Warning: This post contains spoilers for And Just Like That Season 3, Episode 2, “The Rat Race”.

Sometimes, the characters of And Just Like That think they want something specific, only to misread a situation or be befuddled that it didn’t turn out the way they had hoped. This is what’s at the center of the season 3 episode, “The Rat Race,” in which Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is struggling with not being able to communicate with Aidan (John Corbett) in the way that she’s used to. Aidan makes an appearance in the episode, but there’s certainly still a distance between them — and it’s no longer just the physical kind.

Carrie & Aidan Could Be Headed For A Break (Or A Break-Up)

What’s happening with Carrie and Aidan is exactly what I’m looking for in of having a couple with some issue they must overcome. It’s nothing overdramatic, but it is frustrating for Carrie and I can understand her confusion, especially when she’s used to communicating in a certain way. Long-distance relationships are never easy, and And Just Like That is actually delving into the details of what makes them so irritating.

In any other situation, I’d say Carrie and Aidan aren’t going to work — and the introduction of the attractive gardener (Logan Marshall-Green) is surely going to cause some tension in their dynamic — but the pair has a long history for them not to end up together at this point. That said, I can see their relationship going either of two ways: Carrie kisses or has sex with the gardener and that causes enough guilt for her to call things off with Aidan, or Carrie starts feeling attraction towards the gardener and decides she and Aidan need a break for a while.

Long-distance relationships are never easy, and And Just Like That is actually delving into the details of what makes them so irritating.

Whatever happens, I’m convinced it’s not the end for them but the buildup of tension and frustration will hopefully go somewhere worthwhile. So far in the show, I haven’t felt very invested in any of Carrie’s flings or potential relationships besides Aidan, perhaps because the show hasn’t been very invested in them, either. Carrie’s relationship with Aidan is finally an opportunity to dig a bit beyond the surface with Carrie. Starting something new, no matter the history, is always a challenge. And Carrie wants to be settled, even if things aren’t looking that way for her.

Seema & Miranda Have The Most Relatable Stories In “The Rat Race”

Speaking of settled, Seema (Sarita Choudhury) has dated the “five kinds of men” in New York. She’s fed up, but so is her boss, who pays for a matchmaker (Cheri Oteri) to set Seema up. To do that, Seema is told to change the way she dresses and not be honest or opinionated. It’s no way to live, and at 55, Seema would rather be single than have to change who she is. I completely understand, and the show underscores how even matchmakers will tell women — no matter what age, apparently — not to be themselves or risk being alone. A sexist tale as old as time.

Seema’s struggle is all too real, though, unlike the original Sex and the City, it’s less subtle. I felt genuinely bad for her. She’s a very confident woman who is actually looking for a relationship, and the idea that her qualities supposedly make her undatable is frustrating. After what happened with Ravi in the season 3 premiere, I wonder what’s in store next for Seema.

After Che, Miranda is navigating being queer and single on her own and it’s been refreshing.

Meanwhile, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is still afloat in the sea of singles but, in true Miranda fashion, she becomes obsessed with a series; this time, it’s of the reality TV variety, and she learns what true “hate watching” means (something we can all relate to, I’m sure). That reality TV obsession leads her to connect with a waitress while brunching with Carrie and Seema. But like Miranda, I was disappointed that it didn’t lead to something more. After Che, Miranda is navigating being queer and single on her own and it’s been refreshing.

It feels like Miranda was in a fog while with Che, especially in season 1, and that fog has finally lifted, leaving Miranda rejuvenated. I’m still somewhat salty about how everything with Steve went down in season 1, but at least she’s in a better place in season 3 and taking her singledom in stride. And Just Like That tends to sidestep any kind of domestic drama, so I’ll just have to let go of the fact that we may not see Steve and Brady again this season. Either way, there’s some awkwardness when it comes to dating and that’s honestly great.

Charlotte’s Storyline Was Much Better Here Than In The Season 3 Premiere

Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) have a storyline that reminds us what wealthy mothers are probably like when it comes to their children getting into Ivy League schools. It’s a very over-the-top storyline, but I was indeed entertained by Charlotte and Lisa’s antics, only for it to backfire in their faces when the counselor (Kristen Schaal) made Lily (Cathy Ang) and Herbert (Elijah Jacob) feel awful and inadequate. The world of university issions and acceptance is as competitive as it’s ever been but is it really worth the headache of affecting a teen’s already fluctuating self-esteem? Charlotte and Lisa don’t think so.

“The Rat Race” is a much less superficial storyline for Charlotte, and this was particularly up her alley. It makes sense she wants the best for her kids, but it’s a classic case of Charlotte pushing too hard when it comes to something she wants. The reality of the situation is much different. I still enjoy her and Lisa’s friendship, but I do hope the next episodes will show all of the characters meeting up for lunch/brunch/dinner and talking, as And Just Like That’s reliance on these paired character stories has the potential to grow tired.

And Just Like That airs weekly on HBO Max at 9pm.