Showrunner Michael Patrick King Explains Aidan’s Early Return in “And Just Like That…” Season 3
Despite the five-year promise at the end of “And Just Like That…” season 2, Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) made an unexpected early appearance in season 3, episode 2, “The Rat Race.” Showrunner Michael Patrick King revealed that the decision to bring Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) love interest back sooner than anticipated was a conscious choice to inject more drama and explore new facets of their relationship.
“And Just Like That…”, a sequel to “Sex and the City,” was initially conceived as a limited miniseries but quickly earned a renewal after its first season. Season 2 concluded with Aidan returning to Virginia to care for his son, Wyatt (Logan Souza), seemingly setting up a long hiatus for the couple. However, Aidan’s swift return has defied those expectations.
In an interview with Variety, King addressed the reasoning behind Aidan’s quick comeback, especially after introducing “this almost impossible demand” of a five-year waiting period. The writers “wanted to see John Corbett sooner” and recognized this as an opportunity to showcase a new dynamic between the characters. King found the idea of a “broken contract” between Carrie and Aidan intriguing, believing it would add more depth to the series.
Here’s King’s full quote:
“It was the first question in the room. We’ve made this almost impossible demand of Carrie — can you wait for me? I’ll see you in five years — and in shock, she says, OK. The thing we didn’t want to do was start the season with a chyron that says “Five years later…” So I think that the best-laid plans lead to the best “get laid” plans. The idea that he’s drunk, and has always been a rule breaker, and calls her was something that I believed could happen, because we wanted to see John Corbett sooner. And it also creates another layer of Carrie and Aidan that we haven’t yet seen, which is a strong awareness of how sexual they are. Usually, it’s kind of offstage. And so the idea of the broken contract, the messy contract, the back-and-forth of it all felt like something that would infuriate the situation. There’s nothing more annoying than a show about waiting for something to happen. So we found a way to make something happen, then take it away, then make it happen again, off and on and off and on and hopefully in an unpredictable way. He’s here, she’s there: How do we make this both surprising and fulfilling?”
What Aidan’s Early Appearance Means for the Show
“And Just Like That…” Regains Its Tension
Aidan’s surprise return in season 3 significantly alters the expectations for the remainder of the season, which might otherwise have proceeded entirely without his presence. Instead of simply bypassing the drama, King deliberately chose to inject additional tension into the couple’s storyline. While a time jump could have been interesting, it would have prevented audiences from witnessing the nuances of their five-year journey. Now, Carrie and Aidan’s relationship can continue to evolve, simultaneously highlighting the distinct differences between their characters.
Aidan is compelled to balance his tendency to break rules with the necessity of being the stable figure his son requires.
Just as the season 2 finale underscored the responsibilities of fatherhood, this season delves into the weight of those expectations. Aidan is forced to navigate between his impulsive nature and the need to be a reliable presence for his son. Carrie, who lacks the experience of raising children, must also confront the reality of waiting for Aidan, all while being continuously tempted by his intermittent presence in her life. Had he not returned, she might have reconsidered her impulsive decision to wait; his early return only heightens the dramatic possibilities of that scenario.
Our Take On Aidan’s Early Appearance
This Was The Best Move For “And Just Like That…”
The strategic decision to reintroduce Aidan might explain why this season has garnered critical acclaim. ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbaki noted that the relationship, while “nothing overdramatic,” skillfully generates perfect tension within the show. This infusion of real-world tension contributes to the season’s relatability, which is reflected in its 79% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, even if the 31% Popcornmeter score leaves something to be desired. While the ultimate fate of Carrie and Aidan’s relationship remains uncertain, this creative choice introduces a brilliant twist to the narrative of “And Just Like That…”