Sunday, December 02, 2007
The End of Sex
That doesn't at all refer to me, thankfully. But, sidelined and sick, I did finally watch the last two episodes today, ending a four-year on-and-off DVD journey with this memorable cast of characters. I had a few thoughts, not surprisingly... After which, a better picture of Alex and a sign a liked
1. It ended well. The writers used the entire 16-episode, two-part final season to wrap up the four main characters' storylines. This was wise. By freeing the final episodes from hyperactive story-telling, the series gained emotional space to reach true closure.
2. Was it realistic? No, but it was often real... Three-part explanation..
a. Agreed, 99.99% of New York singles don't live anything remotely resembling the glamor and chic of 'Sex.' The cast is just a tad too white, rich, and attractive. And with not much New York pressure and anxiety.. (only Miranda is work-centric like most NYers).
b. But.... the characters themselves are indelible, and the camaraderie felt real. That's what latched on to millions of hearts and never let go.c. The series grew heavier and darker about halfway through - fittingly, right after 9-11, though that event was never expressly mentioned. Life caught up with the girls - notably, pregnancy, sterility, cancer, and, subtly, age. However, even in the carefree early years the characters had many unpleasant experiences, presented as part and parcel of their glamorous lifestyle.
3. My friend Eduardo remarked that by ending the series with all four women in long-term relationships, the writers were invalidating the premise that an independent woman doesn't need a man to make her whole.
To which I would say, no man - or woman - is an island...
4. Why make a movie? My jury's out on this one. The film is set to come out May 30, 2008. Movie extensions of TV shows by fail by definition - they seldom work as stand-alone viewing and can't possibly recreate the day-in, day-out 'companionship' of regular series characters. Would you rather imagine how they lived 'ever after' or be told? What's your opinion. This film is a nostalgia play, a bid to come see characters you miss one last time - thus, a likely financial success unless it's really lame.
As promised, a great picture of Alex, with goggles, courtesy David:
This sign 'spoke to me' - in outdated language? 'Post No Bills' reminds me of 1960s-era Saturday morning cartoons...
Cartoons du Jour:
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