On Sex and the City: The Man, the Myth, the Viagra

Summary

Podcast Summary: Every Outfit – "On Sex and the City: The Man, the Myth, the Viagra"

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Hosts: Chelsea Fairless & Lauren Garroni
Episode Title: On Sex and the City: The Man, the Myth, the Viagra

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Introduction

In this episode of Every Outfit, hosts Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni delve into a comprehensive rewatch of the Sex and the City episode titled "The Man, the Myth, the Viagra." Combining their signature blend of fashion critique and pop culture commentary, Chelsea and Lauren explore the intricate intersections of politics, fashion, and relationships depicted in the episode. The discussion is enriched with humorous banter, insightful analysis, and notable quotes from both the podcast hosts and the episode's characters.

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Donald Trump's Cameo and Political Commentary

The episode opens with a provocative discussion about Donald Trump's cameo appearance in the Sex and the City episode. Lauren introduces the topic by noting Trump's dual role as the 45th and 47th president, humorously suggesting that "this is probably the last time he will be sworn in as president because as he said, there'll be no more elections after this" (00:54).

Notable Quote:

• Lauren Garrone: "We chose this episode this week because Donald Trump has been sworn in as our 47th president. He was also our 45th president. This is probably the last time he will be sworn in as president because as he said, there'll be no more elections after this." (00:54)

Chelsea and Lauren acknowledge the sensitive nature of discussing politics on their show but argue that Trump's involvement in the episode is a significant pop culture moment worth exploring. They emphasize the importance of addressing political figures in cultural discussions to avoid normalizing their actions inadvertently.

Discussion Points:

• Trump's relationship with Sex and the City, including his appearances at multiple premieres.
• The transformation of Trump's public image from a New York figure to a Florida-based presidency.
• The notable moment when Trump presented Cynthia Nixon with her Emmy in 2004, highlighting the show's longstanding connections with political figures.

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Fashion Analysis at the Inauguration

Shifting focus to the inauguration weekend, Chelsea and Lauren critique the outfits of prominent figures like Melania and Ivanka Trump. They dissect Melania's choice of a large hat by Eric Javits and her coat by Adam Lips, questioning the practicality and aesthetic coherence of the ensemble.

Notable Quotes:

• Miranda Hobbes: "Lips, who's like a mediocre designer that I've never really cared about. Although there was really nothing wrong with the coat." (05:58)
• Lauren Garrone: "She always needs to bring her Eastern European touch to every outfit she wears." (14:10)

The hosts also discuss Ivanka Trump's attire by Oscar de la Renta, comparing it to iconic styles from classic cinema and critiquing the brand's historical association with Republican clientele. Additionally, they touch upon public reactions to Ivanka's outfit choices, blending fashion critique with political undertones.

Discussion Points:

• Melania Trump's fashion choices and their alignment with traditional first lady aesthetics.
• Ivanka Trump's Givenchy-inspired dress and its cultural implications.
• Public and media reactions to the styles worn by the Trump women during the inauguration.

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Rewatching "The Man, the Myth, the Viagra"

The core of the episode centers on a detailed rewatch of the Sex and the City episode "The Man, the Myth, the Viagra." Chelsea and Lauren analyze character developments, plot dynamics, and thematic elements, interweaving their observations with humorous commentary and personal anecdotes.

Plot Overview and Character Dynamics

The episode begins with the iconic Carrie Bradshaw voiceover pondering modern relationship myths. Chelsea summarizes the episode's premise, highlighting Mr. Big's charming yet inconsistent behavior and Samantha's entanglement with an older man, Ed.

Notable Quotes:

• Carrie Bradshaw (voiceover): "I got to thinking about myths and relationships... Do modern day singles need modern day myths just to help us get through our random and sometimes miserable relationships?" (32:43)
• Miranda Hobbes: "You blew me off for a piece of politically incorrect meat." (66:48)

Chelsea and Lauren dissect Mr. Big's portrayal as deeply ingrained in Italian-American culture, discussing his influence and interactions with other characters. They also explore Samantha's unconventional relationship with Ed, critiquing the portrayal of age-gap relationships and the underlying messages about emotional availability and societal expectations.

Fashion Within the Show

The hosts critique the characters' outfits, particularly Carrie's bronzy polyester dress and poncho combination, deeming it lackluster compared to their usual fashion-forward standards. They also highlight Big's casual yet chic appearance, drawing parallels to contemporary fashion icons.

Notable Quotes:

• Miranda Hobbes: "It looks cheap, for sure. I mean, she's hot, but not my fave." (57:32)
• Lauren Garrone: "He actually looks quite chic. Now this would just be like a Justin Bieber Pete Davidson look, actually." (58:10)

Themes and Relationship Myths

Chelsea and Lauren delve into the episode's exploration of relationship myths, such as the idea that emotionally unavailable partners can become available and sustain lasting relationships. They critique Carrie's tendency to rationalize her relationships and question the authenticity of her connections, particularly with Mr. Big.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Garrone: "There really is no variation of Myths." (30:50)
• Miranda Hobbes: "Charlotte, ever the optimist, is making the argument that people do change and sometimes things work out." (31:07)

The discussion extends to modern relationship dynamics, including the portrayal of friendships, honesty in communication, and the challenges of maintaining authentic connections in a world rife with superficial interactions.

Humorous Interjections and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the analysis, Chelsea and Lauren interject with personal stories, humorous takes on the characters' decisions, and playful banter that adds depth to their critique. From Lauren's admiration of Steve's character to Miranda's experiences with mistaken identity, the hosts weave a rich narrative that is both entertaining and insightful.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Garrone: "I'm giving it nine, too, because we love Samantha with the old guy. We love the introduction of Steve." (65:29)
• Miranda Hobbes: "Sometimes you have to fuck the elderly. You know, it's a great way to give back to previous generations." (68:12)

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Conclusion and Ratings

As the episode wraps up, Chelsea and Lauren assign ratings to various aspects of the Sex and the City episode, highlighting standout moments and critiquing disappointing elements. They emphasize the importance of character chemistry, authentic relationship portrayals, and memorable fashion choices in making episodes resonate with audiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Garrone: "He came in, laid pipe, didn't stand for any of Miranda's guff, and he had some solid jokes." (65:57)
• Miranda Hobbes: "See, I'm going with, if you leave, I'll have to listen to those NYU kids with the Amstel lights discuss Fiona Apple." (66:58)

The hosts conclude by teasing upcoming episodes, including a Valentine's Day-themed Loveline hotline, encouraging listeners to share their relationship woes and triumphs.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Lauren Garrone (00:54):
   "We chose this episode this week because Donald Trump has been sworn in as our 47th president. He was also our 45th president. This is probably the last time he will be sworn in as president because as he said, there'll be no more elections after this."

2. Laurale (05:58):
   "Lips, who's like a mediocre designer that I've never really cared about. Although there was really nothing wrong with the coat."

3. Carrie Bradshaw (Voiceover) (32:43):
   "I got to thinking about myths and relationships... Do modern day singles need modern day myths just to help us get through our random and sometimes miserable relationships?"

4. Miranda Hobbes (66:48):
   "You blew me off for a piece of politically incorrect meat."

5. Lauren Garrone (68:12):
   "Sometimes you have to fuck the elderly. You know, it's a great way to give back to previous generations."

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Every Outfit masterfully blends fashion critique with deep dives into pop culture phenomena, exemplified by their thorough analysis of Sex and the City. Chelsea and Lauren's dynamic chemistry, combined with their ability to interweave humor and critical insight, offers listeners a rich and engaging exploration of the episode's multifaceted themes. Whether dissecting fashion choices at high-profile events or unraveling the complexities of fictional relationships, Every Outfit provides a nuanced and entertaining perspective that resonates with both fashion enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike.

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Note: For full context and additional insights, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode directly and participate in upcoming segments, such as the Valentine's Day Loveline hotline.

Transcript

[Carrie Bradshaw]

I spent $40,000 on shoes.

[Lauren Garrone]

What's the matter, Morty? Coral.

[Chelsea Fairless]

The sting.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Ten tomorrow.

[Chelsea Fairless]

Dress floral. The Sting. Great gowns. Beautiful gowns.

[Lauren Garrone]

Fashion has changed. No, it hasn't. Hi, I'm Lauren Garrone.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And I'm Chelsea Fairless.

[Lauren Garrone]

And welcome back to the Every Outfit podcast. This is our monthly rewatch episode. We are doing the man, the Myth, the Viagra, and yes, this is the episode that Donald Trump has a cameo appearance in. So if that is upsetting to you, please stay for the episode because it actually is one of the best Sex and the City episodes. So many canon events happen.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, it's a truly great episode.

[Lauren Garrone]

We chose this episode this week because Donald Trump has been sworn in as our 47th president. He was also our 45th president. This is probably the last time he will be sworn in as president because as he said, there'll be no more elections after this.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I'm imagining him delivering that in the style of Leonardo DiCaprio in the Wolf of Wall Street.

[Lauren Garrone]

So, yes, we are going to talk about the inauguration again. I know people do not enjoy when we talk about politics, and I do understand it. People look to this podcast as a refuge from all the other bullshit. Does everything have to be political? And I'm sorry, but this was a pretty significant pop culture and fashion event. If you do not want to hear any of this and just want to go to the Sex and the City rewatch part, there will be a timestamp in the episode description to tell you where and how to do that. Are you guys still with us?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I've left.

[Lauren Garrone]

No, Chelsea, come back. I'm not Kristen Davis. I can't do this alone. I need a co host. Before we talk about the various events and outfits that happen during inauguration weekend and the inauguration itself. I have seen an online discourse about the fact that is even discussing this.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Normalizing Trump Is discussing Trump. Normalizing Trump.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yes. And I will say some of the coverage I've seen a little too normalizing of what's going on in the Trump administration. But I just feel like to ignore what is happening would be normalizing it even further.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, I agree with you. We have to be able to talk about things. We don't have to give breathless fashion coverage like Susie Menke's. But we'll get into that later.

[Lauren Garrone]

Shall we start with the Village People?

[Miranda Hobbes]

You know, it's sad that they didn't perform at the actual inauguration, because I think this was kind of the most exciting thing that happened all week for our interests. Yeah, like, I get that. It's weird for them to perform a song about gay cruising during the inauguration, but also, like, why not? It would make it more fun.

[Lauren Garrone]

So this is something I've been wanting to discuss for a minute, and certainly after I watch the film the Apprentice, which is. Trump has very gay interests. Now, please understand, Chelsea, I don't think that he himself is gay. However, I do feel like he has very gay coded pop culture interests. Like, have you ever seen that quote where he talks about seeing Phantom of the Opera?

[Miranda Hobbes]

No.

[Lauren Garrone]

He was riveted by it.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Who was it? When that chandelier falls, it's all over.

[Lauren Garrone]

But I feel like his love of opera and the Village People, well, being.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Too cultured is gay.

[Lauren Garrone]

But I wonder if these kind of gay coded interests come from the fact that his mentor and central male figure in his life was the closeted man, Roy Cohn.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, it's all about the company you keep.

[Lauren Garrone]

I know people were shitting on the Village People for taking this gig, but it's like, it's a paying gig.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah. That's not like the Milwaukee Pride Parade or something or some D list cruise. Yeah. It is really odd that a disco song about men fucking has become the anthem for a party that, like, only wants there to be two genders.

[Lauren Garrone]

Do you think Trump knows what the song is about, or do you think Eric and Don Jr. And even Baron are like, let him have this.

[Miranda Hobbes]

He definitely knows what this song is about. But somehow, despite these overtly homosexual themes, it just became like a wedding song.

[Lauren Garrone]

My friend is getting married this summer, and she was like, we're not having that song on the wedding playlist.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Is Macho man still okay, though?

[Lauren Garrone]

Oh, definitely. Yeah.

[Miranda Hobbes]

The fact that MAGA people love this song is truly bizarre.

[Lauren Garrone]

There is some bittersweet joy that I do get out of it.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, of course. Because it's at the very least interesting.

[Lauren Garrone]

Speaking of interesting, shall we get into Melania and Ivanka's outfits at the inauguration?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Sure. With Melania on one hand, I do appreciate the fact that she is dressing outwardly evil. Like this looks like this could be costuming from Dynasty or something. That's the most generous read that I can give.

[Lauren Garrone]

So we're talking about her very large hat designed by Eric Javits. And one thing about Melania, especially when she's in first lady mode, is she loves an extreme hat, especially if it impairs her from kissing her husband.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, I did appreciate that aspect of the design, I suppose.

[Lauren Garrone]

And then her outfit was by Adam.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Lips, who's like a mediocre designer that I've never really cared about. Although there was really nothing wrong with the coat.

[Lauren Garrone]

It was a fine coat.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Like, it was classic. I understand why she wore it. Obviously this whole outfit would have made a lot more sense if she was outdoors, but they just didn't change the outfits to accommodate the new setting.

[Lauren Garrone]

I don't know if you're on Twitter slash x that much, but the equivalent my for you page has become way more conservative. So all I saw last weekend were, I assume MAGA people being like, this isn't normal to move things inside. This isn't just about the weather. Something's going on and it's like, no, he's cold. Trump doesn't want to be cold and shivering outside.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I get it.

[Lauren Garrone]

It's not even a metaphor, Right? All of his followers, the people that got him elected, who paid tickets to see his inauguration, were quite literally Chelsea left out in the cold, while all of the billionaires and podcasters got to be cozy inside.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, they should know that he doesn't actually give a shit about them.

[Lauren Garrone]

They'll never know though.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Anyway, Ivanka's outfit, Yeah, I think she outdressed Melania. It did look like a costume from the Handmaid's Tale. That was an accurate read. And that was designed by Oscar de la Renta. I don't really know what the late Oscar de la Renta's politics were. He was an immigrant, so I like to think that he would be sympathetic to their plight. But that is a brand that has historically dressed a lot of Republican women. And by that I mean had Republican clients. Like the women that wear Oscar de la Renta gowns are old Upper east side Republican ladies.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yeah. So I suppose that wasn't that shocking.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Like, I don't think it's a huge glow down for the brand compared to other brands just because I feel like that is their audience.

[Lauren Garrone]

I feel like people really want us to talk about Lauren Sanchez because people had a lot of thoughts about this look and I assume people will think that we hated this look, but it's a white Alexander McQueen suit with a lace corset. This is how she dresses. Guys, I don't know what to say.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I love that she just couldn't wear a white form fitting suit and just leave it at that. Like, she had to have the girls out and she upstaged literally everyone, including Melania.

[Lauren Garrone]

You've made this point previously about people who are considered, quote, fashion victims on the red carpet, like Bjork wearing the swan dress at the Oscars. And I Feel like this applies to Lauren Sanchez, where it's not like she fucked up on the way to wearing a modest outfit. This is her version of a conservative outfit.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And I see how it could be construed as inappropriate for an inauguration, but this is Donald Trump's inauguration. If anything, all the women there should have their tits out. You know what I mean? That's more on brand for him. Like, think of the Miss Universe pageant and all of that.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yeah. This is an inauguration that the Paul brothers were invited, and they messed with podcaster and comedian Theo Vaughan's chair, so he fell when he sat on it. This is the wrestling equivalent of a presidential inauguration.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah. Also, it immediately reminded me of that Seinfeld episode where Jerry dates the woman that just wears a bra as a shirt.

[Lauren Garrone]

That's right. And she enters Elain's office wearing a bra and her blazer completely open.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So good. Also, Carrie Underwood performed wasn't the performance she wanted to give. Clearly, there were technical difficulties, which, actually, I felt bad for her. As someone that has been a victim of technical difficulties, I sympathize. But I haven't seen her in a minute, and she definitely has mar a Lago face.

[Lauren Garrone]

Ooh. Can you define mar a lago face?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Fillers, Botox tan. It's really bad. Lash extensions, like, really thick. Like, long ones that look scary.

[Lauren Garrone]

And an HD degree of makeup.

[Miranda Hobbes]

It's a contour, for sure, but it's a lot about the lips, you know, it's like, too much filler there.

[Lauren Garrone]

All this reminded me of people were, I guess, shitting on Carrie Underwood for performing or disparaging her performance, which, again, as two people who are plagued with technical issues, especially sound issues, from time to time, she has our sympathy. But all this reminded me of was, I don't know, is this any worse than when Jennifer Lopez sang and then dovetailed into a version of let's Get Loud?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I mean, yes, it was worse than that. Also, I'm surprised that people are surprised that she's a Republican. Like, do people think that just because they, like, before he cheats that means her politics align or something?

[Lauren Garrone]

This wasn't surprising. I will tell you what was slightly surprising was the fact that the Arnault family was at the inauguration. Bernard Arnault, the patriarch, Delphine, the daughter, and then I think the son that's married to Natalia Vadianova were all there for Trump's inauguration.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Gross. I mean, I've always been more of a caring girly, anyway, so.

[Lauren Garrone]

Although it was just the 20th anniversary of Donald Trump And Melania's wedding, there was a post about it, and I forgot that. Of course, the Trump family does have deep ties to the Arnault, because John Galliano, when he was at Dior, designed Melania's wedding dress, which had its own.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Vogue cover, which came out before the actual wedding. Remember that?

[Lauren Garrone]

Oh, that was crazy, by the way. A wedding that was attended by Bill and Hillary Clinton. Okay.

[Miranda Hobbes]

At a certain point, it's not Democrat or Republican. It's just rich person.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yes. As evidenced by Kim Kardashian posting, it was Melania's outfit, even though she's besties with Ivanka. If I were Ivanka, I'd be like, what the fuck?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I know.

[Lauren Garrone]

But, yeah, I think a lot of these people, like Tim Cook, even Jeff Bezos, the Kardashians, these are all people who probably did vote for Kamala Harris, but they have no problem kissing the ring. Speaking of people that kiss the ring, that I was a little surprised by, as we previously noted, the breathless fashion coverage, specifically by Susie Mankes and Vanessa Friedman.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes, I found it bizarre. I understand Vanessa Friedman a little bit like she should be reporting on the fashion for the New York Times. But, yes, I found the tone of it to be a little gross.

[Lauren Garrone]

It was weird because her coverage on her own social media did feel a little unnecessary. But then her New York Times article was like, I have thoughts on Melania's hat. It's like, okay, okay.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Susie Menkes, though, has lost her mind. She posted about the outfit that Melania wore to the ball later that night, or the party, whatever it's called. And she wrote this caption. Bravo to Herve Pierre. First of all, who the fuck is that? Whose dress for Melania struck that fine line between graceful and chic? First of all, I don't think there's a fine line between graceful and chic.

[Lauren Garrone]

They seem to be on parallel tracks with each other.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Like, the fine line would be like, oh, it's a fine line between edginess and chic ness. Or something. Like, I feel like the fine line should separate, like, disparate things.

[Lauren Garrone]

I kept thinking that she was referring to Herve Leger and that Herve Leger's middle name was Pierre. Only for me to then Google who the hell Herve Pierre is. And it's Melania's stylist who's also a designer.

[Miranda Hobbes]

How is it not a character from Emily in Paris is what I want to know.

[Lauren Garrone]

Maybe next season.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Look, it was not the worst thing she could have worn, but the choker was so bad. Like, the Choker took it into a deeply unchic place for me.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, yeah, she always needs to bring her Eastern European touch to every outfit she wears.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, it didn't hit for me. And then obviously, like, all of these people were like, what the fuck? Susie Menkes, you've gone crazy. And she doubled down and did a second post with the illustration of the Herve Pierre gown.

[Lauren Garrone]

We know that in the world of news, getting an exclusive is the thing that you want, and I'm sure it's exactly the same in the fashion world. And it seems that Herve Pierre sent Susie Mankes an exclusive note and sketch, but it's like, not like this. Susie Mankees, do you need an exclusive?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I know also, Herve Pierre, as you can imagine, was born in France. He is now an American. But I'm sorry, like, what's the point of wearing American designers if the designer has the most French ass sounding name I've ever heard?

[Lauren Garrone]

I mean, other than Oscar de la Renta. They all abandoned American designers by the ball that evening because Ivanka wore a Givenchy dress that was. I can't even say heavily inspired. It's literally a direct ripoff of Audrey Hepburn's Givenchy dress from Sabrina.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes, but it's a lesser version with less embroidery. It reminds me of when they recreated that Dior gown for Natalie Portman, but it was just like a shittier version with less beadwork. It's like, if we are going to recreate these incredible archival pieces, we have to have the resources to actually recreate them.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, people were really besides themselves about this one. You know, it was like, how could Ivanka, whose family's fascistic ways are reminiscent of the Nazi party, wear a dress famously worn by an actress who was part of the Dutch resistance in World War II and whose slim figures because of the starvation she suffered under the Nazi regime? I don't think Ivanka thinks of herself as a Nazi, so there's that. I highly doubt she knows that about Audrey Hepburn's backstory. I think she saw the pretty dress from Sabrina and was like, I like that. That's classy.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, basic bitches have been aping Audrey hepburn style for 10,000 years, so it's not surprising in that regard. It is a big glow down for Givenchy, certainly. I mean, they've really lost their way in recent years. Sarah Burton is the new creative director, which is exciting, but I don't think she's responsible for this. I don't know who's responsible for this, but it's not what's his face who just left?

[Lauren Garrone]

No. And Givenchy is an LVMH brand.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes.

[Lauren Garrone]

Which would explain why the Arnaux were also there. It's just lazy and dumb, this kind of self referential design stuff. And I can't believe I'm about to say this, but be like Melania and just wear a nice gown.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I don't know, was that nice? Was the Herve Pierre nice?

[Lauren Garrone]

You know, Chell, it might not have been nice, but it did straddle the line between what and what? Classy and chic.

[Miranda Hobbes]

That fine line between graceful and chic.

[Lauren Garrone]

Okay, so before we get into the episode in earnest, do we first want to discuss Donald Trump's ties to Sex and the City? Because it runs deeper than anyone would think.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes. Trump's ties to Sex in the City begin with the pilot episode, right.

[Lauren Garrone]

Where Mr. Big is described as. You see that guy over there? He's the next Donald Trump. Except he's younger and much better looking. I'm actually surprised that Donald Trump would even agree the following season to make a cameo because he is so prideful.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, they literally called him ugly and old.

[Lauren Garrone]

But it was the pilot. Perhaps he wasn't aware that this was said about him. He just knew that it was a popular New York show.

[Miranda Hobbes]

He was a fan of the show, though, because he makes the cameo in season two and then after that point, he attended many of the premieres.

[Lauren Garrone]

Look, he could have attended the season two premiere. I couldn't find a photo of that. But we know because he was photographed at the season four premiere, the season six premiere. I guess even he knew season five. Too depressing. And the premiere for the first and second film. If he's not a fan, Melania is certainly a fan and made him go to those premieres.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, Trump was the person who presented Cynthia Nixon with her Emmy. When Was that?

[Lauren Garrone]

In 2004.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes. He presented with Simon Cowell at a time when that was a cute pairing. Right. The reality guys are presenting together.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yes. We will play you the audio here. I just want to note that where this clip starts, Donald Trump cuts off clearly. What was Simon Cowell's line?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Nominees for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series are. Kim Cattrall, Sex and the City, Kristen Davis, Sex and the City. Megan Mulally, Will and Grace, Cynthia Nixon, Sex and the City, of course. Doris Roberts, Everybody Loves Raymond.

[Lauren Garrone]

Okay.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And the Emmy goes to.

[Lauren Garrone]

Cynthia Nixon.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So Cynthia Nixon has publicly stated that she wishes someone else presented her with that Emmy. We asked her about this both of the times that we interviewed her.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yeah, of course. I mean, how else is she supposed to answer that? Hey, do you regret Donald Trump giving you your Emmy? Yeah, if anyone else could have, I would have rathered that. I think this episode and him presenting Cynthia Nixon with her Emmy highlights the fact that previous to Obama's presidency, Donald Trump was a man that was primarily associated in a completely different context. He was a preeminent joke, but New York figure.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, it's crazy how I don't even associate him with New York anymore. I associate him with Florida because obviously there's a lot of people in New York that still support him, but the majority know the majority of New Yorkers aren't voting for him. He's not getting invited to do like SNL anymore.

[Lauren Garrone]

All right, let's go way back in time to 1999, and let's finally discuss the episode the man, the Myth, the Viagra. Welcome back to those who skipped our intro.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So this episode starts, as always, with a Carrie voiceover. Once upon a second time around, in a mythical land between Carmine and Mulberry Streets, two mere mortals were having a wonderful time.

[Lauren Garrone]

You know what? I believe this. Carrie and Big enter an Italian restaurant. Laughing Big knows everyone in the restaurant. Big really seems like a great hang in this episode.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Mr. Big is practically the mayor of Little Italy in this episode. And he speaks fluent Italian. Hot. He's seen Mean Streets at least a dozen times.

[Lauren Garrone]

Oh, God, yes.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So he introduces Carrie as his girlfriend for the first time ever to the random Italian man that works there, the.

[Lauren Garrone]

Man who's a real gangster. Gangster? Who you calling gangster? This was a real, like, post Goodfellas, the beginning of the Sopranos. Like, you know, not all Italian Americans are a part of the mafia. But Mr. Big notes that it's just the first time that Carrie has heard him refer to her as his girlfriend.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I was happy for her. Which really goes to show how low the bar is that we've set for Mr. Big.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, I wanted to see where we were in the season. And the episode before this is the Chicken Dance. So the last time we saw Carrion Big was him walking out on her wedding speech and her being like, I don't know if I can be with you or be with a man who can't even stay until the end of the wedding. And then they have cake and walk off together. So Big is evidently irregular. Here's what we know about Mr. Big between the Hole in the Wall Chinese place that he takes Carrie in season one and this Hole in the Wall Italian place he's the original Eater New York. Like, he knows the hot spots.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And he also apparently can sing.

[Lauren Garrone]

Can he though?

[Miranda Hobbes]

He was passably fine.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yes. He gets up and sings a rendition of Frank Sinatra's It Was a Very Good Year.

[Miranda Hobbes]

He's back on his Rat Pack bullshit. This does remind me of a certain ex of mine. That and the fact that, like, she would turn fully Italian when she set foot in an Italian restaurant in the way that Mr. Big does in this episode.

[Lauren Garrone]

I was going to say, as someone that grew up in an Italian American household, Frank Sinatra's It Was a Very Good Year was always played during the holidays. And this actually referring to really got along with my father and said they were long lost brothers. So unlike Carrie was watching this scene less like your heaven and more like your hell, as Miranda is currently experiencing across town.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, she's in some horrendous stand up comedy situation.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yes, she's on a date with a man named Alan Miller, a divorced architect she met at aisle three at Food Emporium. Remember Food Emporium?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I love Food Emporium Emporium. Is it still there? Like the Union Square one? That's the one I used to frequent.

[Lauren Garrone]

I highly doubt it. I love this line because it just really speaks to the late 90s that they bonded over their shared hatred of, quote, designer croutons.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Who hates designer croutons?

[Lauren Garrone]

What are designer croutons?

[Miranda Hobbes]

The expensive croutons at Food Emporium. Also, I have been doing a ruthless, and I mean ruthless closet clean out this week.

[Lauren Garrone]

I know you almost threw out some podcasting equipment that I left at your house. I was like, no, no, no, we need that.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And one of the greatest things I found was this old Food Emporium tote bag that I've had for years. That was a collaboration with Dr. Phil before collab culture was even a thing.

[Lauren Garrone]

What?

[Miranda Hobbes]

And it says, sometimes I just need to be held. And then has the Dr. Phil logo and the Food Emporium logo.

[Lauren Garrone]

What does that mean? Like, your food needs to be held in this tote bag.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, it's a pun. It's a Carrie Bradshaw esque pun. Also, Lauren, I feel so bad I didn't congratulate you on your incredible Dr. Phil impression, which you debuted on last week's episode. It was a delight. I'm so glad the listeners loved it.

[Lauren Garrone]

People really enjoyed it.

[Miranda Hobbes]

It was scarily accurate.

[Lauren Garrone]

I think I know what my next Halloween costume is. Get me a bald cap with some sides.

[Miranda Hobbes]

You know what's really, really sad? I actually read Dr. Phil's book about weight loss. And I'm not gonna lie, I did lose, like, 30 pounds. But I think that's also because I, like, forced myself to not go to the White Castle that was right next to my house all the time. Because when you, a pothead in your early 20s, like the lure of those.

[Lauren Garrone]

Chicken burgers, I feel like you're just inviting me to do my impression. Chelsea, did you imagine Dr. Phil was saying to you, hey, fatty, that's bad. That was bad.

[Miranda Hobbes]

That's basically what the book was. No, actually, that's Elizabeth Taylor's diet book.

[Lauren Garrone]

Stop going to White Cast. Wow. I lost guys in a week. I lost my Dr. Phil impression. Anyway, back to Miranda at the comedy club. This is a bad date. I don't care if it's a first date. It's actually worse if it's a first date. But a second, third date. Never go to a comedy club.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes. Unless you are a fan of the comedian that is performing.

[Lauren Garrone]

Let's be honest, Miranda and comedy clubs do not mix well together. I am reminded of when Miranda went to see Che work out some material in season two, and she got absolutely roasted. And Miranda is equally getting roasted at this comedy comedy club.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So her date goes to the bathroom and his phone starts ringing. So the comic on stage bullies her into picking it up.

[Lauren Garrone]

Basically, I have to give it up to Miranda. I would have, just out of social awkwardness, answered the phone. I do admire her restraint of like, that is this guy's property. I'm not going to answer it. I don't know him like that. But she's bullied into answering the phone anyway and learns that her date has a wife, which she is too shocked to say anything. And the comic, of course, takes the phone out of her hand and blurts out this in front of the entire audience.

[Miranda Hobbes]

This is one of the more humiliating Miranda dates.

[Lauren Garrone]

And again, we're coming off of the chicken dance. So this is a woman who, I don't know how much time has passed between episodes. Let's say it's even a couple of weeks. But this is a woman that less than a month ago, thought she would be marrying the guy staying on her couch. And now she has learned that this great bachelor that she was dating is, as he says, I'm not really divorced. I'm really separated. And then she has the great line, no, we're really separated. See, this is me separating.

[Miranda Hobbes]

It is a great moment for Miranda. And then, of course, she gets, like, heckled by the comic again. Hey, Red, I'll ya It should be.

[Lauren Garrone]

Noted that this episode is written by Daddy Mpk, who himself tried stand up comedy early in his career.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, our friends actually saw him do stand up comedy at the Duplex, which is a piano bar in New York that has a little theater attached to it. And they said he was incredible.

[Lauren Garrone]

He is very funny. This has some of the best dialogue, I think, in season two. Great episode. And then we get kind of the meat of this episode, which is the girls not at the diner. They are outside at a restaurant that I clocked as vermouth, which I tried to find the location for this. I could not.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I have never frequented vermouth, but as.

[Lauren Garrone]

Miranda laments, if they're not married, they're gay or burned from a divorce or aliens from the planet. Don't date me.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Great line.

[Lauren Garrone]

It just made me realize nothing has changed. And I know that I'm now married, but we've had ch not one, but two fuckettes reach out to us and say that they were broken up with burger style.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes, and one was as recent as last week. This poor listener sent us photos of the post it. And the sad thing is, it wasn't just one post it like burger. It was like eight post its. Like this. Couldn't just find a piece of paper.

[Lauren Garrone]

That was not concise. We are blasting her information out on the podcast, but I will say we sent her a care package. But you don't know this. Another fuckette who had bought things during our merch sale. I had to say, oh, that thing you ordered, it's out of stock. Sorry, our bad. And she was like, no problem. I just literally got broken up with on a notes app. And I was like, okay, let me search around. So I sent her a care package as well.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Wait, notes app? Was it a screenshot or was it like a shared note?

[Lauren Garrone]

I did ask for clarification. Yes, it was a screenshot of a notes app breakup sent to her via text message.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Oh my God. Like, at least do a voice memo.

[Lauren Garrone]

We're going to be doing an upcoming Loveline episode for Valentine's Day, so Fuck ads. If you've got bad breakup stories, please feel free to call into the hotline.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Just keep them on the shorter side or we may not play them.

[Lauren Garrone]

It's just crazy to think nothing's changed.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So this conversation becomes about urban relationship myths.

[Lauren Garrone]

It really is one myth, because it is a partner, usually a man who's emotionally unavailable for whatever reason, that becomes emotionally available and they get married and live happily ever after.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Right?

[Lauren Garrone]

There really is no variation of Myths.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And of course, Charlotte, ever the optimist, is making the argument that people do change and sometimes things work out. Like Carrie and Big. But are they working out again? The fact that the chicken dance was the previous episode is troubling, yes.

[Lauren Garrone]

But this scene does give us a line that I quote all the time, which is when Miranda says to Charlotte, if you Pollyanna out on me today.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Carrie then is kind of put on the spot to explain how her relationship with Mr. Big is different the second time around. And she says, it just is. I can't explain it. Maybe we just both know that if we came together again, it must be for a reason.

[Lauren Garrone]

To which I say no. We discussed this in a recent episode. Carrie is the one who left Big at the end of season one, then ghosts him, then randomly asks him out to dinner. Six months to a year later, Big's mind, nothing has changed. She's just like, oh great, she's come back into my life.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah. Then we get maybe the longest. I couldn't help but wonder in Sex and the City history. I don't know. Or at least since we've been doing these rewatches on the pod that afternoon.

[Carrie Bradshaw]

I got to thinking about myths and relationships. Heroes, boyfriends, cyclopses, divorced guys. Are they really that different? The primitive Greeks clung desperately to myths to explain the random hopelessness of their miserable lives. Do modern day singles need modern day myths just to help us get through our random and sometimes miserable relationships? And what about Big and me? After what seemed like an eternity of not quite fitting together, we suddenly fit. Had the relationship God smiled? Or was that something I desperately needed to believe? Are we willing to believe anything to date?

[Lauren Garrone]

See, when I think of. I couldn't help but wonder. This is what I'm imagining. Because we've had some very iffy. I couldn't help but wonder the past few rewatch episodes. Yeah, I think the main crux of Carrie's. I couldn't help but wonder. And the theme of this episode is do modern day singles need modern day myths just to help us get through our random and sometimes miserable relationships? Yes.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes. Some relationships require that you lie to yourself.

[Lauren Garrone]

Chelsea, are we willing to believe anything to date?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, if you like someone enough, you have to. It's a necessity.

[Lauren Garrone]

I was trying to think of what are 2025 urban relationship myths, and I guess it's still the emotionally unavailable partner, usually a guy. I guess it's more the idea that you can turn a situationship into a relationship. I think that's the urban relationship legend.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Of Today, it's that. It's also the fact that people find a way to justify the most outwardly disinterested behavior from men.

[Lauren Garrone]

You saw me do it for years. Yes. I certainly was willing to believe anything.

[Miranda Hobbes]

To date, I've definitely been in the relationships where you have to lie to yourself. I'm glad I'm not in one now. But I get it. I completely get it.

[Lauren Garrone]

So we shift over to Samantha. As Carrie says, while Samantha had little belief in the idea of happily ever after, she had a strong belief in the idea of a smart cocktail at the end of the workday. And she looks behind her and there's Donald Trump. Samantha, a Cosmopolitan, and Donald Trump. Now, I know this is beside the point, Chelsea, but I don't think Donald Trump would be taking lunch meetings to finance his projects at this point in his career. I think people are coming to Trump Tower. Yeah, I do wonder if Donald Trump is in this episode, because I was looking at the IMDb trivia and I even went into our pink bible, the Kiss and Tell book, and there's an anecdote where Ed's apartment, the old guy that Samantha dates in this episode, his apartment was actually shot at the Plaza, which Donald Trump owned. And there was a caveat that if you shot at the Plaza, he had to be in whatever you were shooting. That's why he's in Home Alone 2. I couldn't tell where the bar scene was shot, but if it was shot at the Plaza, I wonder if that's why he's in this episode.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, the previous episode was shot at the Plaza.

[Lauren Garrone]

They were just Plaza crazy.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So that would make sense timing wise.

[Lauren Garrone]

So Donald Trump leaves. He's on screen for all of seven seconds.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes. He doesn't even have one line, tragically.

[Lauren Garrone]

So he's not getting residual. So at least there's that.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, he may even be edited out in one of those savage TBS cuts of Sex in the City where they make all the episodes like 15 minutes.

[Lauren Garrone]

This scene just begins with Ed already at the bar talking to Samantha. So this old guy goes up to Samantha and says, basically, I was so distracted by your beauty, I may have just financed Donald Trump's $150 million project. This is, by the way, a time where he pre reality star, he actually did things in real estate still, because post the Apprentice, the reality show, he just slapped his name on other buildings. What building project could this possibly be? Was big in on it.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So Ed asks if he can buy her a drink, to which Samantha says.

[Lauren Garrone]

I already have one. And he replies, can I buy you an island?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Not no.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yeah, like, is your name on the deed?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I truly love this Samantha plotline so much.

[Lauren Garrone]

I have a lot to say about this because one, Ed has a lot of game.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah.

[Lauren Garrone]

Even his tired lines, like, do you come here often? I don't know. It would work on me. As Samantha correctly says, that lion is older than you.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah. One of my friends who's in her 40s, is currently casually dating a guy in his 80s. And I'm so obsessed with this. I need all of the details, and it does feel very Sex in the city. He's 80, but apparently he's like, really fit and also like, loves to do coke, which is a little concerning for an octogenarian, but yolo. I mean, clearly he's made it this far.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, your friend needs to get in the will if he's going to continue to casually do cocaine as an octogenarian. But I feel like this perfectly goes into our next conversation because I imagine your friend has had this conversation that Samantha has with Carrie, which is. What is your age ceiling? Exactly. What's your age ceiling with men?

[Carrie Bradshaw]

50.

[Lauren Garrone]

Factor in millions and millions of dollars.

[Carrie Bradshaw]

50?

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, I just met the cutest older man.

[Carrie Bradshaw]

How old? 50? 60, sweetie. Is he on Medicare?

[Lauren Garrone]

I'm guessing 72. A young 72. Your silence reeks of ageism. Yeah, that has to be hard to soft launch that you're dating someone who's a part of the aarp. But I will say I thought that Ed was in his 80s to hear that he's 72. Because my dad is going to be 70 this year. And there's something about the way that a 7 year old looked in the late 90s compared to now that's quite staggering because Ed conveys much older than 72.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, he does.

[Lauren Garrone]

Maybe this speaks to growing up in Los Angeles. But I wanted to ask you, Chelsea, have you ever been mistaken for your dad's younger girlfriend?

[Miranda Hobbes]

No, but people think that my wife is my daughter on a fairly regular basis. It most recently happened in the glossier store.

[Lauren Garrone]

Wait, it's happened a third time now?

[Miranda Hobbes]

It's happened twice. It happened at an airport. Like when we were going through security at the glossier store, some chick was like, oh, are you here with your mom to tat? And then she was just so shocked that she was like. She was like, no, that's my sister. And then she was like, oh my God, no, that's my wife. And then just had to run away. Although, wait, no, she couldn't run away because someone was doing her eyebrows. Like, I walked into the store to pick something up and they were like, oh, we're doing, like eyebrow like demonstrations today. Do you want your brows done? And we were like, sure.

[Lauren Garrone]

I thought you were going to say you couldn't leave because, you know, they make you wait like you're waiting for a takeout order to get your glossier goods. For those who've never been to a.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Glossier store before, in that instance, the way we were dressed did play a major role because sometimes Tat does dress like a 10 year old boy and I dress, you know, on the more conservative side.

[Lauren Garrone]

I mean, you should pull Samantha and just say your comment reeks of ageism. Well, I have been mistaken for my dad's much younger girlfriend many times. Of course, here in Los Angeles. I think the most glaring example of this is many years ago, we were dining at Il Fornayo and my dad went to the restroom and the food was being delivered. And the waiter delivered my plate and he said, here you go. And then he went to go put my father's plate on the table. He said, and here's the dish for your. And I said, father? And he said, sure.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Oh, my God. What the. I love that. That's giving. Like, sometimes Tad and I go and have drinks at the Bel Air Hotel, like at the bar. And the bar is always packed with like, these spooky age gap couples, you know, like Beverly Hills Bel Air age gap couples like you and your dad, apparently. I think a lot of them are sex workers, though, when we get to.

[Lauren Garrone]

It, I was gonna bring up, I think a lot of Ed's problems could.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Just be solved by getting a sugar B.

[Lauren Garrone]

For sure. I love that. For Samantha, the key to his power is the fact that he took her to dinner at John George and they got right in, no reservation required. To which Carrie has the great line. I wasn't aware that John George had an early bird special. If I'm Carrie, the sex columnist who has to write a weekly article, if my friend Samantha tells me that she's dating and going to have sex with a septuagenarian, I'm like, cha ching. Here's this week's article.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, I'm sending her flowers. I'm like, thank you.

[Lauren Garrone]

But of course, Carrie's got a Carrie and questions Samantha and goes, are you telling me that you're seriously capable of having sex with a senior? You better hope she is for next week's column.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes, Samantha is the one that is really in the trenches doing the Work.

[Lauren Garrone]

And Samantha has the great line. You know the saying, all cats look the same in the dark?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I have never heard that saying in my life. Only in this Sex and the City episode.

[Lauren Garrone]

Absolutely not. But this is where Carrie goes in her voiceover. It was pure urban legend. Alligators in the sewer, pets in the microwave, which. I'm sorry, what? Pets in the microwave. What urban legend is this?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, I don't know that one.

[Lauren Garrone]

And now an old man and Samantha.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Wait, no, actually, I think that was in the film Urban Legend, so it must be based on a real one.

[Lauren Garrone]

And the movie Urban Legend would have come out a year before, so maybe that's what it's a reference to.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Spoiler alert. Rebecca Gayheart was the murderer.

[Lauren Garrone]

Wow. Chelsea. Wow.

[Miranda Hobbes]

The Noxima was out to get everyone.

[Lauren Garrone]

Chelsea. That was next on my watch list. How could you? I'm sorry, are we supposed to understand that this is the first time that Samantha has slept with a significantly older man? Because I don't buy it.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, I don't buy it either.

[Lauren Garrone]

We're continuing the trend of Big being an excellent hang and very pro Italian American. Is Big Italian American? James. John Preston. John James Preston.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, he went to a Catholic church, right? So maybe.

[Lauren Garrone]

Or he's just really gotten into the Sopranos. Either way, he's gotten an excellent piece of ver.

[Miranda Hobbes]

He's gotten a piece of Ve. And Carrie uses this moment in the kitchen to ask him to make an effort to spend time with her friends.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, she has this crazy voiceover because we have to connect the through line of urban legends and Greek mythology. Because she goes. In every myth, there comes a point when the mere mortals are given a test. The way they respond usually determines whether they find paradise or are tied to a rock for all eternity. Girl, you're just asking him to hang out with your friends.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I know. Again, the bar for him is so low.

[Lauren Garrone]

I love that Big's assertion that he knows her friends enough. He's like, Charlotte's the brunette. Miranda's the redheaded. Samantha is trouble.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Samantha's the one who tried to fuck.

[Lauren Garrone]

Me and you want me to hang out with her. Strange move, kid. By the way, weren't we all just at a wedding together like a month ago?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, he was on his phone the whole time.

[Lauren Garrone]

So Carrie wants them to all have dinner Saturday night at Denial.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Top tier, fake club name. So good it's up there with trade. And of course, bed weirdly turned out to not be a fictional club.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yes, but it works with the theme of this episode because Carrie goes Apparently everyone in Manhattan wanted to be in denial. So he, I would say, reluctantly agrees. He gives her an okay.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Then she gets a call from Miranda, who she was supposed to have dinner with, but because Mr. Big had this incredibly seductive veal. But she canceled by leaving a voicemail on Miranda's answering machine.

[Lauren Garrone]

So Chelsea IMDb trivia notes that this is the first time we see Carrie with a cell phone. Which is funny because in later episodes, like in season four, she doesn't have a cell phone. Because during her ill fated 35th birthday, when Carrie returns home and plays her own answering machine, Miranda yells at her to get a cell phone. Right after the second big breakup, she must have thrown that cell phone straight through Fifth Avenue and it broke in a million pieces.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I can see her doing it in the fountain in Central Park.

[Lauren Garrone]

I will say that the genuine concern that Cynthia Nixon has when she says the line is everything all right? Really makes me side with Miranda, of course, because this is a bullshit move on Carrie's part and a shining example of why when people say that Carrie is a bad friend, why she is a bad friend.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Because as Miranda said, you blew me off for a piece of politically incorrect meat.

[Lauren Garrone]

Also, I've always wondered why this bar? Miranda says that they're going for dinner. So was this bar by Miranda's work? Did Carrie tell her to go to meet her for a drink before dinner at this bar? Because Miranda has clearly never been to this place before because she's never seen Steve. Just curious. Doesn't seem like a bar either one of these women would frequent. So rightfully. Miranda is pissed off at Carrie and she says, you know what? Your relationship is exactly the same as always. It's all about him. And then ends with, enjoy your veal and Big, because he actually isn't as emotionally constipated as Carrie would like us to think. Ass. Is there a problem? And Carrie lies and is like, no, everything's fine. But I would be like, oh, if this were you and me, I'd be like, oh, Chell's mad at me because she feels like I blew her off.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Right? That's what a sane person would do.

[Lauren Garrone]

Okay, I just wanted to check in with that.

[Miranda Hobbes]

No, that is bizarre behavior.

[Lauren Garrone]

Because it's not like Big would hear that if she told the truth and be like, oh, kid, go to the bar and meet Miranda. You'd be like, oh, that sucks.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Well, you would just be honest and be like, oh, I fully canceled on her at the last minute because I just couldn't be fucked to go anyway. Back at the bar, we meet Steve. And I forgot that Miranda and Steve have a very sort of, like, baby girl dynamic in this first interaction, because.

[Lauren Garrone]

He'S giving her a little bit of shit.

[Miranda Hobbes]

He's demanding that she respect him, despite the fact that he is a lowly service worker.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, his first words to Miranda are please. Because he's saying to her, you know, can you ask me for another glass of wine, please?

[Miranda Hobbes]

And then he brings her a glass of milk.

[Lauren Garrone]

No, he brings her a glass of coterone, which. Please drink that slowly. Unlike Nicole Kidman, who really slams down that milk.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So it becomes obvious that Steve has been listening to her conversation with Carrie, and he's like, who was that? Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Butcher?

[Lauren Garrone]

So for the Miranda that the audience knows, this interaction is very cute, but if someone spoke to me in this way and they didn't know me at all, this would be a dick move. But because we know Miranda and the way she is.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes. And because we now know Steve.

[Lauren Garrone]

Steve's handling of Miranda is incredibly charming and, frankly, hot.

[Miranda Hobbes]

It is hot. He should have never stopped acting like this. Like, he got progressively less assertive throughout the course of the series in the films.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, Chelsea, this episode made me realize, I think there was a concerted effort to dumb Steve down from this moment.

[Miranda Hobbes]

No, it's so true. Because Steve was even, like, reading a.

[Lauren Garrone]

Book, which he jokes as the Joy of Bartending by Hemingway. But Steve is reading a Hemingway book. It's the Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So this happens, and then the next time that we see Steve Reed, I think he's reading a book about aquariums.

[Lauren Garrone]

This is especially curious because if you read the Kiss and Tell book, the writers explained that David Eigenberg, who plays Steve, read for a bunch of other Boyfriend of the week roles, and they were so charmed by him that they basically wrote Steve for him.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, because as I recall, Jenny Bix had a bit of a crush on him.

[Lauren Garrone]

And according to Jenny Bix, she herself was in a very Miranda Steve esque relationship at the time.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Cute.

[Lauren Garrone]

So he gives her a nice glass of wine as a bribe so that she will hang out and talk to him, or else he'll be left with the NYU students who are drinking Amstel Light and discussing Fiona Apple.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Okay. At least NYU kids are smart. For the most part.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yeah. Imagine what deranged conversations NYU students are having now. I would love to overhear a conversation about Fiona Apple.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Also, it makes sense that they would like Fiona Apple because, like, they are kind of depressed. Like, you can't Fully open a window in nyu, if you know what I'm saying.

[Lauren Garrone]

Oh, the suicide proof windows.

[Miranda Hobbes]

You mean the suicide proof everything. Like you know, what they had to do to their library. It's crazy.

[Lauren Garrone]

On to happier things, which is Miranda goes home with Steve and he serves Miranda two orgasms straight up.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Goddess bless.

[Lauren Garrone]

I've always wondered this. I've never gone home with a bartender myself, especially a New York bartender, because did she just stick around till four in the morning or did Steve close the bar early?

[Miranda Hobbes]

We'll never know. After they fuck, Steve's like, can I get your number? And Miranda's like, why?

[Lauren Garrone]

Why do you think, Miranda? He wants to see you again.

[Miranda Hobbes]

At the very least, he wants to fuck you again. And why not?

[Lauren Garrone]

Y. I mean, this is sort of crazy. I understand the point that they're making in this storyline that she is just so jaded she can't let anyone in. But if he gave you two orgasms the first time you've had sex, why not give him your phone number? Have a good time.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Meanwhile, across town, Samantha's having a date with Ed.

[Lauren Garrone]

So they are at Ed's apartment. They have had three dinners, two extravagant lunches later. This is very un Samantha not to sleep with someone on the first date. I guess she wanted to see how many Michelin star restaurants Ed would take her to.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And Ed is like very straight up with her, you know, he's like, I only have 10 good years left. 10, 12. I just want to have fun.

[Lauren Garrone]

Yeah, I mean, I don't see what the problem is. Also at this dinner, Ed gives her a bunch of diamond jewelry which I don't know if you clock the housekeeper's face. Yeah, but clearly Ed has done this once or twice before because this housekeeper rolls her eyes. He's also served Samantha what Carrie says in the voiceover is an impressive six course dinner. Does Ed expect Samantha to have sex with him? Because a six course dinner followed by sex usually doesn't equate for me.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah. No, that's disgusting.

[Lauren Garrone]

I mean, Samantha is a stronger person than me. I, I get it. The diamond jewelry is very exciting. But the way that Ed shimmies over to her would instantly give me the ick. I don't even need to see his ass. I'd be like, I don't know, I'm a fan.

[Miranda Hobbes]

I feel like he's one of the nicer boyfriends on this show.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, yeah, he's seen a thing or two.

[Miranda Hobbes]

He also communicates very openly, which we don't get from a ton of sex. And the city boyfriends.

[Lauren Garrone]

So, as Carrie says, this is Samantha's own urban relationship myth. The woman who stopped for a cocktail after work and lived happily ever after for 10 to 12 years. Top. Because that's what Ed is proposing to her of like, I get it. I'm old. Why don't we have a deal where you're just with me until I pass off this mortal coil? But I was thinking about it. 10 to 12 years from 1999. Ed seemingly is some kind of financing guy. Who's to say if Samantha did take him up on this offer that Ed wouldn't have lost all of his money during the financial crisis?

[Miranda Hobbes]

So she fucks Ed. Or does she fuck Ed?

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, there's also this interesting thing that goes back to the title of the episode, which is he's like, don't worry, I've got a big pocket of Viagra. And then he puts her hand on his dick that's presumably hard. And she's like, oh, that's not Viagra. Are we saying that Ed took Viagra at the beginning of this dinner?

[Miranda Hobbes]

I guess.

[Lauren Garrone]

Again, it was very of the time. I feel like Viagra has fallen out of. Of the pop culture zeitgeist. But the late 90s, this was high time for old men being able to have sex again.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, true.

[Lauren Garrone]

They're fooling around. Let's say in the dark. Because according to Samantha, dark is better. Samantha realizes that in the dark, it's all the same. Ed's lips were not the lips of an older man. Ed's touch was not the touch of an older man. But then Ed has to go to the bathroom.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Or the little boy's room.

[Lauren Garrone]

That would also have given me the ick. I would have been out there before I ever saw Ed's ass.

[Miranda Hobbes]

See, I do see, say the little girls room because it's so disgusting.

[Lauren Garrone]

But not in a sexual context. No, of course, Samantha witnesses Ed's flabby ass, which the other IMDb trivia is that this is not that actor's butt, but a flabby butt double. So Samantha runs off. She says it was a reaction to the shellfish. But the housekeeper has Samantha's purse and jacket waiting, which makes it seem like Ed has done this routine several times for this to be the ultimate reaction.

[Miranda Hobbes]

God, it's so sad that he didn't live to see Seeking Arrangement.

[Lauren Garrone]

But this is my point, Chelsea. For what Ed is looking for, there are many a sex worker who would happily oblige.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Head down to the Bel Air Hotel and find them anyway.

[Lauren Garrone]

Fast forward to Saturday afternoon. Miranda's at home and Steve comes a knockin. Or I guess Steve comes a buzzing. Is Steve showing up at a woman he hooked up with home once? Charming or creepy?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Charming. Come on, it's Steve. It's me, Steve. Worst Steve impression. Second worst. No. Well, also, sometimes you had to physically show up in person. Back in the day, there weren't as many communication avenues. And as established, she refused to give him her phone number. So.

[Lauren Garrone]

And he does leave that night. And he's like, stop by the bar sometime. Which she clearly doesn't. So he has to take matters into his own hands. So she lets him up. And instead of understandably presuming that he just wants to see her again, she's like, did you forget something? No. He wants to take you out on a date. Miranda, come on.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So she reluctantly agrees to have a drink with him at Denial.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, she's such a bitch about this. He's like, I didn't have your number and I wanted to tell you something. I like you. Which is very sweet. And she just goes, translation, I think you're an easy lay and I'd like to have sex again. And he's like, no, have dinner with me. So he's like, what about Saturday night? And she's like, I. I have plans. This is very charming, very cute. He's like, quick, before you can make something else up. And she's like, I really do. I'm having drinks with my friend at denial at 7. Miranda did not think Bartender. He might know the bartender at Denial. Which Steve, of course, does. And I think this move is so hot. He's like, okay, see you at 7. She closes the door. And then before she could close it, he knocks again. He goes, when are you really meeting your friends? And she reluctantly goes, nine.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Such a bitch.

[Lauren Garrone]

He caught her ass. This is what Miranda needs.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Someone smart and intuitive. Yes.

[Lauren Garrone]

And calls her on her bullshit in a way that is charming and not like that lawyer that was Mean that ultimately gives her chlamydia in season three.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Cut to Big's apartment.

[Lauren Garrone]

Can we discuss this Carrie outfit? Sure. Odd choice.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, it was. I agree.

[Lauren Garrone]

This is a really strong episode, but I have to say it doesn't score that high on the fashion scale. Not a lot of memorable outfits. And this Carrie outfit of. It's not a really a metallic dress. It's like a bronzy polyester.

[Miranda Hobbes]

It looks cheap, for sure. I mean, she's hot, but not my fave.

[Lauren Garrone]

And she also has brought a poncho as well as her outerwear of choice, which I guess is very Carrie, but an odd combination. I'm sorry, Patricia Field, but these two random items did not work well together.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And Big is basically just like, actually, I don't want to go, or do you mind if I sit this one out?

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, she should have gotten that memo. When he opens the door and he's in slides, boxers and his button down, which I have to say, he actually looks quite chic. Now this would just be like a Justin Bieber Pete Davidson look, actually.

[Miranda Hobbes]

But when he says, do you mind if I stay home tonight? Her response is like, no, sure, stay home. It's like, what?

[Lauren Garrone]

And then in her voiceover she was like, I was afraid if I looked him into his eyes, I'd turn to stone. Communicate your needs.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, be like, actually, this is really important to me. And I am now upset that you've done this at the last possible minute, which is profoundly disrespectful.

[Lauren Garrone]

I imagine in her head she's like, ah, I now see how Miranda feels. This sucks when someone cancels on you last minute.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, that's karma.

[Lauren Garrone]

So she is irate in her voiceover on the walkover to Denial. She says, how could I have let myself believe things would be different the second time around? I've never heard of a myth in which a self centered 42 year old baby magically transforms into a grown man that you could bring out in public. Okay, he's been working all day as he says, it's going to rain. He doesn't demand, he doesn't say, I'm not coming out. He goes, do you mind if I don't go? And you said, sure. So at Denial, all the girls are there and I think it's Charlotte who says they won't see us until our party is here. We discussed on Carrie's 35th birthday episode, the ill fated Il Cantanori dinner that we believe that Carrie was the reason that no one could be seated until your entire party is there. Because she is seated alone at a table for 11 for hours. This remains my belief. Carrie is the one who has impeded us from being able to sit at our table while we wait for our friends to come. She's continuously trying to get a table for more people that are ever going to show up at any one time to dinner.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So she's not honest with the girls when she gets there.

[Lauren Garrone]

As she says in her voiceover. I figure as long as I was in denial, I might as well stay there. All right, girl. I always forget when watching this episode that Steve is already there because he appears with a tray of drinks.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Okay? Which is weird. So it's like, okay, now he's working at this bar. That's confusing.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, you want to talk about emotional availability? Carrie has been dating Big again for who knows how long, certainly months at this this point. Can't even get him to show up to hang out with her friends. Steve, who slept with this woman once a few days ago, is down to meet the friends. But of course, Miranda can't let him have this, right?

[Miranda Hobbes]

No. And she makes a really cruel joke in front of her friends, right?

[Lauren Garrone]

Steve says, if you want good service, send a bartender. And then Miranda goes, if you want a good fuck, go home with one. And even Samantha has a look like, honey, not the move.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So rude.

[Lauren Garrone]

You know what? Actually good thing Big, isn't there terrible vibes at this table?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, for sure. So Steve's like, excuse me, can we talk for a moment? Because he's just been humiliated in front of her friends. And we get a full ass rom com speech.

[Chelsea Fairless]

Thank you. One quick question and I'm out of here. Why do you hate guys so much?

[Lauren Garrone]

Excuse me?

[Chelsea Fairless]

We just met, so I know that ain't all about me. Wait, wait, wait.

[Lauren Garrone]

What? What do you want?

[Chelsea Fairless]

I just want to get to know you better. Do me a favor. Can you for one second believe that maybe I'm not some full of shit guy? That maybe I do like you? That maybe the other night was special? Do you think that maybe you can believe that?

[Lauren Garrone]

No. Maybe I've just slept with too many bartenders.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Poor guy. He really laid his cards out on the table.

[Lauren Garrone]

And it's stuff like this that makes me feel like Daddy MPK has gaslit us. Because I am fine with the end. Just like that rebranding of Miranda as a lesbian and her and Steve's relationship ran its course. But this whole thing that they never had any chemistry or she lowered herself to be with him. I will not stand for that erasure. They have amazing chemistry. Steve clocks Miranda on her bullshit, which is what she needs, okay? He pushes back on her in a healthy way. And I get it. Might there be someone better for Miranda? Possibly. But we've never seen it on the show. This is her healthiest relationship for sure.

[Miranda Hobbes]

So Miranda goes back to the table in an even fouler mood. And then she's like, big isn't coming, is he?

[Lauren Garrone]

Men are shit. I mean, at that point, if my friend was bringing this bad of vibes. I know Samantha's a great friend, but I really feel Like, Samantha should have just stood up and be like, I have an old man to have sex with. Seeing his flabby ass is better than being at this table right now.

[Miranda Hobbes]

And then, miraculously, in the nick of time, Big shows up.

[Lauren Garrone]

Thank God, Chelsea, because Carrie did not have the heart to tell Charlotte that happily ever after really is just a myth. And then we get this insane slow mo. A Big running down the stairs, Carrie's head spinning to see him and them embracing again.

[Miranda Hobbes]

The bar is so low for Mr. Big that him showing up to a dinner that he's previously agreed to attend is seen as heroic behavior.

[Lauren Garrone]

But, Chelsea, it's clearly already started to rain. He had to hail a cab. I don't think Raul was on the clock. So seeing Big show up, as Carrie says in her voiceover, shook Miranda's lack of belief system to its very core. And so she's like, I'm out. Do you think Big was like, hey, you wanted me to meet all of your friends? And then the redhead leaves.

[Miranda Hobbes]

She chases Steve, who's sadly walking alone in the rain.

[Lauren Garrone]

Well, we get a great. And just like that. And just like that, Miranda left denial. She goes straight into Steve's arms and they make out.

[Miranda Hobbes]

She also says, steve, maybe I can believe it. Which is as close to a rom com as we've gotten with Miranda on the series.

[Lauren Garrone]

I guess I'm incorrect, right? Earlier in the episode, I was talking about how there's only one relationship myth. I guess Carrie, in her ending voiceover speaks of another relationship myth. From that night on, promiscuous women everywhere would tell the tale of the one night stand that turned into a relationship.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Big ask Samantha if she's fucked the.

[Lauren Garrone]

Old guy, which is clearly in Carrie's column. But I like this idea that we really never see that Carrie is gossiping about her girlfriend's too Big.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah.

[Lauren Garrone]

And then the last lines of the episode are, as for Big and me, that was the night we stopped being a myth and started becoming real. Which kind of sounds like the Real World slogan, right? What was it? What happens when people stop being polite and start getting real?

[Miranda Hobbes]

What happens when men stop being cyclopses? Yeah, maybe not the strongest line to end on, but whatever. This is a great episode. How many Manolos are we giving it?

[Lauren Garrone]

Got a demote one for Donald Trump being in it, but I'm gonna say nine Manolos.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, I'm giving it nine, too, because we love Samantha with the old guy. We love the introduction of Steve. Also Big singing Sinatra. Very important.

[Lauren Garrone]

It was a good Sex and the City Men episode.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, the men really delivered.

[Lauren Garrone]

Shall we do the exit survey?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Who is the MVP for you? Steve, of course.

[Lauren Garrone]

He came in, laid pipe, didn't stand for any of Miranda's guff, and he had some solid jokes.

[Miranda Hobbes]

David Eigenberg showed a lot of range.

[Lauren Garrone]

Which the writers would systematically strip away for him in the coming several decades.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yes, until he's pussy whipped beyond recognition.

[Lauren Garrone]

Who are we voting off the island of Manhattan? I feel like this is fairly obvious.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, obviously, Trump, bad vibe.

[Lauren Garrone]

Who is the best dressed? This isn't a fashion heavy hitter episode. Yeah, it's definitely not Carrie's. Look at denial. So maybe that lilac dress she wears while big is making the veal.

[Miranda Hobbes]

She also wore that tank top with a cupcake on it. I'm still giving it to Carrie. Just because it was at the very least more memorable than what the other characters were wearing.

[Lauren Garrone]

For sure.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Best line.

[Lauren Garrone]

You blew me off for a piece of Politically Incorrect meat.

[Miranda Hobbes]

See, I'm going with, if you leave, I'll have to listen to those NYU kids with the Amstel lights discuss Fiona Apple.

[Lauren Garrone]

Okay, but it's in the Steven Miranda scene.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah.

[Lauren Garrone]

Who are you?

[Miranda Hobbes]

Miranda?

[Lauren Garrone]

I guess I was gonna say I bitched about her attitude all episode, but honestly, I'm Miranda. I. I've definitely been this jagged at many points in my dating life.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Yeah, what is your biggest trigger Trump, obviously.

[Lauren Garrone]

Oh, I was gonna say maybe how old and gross 72 year olds are considered now that my parents are around that age.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Okay, hottest take.

[Lauren Garrone]

I've talked a lot about Steven Miranda. I'm sure you're gonna think my take is that Steven Miranda are endgame and how dare daddy mpk sully their relationship. But alas, that's not a hot take. So my hot take is Steve should have never bothered with Miranda. He should have heated off her standoffish nature and gone home with one of the NYU students talking about Fiona Apple while drinking Amstel Light.

[Miranda Hobbes]

See, my hot take is that sometimes you have to fuck the elderly. You know, it's a great way to give back to previous generations. Also older generations. They have more time to improve their technique and they have a better understanding of culture. Like, they actually want to talk to me about Liza Minnelli.

[Lauren Garrone]

So is it cheating if they're an octogenarian? Paul, I'm giving back. It's not cheating. I'm giving back to the community.

[Miranda Hobbes]

You have to understand, that's my hot take.

[Lauren Garrone]

That's a pretty hot take. All right, that does it for us.

[Miranda Hobbes]

This was fun.

[Lauren Garrone]

This was super fun.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Anyway, we will be back next week and hopefully we will have watched some of the Oscar nominated films.

[Lauren Garrone]

Absolutely. And as I hinted earlier in the episode, we are going to be doing a Loveline hotline episode for Valentine's Day Day. So if you have love questions, embarrassing romances, terrible breakups, feel free to call the hotline at 323-486-6773.

[Miranda Hobbes]

See you next week.

[Lauren Garrone]

See you next week, guys.

[Miranda Hobbes]

Every.