Podcast Summary: Every Outfit - V.I.P. UNLOCKED On Carrie and Mr. Big's Affair

Hosts: Chelsea Fairless & Lauren Garroni
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Episode Title: V.I.P. UNLOCKED On Carrie and Mr. Big's Affair

Introduction

In this episode of Every Outfit, hosts Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni delve deep into one of the most pivotal storylines in Sex and the City history: the tumultuous affair between Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big. They dissect the intricacies of the narrative, character motivations, and the cultural impact of this controversial arc.

Overview of the Affair Arc

Chelsea and Lauren kick off the discussion by labeling the affair as "the best and also the most shocking" storyline in the series. They highlight its high stakes compared to other plotlines, emphasizing its emotional depth and complexity.

“[00:34] Chelsea Fairless: Yeah, the best and also the most shocking. Like, I feel like this is the most high stakes thing that ever happened on Sex in the City.”
“[00:42] Lauren Garrone: Well, nothing that was carried out over multiple episodes.”

They note that unlike other storylines, such as Miranda’s potential romance with Brady, the affair with Big was compact and intense, unfolding primarily within a few episodes.

Character Analysis

• Carrie Bradshaw:
  Carrie is depicted as emotionally tumultuous, often engaging in behaviors that are detrimental to her relationships. Chelsea points out how Carrie stalks Big's ex-wife by creating a fake book proposal, a behavior that goes unaddressed within the narrative.

  “[03:00] Chelsea Fairless: Well, he hasn't changed because he still is unwilling to commit to her in any capacity.”

• Mr. Big:
  Based on Candace Bushnell's real-life ex, Ron Gilotti, Big is portrayed as emotionally unavailable yet irresistibly charismatic. Chelsea and Lauren discuss his reluctance to fully commit to Carrie, highlighting his continued entanglements even as the affair progresses.

• Aiden Shaw:
  Introduced as the antithesis of Big, Aiden is loyal, accessible, and emotionally available. He represents a stark contrast to Big's urban obsession with money, working instead with his hands as a furniture designer.

  “[05:25] Lauren Garrone: Yes. And I went back and consulted our Bible... [05:50] Chelsea Fairless: I've like never seen this man before.”

Key Episodes Breakdown

• Easy Come, Easy Go:
  The affair commences at the end of this episode. Carrie and Big begin their clandestine relationship, setting the stage for the ensuing drama.

  “[01:09] Chelsea Fairless: But barely in the first one.”

• Running with Scissors:
  The majority of the affair unfolds here. The hosts discuss how the narrative compresses what they initially thought would span six episodes into a single, jam-packed installment.

  “[02:23] Chelsea Fairless: Yeah, she stalks his mom.”

• All or Nothing:
  This episode is pivotal, featuring Carrie's confession to Samantha and introduces the moral complexities of her actions. They discuss the portrayal of cheating and its psychological impact on Carrie.

  “[09:06] Chelsea Fairless: Gone by the time we get to the movies. And just like that.”

• Don't Ask, Don't Tell and Running with Scissors (Continued):
  These episodes depict the fallout of the affair, including Carrie's struggles with guilt, her conflicted feelings towards Aiden, and the eventual confrontation with Natasha.

  “[35:35] Lauren Garrone: There is a through line of lying and the merits of lying throughout this episode…”

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Chelsea and Lauren grapple with the moral implications of Carrie's actions. While acknowledging the wrongdoing, they explore the audience's conflicting sentiments, often rooting for Carrie despite her transgressions.

“[49:14] Chelsea Fairless: While there are some major moral transgressions happening here, I still do think that we're rooting for her to cheat, which is a unique thing.”

They discuss the complexity of sympathizing with Carrie, who is portrayed as both a flawed individual and a relatable protagonist navigating the chaos of love and self-discovery.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The hosts commend the affair arc for its groundbreaking nature, particularly within the context of early 2000s television. They argue that Sex and the City paved the way for more morally ambiguous protagonists in TV series.

“[48:04] Chelsea Fairless: But I think the rehashing of the Aiden versus Big thing... it speaks to how thrilling and how potent the original Affair arc was.”

Lauren draws parallels to other shows, suggesting that Carrie's affair set a precedent for complex romantic storylines in modern television dramas.

Conclusion

Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni conclude the episode by reflecting on the enduring allure of Carrie and Big's affair. They emphasize its significance in the Sex and the City narrative and its influence on subsequent television storytelling. The hosts express a desire to explore more intricate storylines in future episodes, highlighting the depth and richness that Sex and the City offers its audience.

“[49:34] Lauren Garrone: ...she's an anti-hero thing, right? She is the protagonist of the show. We are rooting for her.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chelsea Fairless: “[00:34] ...the most high stakes thing that ever happened on Sex in the City.”
• Lauren Garrone: “[05:50] ...the porn star Aiden Shaw...”
• Chelsea Fairless: “[08:32] ...we are rooting for her to cheat on Aiden.”
• Lauren Garrone: “[48:24] ...the original Affair arc was an attempt to recapture that.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Every Outfit offers a comprehensive analysis of one of Sex and the City's most controversial and beloved storylines. Through detailed character examinations and thoughtful discussion, Chelsea and Lauren provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding Carrie and Mr. Big's affair. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers valuable insights into the enduring legacy of one of television's most memorable romantic entanglements.