Over the past several years there has been an ongoing narrative about how awful the character of Carrie Bradshaw is.
And with the reboot filming I keep seeing people say that the only way they would watch the new show is if everyone calls Carrie on her shit.
I couldn't help but wonder, did anyone ever do that on the original show?
And just like that, the five scenes below came to mind. If you can think of others, share them in the comments!
Season 4, episode 16
The Setting-Carrie's apartment is going co-op and she either needs to buy her apartment or move out. We also find out Carrie has only been paying $750 a month for her apartment. Carrie goes to the bank to look into a loan but as she only has $700 in her checking and $957 in her savings she is told she is not a desirable candidate for a loan. Miranda points out that Carrie has spent roughly $40,000 on shoes over the years. During a dinner out, Carrie reveals Big has given her a $30,000 check for a down payment. Miranda urges Carrie not to take the money from Big, as it would give him power over her. She offered to loan half the money to Carrie and Samantha offered to loan the other half. Charlotte remained quiet before changing the subject to how she was going to take a voluntary docent job at a museum.
The Call Out-Frustrated by Charlotte not offering to help Carrie pay for her down payment, Carrie shows up at Charlotte's apartment unannounced and asks why Charlotte didn't offer any money. Charlotte says money and friendship don't mix. Carrie admits she has made mistakes and goes on to say Charlotte has also made mistakes, and when Charlotte made her mistakes Carrie was sitting at the coffee house nodding and listening, not avoiding eye contact like she felt Charlotte was to her. Charlotte respondes, "Carrie, I love you. But it's not my job to fix your finances. You're a thirty five year old woman. You need to learn to stand on your own." Carrie eventually leaves but not without a quick complaint about having to take the bus.
Season 3, episode 18.
The Setting-At this point in the series Big and Carrie had broken up a couple times and also had an affair, leaving Big's wife Natasha with a broken tooth and bloody face. After the Natasha incident Carrie ends the affair. In this episode some time has passed and Big calls Carrie because he needs to talk.
The Call Out-During a casual thrift store outing Miranda asks Carrie if she wants to go to an exhibit on Saturday, Carrie says she has to work. Carrie then confesses that she lied, she doesn't have to work but she's having lunch with Big. Miranda immediately disapproves, saying "I'm not holding your hand through this again." "It's a huge mistake." "Wake up Carrie, how many more times are you going to go through this?! Jesus, every time you get near him you turn into this pathetic, needy, insecure victim. And the thing that pisses me off the most, is that you're more than willing to go right back for more." Carrie responds "I am not going back for more and I can't even believe...I can't believe you would say that to me." Carrie then changes the argument by throwing Steve into Mirada's face. Miranda eventually leaves the thrift store and Carrie yells "perfect, that's just perfect. Walk away."
Season 2, episode 13
The Setting-This episode opens up with a montage of Carrie non stop complaining about Big to all of her friends.
The Call Out-Carrie and her three main friends are having drinks al fresco. Carrie finally ends her ranting about Big to take a breath when Samantha tells her "Honey, you're obsessed with talking about Big and we can't take it anymore.""You should think about whining to a shrink," adds Miranda. Carrie says "I don't need therapy, I need new friends."
![Screen-Shot-2021-07-31-at-3.08.00-PM.png]()
(could not find this scene on youtube)
Season 2, episode 16
The Setting-One of the most common complains I've seen about Carrie (a sex columnist) is how conservative she is when it comes to sex. In this episode a gay couple that is friend's with Samantha asks Samantha to be in a three way with them.
The Call Out-Carrie and Samantha are walking down the street and Samantha tells Carrie about the three way proposal. Carrie is shocked that Samantha is considering it, "They're gay!" Carrie exclaims. Samantha responds"For a sex columnist, you have a limited view of sexuality." She goes on to say, "The new millennium won't be about sexual labels, it'll be about sexual expression." I simply like this call out because I think it might be the only time the show acknowedges Carrie's limited view on sex and relationships.
![stanford.jpg]()
(Could not find this scene on YouTube)
Season 5, episode 6
The setting-Carrie and her best male friend Stanford are walking outside while Carrie is ranting about one of her relationships like usual. Standford is in one of his first serious relationships with broadway dancer, Marcus.
The Callout-When Carrie pauses for breath, Stanford asks "What do you think of Marcus." Carrie gives him a one word dismissive answer, "Nice." She then continue to rant about Aiden. Standford interupts her with a firm "Okay, stop. I am done. I've listend to you talk about Aidan for what...ten blocks? And two years? And I've been a wonderful audience. And I ask you about my Marcus, and all I get is 'nice'?" Carrie looks stunned and says "I'm sorry." I really like that Stanford stood his ground in this moment because the show really leans into the gay bff as an accessory, and it's not a good look. I think it stings so much in season 6 when Stanford wants to meet Carrie's new Russian boyfriend too but Carrie responds "sorry, this one is just the girls."
Source 123 google images, my hbo max subscription
And with the reboot filming I keep seeing people say that the only way they would watch the new show is if everyone calls Carrie on her shit.
I couldn't help but wonder, did anyone ever do that on the original show?
And just like that, the five scenes below came to mind. If you can think of others, share them in the comments!
Season 4, episode 16
The Setting-Carrie's apartment is going co-op and she either needs to buy her apartment or move out. We also find out Carrie has only been paying $750 a month for her apartment. Carrie goes to the bank to look into a loan but as she only has $700 in her checking and $957 in her savings she is told she is not a desirable candidate for a loan. Miranda points out that Carrie has spent roughly $40,000 on shoes over the years. During a dinner out, Carrie reveals Big has given her a $30,000 check for a down payment. Miranda urges Carrie not to take the money from Big, as it would give him power over her. She offered to loan half the money to Carrie and Samantha offered to loan the other half. Charlotte remained quiet before changing the subject to how she was going to take a voluntary docent job at a museum.
The Call Out-Frustrated by Charlotte not offering to help Carrie pay for her down payment, Carrie shows up at Charlotte's apartment unannounced and asks why Charlotte didn't offer any money. Charlotte says money and friendship don't mix. Carrie admits she has made mistakes and goes on to say Charlotte has also made mistakes, and when Charlotte made her mistakes Carrie was sitting at the coffee house nodding and listening, not avoiding eye contact like she felt Charlotte was to her. Charlotte respondes, "Carrie, I love you. But it's not my job to fix your finances. You're a thirty five year old woman. You need to learn to stand on your own." Carrie eventually leaves but not without a quick complaint about having to take the bus.
Season 3, episode 18.
The Setting-At this point in the series Big and Carrie had broken up a couple times and also had an affair, leaving Big's wife Natasha with a broken tooth and bloody face. After the Natasha incident Carrie ends the affair. In this episode some time has passed and Big calls Carrie because he needs to talk.
The Call Out-During a casual thrift store outing Miranda asks Carrie if she wants to go to an exhibit on Saturday, Carrie says she has to work. Carrie then confesses that she lied, she doesn't have to work but she's having lunch with Big. Miranda immediately disapproves, saying "I'm not holding your hand through this again." "It's a huge mistake." "Wake up Carrie, how many more times are you going to go through this?! Jesus, every time you get near him you turn into this pathetic, needy, insecure victim. And the thing that pisses me off the most, is that you're more than willing to go right back for more." Carrie responds "I am not going back for more and I can't even believe...I can't believe you would say that to me." Carrie then changes the argument by throwing Steve into Mirada's face. Miranda eventually leaves the thrift store and Carrie yells "perfect, that's just perfect. Walk away."
Season 2, episode 13
The Setting-This episode opens up with a montage of Carrie non stop complaining about Big to all of her friends.
The Call Out-Carrie and her three main friends are having drinks al fresco. Carrie finally ends her ranting about Big to take a breath when Samantha tells her "Honey, you're obsessed with talking about Big and we can't take it anymore.""You should think about whining to a shrink," adds Miranda. Carrie says "I don't need therapy, I need new friends."

(could not find this scene on youtube)
Season 2, episode 16
The Setting-One of the most common complains I've seen about Carrie (a sex columnist) is how conservative she is when it comes to sex. In this episode a gay couple that is friend's with Samantha asks Samantha to be in a three way with them.
The Call Out-Carrie and Samantha are walking down the street and Samantha tells Carrie about the three way proposal. Carrie is shocked that Samantha is considering it, "They're gay!" Carrie exclaims. Samantha responds"For a sex columnist, you have a limited view of sexuality." She goes on to say, "The new millennium won't be about sexual labels, it'll be about sexual expression." I simply like this call out because I think it might be the only time the show acknowedges Carrie's limited view on sex and relationships.

(Could not find this scene on YouTube)
Season 5, episode 6
The setting-Carrie and her best male friend Stanford are walking outside while Carrie is ranting about one of her relationships like usual. Standford is in one of his first serious relationships with broadway dancer, Marcus.
The Callout-When Carrie pauses for breath, Stanford asks "What do you think of Marcus." Carrie gives him a one word dismissive answer, "Nice." She then continue to rant about Aiden. Standford interupts her with a firm "Okay, stop. I am done. I've listend to you talk about Aidan for what...ten blocks? And two years? And I've been a wonderful audience. And I ask you about my Marcus, and all I get is 'nice'?" Carrie looks stunned and says "I'm sorry." I really like that Stanford stood his ground in this moment because the show really leans into the gay bff as an accessory, and it's not a good look. I think it stings so much in season 6 when Stanford wants to meet Carrie's new Russian boyfriend too but Carrie responds "sorry, this one is just the girls."
Source 123 google images, my hbo max subscription