Showing posts with label The Carrie Diaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Carrie Diaries. Show all posts
The end is almost nigh for Carrie's life in Castlebury. It's Graduation Day and the Castlebury group of friends are saying goodbye to their old lives as they move to the next stage in life. No word yet on if The Carrie Diaries will return for a third season; it's ratings have been stable and it's started to grow in its timeslot but we're talking about The CW. Anything could happen come May! Here's hoping the show comes back for another year.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie receives devastating news as she starts her new life, Maggie suspects Pete is cheating, Mouse runs in to an old flame, and Larissa sets the wedding of the century.
STOPPING BEFORE THE START
High school is gone! Done! This means that the Castlebury setting is over and the characters will be heading to the city (or their respective places) more often come next season. Picking up from the last episode, Carrie has accepted the job at Interview over attending NYU in the fall. Tom is not happy with her decision; she's on her own from this point out and he wishes that she made the right choice. On her first day of work, Carrie is shocked to hear that Larissa has been fired from Interview due to an article she was in but there's more to the story: Carrie was let go as well! She is close friends to Larissa, somewhat like a protege, and the Publisher decided to cut them both in one big swoop.
SUNNY FUN TIMES
Carrie's attempt at getting back into NYU is a failed cause; she turned down her acceptance and even if she made a cause to get back in, she wouldn't be able to go until the spring of next year. Sebastian, unsure of how to tell Carrie he's heading to California, is somewhat relieved to hear that she no longer has any commitments in New York. He invites her to join him in Malibu, enjoying the sun, sand and romantic times together until she has to come back - if she wants to come back. Even with advice yet again from Weaver, Carrie's still not sure what she really wants to do.
RUNAWAY CASE
Samantha is not one for relationships; she hates all the complications and wants to keep things simple. Elliot - her open marriage bed buddy - pops back into her life and plans a surprise meeting, Samantha pushes the guy away and demands that he leaves. She's always had a soft spot for him and ends up hooking up with him yet again; much to the dismay of Samantha. This latest hook up is making her think about her future and leaving the city may be her only shot to get away from Elliot.
867-5309/JENNY
Maggie is in love with her army guy, Pete. She's excited that her new school is closer to Pete's army base and they'll get to spend more time together. Though, something's up. Pete's acting a bit mysterious and when Maggie looks into his jacket pocket for chapstick, she finds a girl's number in his pocket. Donna and Walt thinks he's cheating and after placing a call, the mysterious Jenny hangs-up the phone. Maggie is not one to keep things quiet; she confronts Pete at the laundromat and finds out he's not cheating - he has an engagement ring and he proposes to her! She accepts but I'm thinking she's rushing into this. I mean, she's 18 years old and just graduated from school. Rushing much?
CASTLEBURY'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST
Mouse is the new valedictorian...and so is her ex-boyfriend, West. The former flames have yet to reconcile and their interactions are annoyance at best. The valedictorian gift is a set of encyclopedias but unfortunately for them, there's only one set and they'll have to share. Neither is willing to compromise on the letters! After some sarcastic (and truthful) words from the janitor, the pair reconcile and hook up one last time on the floor of the high school. The encyclopedias will be donated to someone else and both will end on good terms as Mouse heads to Harvard and West moves to Princeton.
I DO (BUT I CAN'T)
Larissa's wedding is the event of the year, taking place at a larger-than-life airport terminal. Bennett is officiating the ceremony and everyone is there to celebrate, including Tom. As Larissa speaks her vows to Harlan, Carrie begins to have second thoughts about her move to Malibu and leaving everyone behind on the East Coast. She tells Sebastian that she's no going with him and through a tearful confession, the pair say their final goodbyes, potentially forever.
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| All photos courtesy of The CW |
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Carrie is ready to pick up the pieces of her crumbling life. Larissa lets Carrie sublet her place for $550 a month (the 80s were tough for renters, weren't they?) and Carrie makes peace with her father, promising to stand on her own two feet and go to school. The young Ms. Bradshaw makes one final call to someone to come over and the mysterious person is Samantha. The future Samantha has made peace with Elliot after he left his wife and now she's changing her tune to leave the city. Carrie asks Samantha if she wants to live together on the condition that Samantha doesn't take Carrie's underwear. (Apparently Samantha has done away with underwear altogether!) The pair are now roommates and Carrie starts her new life in the city waiting tables until the next chapter begins.
Is this the real ending of Sebastian and Carrie? Will she get back together with Weaver? Now that high school is over, which friends will start to disappear? Will The Carrie Diaries come back for a third season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Prom. It's a magical night of bad dancing, blown allowances and great expectations to experience the best night of your life. Don't get me wrong - I liked my prom but actually living it, it's not the same as in TV or movies. Since The Carrie Diaries is a TV show, tons of drama, make-ups and break-ups are bound to ensue.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie and friends head to New York for prom, Larissa gives Carrie an ultimatum, Walt is conflicted over his life, and Mouse learns Donna's shameful secret.
A PICTURE-PERFECT NIGHT
Prom is only a few days away and the Castlebury friends are mixed over their plans for the big night. Sebastian is banned from attending after being expelled from school so Carrie, along with Mouse and Walt, are going solo. Maggie decides to bail on Pete instead to go as a group with her friends to the local inn where the prom is being held. Thanks to the fundraising from Mouse and overwhelming car wash sales from Donna, the aspiring prom queen uses the extra funds to change the prom's location to the Waldorf Astoria. They're heading to New York for prom!
FINDING HAPPINESS
Walt is a little uncomfortable heading back to the city; it reminds him of his break-up with Bennett, especially after deciding to hide his true self to return home. Maggie convinces him to attend and while at first he seems happy, he gets frustrated at Carrie when she tries to relate to his problems. Newsflash Carrie: deciding between a work life and going to school is not the same as Walt's real life issues!
Carrie apologizes for her comments and tells Walt that he should experience his own happiness the way he wants. He reaches out to Bennett and the pair reunite, becoming boyfriends again and reigniting their relationship. With the easy part done, Walt has to admit to his parents that he wants to live his life the way he wants and after coming clean, Walt's father, while uncomfortable with the topic, comes to accept Walt as his son and will approve of whatever paths Walt makes in life.
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| Photos courtesy of The CW |
DONNA'S DOUBLE LIFE
Mouse and Donna have an interesting friendship - they don't really have much in common but it somehow works. While organizing the fundraising cash, Mouse discovers Donna's secret: she got accepted to Columbia University and is, in reality, a brain. Donna only pretends to be dumb to be popular and it's all part of her plan to win prom queen. Unfortunately for her, the Jens, Donna's dim-witted minions, overhear her bragging to Mouse while at the prom and plot to reveal her lies to everyone. Donna ends up winning the crown and before it's placed on her head, the Jens rush the stage and reveal the truth. Donna's double life is public knowledge and her Castlebury classmates, while skeptical at first, accept their new prom queen as their own.
THAT'S SO IRONIC!
Dorrit is a bit of an 80's hipster. She's refuses to conform to the norm and doesn't want to attend prom unless it's ironically. Scott, her boyfriend but not defined boyfriend, convinces her to attend unless they can make a joke out of it. Pretty dresses, spiking the punch, dancing formally and renting a limo - Dorrit is actually starting to have a great time. The next day when Scott comes clean of his master plan - manipulating Dorrit in the process for the entire scheme, it impresses her enough to define him as her real boyfriend
THE FUTURE AWAITS
Carrie and Sebastian are finally getting what they want...or will they? For Sebastian, he's getting to work on his skateboarding business career while staying in New York while Larissa surprises Carrie by offering her Bennett's vacated job. However there's a catch: Carrie's job is full-time and that means she'll have to make a tough choice whether to take the Interview job or go to NYU in the fall. Sebastian tries to offer support and her friends give her their advice but the strangest advice may have tipped the scales.
Weaver, Carrie's ex-boyfriend, reappears out of nowhere on prom night to apologize to Carrie about everything he's done. She accepts his apology and takes into consideration his opinion to take the Interview job. In the end, Carrie accepts the job and tells Tom but he's not happy at all! He cuts Carrie off financially unless she goes to NYU and now she's left to fend for herself after high school, depending on her income to survive. Sebastian, on the other hand, will be heading to California instead to start his business, bringing with him his new (and adorable!) dog Ollie in tow.
Weaver, Carrie's ex-boyfriend, reappears out of nowhere on prom night to apologize to Carrie about everything he's done. She accepts his apology and takes into consideration his opinion to take the Interview job. In the end, Carrie accepts the job and tells Tom but he's not happy at all! He cuts Carrie off financially unless she goes to NYU and now she's left to fend for herself after high school, depending on her income to survive. Sebastian, on the other hand, will be heading to California instead to start his business, bringing with him his new (and adorable!) dog Ollie in tow.
Did Carrie make the right decision? Are you excited Walt and Bennett are back together? Is this the last we'll see of Bennett? Will Weaver pop up again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ambition (or lack there of) can change someone's life in ways they could only dream. Working hard and doing anything to reach the next phase in a career is the goal of many, including the young Ms. Carrie Bradshaw. However, when the opportunities start to present themselves, will the future writer take the advantage when it might hurt someone in the process?
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie tries to help a troubled Bennett, Sebastian's father returns to town with an agenda, Maggie worries about her new relationship, and Tom battles an equally strong legal rival.
A NIGHT AT THE BALLET
Bennett didn't handle the events of last week's episode too well. After breaking up with Walt and finding out his ex-boyfriend is dying of AIDS, he throws himself into partying and blowing off work. Carrie tries to cover for her friend but Larissa, demanding to receive his missing article on parachute pants, is already growing tired of letting Bennett take advantage for weeks. Carrie decides to write the fashion piece for Bennett but she never realized that Larissa would love the story and praise him for his work; much to the discomfort of Carrie. I would be mad too if I worked hard on a story and someone else got all the credit!
When Bennett finally arrives to work, receiving the credit and a stern talking to from Carrie, he feigns mental distress and leaves work to party with the boys. Carrie is livid at this point and takes his next writing job to interview the prima ballerina at the New York Ballet. Carrie has this charm to her and makes fast friends with the ballerina, getting a juicy interview in the process, but Larissa is on to Carrie's game. She knows that Carrie wrote the story, deducing the writing style from Bennett's last article, and gives Carrie the byline - causing Bennett to get fired in the process!
MONEY TROUBLES
Sebastian at times has proven to be more mature than his parents. He receives word from his father that he'll be stopping by for a visit and what he originally thought would be a simply check-up became a request for money. Sebastian's father is broke! He lost all his money in bonds that went downhill and he needs Sebastian's trust fund to recoup his loses. What's Sebastian to do? He gives the money to his father and now must fend for himself, waiting to find out if he'll ever see the money again. Hopefully the Tony Hawk deal works for him or else he'll be in major trouble.
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| Photos courtesy of The CW |
RELATIONSHIP WOES
Samantha, not one for relationships...or steady work, sparks an interest in a new man, Elliot, while on the hunt to find a missing bird for $500. They connect (in more ways than one) and for the first time, she's smitten and considers a real relationship with him. The problem? Elliot is revealed to be married when Samantha and Carrie find him at the ballet with his wife. He says that they have an open marriage (even I had to laugh at that lie), but after the wife breaks down in tears when meeting Samantha and coming face-to-face with her husband's mistress, Samantha calls off the tryst as she is not one to enjoy complicated matters and sharing her man with anyone.
PLAYING IT COOL
Maggie has a new guy - Pete, the army guy from last week's episode - and she's head-over-heels for him. When she finds out he's coming for a visit, Mouse and Donna try to help Maggie not screw things up with Pete; effectively telling her to not screw him too early. Changing their extravagant dinner plans to the diner, not shaving her legs and blowing him off - Maggie's plans backfire as Pete cancels the rest of his trip to head home early. She rushes to the bus station to see him, explaining everything and reconciling their relationship. Best moment (and maybe a tad rushed?): Pete said he loves Maggie! I'm not the biggest Maggie fan but even I felt happy for her - too cute.
A GAME OF WITS
Tom claims to be a tough New York lawyer but he was bested on more than one occasion by a new opponent, Penny. She fakes a clumsy persona and steals a few of his documents, learning confidential information about Tom's client for a deal. Dorrit, trying to help Tom for once, uses her evil ability to trick Penny by stealing her legal documents, helping Tom to barter a truce to finish the agreement in peace. Tom and Penny have sparks and I wouldn't mind seeing them together again; besides, they hooked up pretty fast for a pair that might never see each other again.
Will Carrie thrive at Interview now that she has a job? Is this the last we'll see of Bennett or Penny? Will Sebastian's father return the money? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The real world comes knocking on this week's episode of The Carrie Diaries. For what normally is a fun and fluffy show, real life issues from the 80's were tackled as Carrie and Walt experienced their first brush with the AIDS epidemic in New York City. I enjoy The Carrie Diaries as a fan but I have to give credit where it's due. There's TV life and then there's real life and I'm glad the show went there to tackle the feelings of something major back then that still affects the real world today. Good job, The Carrie Diaries.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Walt panics over the uncertainty, Carrie and Sebastian argue over the future, Maggie enlists help to save her future, and Dorrit celebrates anti-Valentine's Day.
WHEN LIFE GETS REAL
Walt hasn't fully come to terms with being gay since he started admitting it. His friends have embraced it and he's had Bennett to lean on but this week he was overwhelmed with the real world. Instead of having the intimate Valentine's Day dinner he planned, Bennett convinces Walt to come to the hottest new gay bar in town, Boy, where Samantha works and spend the night at the Heartbreaking Party. At first he's scared at the new prospects but he slowly starts to have fun until a friend of Bennett's ex-boyfriend reveals that Bennett's ex, Eric, contracted HIV/AIDS and that Bennett should get tested.
Walt, terrified at the idea of dying, pushes everyone away and runs to Carrie's house to cry. While both Bennett and Walt receive negative tests, Walt is so scared for the future, potentially giving up everything he originally wanted, that he breaks up with Bennett and calls his Mother to go home. I understand where Walt is coming from but he shouldn't push away and I have feeling that he'll try to "fix" the situation or lie to himself. If so, hopefully that's resolved by the end of this season as I really like Walt and Bennett together.
HITTING THE BOARD
Sebastian is turning over a new leaf and Carrie's none too happy about being left in the dust. After moving to New York from California, Sebastian is excited to begin a new business venture with his skateboarder friend, Tony Hawk. Boards, shirts, merchandise and designs - Sebastian is on to a popular new trend but Carrie won't look at the big picture as she's mad that he's cancelled Valentine's Day to discuss business plans with Tony. Though, after hearing he might move back to L.A. for the business, he's lucky she didn't break up with him. She spends Valentine's Day at the bar but after hearing Walt and Bennett could be diagnosed with HIV, she breaks down at Sebastian's apartment and the two reconnect once more, heading out to find her friend.
TOM FINALLY WINS!
In the two seasons so far, Tom has learned a thing or two about parenting Dorrit and reverse psychology. Dorrit spends Valentine's Day watching unromantic movies with Scott and Tom ends up taking a liking to the new young man. If he admits that he likes her choice in boyfriends, Dorrit will dump Scott so he does the only thing he can do: lie. He demands she not see him anymore but she rebels and the two continue to date.
LADY GODIVA RIDES
Larissa loves the attention and for once, Samantha is taking it all away, leaving Larissa with nothing. While working at Boy, Samantha rides in completely naked while on a horse - inspired by Lady Godiva. Larissa tries to dethrone the queen, pulling off her fake hair and leaving Samantha without cover, but the club-goers are on Samantha's side and Larissa is forced out. The two frenemies end up making up and ride into the club together...while still on the horse.
UNDERCOVER DUTY
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| Photos courtesy of The CW |
Maggie and Mouse join forces with Donna to help Maggie escape a future in the army. Maggie's main conflict has been her future; she got accepted to Central Connecticut State University without financial aid and after hearing all the positives (i.e. traveling, free school, dedication) from a recruiter, she signed up. Mouse warns Maggie and by finally thinking it over, Maggie admits that she doesn't want to join the army afterall. With the help of Donna and her feminine ways, the trio sneak into the army base to look for Maggie's application but get caught in the process. The recruiter, Pete, ends up ripping up the papers for her but not before getting Maggie's name and number for a date
What desperate actions will Walt do next? Can the brokenhearted boyfriends reunite? Does Sebastian's business plans mean the end of the relationship? Will Maggie find a way to pay for school? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
A new year for The Carrie Diaries and the characters are already feeling the pressure. Five episodes left in the season (potentially the series) and several of the characters are trying to handle the new change in the lives. New romance, education, commitment, distance - when the challenge is put forward, which characters will thrive with change and which will slowly crumble through the remainder of the season? We'll find out soon enough!
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Dorrit throws an impromptu house party while Tom is away working, Mouse and Donna find common ground, and Carrie feels the pain of long distance dating.
HOUSE PARTY HANGOVER
Dorrit,
while normally relegated to the role of bratty sister, is taking the
lead this episode by throwing a house party while Tom is away to land a
new boyfriend. Earlier in the day, Donna LaDonna spots the younger
Bradshaw at school flirting with a typical bad boy and offers her the
"best" advice to catch her new man: throw a party. Dorrit sets the
events in motion and spends the entire evening playing it coy with the
bad boy by eating a pot-brownie, throwing herself at the guy and
ignoring his nice best friend, who is clearly interested in Dorrit after he lied to protect her.
(Anyone else think they'll start dating soon?)
Her original plan to get the bad boy works and the two sneak away after the party, snuggling up on her
bed until the next morning. Downside? He has a girlfriend! She throws
the cheater out and returns to clean the house, not revealing what she did.
WORLDS APART
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| All photos provided by The CW |
Long distance dating can make or break relationships and Carrie is learning firsthand that it takes a lot of work to connect hours apart. After getting some troubling advice from Larissa about long distance dating, Carrie is surprised when Sebastian arrives in Castlebury and announces that he's going to move back home for her - one of the warning signs that Larissa mentioned earlier. She tries to ignore her worries, throwing herself into the mood with Sebastian but nothing is ever too picturesque when dealing with the heart and Carrie Bradshaw.
Dorrit's party throws a wrench into the nightly plans and Carrie is kept away from her guy as she tries to keep the house intact. Even Sebastian's Mother shows up to kill the mood; she refuses to help him move back home and for a while, Carrie is left wondering if she wants him back. Sebastian's Father offers to pay his way and he rents Larissa's old apartment to be close to Carrie. Moving for someone is never a great option for the relationship, it can either help or hurt the relationship and we'll find out if Larissa's words will foreshadow the death to the romance.
THE DOWNSIDE OF GETTING WHAT YOU WANT
Mouse and Donna are two completely different characters: one is obsessive-compulsive and studious while the other is materialistic and flirty (I chose a nicer word here). Neither have much in common except their need to compete. Mouse is feeling empty after accomplishing her goal of getting into Harvard - it was everything that she wanted and now that motivation is gone. Donna, on the other hand, has dated every single available (in her words, "attractive") guys in school and there's no one left. The two bond for the first time, competing over a game of beer pong and end up spooning in a drunken haze after the party.
THE "I" IN MARRIAGE
Larissa and Harlan, Tom's legal partner, are getting married and they've enlisted Tom's help to prepare the pre-nup. He turns down the offer at first but ends up spending the entire night helping the pair allocate their assets, from the naughty items (like a collection of porn) to the naughty clauses (i.e. sex four times a week). Everything is easy at first but Larissa refuses to move in with Harlan, demanding her own individuality to not lose herself in the marriage. Before the engagement is called off, Tom rectifies the manner and Harlan offers to buy Larissa a new pad (the one next door to his) so that they'll be together but not together. It sounds good at first - I would love to have the size of that giant apartment!
Will sparks fly between Dorrit and the new nice boy? Does the move to New York spell disaster for Carrie and Sebastian? Will Donna ever get her own storyline? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
When is too comfortable not the right fit?
The young Ms. Bradshaw and crew were put to the test as their relationships crashed and burned on The Carrie Diaries. Some excelled with taking risks for the future while some couldn't live without staying in the comfort zone.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie tackles her first topic of writing sex, Maggie finds a friend in Sebastian, Larissa bonds with Samantha, and Walt sets a brave face for Bennett.
THE FIRST OF MANY
Weaver, the young writer and Carrie's current beau, is the lucky man to earn her heart and V-card in the last episode. Even though the couple are enjoying their new found bliss, Carrie is still pretty new to talking about sex in public or to her friends. An essay at the New School - Carrie's writing program - offers Carrie a chance to explore a topic that would take her out of her comfort zone: sex. She's ready to start but Weaver isn't as agreeable; he tries to talk her out of the story idea and focus on something safer. Carrie may not be fully ready to discuss sex now but the future sex columnist isn't ready to throw in the towel yet and writes the story regardless.
I never had a problem with Weaver. He seemed like a good match for Carrie; a more stable boyfriend than Sebastian and definitely more likeable than George. His decision to read Carrie's diary was a bad move and I was unsure if the couple would survive after that. They've called it quits for now and it may be for the best but I wouldn't expect them to be a part for much longer. The boy who took Carrie Bradshaw's virginity won't disappear that easily.
BABY ON BOARD
Maggie is the victim of the teen drama trope. A night of passion has left her pregnant and alone while carrying the child of her secret affair. She reaches out to the father but is spurned to fend off the responsibility alone. With nowhere left to turn, Maggie seeks Sebastian's comfort - first by coming onto him (only to be rejected) and then by explaining the situation of being pregnant. Maggie has a friend in Sebastian but how long does Maggie have until she has to make a decision: keep the baby, adoption or an aboration?
BURNING LOVE
Walt and Bennett are the perfect romance on The Carrie Diaries. I love their interactions and Walt's personal story of overcoming his fears to be with the guy he loves. For this episode Bennett moves into a new apartment in a scary neighbourhood as Stanford, Bennett's roommate and Carrie's future BFF, has decided to live the year in Ibiza. Walt, while scared at first, overcomes his fears and sprays himself with mace in the process.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
The two queens of sexual drama come to a head when their desires intersect. To celebrate Larissa's one-year anniversary with Harlan, she engages in a threesome with Samantha. Unfortunately, Harlan isn't able to make the meeting but the two girls don't waste the opportunity, they succumb to the pleasure and film the experience for Harlan's future enjoyment.
BACK-UP PLAN
Mouse possibly had the most frustrating plotline this week. She refused to apply to a back-up school and focus solely on her dreams at Harvard before realizing that having a safety school was the best advice. We've all had that friend who's safety school was our top choice. Ugh! Really Mouse?!
Was it too soon to get rid of Weaver? Will Samantha and Larissa connect again? How will Maggie cope with her new predicament? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
BABY ON BOARDMaggie is the victim of the teen drama trope. A night of passion has left her pregnant and alone while carrying the child of her secret affair. She reaches out to the father but is spurned to fend off the responsibility alone. With nowhere left to turn, Maggie seeks Sebastian's comfort - first by coming onto him (only to be rejected) and then by explaining the situation of being pregnant. Maggie has a friend in Sebastian but how long does Maggie have until she has to make a decision: keep the baby, adoption or an aboration?
BURNING LOVE
Walt and Bennett are the perfect romance on The Carrie Diaries. I love their interactions and Walt's personal story of overcoming his fears to be with the guy he loves. For this episode Bennett moves into a new apartment in a scary neighbourhood as Stanford, Bennett's roommate and Carrie's future BFF, has decided to live the year in Ibiza. Walt, while scared at first, overcomes his fears and sprays himself with mace in the process.
DOUBLE TROUBLEThe two queens of sexual drama come to a head when their desires intersect. To celebrate Larissa's one-year anniversary with Harlan, she engages in a threesome with Samantha. Unfortunately, Harlan isn't able to make the meeting but the two girls don't waste the opportunity, they succumb to the pleasure and film the experience for Harlan's future enjoyment.
BACK-UP PLAN
Mouse possibly had the most frustrating plotline this week. She refused to apply to a back-up school and focus solely on her dreams at Harvard before realizing that having a safety school was the best advice. We've all had that friend who's safety school was our top choice. Ugh! Really Mouse?!
Was it too soon to get rid of Weaver? Will Samantha and Larissa connect again? How will Maggie cope with her new predicament? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Plenty of romance and hook-ups are making their way to The Carrie Diaries.
While the first season toyed around with the ideas of innuendos and flirtatious hook-ups, this episode lit the steamy fire. Throw Samantha Jones and Larissa into the mix, The Carrie Diaries sparked its first intense and passionate episode with the characters. Dare I say, it felt a little like Sex and the City.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Larissa arrives from her adventures overseas, Tom returns to the fold, Maggie makes peace, and Sebastian comes to terms with the future.
THE ACT OF ZEN
Larissa is the wild and carefree editor-in-chief at Interview Magazine. She left at the end of last season to become a geisha which allowed Carrie and Walt to live in Manhattan during the summer. Now that she's arrived back, the pair have to head back home for the school year. (Sigh!) Upon her return to the city, Larissa introduced Carrie to the world of zen: not just for any stressful moment but for helping to give up Sebastian. Her practice makes perfect at first until she sees Sebastian. Plenty of shirt removing, kissing and desk kicking ensue in their classroom make-out session. Go Ms. Bradshaw!
At first I thought "Kyddshaw" would reunite but luckily the pair didn't. Sebastian realized that he was holding Carrie back and decided to let her be free. Their relationship is toxic and for Carrie to live the life we all hope, she needs to give up the bad boy.
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| All photos provided by The CW |
Walt and Maggie had a lot to overcome, not just for their friendship but with their lives: Walt with finally coming to terms with himself and Maggie with her future. Bennett, Donna and Mouse, while supportive, offer help and advice to the conflicted pair. Donna plays Walt's beard, which ultimately gets him punched by Donna's boyfriend, while Mouse continues to reassure Maggie about going to college. It isn't until the two finally meet and become friends again do they show some kind of resolution to their storyline. Maggie became really unlikable last season and I'm glad to see she's turning over a new leaf.
LAWYER IN THE CITY
Tom has a new job! Well, it's his old job at his former firm in New York with Harlan. Except for catching Larissa and Harlan in the act, nothing else progressed for the new big city lawyer. Though, I'm wondering if this storyline will have the Bradshaws move to New York? It would change the pace for the rest of the series.
BATTLE OF THE QUEEN BEES
Larissa and Samantha are two sides of the same coin; one is classier while the other is more modern. Both immediately started fighting after their first meeting but strangely the pair had a few moments together that sparked a potential frenemy status. While Larissa hooked up with Harlan and Samantha with an unknown ninja, I suspect that these two will fight for supremacy as the flirtatious force of The Carrie Diaries before admitting their friendship. Maybe Larissa is the one that helps Samantha break into the world of marketing/PR?
Now that Sebastian is out of the picture, will Carrie find a new guy? How long will Walt's life stay a secret? Will Maggie get into college? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
More New York episodes make the show a brighter place.
Similar to last season, the episodes that focused in the Big Apple are my favourites. Castlebury, while important to Carrie's past, doesn't hold the same appeal with episodes as do the New York storylines. It's similar to the current situation with Glee - the New York storyline is the real draw while the Lima focus can be a hit-or-miss. Since Carrie and friends are still high school students, I'm interested to see how the show progresses when it moves back to including the school setting.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Walt and friends celebrate his 18th birthday at the Z100 festival, Samantha overstays her welcome, Carrie looks to the future, and Tom defines his relationship.
BIRTHDAY BOY
The moment has finally arrived: Walt is turning 18 years old. (Did anyone else feel really creepy right now?) I mean this strictly in the sense of the Bennett factor, as at the end of last season, the two didn't start a relationship as Bennett wanted to wait until Walt turned 18 years old. Arguably, Walt had the strongest character story and finally seeing him with the boy he likes is a happy moment to see.
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| Photos courtesy of The CW |
To celebrate Walt's big day, Mouse and Donna head to the city to party with Carrie, Walt and Samantha. Bennett is unfortunately working the Z100 festival and to have Walt spend time with his guy, Samantha helps the group get into the festival too. Tainted food - courtesy of Mouse - leads the group to head home in a fit of nausea but by the end of the episode, Walt and Bennett come to terms with their relationship. They're not defining it as a serious relationship and want to spend time together to see where it goes. Not exactly "happily ever after" but a nice to start to something more.
CALLING MS. JONES
Before Samantha finds a future as a PR maven, she had to make a living somehow. Last week it was as a bouncer and this week, it's a phone sex operator. Even though she does good by helping Mouse in the ways of dirty talk and gets the group into the festival, her presence in Larissa's apartment is wearing thin. The illustrious Interview editor is returning within a week and Carrie needs to find a way to get Samantha out, even though her new friend has no place to go.
After the debacle with tainted food - which led Carrie to potentially ruin her program interview - Carrie lashes out at her new friend and demands she leaves. Instead of caviar that Samantha bought off a truck, it turns out the eggs in Mouse's quiche were expired and cause the group to vomit in hysterical fashion. Carrie apologizes to Samantha and the two reconnect.
ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
Sebastian has never been one to approve of his family. Meeting his mother last season, we finally caught a glimpse of his relationship (or lack there of) with his father. They decide to rebuild a car together but Sebastian's father has another plan: he plans to sell it to a business partner. After being letdown by his father yet again, the bad boy heads to the city to reconnect with Carrie but the future columnist is not having any of it. She lashes out and confirms that she still loves him but hates herself for it. Ouch! If I heard that from my ex (or had to say it), I don't think I could hold it together.
QUIRKY HABITS
Tom is finally getting a storyline separate from his daughters. He's still hooking up with Deb from last season but this time, they've defined the relationship. An official woman is now in his life and on top of that, Carrie of his "gym" workouts.
How will things change with Larissa back? Will Carrie forgive Sebastian? Does Carrie still have a shot at the writing program? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The little scrappy show is back to fight again.
Last season had a shocking and uphill battle for renewal. I don't think anyone expected The Carrie Diaries to return with its ratings, especially on a network like The CW, which only has a limited schedule as is. Though, I'm happy it did and I was pleasantly excited to see how the premiere of the second season would turn out. New faces (Samantha!) and more footage in the city, I already prefer it much more than some of last season's episodes. Will the show survive? I'm still on the realistic side, but at least we'll see how things go with the new changes.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie loses a treasured icon but gains a new ally, Mouse brings the fight to Maggie, and Dorrit's love life is uncovered by her father.
WELCOME MS. JONES
The first season is a faint memory. Change is good and "Win Some, Lose Some" washes away the childish theme of the first season to introduce a more mature Carrie Bradshaw. Who am I kidding! Carrie is still in her naive phase, but she's grown up since Sebastian cheated on her last season. The time away in Manhattan gave her and Walt more independence to grow up and live the life they want. However, when Sebastian shows up with Donna for a party night in the city, Carrie reverts to her old ways and avoids dealing with her toxic ex to attend a different club.
Two major events happened this episode. The purse, as in the Carrie purse, is stolen outside the club and Ms. Bradshaw has a mini panic attack, practically calling the police and breaking down at each available moment. The purse, while nostalgic and important, is better off gone moving forward - Carrie needs to mature and holding onto something from the past keeps her from moving on to the character we all know. The theme was a little too on the nose but if introducing Samantha was a trade-off, I'd be happy to see it gone forever.
Samantha Jones, the witty and larger-than-life character from the main series, is introduced as Donna's cousin and a bouncer in New York. In the span of one hour, Samantha loses her underwear, flirts with cops, helps Carrie break into her apartment, and delivers a multitude of life lessons to Bambi (i.e. Carrie). Samantha's a breath of fresh air the show needed to feel more like the original series and Lindsay Gort owns the role as her own person; fans of the original would be proud. Samantha helps the young Ms. Bradshaw out but calls on a favour to crash at her place for a few episodes. Let the fun begin!
MY ENEMY, MY FRIEND
Castlebury.... if only your storylines disappeared. Mouse and West, picking up their official new relationship from the end of last season, spend fourth of July at the country club for some food and fireworks. Unbeknownst to Mouse, Maggie is working the party to raise money for college and ends up fired by the end of episode - due to Mouse. I've never been drawn to Maggie as a character - she's a little egotistic, self-centered and plays the victim card too much. The Carrie Diaries' writers probably introduced the student and money issues to add some humility to the villainous character. Mouse ends up forgiving her friend but will Carrie be as forgiving?
BOYFRIEND BLUES
Miller and Dorrit balance each other. Both are rebels in their own right, defy the rules of convention, and refuse to conform to the expectations of others. While Tom, failing as parent to spot the obvious, finally discovers that Dorrit not only has a boyfriend but has spent the night with him, invites Miller to the house and meets the new boyfriend face-to-face. It's great to see Tom try and reach out to his daughter; even if he it failed miserably at it. Dorrit takes a stand and reverts back to her punk trendy style. I like the look - it's very Topshop now.
What adventures will Samantha dragged Carrie into next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Don't put away the neon colours and Manolos just yet folks!
As reported on Thursday via Deadline, The CW has renewed their remaining bubble series The Carrie Diaries and Nikita for another season. Both pick-ups come late to the game as the youth-skewing network already announced renewals of its current programming like The Vampire Diaries, Hart of Dixie, Supernatural, Beauty and the Beast and Arrow.
Veteran series Nikita has confirmed to be returning for their fourth and final year. While it won't be for a full 22 episode order, reports are swirling that the current number is set at six episodes. The episode order can always change based on the success (and profitability) of the final season.
The biggest surprise of the night may be the renewal of teen bubble series The Carrie Diaries. Being a prequel of international hit series Sex and the City did provide initial media buzz, the show has had a hard time building on its name, averaging around a 0.4-0.5 demo throughout its 13 episode run. Though, that doesn't mean people aren't watching - The Carrie Diaries currently ranks as The CW's second highest rated show with online streaming. The CW's multi-million dollar deals with sites such as Hulu and Netflix, as well as impending international airing, might have saved the series from an impending cancellation.
Are you happy to see both series return? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The (potential) end is here for Ms. Bradshaw.
Thirteen episodes have passed and this week marked the season finale for The CW's bubble series. Will it come back for another year? Chances are not but anything can really happen. The ratings have been lackluster at best and it didn't perform well with the big marketing push. However, The Carrie Diaries apparently is the network's second highest rated series online. Plus, The CW is so unpredictable that I've stopped guessing, especially after the last two years being wrong.
Instead of the typical recap review, I'm going to look over the past season and share my thoughts for what I'm hoping for in the (uncertainly long-shot) second season. I'll keep this quick and easy while trying to keep things moving steadily.
KYDDSHAW NO MORE
The teen power couple was bound to break up yet again; in fact, the pair made up and broke up twice in the same season finale. Normally a couple like this would find some sort of resolution in the following season but I think this is the end and it should stay that way. Carrie Bradshaw needs more experiences with dating and Sebastian was just getting in the way; he couldn't measure up and he simply reverted back to his old habits. Sleeping with Maggie (Carrie's best fiend) and breaking that trust was just one straw too many. Now that Carrie is once again single, she needs to experiment and learn a thing or two about dating beyond the hometown bad boy. Maybe an introduction to the boy who does take her virginity?
BEST FRIENDS FOR NEVER
The Carrie Diaries features an impressive ensemble cast of characters from Carrie's childhood hometown... and yet they somehow are never mentioned in the future. The obvious answer is because she grew up and a book/show can't bring up EVERY person in a fictional character's life. Now that Carrie is spending more time in New York and less away from Castlebury, new characters could be introduced while others are fazed out.
Walt and Mouse should be kept on as Carrie's closest friends. Walt's personal coming out story has been the one to watch and he might be the only one on par with Carrie who wants a New York lifestyle. Mouse, on the other hand, is hilarious and while I think she should be let go after their high school graduation, she still is the comedic character. Maggie, the former best friend, should be downgraded to supporting or fazed out completely. She betrayed Carrie and possibly triggered Carrie's narrow view of romance and dating. It would help her character development more if Maggie weren't around as a whiny and heartbroken main character but supporting or a guest star villain. Cheating is cheating and The Carries Diaries needs a kick of drama.
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| All photos courtesy of The CW and TV Guide |
Donna and Dorrit are in this state of limbo for me. Donna has been underutilized and unless she becomes more of a villain or Carrie's friend, I don't see any purpose for her. She's become more of a supporting character than anything useful; a let down for the drama that's juvenile. Meanwhile, Carrie's little sister has grown on me and her relationship with Miller was the change she needed. (Anyone else feel creepy their father doesn't mind she's dating a senior?) Let's just hope she doesn't revert to her old angst ways.
NEW YORK OR BUST
Carrie and Walt are finally in New York to live the life we've all waited to see (for the summer at least). Now that they're in the city, The Carrie Diaries should add more references to the original series and start to introduce many of the staple characters like Stanford, Samantha and Miranda to name a few. These characters are what viewers want to see and I would love to have more origin episodes compared to teen angst. I'm not saying to abandon all the original characters that were introduced in Season One, but to expand the group to provide a healthy mix and explain WHY many of the The Carrie Diaries cast didn't transition to Carrie's life in Sex and the City years.
Final renewal news won't be revealed until May and even then I don't expect it to be good. The CW is clearly moving in another direction with their programming and the only thing that could save The Carrie Diaries is its potential. Online viewing does help (very small at least) to build on live ratings over the summer for fall and already being a midseason show had a major strike against its renewal chances. A full season is out of the question but a midseason might work to try a 13 episode order. Though in a realistic landscape, this could be the swan song for Carrie's early years before the city. I did like the series, there were moments that stood out and major changes that need to happen for the show to grow.
Do you think The Carrie Diaries will return? Share your predictions and season thoughts below in the comments.
Carrie and Sebastian will try to take their relationship to the next level.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie and Sebastian crash Madonna's "Like A Virgin" party, tensions boil over for Mouse, and Carrie's father learns a thing or two about dating.
THE NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Kyddshaw (you know, the couple name for Carrie and Sebastian) have reached a point in their relationship when things get serious. The brooding bad boy spills his guts and admits that he loves the future sex columnist but she can't say it back. Instead she practically throws herself and offers a free invitation to the bedroom. (NOW it feels like Sex and the City!). Meanwhile, at Interview Magazine, the style icons are preparing for a one night only Madonna tour party and both Larissa and Bennett invite Carrie to tag along; with a halfhearted invite for Sebastian too.
Madonna isn't the only highlight of the night - tonight is the night Carrie might lose her v-card! (Wouldn't place your bets just yet, I'd guess the season finale). She and Sebastian plan for a night to remember but in teen dramas, plans don't always follow through. The event starts off right, with Bennett offering an amazing mantra for VIP booths. ("The party's in there and if you're not on the list, you're just a commoner"). Miss Bradshaw is full royalty but Sebastian didn't get the memo - he's not on the list.
Carrie secures an extra wristband for her too-cool-for-parties boyfriend and while she redeems herself, the tension slowly bubbles over for this teen couple. Her ambition pulls her away for an Interview Magazine byline and she repeatedly apologizes, even though she shouldn't have to. (This is Carrie's job - she has to work). The cracks are forming for Kyddshaw, they didn't sleep together (yet) and now it's only a matter of time before they potentially break up.
While Carrie's romantic night fizzled, Mouse finally got back on the horse. She and Wes, her competitive admirer, resisted the urge to admit their true feelings for each other... at first. During a fundraising meeting, Mouse and Wes are the only two volunteers left to package chocolate bars. He baits Mouse on until they practically attack each other in the middle of the classroom floor. Mouse might be giving Samantha a run for her money with hook-ups.
DATING ON THE WRONG END
Carrie's family both succeeded and failed with their dating life. Tom, Carrie's father, had an overnight with his new ladylove but criticized his "girlfriend" about raising children as a single parent. (Plus, walking around the house naked didn't help). He did redeem himself and they're still together, he's lucky that she gave him another shot. Dorrit, on the other hand, excelled with her new not-so-bad boy Miller. I'm not sure if they hooked up at the end; the laughing could mean anything. Though, I think it will kill Carrie to find out her younger sister might have lost it before her. We'll definitely finds out in next week's season finale.
Someone is DEFINITELY losing their v-card next week, will it be the young Miss Bradshaw? Post in the comments and share your thoughts on this week's episode.