticity with which Sex and the City portrayed women's experiences, avoiding clichés and ensuring that each character's journey felt real and relatable.

2. Production Realities:
They shed light on the practical challenges of filming in the late '90s, including limitations in technology, wardrobe restrictions, and the evolving nature of television production standards.

3. Personal Growth of Cast Members:
Kristin and Cynthia reflect on their personal growth alongside their characters, acknowledging how their roles influenced their perspectives on relationships and self-expression.

4. Legacy and Continued Relevance:
The episode underscores the enduring relevance of Sex and the City in contemporary discussions about women's liberation, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.

Conclusion

"Three's A Crowd" serves as a microcosm of Sex and the City's groundbreaking approach to intertwining personal growth with societal themes. Through Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon's in-depth discussion, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the episode's significance, the challenges faced during its creation, and its lasting impact on television and feminist discourse.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kristin Davis [03:01]: "I really didn't have a lot of memories of this episode. I was like, what on earth is happening?"

• Cynthia Nixon [06:18]: "We didn't want to be that. We wanted to be, for women, from the female gaze."

• Kristin Davis [09:06]: "And because it wasn't sexual, it's much easier... there were no rules."

• Cynthia Nixon [27:40]: "She is she's there for these women at times where other people might not be."

• Kristin Davis [28:45]: "I was trying so hard to fit in."

• Cynthia Nixon [55:07]: "It's like, I. I have some dignity, and I am taking this mask and leaving."

• Kristin Davis [74:35]: "I did not even realize how much the characters were developed."

These quotes highlight the depth of the discussion, providing listeners with direct insights into the hosts' perspectives and experiences related to the episode.