This article contains spoilers for the fifth episode of season two of “And Just Like That…”
With “And Just Like…” approaching its halfway point, its creators have sprinkled a series of self-references into the new episode.
For a Halloween charity benefit, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) dresses up as Helen Gurley Brown, former editor of Cosmopolitan and, in some ways, Bradshaw’s spiritual ancestor. After a test show, Che (Sara Ramirez) tears up with barbs similar to those made of Che’s character in “And Just Like That…” a reference to the role he played in “Hamilton” on Broadway.
Ahead of the fifth episode, members of Styles’ New York Times office discussed the look, trademarks, and wigs featured in the latest installment of the series.
Louis Lucero II From a costume perspective, this episode was a little too front-loaded, right? Charlotte’s Halloween feature at the mock City Parks Conservancy showed us all three ways you can phone in a costume.
There’s the Cheap Way (Miranda, in The Clown’s Nose); The Easy Way (Charlotte, raiding her closet to portray Keri Russell’s character from “The Americans”); and self-congratulatory (Carrie, like Helen Gurley Brown, whom Miranda rightly refers to, looks like a normal Carrie cosplay).
Callie Holtermann This Helen Gurley Brown costume was a classic example of a stealth Halloween costume that you have to explain to everyone all night long. With that said, points to her purple blazer with shoulder pads and a slight puff.
L.L But once it was explained: “Ohhhh! Yeah sure! I see it!”
Katie Van Syckle Which of these outfits would you imitate?
Madison Malone Kercher Give me a clown nose.
L.L I’m afraid Lisa Todd Wexley’s bride from Frankenstein was a favor. He was giving Heidi Klum levels of no frills.
MMK Honestly, Charlotte wouldn’t go out with Klum Worm prostheses Kind of surprised me. A woman who likes to be a little understated wearing a fez neck and side part and calling it an outfit?
CH I loved Nya’s Eartha-Kitt-as-Catwoman costume, though I also laughed when Sima called it “a complete waste of Lycra.”
KVS I enjoyed Harry as Philip Jennings in “The Americans.” I think my favorite line from this episode was, “I thought you’d bring that hair back.”
L.L Agreed, but for the sake of sheer benefit, I should give the award for best line to: “Maybe I should just take my little wrist and go.” (I know how will I excuse myself from every party for the rest of the year.)
CH Later in the episode, Rock scouts teenage Charlotte at the skate park in a Ralph Lauren campaign. What do you think about choosing a brand?
Lauren did collaborate With Palace Skateboards in 2018, inclined skater model Evan Mock has been tapped to host the events.
L.L The Americana of Ralph Lauren is somewhat at odds with the Anglophilia Charlotte she’s been wrapping herself in all season, considering how Burberry print has become a kind of second skin for her.
KVS But it does sound like a brand, somewhat uniquely, that Charlotte and Rock can communicate through.
L.L Charlotte was also playing a sense of security in Ralph Lauren when she tried to sell Harry the idea, right? There is a conservatism that creates, in Katie’s view, a space of overlap between mother and child.
KVS Do we expect a long-term career in rock modeling?
MMK I think, like Lily’s music career, we should expect to feature a one-episode rock show arc.
L.L I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out to Miranda Hobbes’ ultra-strong sweater game, Esq. My favorite punching bag in the series.
Brady’s breakfast appearance was screaming domestic bliss… loud enough to drown out Steve picking a fight with an actual punching bag.
KVS I was also happy to see Christopher Jackson get a nod for his role as George Washington in “Hamilton” when he donned a wig and knee socks in the bedroom.
CH Knee socks that are of course visible due to the lack of pants.
L.L This was the introduction episode, right? In addition to Christopher Jackson as Washington, Sara Ramirez as Che watches focus groups critique Che’s incommensurability!
CH As our self-appointed reporter, I’m thrilled to report that this was the first episode of the season without a single baguette. That brings our rate down to 0.8 annoying bucket hats per episode.
MMK You’re telling me Rock wasn’t wearing one while filming? This is my new Fruit of the Loom logo.
CH Nope – a little beanie in this scene. Plus, she’s really cute Yankees Todd Snyder Camel hair hat ($98).
KVS I also noticed that Seema seemed to deviate from animal tracks in this episode.
CH Seema’s all-white look was my favorite in the episode, right down to her white pointy heels and coat. Like we said last week, there are limitations to her wardrobe which are a breath of fresh air on this show.
KVS What are your expectations for next week’s episode?
MMK We will skip 2 months for the holiday season. Carrie hosts an ugly sweater party.
L.L If there is any justice in the world, we haven’t seen Harry’s last wig. Maybe we’ll have a “Sisters of the Traveling Pants” situation? I’d love to see it on Steve at the end.
CH Miranda and Che will tearfully reunite in front of the ship at Hudson Yards.
KVS Maybe next week, Aiden? finally?
MMK We can only hope.
Louis Lucero IIAnd Katie Van SyckleAnd Madison Malone Kercher And Callie Holtermann Contribute to the preparation of reports.