And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 2 – “The Rat Race” Recap
Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) thought she had reached peace in her new Gramercy brownstone, contentedly writing her historical fiction in the garden. But when rats—yes, literal rats—invade her idyllic space, her world starts unraveling. Episode 2 of And Just Like That Season 3, titled “The Rat Race,” uses this infestation as a metaphor for the emotional chaos lurking beneath the surface of every relationship. As Carrie wrestles with texting Aidan, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) falls down a reality TV rabbit hole, and Seema (Sarita Choudhury) tries to change herself for love, each woman is faced with the question: are they really happy, or just going through the motions?
CARRIE AND THE RAT(S)
Carrie’s neighbor Lisette (Katerina Tannenbaum) sets the tone early, complaining to Carrie about modern dating and how she’s more emotionally connected to her phone than to people. Her comment resonates. Carrie finds herself obsessing over a text to Aidan (John Corbett) about the rat infestation in her yard. Though she records a voice message, she ultimately deletes it, unsure if reaching out violates Aidan’s request for limited contact.
Surprisingly, Aidan throws all his own rules out the window by showing up at Carrie’s townhouse unannounced. They reconnect physically, and Carrie finally opens up about her unsent message. Aidan calls her hesitation “crazy,” which only deepens the confusion about their undefined relationship. He then contradicts himself again, telling Carrie to “fire away” with texts anytime she wants, though he warns her she might get “Muzak” in return.
Their communication remains rocky. Carrie later texts him about buying a table, only to receive a passive thumbs-down emoji. To Miranda, she admits, “That’s not a relationship.” Still, she clings to hope, asking the dreamy new landscaper Adam Gardens for advice about her dirt patch of a backyard. When he echoes her sentiments with a flirty “What do you think?”, Carrie blushes. Maybe Aidan isn’t the only one with potential.
MIRANDA’S LOVE MISFIRES
Miranda, meanwhile, has found a new obsession: a reality dating show called Bi Bingo. She watches it religiously, even during work hours, and becomes a regular at Rosa Mexicano just to chat with the cute waitress about the show. Encouraged by their chemistry, Miranda makes a bold move and asks her out.
Unfortunately, the waitress turns out to be straight and married with children. Miranda retreats in embarrassment, her attempt at spontaneous romance crashing hard. The moment reinforces her current instability as she tries to rediscover herself.
SEEMA VS. THE MATCHMAKER
Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), tired of disastrous online dates, reluctantly agrees to meet with a matchmaker named Sydney Cherkov (Cheri Oteri). Sydney gives her a makeover that includes pastels and pearls—a stark contrast to Seema’s usual fierce fashion. She plays along for one date but finds the whole experience stifling.
During dinner, Seema admits she’s pretending to be someone she’s not because “men like to feel in charge.” Her date walks out, and Sydney berates her for not following “the Cherkov Experience.” Seema fires back, ending their professional relationship in a blaze of confidence. For Seema, authenticity wins over manufactured compatibility every time.
CHARLOTTE’S COLLEGE NIGHTMARE
Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) chase down Lois Fingerhood (Kristen Schaal), the infamous “Ivy Whisperer,” for help with college admissions for their kids. After a manic chase to a little league game, they finally secure a session. But the outcome is worse than expected. Fingerhood leaves their kids traumatized and anxious about their futures.
In a fiery moment, Charlotte yells “F*** Lois Fingerfunk!” loud enough for everyone, including Lois herself, to hear. It’s comic relief, yes, but it also exposes the pressure parents place on their children’s futures, sometimes at the expense of their well-being.
WHERE’S NYA? AND OTHER BITS
Still no sign or mention of Nya (Karen Pittman), Miranda’s professor friend from the first two seasons. It’s unclear why her character vanished without explanation, a missing link in an otherwise tightly interwoven ensemble.
Anthony (Mario Cantone) opens his own bakery, making jokes about his “dick and mortar” shop. Principal Greg (Tim Bagley) earns the episode’s cringiest moment with a wildly inappropriate joke during a parent-teacher meeting. And yes, Shoe the cat is still safe, despite all the rat poison lying around.
THE FUTURE OF CARRIE AND AIDAN
The episode ends with Carrie unsure of what her relationship with Aidan even means anymore. She refers to her townhouse as “ours” in conversation with him, though she bought it, lives in it alone, and he barely communicates. Meanwhile, her backyard—a symbol of growth and change—has been flattened. But as the landscaper begins to replant, a new beginning feels possible.
Carrie may be dreaming of Aidan, but a fresh spark might be blossoming right under her nose with Adam Gardens. In a world where communication is reduced to emojis, maybe a man who digs in the dirt and listens is just what she needs.
Come back to tvacute.com soon for more updates, episode breakdowns, and scoop on And Just Like That.
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