With Carrie & Aidan’s ‘And Just Like That’ Reunion Coming, Their Best Moments So Far
Though Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) may not have won over Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) heart by the end of Sex and the City, he has certainly proven himself worthy of being Carrie’s one true love.
After various accounts of turmoil and heartbreak (a.k.a. being cheated on and dumped twice), Aidan remained strong and treated Carrie respectfully and gracefully. Aidan was the underdog of the series, and now with the revival, And Just Like That…, he may finally have a chance.
And Just Like That… Season 2 is now airing on Max, and fans were quick to notice in the trailer that Aidan Shaw will make an appearance… or two. The trailer revealed that Carrie reached out to Aidan via email, they enjoyed a meal together, and he shows up on her doorstep with Carrie expressing in the voiceover, “I realized some things are better left in the past. But maybe not everything.” With this inconspicuous quote, and photos leaked of them holding hands and kissing on set, it is clear that Aidan may finally prevail this time around.
With this in mind, let’s jog our memories and look back at Carrie and Aidan’s best moments on Sex and the City.
And Just Like That…, Thursdays, Max
Carrie and Aidan’s meet-cute (Season 3, Episode 5)
Not all first impressions can be perfect, but Carrie and Aidan’s introduction is quite close. Carrie’s best friend, Stanford Blanch (Willie Garson), expresses to Carrie that there is a “beautiful man downtown selling beautiful furniture.” Though Carrie is still getting over Mr. Big (Chris Noth), she takes the chance and meets the warm and masculine Aidan Shaw at his furniture show. Aidan’s dog, Pete, jumps on Carrie immediately, and they strike up a flirtatious conversation, ending with Aidan asking her to go out to dinner, the perfect meet-cute.
Carrie quits cold turkey for Aidan (Season 3, Episode 5)
After Carrie and Aidan’s first date, she lights up a cigarette, as usual, but he is shocked and reveals that he cannot date a smoker. Carrie is taken aback and lies and says she’s not that big of a smoker, realizing how much she likes him already. On their next date, she begins to go stir-crazy, longing for a cigarette, so she runs outside after dinner to smoke one, claiming that she has to go for other reasons. Aidan sees her smoking and realizes that her habit may not just be with the occasional cocktail. At the end of the episode, Carrie flushes her cigarettes down the toilet and exclaims, “I just hope he’s worth it.” She then places a nicotine patch on her arm, showing her strong feelings and dedication to her new crush.
Aidan’s first sleepover (Season 3, Episode 6)
After several dates, Carrie gets frustrated with Aidan because he won’t stay the night. He tells her it’s because he wants to get to know her and truly care about her first, keeping the romance alive. Eventually, he runs her a candle-lit bath and gets in, showing her that he has real feelings and admitting that he is ready. Compared to Mr. Big, Aidan is the most affectionate, warm, kind, soulful man Carrie has ever been with.
Carrie meets the parents (Season 3, Episode 7)
Carrie struggles with anxiety for days after realizing how perfect her relationship with Aidan is. It sounds silly, but she isn’t used to being this happy and calm. When it is time to meet his parents, she freaks out and contemplates the decision. Ultimately, she gets over her fear, and Aidan guides her through her newfound happiness in their healthy relationship.
Aidan falls in love (Season 3, Episode 10)
Despite the return of Mr. Big to Carrie’s life and bed, Aidan is blinded by love and realizes when he goes away for a few days that he loves her. Carrie says it back, and the two of them have a sweet and precious moment, Carrie feeling guilty but, at the same time, lovable.
The break-up (Season 3, Episode 12)
Right before Charlotte’s (Kristin Davis) wedding, Carrie confesses to Aidan that she had an affair with Mr. Big. Aidan is completely heartbroken but still shows up to the wedding at the end to see her one last time. Carrie begs for forgiveness, but Aidan explains that he needs to be on his own, and heart-wrenchingly says, “I really loved you,” before walking away. Though not the sweetest of moments, this scene proves how real their love was.
The reunion (Season 4, Episode 5)
After some time has passed, Carrie and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) build up the courage and go to Aidan and Steve’s (David Eigenberg) new bar opening. Carrie goes outside to smoke, and Aidan is sitting out there, smoking, his old relationship dealbreaker, expressing how much he’s changed. They feed each other cake, the tension is high, and he conveys how glad he is that she came. Aidan goes inside to give a toast, leaving Carrie with many mixed emotions. It is clear that the feelings are still there, and Carrie is left with guilt, confusion, and some lingering love.
Carrie’s rom-com moment (Season 4, Episode 6)
Carrie invites Aidan and Steve out to dinner with her and Miranda with a hidden agenda: getting Aidan back. After dinner, she tells Aidan that she wants to get back together, and he explains that he’s not ready. Carrie doesn’t give up and throws rocks at his apartment window, expressing how much she still cares for him, and he, in an iconic manner, yells back, “You broke my heart!” Later that night, straight out of a rom-com, Aidan starts throwing rocks at Carrie’s window; he runs up to her apartment and into her arms.
Carrie leaves Manhattan... for the first time ever? (Season 4, Episode 9)
Carrie and Aidan’s relationship is progressing again, and he invites her to his cabin in the countryside, which is way out of her comfort zone. Although they have some issues involving a mud fight, Carrie realizes that you must make sacrifices for the person you love, and they end up having a wonderful time together, compromising that they don’t have to go to the cabin all the time.
The proposal (Season 4, Episode 12)
After moving in together and growing closer in love, Aidan and Carrie are out on a walk with Pete when Aidan gets on one knee and proposes. Though Carrie is once again experiencing relationship anxiety, she says yes, and they celebrate on the streets of New York. Though the future doesn’t hold great things, at this moment, they are happy.
The reunion, part 2, global edition (Sex and The City 2)
In the film following the series, Carrie and Aidan magically run into each other and embrace on the streets of Abu Dhabi — what are the odds? It is clear that even after she broke off the engagement, after all this time, there still may be a small spark.
