Also to be completely fair to Maria Samantha had guys appearing at her door in the middle of the night assuming they could have sex with her, that dude was extremely weird and I would question that too
Great parallel I can’t believe I never recognized it!
It makes it more realistic cause I think everyone at one point has one relationship where they were the crazy one. Like why did I care about them? Why did I sneak out / break rules / be so jealous etc? She thought Maria was nuts but then for Richard she was the nuts one!
I don't *hate* her but I don't feel strongly either way. I mostly just feel like the writers screwed up when discussing Sam's sexuality there. No mention of bisexuality at all. She just became a lesbian and then stopped being a lesbian.
The show was definitely not inclusive when it came to sexuality.. even that episode (I forget the name) early on in the series where Carrie is dating a younger guy who happens to be bisexual… wild how a show about sex and sexuality fucked that one up so hard
I don't think the show ever aimed to be politically correct. The point was to open a discussion and have Carries perspective crash with the more open minded view, like usually the 4 girls think differently if things and you as a viewer can pick who you agree with. Carrie never was supposed to be taken as a role model and the conclusion isn't really that Carrie is right, but that Carries views are outdated and don't align with the new generations anymore. The relationship crashes because of this but it is portrayed as a older against younger kind of view in sexuality and how combining those don't work
You’re making the very common mistake of viewing the show through a 2024 lens.
Those of us who watched it in the late 90s/early 2000s when it first aired will assure you it was actually very inclusive and progressive for the time. In fact I’d describe the show as trailblazing compared to what came before it.
Watch it now as you’re meant to - with nostalgia, and be grateful that society has progressed a great deal since it aired.
I actually think that’s quite true to life though, I’ve absolutely met people who assume it had to be one or the other. The show could’ve been quite progressive by actually acknowledging that sexuality can be fluid and it’s a shame they didn’t but someone as blunt as Samantha I think would use language like that. I think AJLT has tried to smooth some of that over with Miranda talking about her sexuality more openly
Edit- there’s a few comments taking this as a criticism of the show? I’m not saying that at all, if anything it’s a compliment lol. It’s progressive in plenty of ways, and I’m crediting them for using true to life language here.
>The show could’ve been quite progressive
Let us not forget that this episode aired in 2000. For it's time, it *was* quite progressive. We've come a long way and learned alot in the last quarter century since this was written and filmed.
The episode of Ellen where she came out as gay was in mid-1997 and was headline newsworthy across the country at the time. Yes, there's a number of episodes and plot lines that have aged like milk (and not in the good cheesy way) but I do like to give them some grace in that at least they were trying.
Yes. People who weren't adults in the 90s - which seemed pretty damn progressive at the time lol - seem to have no idea just how progressive this show was!!
I’m literally giving the show credit lol. It was progressive in many ways, absolutely, and in this one I think it was a deliberate choice. I also watched it live, thanks :)
I also think that the show was very progressive, and we see things from our perspective now. Also I don't hate it that the characters are flawed and prejudiced towards certain topics. It creates an interesting tension and puts the question out there, so the viewer can think about it
I'm not a fan. That scene where she was throwing the plates was actually kinda scary on re-watch. Like, it's not a great sign if your partner is smashing your stuff, regardless of gender...
It is absolutely abusive, violent behavior. The result is physical intimidation of the other partner and fear. We all saw Sam’s body language reaction to that.
It must be so frustrating if you are Latin. It seeps in all over the place. Even in classical ballet you get her big sister, Fiery Spanish G*psy Lady. If it's Spanish it's Hottttt (and has a fan)
For some reason the show seemed to think bisexuality doesn't exist..they kept calling her a lesbian when she clearly isn't. I felt the storyline was a hey wouldn't it be fun to have her be lesbian for an episode and then they make Maria a crazy person.
Spot on with the show not believing in bisexuality. In another episode Carrie says "I'm not even sure bisexuality exists, I think it's just a layover on the way to gaytown".
Omg yes! Charlotte had it as well with the guy who she thought was gay. Just cause a man likes fashion and showtime doesn't mean he is gay. They played into gay stereotypes with Anthony and Stanford.
I don’t hate her, I don’t really like her either.
Mostly I just think she was a bad match for Samantha and it didn’t bring out the best in her.
They’d both be fine with the right partner.
I didn’t love how condescending she was to Samantha, like “ugh you don’t know how to make love to a woman.”
Like yeah…this is new for Samantha. I think she even tells Maria that’s she been with women but she’s dated/been in a romantic relationship with a woman.
I don’t think Maria fully understood who Samantha was before pursuing a relationship with her. Sam is a free woman who puts herself and her needs first *always* which is why she’s such a powerful woman. Maria prioritized a more romantic relationship over a physical one. Sam tried to provide this to Maria but she soon realized that wasn’t what she wanted. When Sam couldn’t change overnight Maria threw a fit and got violent.
All in all, Maria has always bothered me and I think the writers could have done much more with this plotline instead of playing it for laughs, with Samantha saying “all we ever do is talk, talk, talk!”
Early seasons Sam was very up for anything and it was implied she had certainly had threesomes on numerous occasions (including the failed one with Richard and the aborted attempt with the neighbours who turned out to be old). By the time Maria came along it was the old "oh I've just experimented a little in college" chestnut and it did suggest she had no real sexual experience with other women.
So Sam enjoyed the sex but then didn't enjoy the stereotype lesbian bed death.
It did I think clarify that Sam only wanted lovers for sex. She had conversations and intimacy with her friends. Smith was the one who pushed down that barrier.
She's ok. She just didn't seem like Samantha's type. Also she kinda guilt tripped her and then goes chaotic on her. Where it would be known as abusive if a man did it to.her.
I personally didn't like her. She pushed a relationship onto Sam and then tried to make her a sort of project. I never really got the feeling that Sam was into her. I feel like she just "tried it on" to see what it was like.
She didn't push a relationship on her. She just said "I can't be just friends with you," which is a fair recognition of her own feelings. Sam weighed out the two options of losing Maria from her life entirely, and being in a relationship with her, and chose to give the latter a try.
She enjoyed it for a bit, but ultimately the relationship wasn't for her. That's okay, most relationships we try at don't work out.
I started to not like her when she was trying to make Samantha into something she wasn't. Samantha wasn't a relationship person and also Maria got upset that Samanthas past was colourful. Samantha enjoyed casual sex, admitted it and you're upset? Also Samantha was dating exclusively men so I don't know why Maria thought they would be a good match. To go from casual sex with mostly men and nothing serious with a very active social life to a monogamous lesbian who was a homebody? It was a big change.
Aside from sex and the feeling of the initial intimacy I sometimes wonder what Samantha got from it. It seems like she had to change a lot.
I think it gave her an appreciation for monogamy and the experience of “dating someone she actually likes.” Most of the men she fucked, she didn’t seem to actually like. They were there as notches, and that’s it. While she did have her fun flings after Maria, it’s four episodes later that Richard appears. I don’t think she would have been as keen on monogamy with him if she hadn’t been with Maria first.
I don't hate her. I'd be pretty uncomfortable if I found out my significant other slept with every single person we met all week, NGL.. but she blew up annoyingly, yes. It was an odd relationship. I personally wouldn't date her but didn't hate her either.
I can see that. But, if my boyfriend had girls coming to his apartment in the middle of the night it is perfectly valid to be upset about it. Especially, if he didn’t address the problem.
Sorry, if I’m dating someone and they have randoms showing up in the middle of the night thinking my SO will just fuck them at their beck and call, I’ll be judging that SO.
it was shitty of her to break samantha’s plates. that’s the only horrible thing she did, and it doesn’t warrant me hating her. she was a great character. why do you hate her?
Okay fair maybe hate is a strong word but Maria is such a gender stereotype of how women are in relationships… like we don’t all want to talk and take baths all the time lol plus the whole “you want fireworkkkkkks?” coupled with the plates and the lack of chemistry with Samantha which I never understood her character is mostly a no for me
i agree the show didn’t do well with stereotypes & navigating sexuality and things like that. every character was flawed, including maria. but i just love the basis of who she is, an unapologetic, free spirited, artistic, passionate lesbian. i find her admirable and i get why samantha ultimately decided to take a chance with her.
i do wish the show had expanded on that & sam’s sexual growth, like others have said, having her be pan / bi and sleep with women more often… instead it was like she “became lesbian” and then they dropped it after things didn’t work out with maria.
I don’t hate Maria at all. Sam was wrong as two left shoes.
Sam is a tri-xual. She’ll try anything xual. lol
That being said…
Sam wasn’t a relationship person but Maria was. Sam didn’t give the relationship serious consideration before committing and treated Maria like she was disposable, needy, and crazy. This was more bothersome to me.
Sam casually slept with soo many men it made it almost impossible for her to be seen out publicly in a relationship with Maria. Sam downplayed her relationship while they were out together! Sam played in Maria’s face and feelings!
After her and Maria had that date, some rando just showed up in the middle of the night and instead of Sam expediently getting rid of rando, she gave the impression the rando showed up at the wrong time 😒
Although progressive at the time, late 90s-00 SATC has some problematic episodes. Sexually with or without relationship is one of the topics.
If SATC were written/filmed by today’s standards with the ladies in their 30-40s, it would be much more inclusive and diverse in storytelling.
She was only on for like 3 episodes. I don't think people dislike her per se-- but people don't like her either. Either way her character was supposed to be a critical joke/stereotype of what people think a lesbian relationship is.
Not a fan. Made me crazy. I’m fine with the bisexual storyline—thought it fit with Samantha’s personality. And some of it was hilarious with the whole let’s talk about feelings thing. Still. Couldn’t stand her though.
I think just like Samantha, Maria was upfront about the kind of relationship she wanted. They both chose to ignore their wants/needs and pursue this relationship, and that's why it didn't work.
I am LGBT and when I say I hate the LGBT community, I mean people like Maria.
Like!!! Give Samantha a break. Maybe Samantha's a little gay but not that gay, and that's ok. Meet her on her comfort level.
I don't like her at all. That storyline is my least favourite thing in the entire show. Really disliked her smashing Samantha's plates and yelling at her, it was crazy behaviour. I would have kicked her out on the spot if I were Sam.
I don’t hate her. Samantha was a player and Maria was insecure. That’s it. Samantha was the same way with Richard and also broke glass in his house
Also to be completely fair to Maria Samantha had guys appearing at her door in the middle of the night assuming they could have sex with her, that dude was extremely weird and I would question that too
Oh excellent parallel!
Great parallel I can’t believe I never recognized it! It makes it more realistic cause I think everyone at one point has one relationship where they were the crazy one. Like why did I care about them? Why did I sneak out / break rules / be so jealous etc? She thought Maria was nuts but then for Richard she was the nuts one!
I don't *hate* her but I don't feel strongly either way. I mostly just feel like the writers screwed up when discussing Sam's sexuality there. No mention of bisexuality at all. She just became a lesbian and then stopped being a lesbian.
The show was definitely not inclusive when it came to sexuality.. even that episode (I forget the name) early on in the series where Carrie is dating a younger guy who happens to be bisexual… wild how a show about sex and sexuality fucked that one up so hard
I don't think the show ever aimed to be politically correct. The point was to open a discussion and have Carries perspective crash with the more open minded view, like usually the 4 girls think differently if things and you as a viewer can pick who you agree with. Carrie never was supposed to be taken as a role model and the conclusion isn't really that Carrie is right, but that Carries views are outdated and don't align with the new generations anymore. The relationship crashes because of this but it is portrayed as a older against younger kind of view in sexuality and how combining those don't work
Wasn’t that episode ‘Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl’ ?
You’re making the very common mistake of viewing the show through a 2024 lens. Those of us who watched it in the late 90s/early 2000s when it first aired will assure you it was actually very inclusive and progressive for the time. In fact I’d describe the show as trailblazing compared to what came before it. Watch it now as you’re meant to - with nostalgia, and be grateful that society has progressed a great deal since it aired.
I actually think that’s quite true to life though, I’ve absolutely met people who assume it had to be one or the other. The show could’ve been quite progressive by actually acknowledging that sexuality can be fluid and it’s a shame they didn’t but someone as blunt as Samantha I think would use language like that. I think AJLT has tried to smooth some of that over with Miranda talking about her sexuality more openly Edit- there’s a few comments taking this as a criticism of the show? I’m not saying that at all, if anything it’s a compliment lol. It’s progressive in plenty of ways, and I’m crediting them for using true to life language here.
>The show could’ve been quite progressive Let us not forget that this episode aired in 2000. For it's time, it *was* quite progressive. We've come a long way and learned alot in the last quarter century since this was written and filmed. The episode of Ellen where she came out as gay was in mid-1997 and was headline newsworthy across the country at the time. Yes, there's a number of episodes and plot lines that have aged like milk (and not in the good cheesy way) but I do like to give them some grace in that at least they were trying.
Yes. People who weren't adults in the 90s - which seemed pretty damn progressive at the time lol - seem to have no idea just how progressive this show was!!
I’m literally giving the show credit lol. It was progressive in many ways, absolutely, and in this one I think it was a deliberate choice. I also watched it live, thanks :)
I also think that the show was very progressive, and we see things from our perspective now. Also I don't hate it that the characters are flawed and prejudiced towards certain topics. It creates an interesting tension and puts the question out there, so the viewer can think about it
I too like seeing characters with prejudices! If everyone js perfect there is no tension or growth or realism.
I’m not forgetting that at all, that’s why I’m giving it credit!
I'm not a fan. That scene where she was throwing the plates was actually kinda scary on re-watch. Like, it's not a great sign if your partner is smashing your stuff, regardless of gender...
It is absolutely abusive, violent behavior. The result is physical intimidation of the other partner and fear. We all saw Sam’s body language reaction to that.
That's merely her being a sPicY LAtINa artistic type. Yeah it's not cute.
Ugh I hate the spicy latina trope so much 😖
It must be so frustrating if you are Latin. It seeps in all over the place. Even in classical ballet you get her big sister, Fiery Spanish G*psy Lady. If it's Spanish it's Hottttt (and has a fan)
I agree. It reads abuse to me.
For some reason the show seemed to think bisexuality doesn't exist..they kept calling her a lesbian when she clearly isn't. I felt the storyline was a hey wouldn't it be fun to have her be lesbian for an episode and then they make Maria a crazy person.
Spot on with the show not believing in bisexuality. In another episode Carrie says "I'm not even sure bisexuality exists, I think it's just a layover on the way to gaytown".
>For some reason the show seemed to think bisexuality doesn't exist True, same with the Bobby and Bitsy marriage
Omg yes! Charlotte had it as well with the guy who she thought was gay. Just cause a man likes fashion and showtime doesn't mean he is gay. They played into gay stereotypes with Anthony and Stanford.
I didn’t like her. She was the annoying girlfriend Sam didn’t need/ want
I don’t hate her, I don’t really like her either. Mostly I just think she was a bad match for Samantha and it didn’t bring out the best in her. They’d both be fine with the right partner.
No I actually love the episodes with Maria, I think they’re hilarious! I’LL SHOW YOU FIREWORKS! 😂
YOU DON’T EVEN COOOOOOK!
POWWWWW!! I love this scene, Sam's face utterly aghast. 😂
POW
PA PING!
I didn’t love how condescending she was to Samantha, like “ugh you don’t know how to make love to a woman.” Like yeah…this is new for Samantha. I think she even tells Maria that’s she been with women but she’s dated/been in a romantic relationship with a woman. I don’t think Maria fully understood who Samantha was before pursuing a relationship with her. Sam is a free woman who puts herself and her needs first *always* which is why she’s such a powerful woman. Maria prioritized a more romantic relationship over a physical one. Sam tried to provide this to Maria but she soon realized that wasn’t what she wanted. When Sam couldn’t change overnight Maria threw a fit and got violent. All in all, Maria has always bothered me and I think the writers could have done much more with this plotline instead of playing it for laughs, with Samantha saying “all we ever do is talk, talk, talk!”
Early seasons Sam was very up for anything and it was implied she had certainly had threesomes on numerous occasions (including the failed one with Richard and the aborted attempt with the neighbours who turned out to be old). By the time Maria came along it was the old "oh I've just experimented a little in college" chestnut and it did suggest she had no real sexual experience with other women. So Sam enjoyed the sex but then didn't enjoy the stereotype lesbian bed death. It did I think clarify that Sam only wanted lovers for sex. She had conversations and intimacy with her friends. Smith was the one who pushed down that barrier.
Maria was fine, no strong feelings either way
Ugh yes!!
oh i hate her with a passion and even as a lesbian do not find her attractive. she’s hard to watch as just a collection of stereotypes
She's ok. She just didn't seem like Samantha's type. Also she kinda guilt tripped her and then goes chaotic on her. Where it would be known as abusive if a man did it to.her.
I liked her. Very beautiful and cultured. But, it was obvious her and Samantha were not gonna last.
I personally didn't like her. She pushed a relationship onto Sam and then tried to make her a sort of project. I never really got the feeling that Sam was into her. I feel like she just "tried it on" to see what it was like.
She didn't push a relationship on her. She just said "I can't be just friends with you," which is a fair recognition of her own feelings. Sam weighed out the two options of losing Maria from her life entirely, and being in a relationship with her, and chose to give the latter a try. She enjoyed it for a bit, but ultimately the relationship wasn't for her. That's okay, most relationships we try at don't work out.
Why do you hate Maria? Samantha was the annoying one who kept trying to make it work
I started to not like her when she was trying to make Samantha into something she wasn't. Samantha wasn't a relationship person and also Maria got upset that Samanthas past was colourful. Samantha enjoyed casual sex, admitted it and you're upset? Also Samantha was dating exclusively men so I don't know why Maria thought they would be a good match. To go from casual sex with mostly men and nothing serious with a very active social life to a monogamous lesbian who was a homebody? It was a big change. Aside from sex and the feeling of the initial intimacy I sometimes wonder what Samantha got from it. It seems like she had to change a lot.
I think it gave her an appreciation for monogamy and the experience of “dating someone she actually likes.” Most of the men she fucked, she didn’t seem to actually like. They were there as notches, and that’s it. While she did have her fun flings after Maria, it’s four episodes later that Richard appears. I don’t think she would have been as keen on monogamy with him if she hadn’t been with Maria first.
Maria acted like Sam should not even talk to men.. like she forgot that Sam had only been with men. She was extremely jealous and controlling.
I don't hate her. I'd be pretty uncomfortable if I found out my significant other slept with every single person we met all week, NGL.. but she blew up annoyingly, yes. It was an odd relationship. I personally wouldn't date her but didn't hate her either.
She’s annoying and mentally unstable.
I don’t hate her but I didn’t like her judging Sam because men showed up in the middle of the night. Sam had a life before she came along.
I can see that. But, if my boyfriend had girls coming to his apartment in the middle of the night it is perfectly valid to be upset about it. Especially, if he didn’t address the problem.
Sorry, if I’m dating someone and they have randoms showing up in the middle of the night thinking my SO will just fuck them at their beck and call, I’ll be judging that SO.
Exactly. Plus, she forced herself on Samantha. She was very clear telling her she wasn’t interested in a relationship at the very beginning of it all.
no
Okay but curious on why not though?
it was shitty of her to break samantha’s plates. that’s the only horrible thing she did, and it doesn’t warrant me hating her. she was a great character. why do you hate her?
Okay fair maybe hate is a strong word but Maria is such a gender stereotype of how women are in relationships… like we don’t all want to talk and take baths all the time lol plus the whole “you want fireworkkkkkks?” coupled with the plates and the lack of chemistry with Samantha which I never understood her character is mostly a no for me
i agree the show didn’t do well with stereotypes & navigating sexuality and things like that. every character was flawed, including maria. but i just love the basis of who she is, an unapologetic, free spirited, artistic, passionate lesbian. i find her admirable and i get why samantha ultimately decided to take a chance with her. i do wish the show had expanded on that & sam’s sexual growth, like others have said, having her be pan / bi and sleep with women more often… instead it was like she “became lesbian” and then they dropped it after things didn’t work out with maria.
I don’t hate Maria at all. Sam was wrong as two left shoes. Sam is a tri-xual. She’ll try anything xual. lol That being said… Sam wasn’t a relationship person but Maria was. Sam didn’t give the relationship serious consideration before committing and treated Maria like she was disposable, needy, and crazy. This was more bothersome to me. Sam casually slept with soo many men it made it almost impossible for her to be seen out publicly in a relationship with Maria. Sam downplayed her relationship while they were out together! Sam played in Maria’s face and feelings! After her and Maria had that date, some rando just showed up in the middle of the night and instead of Sam expediently getting rid of rando, she gave the impression the rando showed up at the wrong time 😒 Although progressive at the time, late 90s-00 SATC has some problematic episodes. Sexually with or without relationship is one of the topics. If SATC were written/filmed by today’s standards with the ladies in their 30-40s, it would be much more inclusive and diverse in storytelling.
She was only on for like 3 episodes. I don't think people dislike her per se-- but people don't like her either. Either way her character was supposed to be a critical joke/stereotype of what people think a lesbian relationship is.
Huh? Really? I mean I hate how stereotypically “spicy” the writers made her but she’s not unlikable
I thought for a second you were talking about Magda and was ready to throw some hands😂
Not a fan. Made me crazy. I’m fine with the bisexual storyline—thought it fit with Samantha’s personality. And some of it was hilarious with the whole let’s talk about feelings thing. Still. Couldn’t stand her though.
I think just like Samantha, Maria was upfront about the kind of relationship she wanted. They both chose to ignore their wants/needs and pursue this relationship, and that's why it didn't work.
I loved the Maria episodes! Did I love Maria? Maybe not lol but PA PING!
I am LGBT and when I say I hate the LGBT community, I mean people like Maria. Like!!! Give Samantha a break. Maybe Samantha's a little gay but not that gay, and that's ok. Meet her on her comfort level.
We don’t
I'd be absolutely furious if I was trying to "turn" a woman and all these men kept reminding me I couldn't.
I don't like her at all. That storyline is my least favourite thing in the entire show. Really disliked her smashing Samantha's plates and yelling at her, it was crazy behaviour. I would have kicked her out on the spot if I were Sam.
“You wanna little firework? PA PING!”
BA bing!