The third season of “And Just Like That,” the sequel to “Sex and the City,” has sparked discussions among fans regarding the absence of Sara Ramirez, who played the character Che Diaz, a non-binary stand-up comedian and Miranda’s former love interest. This character had a polarizing reception, with some viewers criticizing them as a caricature of queer culture, suggesting that the show struggled to authentically modernize itself.
Sarah Jessica Parker, who reprises her role as Carrie Bradshaw and serves as a producer, recently expressed her surprise at the negative reception surrounding Che Diaz. Speaking with The Guardian, she shared that she was initially unaware of the backlash. “A friend of mine brought it up to me, and it’s like: ‘What are you talking about?’” she recalled, emphasizing that she generally does not focus on external opinions about the series. Despite the criticism, Parker reflected positively on her experience working with Ramirez.
In her comments about Carrie, Parker embraced the term “antihero,” noting it allows her character to navigate the complexities of life and relationships similarly to how male characters have historically been portrayed, referencing iconic figures like Tony Soprano from “The Sopranos.” She highlighted that Carrie’s choices have often led to tumultuous outcomes, but they resonate with many viewers.
The original “Sex and the City” series aired for six seasons, from 1998 to 2004, and has retained a significant fanbase. As season three of “And Just Like That” continues on HBO Max, it reflects the evolving conversation about representation and character development in today’s television landscape.
With ongoing discussions surrounding representation and character authenticity, there is hope that future seasons may incorporate feedback from viewers to evolve and enrich the narrative. The dialogue related to Che Diaz and Carrie’s character evokes essential discussions about the portrayal of complex identities and the nuances of human relationships in modern storytelling.