And Just Like That still feels like it’s finding its footing, but curiously, the penultimate episode of the season turned out to be the most coherent so far. The “new” Carrie Bradshaw has fewer issues to deal with since moving past her grief and becoming a wealthy widow. And that makes sense — watching her at 60 go through the same romantic dilemmas as she did at 30 would be exhausting. This Carrie laughs less, is calmer, and for the first time in decades, she knows exactly what she wants.

Despite everything Carrie said about Big after he died, Aidan’s return only confirmed that the once-toxic relationship had evolved into a solid marriage that gave her true happiness. It’s more common than it seems: restarting life by looking back, reconnecting with someone who already knows you — skipping the discovery phase and going straight to the kind of stability many women desire in a relationship. Aidan, supposedly her best ex, seemed perfect for that role.

But unsurprisingly, this marked yet another goodbye between Carrie and Aidan — set to the gorgeous How Did It End? by Taylor Swift — and the episode was emotionally resonant. Sad and inevitable.

It’s not news that Aidan doesn’t trust her, and as Carrie herself admits, he had reason not to. She cheated on him with Big, later married Big, and was happy with Big. Aidan has always been number two. Now, he’s in the past. It’s Duncan’s turn.

Even though I’ve been complaining about Aidan for a while and now see him in a different light, breakups are never pleasant — especially when they take place at Tartine, a restaurant I used to go to with the Mr. Big of my own life. Ha. I understand Aidan, and I understand Carrie. Some past wounds never fully heal, and lost trust rarely returns. Carrie was more assertive and honest than she’s ever been with any other boyfriend, and it was good to see her growth.

Miranda and Joy have found temporary balance: the journalist warns Miranda that she might need a few drinks to handle her own insecurity, while the lawyer admits she’s an alcoholic. It seems they’re finally on the same page, willing to respect each other’s struggles.

Anthony still has to win over the mother-in-law, who doesn’t want Giuseppe with a man so much older than him. Charlotte and Harry remain completely in sync, and Seema is doing well with Adam — except for one odd issue involving deodorant (watch to understand). The only one dancing too close to the fire is Lisa, who’s increasingly immersed in her documentary and its handsome editor, while starting to neglect her marriage and family. Where is that going?

Next week is the season finale. HBO Max hasn’t confirmed a renewal yet, and the show remains one of the most critically panned at the moment. Still, I can’t help but admit that Taylor’s song captures exactly how we feel:
It’s happening again. How did it end? I can’t pretend like I understand. How did it end?