Episode Summary: Every Outfit Podcast – Episode 231: "On And Just Like That: Present Tense"

Release Date: July 26, 2025

In Episode 231 of the Every Outfit podcast, hosts Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garrone delve deep into the latest season of HBO's revival, And Just Like That: Present Tense. Drawing comparisons to its predecessor, Sex and the City, the hosts offer a comprehensive analysis of character developments, plot progressions, and the show's overall direction. This episode is structured into several key sections, each highlighting critical discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the conversation.

1. Introduction and Season Overview

The episode kicks off with Chelsea expressing excitement about the show's progression, particularly highlighting that a significant character, Aiden, is no longer part of the narrative.

Chelsea Fairless [01:44]: "It's good to be back and I'm just so happy today. Guys, we did it. Aiden's gone."

Lauren immediately builds on this by questioning the pacing and storytelling of the current season compared to Sex and the City.

Lauren Garrone [01:58]: "I would really love to discuss how we are nine episodes into a 12-episode season and I don't feel like much story has happened."

2. Comparative Analysis: And Just Like That vs. Sex and the City

Lauren contrasts the narrative density of Sex and the City Season 3 with the current pacing of And Just Like That. She enumerates the multiple plotlines in just nine episodes of the original series, emphasizing the rapid character development and story arcs achieved within a shorter timeframe.

Lauren Garrone [01:58]: "In the first nine episodes of Sex and the City season three, we get Carrie. She meets, dates, and almost outs the politician for his pee fetish... And for Samantha, we get a boyfriend of the week per episode..."

Chelsea responds by pointing out the minimal progress in the current season.

Chelsea Fairless [04:09]: "So that's how far we got in nine episodes."

Lauren then highlights what has transpired in the current season, which she finds lackluster compared to the original series.

Lauren Garrone [04:20]: "And what do we get in this season of And Just Like That? Charlotte's dog did get canceled... Also, our girl has vertigo now."

3. Episode Structure and Pacing Concerns

A caller named Emily shares her frustrations with the show's pacing, suggesting that episodes are being unnaturally split to extend the season length.

Caller [04:36]: "I have a theory about why last week and this week were so damn short. It's because they split what was supposed to be one very long episode into two."

Chelsea and Lauren confirm this theory, discussing how the split impacts the storytelling and character development.

Chelsea Fairless [05:04]: "You're correct, they did do that... We've heard this from multiple sources."

Lauren adds insights on how this splitting disrupts the show's rhythm.

Lauren Garrone [05:25]: "It's just odd. And I don't. To this caller's point, I actually don't think it was a higher up being like, we need 12 weeks of this. I think truly they delivered the episode. From what we've heard, it was too long and the studio forced them to split up the episode."

4. In-Depth Character Analysis: Carrie and Aiden

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the relationship dynamics between Carrie, Aiden, and Duncan. The hosts dissect scenes where Carrie grapples with her emotional affair with Duncan while maintaining her relationship with Aiden.

Chelsea Fairless [07:25]: "It was like, we are never getting back together."

Lauren references their "writers' room podcast" to provide behind-the-scenes insights into writers' intentions regarding Carrie's relationships.

Lauren Garrone [08:37]: "They believe she isn't having an emotional affair with Duncan. Like, they believe Carrie isn't having an emotional affair with Duncan."

Chelsea challenges this perspective, arguing that Carrie's reactions indicate deeper emotions.

Chelsea Fairless [09:29]: "She is kind of gaslighting him a little bit about this."

The discussion further explores Aiden's frustrations and insecurities, punctuated by notable quotes from the episode's transcript.

Aiden [15:32]: "It might be late."

Lauren Garrone [10:08]: "I'm an Aiden defender in this episode."

5. Supporting Characters and Subplots

Beyond the central Carrie-Aiden-Duncan triangle, the hosts touch upon other characters like Charlotte, Miranda, Seema, and LTW, discussing their respective storylines and how they interweave with the main narrative.

Charlotte:

Charlotte grapples with vertigo, a subplot that the hosts find minimal compared to previous character developments.

Lauren Garrone [47:45]: "Charlotte has vertigo still."

Miranda and Joy:

Miranda's struggle with alcohol and her relationship with Joy are briefly discussed, with the hosts noting a lack of depth in the current portrayal.

Lauren Garrone [50:11]: "Joy was like, 'Oh, I don't have a problem with it because I'll just, I'll just drink twice as much.'"

Seema:

Seema's deodorant debacle is analyzed humorously, highlighting unrealistic plot points.

Chelsea Fairless [42:07]: "She's like, 'I'm not this person.'"

LTW:

The hosts express frustration over LTW's underdeveloped storyline.

Lauren Garrone [52:27]: "They are just dangled in front of us like a carrot."

6. Pop Culture Commentary

Interspersed with their primary analysis, Chelsea and Lauren delve into contemporary pop culture events, including discussions on South Park, celebrity weddings, and fashion trends.

South Park Merger and Controversies:

The recent merger between Paramount and Skydance, and its political ramifications involving Stephen Colbert and Donald Trump, are dissected with a mix of humor and critique.

Lauren Garrone [63:15]: "So this was a bribe. I mean, it’s clear to see so much so that early last week, Colbert called out this Paramount settlement to Trump, calling it a big fat bribe."

Celebrity Fashion News:

The hosts discuss Charli XCX's wedding dress similarities to their own favorite designs and the ensuing social media frenzy.

Chelsea Fairless [60:12]: "So Charli XCX got married in a wedding dress very similar to your own."

Harry Styles' Sexual Wellness Products:

A humorous take on Harry Styles launching sexual wellness products is provided, highlighting the hosts' witty banter.

Lauren Garrone [78:10]: "So they were selling a double-sided vibrator for $68, which, I mean, come on."

7. Upcoming Projects and Nostalgia

The hosts share their excitement for upcoming documentaries and retrospectives, emphasizing the importance of nostalgia in their discussions.

Marc Jacobs Documentary:

A Sofia Coppola-directed documentary titled Mark by Sophia is anticipated, with Chelsea expressing eagerness to see Marc Jacobs' evolution.

Lauren Garrone [86:25]: "This documentary is directed by a fellow Canadian, Ali Pankyu, who did the film I Used to Be Funny with Rachel Senate."

Lilith Fair Documentary:

Dan Levy's upcoming documentary Lilith Building a Mystery is highlighted as a significant nostalgic project.

Chelsea Fairless [90:05]: "As someone who went to two Lilith Fairs when I was in middle school and found it to be a life-changing experience, I truly cannot wait for whatever this is."

8. Fashion Segment: Devil Wears Prada 2 Set Photos

The episode briefly touches upon the new Devil Wears Prada sequel, with hosts debating the fashion choices of Anne Hathaway and other characters, expressing both admiration and confusion over costume designs.

Lauren Garrone [75:22]: "They have two outfits. No one else is offering two outfits."

9. Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode

As the episode wraps up, Chelsea and Lauren hint at upcoming topics, including their thoughts on And Just Like That future episodes and other pop culture events, ensuring listeners remain engaged for future discussions.

Lauren Garrone [91:48]: "We have 12 episodes left of And Just Like That."

Chelsea Fairless [91:53]: "We will be back next week to discuss yet another episode of And Just Like That."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chelsea Fairless [01:44]: "It's good to be back and I'm just so happy today. Guys, we did it. Aiden's gone."

• Lauren Garrone [04:20]: "And what do we get in this season of And Just Like That? Charlotte's dog did get canceled... Also, our girl has vertigo now."

• Aiden [15:32]: "It might be late."

• Lauren Garrone [08:37]: "They believe she isn't having an emotional affair with Duncan. Like, they believe Carrie isn't having an emotional affair with Duncan."

• Lauren Garrone [78:10]: "So they were selling a double-sided vibrator for $68, which, I mean, come on."

Final Thoughts

In this episode of Every Outfit, Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garrone provide a thorough and engaging analysis of And Just Like That: Present Tense, juxtaposing it against the beloved Sex and the City series. Their entertaining banter, combined with insightful critiques and humorous pop culture commentary, offers listeners both fans and newcomers a comprehensive understanding of the show's current trajectory and its impact on the broader media landscape.