So, I’ve decided to give Sex and the City a re-watch, not just because its 25th anniversary or the sequel And Just Like That’s second season is currently talked about all over the internet, but also for wanting to get a glimpse of the 90s again. Thinking that the fashion, the vibes, the lifestyle and even the post-modernistic perspective of the 90s are making a small comeback nowadays; Sex and the City seemed like the perfect nostalgia for that era. On the other hand, I expected the show hit me differently this time, considering that I have finally reached my time of 30-somethings and my view on social manners and romantic relationships have changed entirely over the years.
To be frank, for a TV show that challenged traditional portrayals of women in popular culture by presenting its female characters as independent, sexually liberated, and career-oriented; SATC’s standpoint especially in the first episodes is rather shocking to today’s viewer, with a subtle feel of internalized misogyny to them. The show falls kind of outdated for today’s culture, but it was revolutionary and thought-provoking, by tackling topics that were considered taboo on television at the time, such as casual sex and female sexuality, and exploring the role of personal fulfilment in relationships.
The experimental side of the first episode is kind of distracting with its loud jazz sequences, breaking the fourth wall in every other scene and Carrie’s cringe dialogues; fortunately they are quick to let these go in the next episodes. Well, maybe not the last one.
Episode #1: Toxic Bachelors
The very first episode of Sex and the City, explores the idea of “toxic bachelors” in a comparative way, by first informing us that romance is dead in New York’s dating sphere and women are left with manipulations of self-centred men.
In about a few minutes, the show puts out every popular and cliché idea on heteronormative relationships in the mainstream discourse for modern relationships and opens them into a further discussion in a cynical way; how marriage is only for having kids, and women are not allowed to get older as they will lose their “value” while this rule does not apply to men, or men are afraid and threatened by successful women therefore you should dumb yourself down to get a decent relationship, or as women get older they get more selective and does not settle down for less than they expected etc.
Following that, we encountered the concept of casual sex which was a controversial idea at that time. Taking out the pointless regret from women’s sexuality was liberating, but Carrie’s this question was also worth thinking about; “If I was really having sex like a man, why didn’t I feel more in control?”
The show doesn’t give really give an answer to that question, but I can’t say that it stays objective either. As far as I remember, SATC always kept that aspect of female vulnerability in sexual relationships throughout the following seasons which may be more of a questionable point of view looking back.
The Fashion: 90s Minimalism
Visually, the episode captures the vibrant and glamorous atmosphere of New York City. It’s always moving and busy, creating a visually appealing backdrop that becomes an integral part of the series' aesthetic. Clothes are so understated in line with the minimalism of the 90s, none of their fashion choices are loud or colourful. The colours are muted, shapes are not perfectly fitted except for Carrie’s gorgeous tight v-neck dress and Charlotte’s silver full-length halter neck dress.
The fashion was not memorable in this episode compared to the upcoming ones, but I love the details in each character’s fashion choices such as collars and the fit as they reflect their differences. Another thing I love is Carrie’s hair, with a much more feminine look to it. The only outfit that bugs me is that hideous leopard-patterned top that Carrie’s wearing at the Chaos.