The progression of “And Just Like That” has sparked ongoing discourse among fans and critics. The show has faced discomforting moments, from poorly executed storylines surrounding transgender individuals to instances of ageism displayed by Carrie. However, no discomfort compares to the lack of respect Che exhibits towards Miranda. The presence of a prominent nonbinary character and the exploration of LGBTQIA+ relationships beyond cisgender gay individuals and women was initially welcomed by fans, given the lack of diversity that plagued “Sex and the City.” Unfortunately, the portrayal of Che on-screen falls short of the audience’s expectations. While a character doesn’t necessarily need to be likable for a show to succeed (we’re looking at you, Carrie), the scrutiny faced by Che as a representative of a marginalized community necessitates a more nuanced and multifaceted portrayal that challenges stereotypes surrounding gender nonconformity.
Episode 4 of Season 2, titled “Alive!,” exemplified Che’s failure to respect Miranda. Che assumes that Miranda would be comfortable participating in a threesome with Che’s estranged husband, Lyle, without seeking consent. While it was evident that Che and Lyle still had a close relationship, witnessing them end up in bed together wasn’t surprising. However, the discomfort arose from Che disregarding Miranda’s feelings and initiating a threesome without her consent. The cringe factor intensified when Che started making out with Miranda right next to Lyle, making it difficult to ignore the lack of communication and blatant disregard for boundaries.
The problem with this scene lies in the absence of communication and trust, especially in the context of a polyamorous relationship. Che and Miranda have not engaged in discussions regarding sexual transparency or threesomes, making their portrayal questionable even for a monogamous couple. Polyamorous representation demands authentic communication and trust, elements crucial for successful multiple partnerships. While a polyamorous throuple hasn’t been explicitly discussed in “And Just Like That,” the importance of communication remains significant.
Throughout their relationship, Miranda is consistently on the back foot, struggling to find her equilibrium due to Che’s failure to provide support. In Episode 5, titled “Trick or Treat,” an ill-equipped Che reacts defensively towards Miranda after their TV show gets canceled. The way Che dismisses Miranda and talks down to her appears ignorant of her experiences and emotions. It’s essential to recognize that being a comedy series doesn’t excuse perpetuating misinformation and stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ individuals being promiscuous. Additionally, it doesn’t contribute to challenging the outdated beliefs that “Sex and the City” relied on.
Moreover, the choice to focus on Che and Miranda for this subplot raises concerns. While one could argue that their new relationship status makes them an obvious choice, other single characters, such as Carrie, Seema, and Dr. Nya, could embark on a similar journey. The decision to avoid exploring these paths for other characters indicates that the creators may have considered fan reactions and opted for safer options. By having two already disliked characters engage in non-traditional sexual activities, the creators mitigate the potential backlash. If viewers don’t appreciate this storyline, it simply confirms the audience’s disdain for these characters, which some fans may enjoy as it aligns with their desire to see unfavorable protagonists face consequences.
Unfortunately, the characters at the center of this controversy are representative of a marginalized group that faces deep misunderstandings. Therefore, “AJLT” must reconsider how it portrays Che beyond the role of an anti-hero and almost a villain in the series.
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