At last, we’re treated to an episode packed with intense drama, but at what expense? The third season of And Just Like That… reverses the five-year separation Aidan (John Corbett) suggested at the close of season two, leaving things a bit unclear concerning boundaries. This episode finally moves the plot forward, only to end up right back where we began as the credits roll. It’s exhausting.

Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) finds herself waking up in Aidan’s guest house, surrounded by him and his sons busy painting the house’s exterior. It’s unclear if they start painting at dawn or if Carrie sleeps in until noon—both seem likely. Stuck with her outfit and five-inch heels from the previous day because her luggage is still in the rental car, she ventures into town on an ATV to buy new clothes at a quaint shop, yet inexplicably, she doesn’t think to buy new shoes and spends the entire episode either barefoot or in her towering heels.

We meet Homer (Corbin Drew Ross), Aidan’s charming middle son, and Wyatt (Logan Souza), the troublesome youngest whose actions initiated the drama. We recall from last season his underage drinking and truck crash. This episode explores his troubles further, showcasing his addiction to screens, mood swings, and reluctance to help out—typical teenage challenges, but it becomes clear there’s more beneath the surface.

Aidan encourages Carrie to connect with his sons, and she tries by joining a virtual-reality zombie game at the mall with them. However, an accident occurs when Wyatt inadvertently hits Carrie with his virtual gun, leading to her overreacting. Despite her attempts to bond, Carrie struggles to not make the situation about herself, which is a challenge given that Wyatt clearly needs more attention.

Tensions escalate during a birthday party for Aidan’s eldest, Tate (Jason Schmidt), attended by his ex-wife, Kathy (Rosemarie DeWitt), and her boyfriend, Bob (Tony Crane). Bob shares his own challenges of being accepted by the family, mentioning it took four years to feel normal. Amidst the party, Carrie awkwardly brings up the topic of Adderall—Kathy supports it for Wyatt, but Aidan opposes—leading to a sharp rebuke from Aidan not to discuss it during his son’s birthday celebration.

The situation explodes over a game of Apples To Apples when Wyatt becomes upset over the game and ultimately shatters a window with a shovel. This sparks a heated argument between Aidan and Kathy about medicating Wyatt, who already has substance issues, leaving Carrie feeling out of her depth in this complex family dynamic.

Through these intense family interactions, Carrie begins to understand why Aidan needs to prioritize his family. It’s a lot for anyone to handle, and while someone other than Carrie might manage to be more empathetic and supportive, that’s not her strong suit. She admits to Aidan that she doesn’t feel she belongs there yet, leading to a confused and emotional exchange about their relationship status.

Meanwhile, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) finds herself in an absurd situation when her BBC crush, Joy (Dolly Wells), invites her on air. While trying to follow Joy’s advice to speak slowly, she stutters on the word “countryside,” which the internet quickly turns into a meme. Embarrassed, Miranda spends the episode fretting over losing Joy’s interest, only to be surprised with a kiss at the end.

We see little of Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) and Seema (Sarita Choudhury), who are both dealing with their career issues from last week. Seema starts her own real estate firm but faces bullying, while Lisa debates hiring a very attractive Black man as a new editor, concerned he isn’t a woman, which affects her sleep. In a minor subplot, Charlotte (Kristin Davis) supports Harry (Evan Handler) through a personal issue, showcasing their deep bond beyond their sex life.

Random Observations

• • Lily (Cathy Ang) introduces her polyamorous boyfriend at a family dinner, leading to some awkward yet humorous misunderstandings and puns from her grandfather.
• • The pun “Little House On The Carrie” left me cringing.
• • Carrie’s ongoing fixation with a dining room table exemplifies her sometimes challenging personality. Despite Aidan’s real problems, she can’t let go of wanting the table.