Sex and the City
Created by Darren Starr
Written by Various
Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, Mikhail Baryshnikov

Reviewed by: Simon Huang

MARCH 12, 2004 — Yes, it's true. I'm a closet Sex and the City watcher. Consider it a "Carrie Bradshaw" type column entry, but I must tell you that the only episodes I've ever watched of SATC are Season 4 and the second half of this final season - all the way up to the Duex part farewell episodes. I probably would have watched the whole thing if I could, but I don't believe in paying for HBO. You can ask Julie, I used to go over to her place every Sunday to watch the Sopranos.

The reason why this show has been such a phenomenon in the cultural sense and winning awards left and right is not only because men can now understand why women are confused half the time, but mainly due to how it deals and connects with the reality of the attitudes of people - especially of those that fall into the 30 something single working professional demographic. Maybe that's why I take to the show. It not only gives you an insight into how you perceive yourself at the various stations in life, but it also challenges the viewer in shaping ideas about love, career and friendships.

If you can get past the raunchier parts that are unbearable to watch, the show is ultimately about the friendship and loyalty of these four women. It's about the growth of the four women as individuals and as a circle of friends looking for this illusive thing called, "love," despite their personal hang-ups. For me, the pinnacle of the show was seeing love's transforming power embodied in the Miranda story line in how she finally learns to be selfless - highlighted in the scene of caring for her senile mother in law, despite what a control freak Miranda is. (Side note: She's my favorite of the four.)

The four friends share a raw honesty and bond that is the envy of all who appreciate the show. It's a bond that Christians should strive in principle to emulate. Whether it be a disease, dysfunction, insecurity, relationship, career, biological complication or just the trauma of living life, the fact is that on some level, we're all unpolished, messy, psychos who are on the verge of falling apart if not for some type of saving grace in our lives. These women are courageous and empowered in how they just let it all hang out there. Perhaps one of the most powerful scenes for me this past season was before Carrie goes to Paris, she sits down with her 3 friends at one of their usual trendy restaurants and says, "Today I had a thought: (pause) What if I had never met you?" The brief silence that followed says everything about how much the four have influenced each others lives over the years and how much they are a part of each other.

The appeal is that these girls are all open books when they get together - a private sanctuary which only they can share and understand.each being made stronger from the borrowed strength of the other 3 friends. Despite what other people will say what the show is about, this is what I believe is the element that keeps people coming back for more.

I sympathize that other Christians would condemn and be disgusted with SATC, which is how I felt when I first saw it. I believe that shows like the Sopranos and SATC are not appropriate to watch if you find yourself being stumbled by the subject matter, but if you can appreciate how these shows communicate where our society is today and help you in how you can further relate the Gospel to the people in your immediate circles, then go for it!

By the way, does anyone have the entire Seasons 1-5 on DVD?