smh.com.au
And Just Like That" Misses the Mark: A Disconnect Between Affluence and Contemporary Relevance
And Just Like That," the sequel to "Sex and the City," is criticized for its lack of engagement with contemporary political issues under the Trump administration, contrasting sharply with the original's reflection of the socio-cultural shifts of the 1990s and early 2000s, and its depiction of affluent lifestyles feels increasingly tone-deaf in the current economic climate.
- What are the key differences in how "Sex and the City" and "And Just Like That" address contemporary social and political issues, and what factors contribute to these differences?
- Unlike SATC, which engaged with the changing sexual morals and challenged stereotypes about single women in the 1990s and early 2000s, AJLT fails to address significant contemporary political and social issues such as book banning, civil rights abuses, and abortion restrictions. This contrast highlights a shift in audience expectations and cultural relevance. The show's depiction of extravagant spending by its characters further exacerbates this disconnect.
- Considering the current cultural landscape and audience preferences, what adjustments could "And Just Like That" make to enhance its relevance and resonate more deeply with viewers?
- AJLT's failure to reflect current socio-political realities, particularly the impact of the Trump administration, suggests a missed opportunity to engage with relevant themes. The show's continued focus on materialistic lifestyles, while popular in the past, now feels out of sync with audience preferences shifting towards narratives that explore the complexities of wealth and inequality, as seen in shows like "Succession" and "Your Friends & Neighbors". The show's reliance on tired plot lines, exemplified by an extended subplot involving a dog, further underscores its creative shortcomings.
- How does "And Just Like That"'s portrayal of its characters' lives and the issues they face compare to the socio-political context of the show's setting, and how does this comparison impact the show's overall reception and relevance?
- And Just Like That" (AJLT), a sequel to "Sex and the City" (SATC), has received criticism for its detachment from contemporary issues, particularly the political climate under the Trump administration, unlike its predecessor, which reflected the socio-cultural shifts of its time. The show's focus remains on the wealthy lifestyles of its protagonists, creating a disconnect with current audience concerns about wealth inequality and the cost of living crisis.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames And Just Like That (AJLT) negatively from the outset, using phrases like "dubious" and "deeply unnecessary." The comparison to Sex and the City (SATC) is used to highlight AJLT's shortcomings rather than celebrating its unique qualities. The focus on the show's material excesses and lack of engagement with current political events shapes the reader's perception of the show's overall worth.
Language Bias
The review uses loaded language such as "dubious," "excruciating," "icky," and "obscenely rich." These terms carry negative connotations and influence the reader's perception of the show and its characters. More neutral alternatives might be "questionable," "challenging," "uncomfortable," and "very wealthy.
Bias by Omission
The review omits discussion of the show's potential positive aspects, focusing primarily on negative critiques. It also overlooks any possible intentional comedic elements in the dog subplot, and doesn't explore the show's possible appeal to a specific nostalgic audience. The broader socio-political context of the show's creation is mentioned but not fully explored, which limits a complete understanding of the show's reception.
False Dichotomy
The review sets up a false dichotomy between shows that engage with contemporary political issues and those that focus solely on frivolous matters. It implies that a show must be overtly political to be relevant, neglecting the possibility of other forms of social commentary or entertainment value.
Gender Bias
The review focuses on the female protagonists' struggles with modern culture, but doesn't analyze whether these struggles are presented in a stereotypical or limiting way. The analysis doesn't explore the potential complexities of their portrayal.
Sustainable Development Goals
The show portrays wealthy characters whose lifestyles are detached from the realities of economic inequality and the cost of living crisis, failing to address or even acknowledge the struggles of those less fortunate. This reinforces the perception of a vast gap between the rich and the poor, thereby negatively impacting efforts towards reducing inequality.