In Defense of Steve Brady: A Reflection on "And Just Like That..."

The popular series "And Just Like That…" has garnered attention for a myriad of reasons. But for some of us, it’s the treatment of the character Steve Brady, the affable bartender and loving husband of lawyer Miranda Hobbes, that has caught our eye — and not always for the right reasons. Has the show, in its pursuit of modernity, forgotten the heart and soul of its characters? Let's dive into this deeper. In its previous season, the series bestowed upon Steve an arc that highlighted his level-headed demeanor. Many fans, myself included, reminisce about that touching moment when he salvaged Carrie's ring from the sink in the episode “No Strings Attached”. His reaction to Miranda's heart-wrenching "I want a divorce" was filled with the very essence of Steve – a man who exudes an everyman charm, reminiscent of his working-class roots, without relying on trite stereotypes. It's here that I confess a personal connection to Steve. In him, I see traces of my own spouse - a blue-collar man who is fiercely dedicated to family and possesses a knack for fixing things, whether they are tangible or emotional. This dynamic of differing socioeconomic backgrounds between Steve and Miranda was previously captured with finesse in "Sex and the City", the precursor to "And Just Like That…”. An episode that particularly stands out is “The Caste System”, wherein Steve grapples with feelings of inadequacy for not being able to buy a posh suit for Miranda's upscale work event. However, as the narrative unfolds in the latest season, it appears that the show has replaced its earlier nuanced approach to class disparities with a more pronounced emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. Current episodes delve into rather elite problems, from choosing outfits for the Met Gala to addressing the caprices of high-end phones. Intriguingly, none of these tribulations are ever Steve's to bear. My concern isn't merely about the reduced screen time allocated to Steve, although his limited presence is indeed felt. It's about the reimagining of his core persona. The show, in an attempt to generate empathy for Miranda, seems to have transformed Steve's character in ways that are unfamiliar to fans. A case in point is the “Bomb Cyclone” episode, where Steve astonishingly confesses to lying about moving out of their shared house, a move that feels entirely out of character. Such a deceptive side of Steve is hitherto unseen and feels discordant. When Miranda justified her infidelity with Che, she mentioned that her marital life "isn’t enough", and her reason to separate from Steve is her yearning for “more”. While the exploration of relationship dynamics and the complexities of monogamy are worthwhile, it's essential to remember that a marital relationship often mimics a business partnership. Partners work collaboratively to ensure the seamless operation of this 'enterprise', and not every day is awash with romance. Moments of mundane discussions, like scheduling dental appointments, are as integral to marriage as are moments of passion. While watching the initial episodes, I was under the impression that Miranda and Steve had a harmonious 'business' partnership. Their choices and habits showcased a deep-rooted companionship. Before Che's entrance, their nights were filled with shared interests and a palpable connection. Why then the need to disrupt this balance? I reminisce about the initial days of romance, much like Miranda's budding feelings for Che. But isn't the essence of long-term relationships about stability and companionship? About finding someone who is there for you, through thick and thin? Although "And Just Like That…" and its predecessor "Sex and the City" are not paragons of realism, a part of me yearns for a plot twist: a heartfelt reunion between Miranda and Steve. Some might view such a reunion as stifling for Miranda, but there are viewers, like myself, who would consider it a testament to the resilience of love and commitment. To sum up, Steve Brady deserves more than a sidelined narrative or an altered character arc. For many of us, he symbolizes the heart of the series and stands as a beacon of genuine, unadulterated love. It's high time the show recognizes this and does justice to one of its most cherished characters. https://fanaticsfashion.com/in-defense-of-steve-brady-a-reflection-on-and-just-like-that/?feed_id=3696&_unique_id=65188f9ca51a2