Aidan Sex And The City: The Enduring Charm Of Carrie's 'Other' Love
Table of Contents
- The Man Behind Aidan Shaw: John Corbett
- Aidan's Introduction: A Fresh Start for Carrie
- The Messy Relationship Timeline: Carrie and Aidan
- The Abu Dhabi Encounter: A Brief Rekindling
- The Return in And Just Like That... Season 2
- The Five-Year Wait and the Future of Carrie and Aidan
- Why He Wasn't the Right Fit for Carrie
- Aidan Sex and the City: An Enduring Legacy
The Man Behind Aidan Shaw: John Corbett
Before diving into the character of Aidan Shaw, it's essential to acknowledge the actor who brought him to life with such warmth and relatability: John Corbett. An American actor with a diverse career, Corbett has garnered critical acclaim for various roles, earning Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Chris Stevens in *Northern Exposure*. His ability to portray kind, gentle, yet complex characters made him the perfect choice for Aidan. Corbett's filmography extends beyond *Sex and the City*, showcasing his versatility. He's widely recognized for his role as Ian Miller in the beloved romantic comedy *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* and its sequels, further solidifying his status as a charming leading man. His presence often brings a grounded, approachable quality to his characters, which was precisely what *Sex and the City* needed in contrast to the more volatile personalities of Carrie and Big. His return as Aidan Shaw in *And Just Like That...* season 2 was met with widespread excitement, a testament to his enduring popularity and the character's impact.John Corbett: Personal Data and Biodata
| Full Name | John Joseph Corbett Jr. |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Country Music Singer |
| Known For | Aidan Shaw in *Sex and the City*, Chris Stevens in *Northern Exposure*, Ian Miller in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* |
| Notable Awards/Nominations | Primetime Emmy Award Nomination, Golden Globe Award Nomination |
Aidan's Introduction: A Fresh Start for Carrie
Aidan Shaw's introduction in *Sex and the City* season 3 marked a pivotal moment for Carrie Bradshaw. After her tumultuous and often disastrous relationship with Mr. Big, which notably ended when he moved to Paris, Carrie was in need of a fresh start. Enter Aidan, a furniture designer who embodied everything Big wasn't: stable, kind, gentle, and openly committed. He first appeared in the season 3 episode, "No Ifs, Ands or Butts," introduced to Carrie by Stanford Blatch. Fans were originally introduced to Aidan as a refreshing change of pace. He offered Carrie a sense of domesticity and unwavering affection that she hadn't experienced with Big. Their initial romance was sweet and seemingly uncomplicated, allowing Carrie to explore a different kind of love. For many viewers, Aidan represented the "good guy" – the one who was ready to settle down, buy a country house, and offer a life of quiet contentment. This stark contrast immediately positioned him as a significant player in Carrie's romantic narrative, setting the stage for the complex relationship triangle that would define much of the show's run. The idea of Aidan in *Sex and the City* offered a glimpse into a potentially happier, more stable future for Carrie.The Messy Relationship Timeline: Carrie and Aidan
Despite Aidan's inherent goodness, his relationship timeline with Carrie was just as messy, if not more heartbreaking, than her on-again-off-again saga with Big. Their first serious attempt at a relationship was derailed when Carrie cheated on Aidan with Big. This betrayal, a defining moment for many fans, led to their initial breakup. Aidan, devastated, struggled to forgive Carrie, though he eventually did, showcasing his immense capacity for love and patience. Their rekindled romance led to a proposal, with Aidan offering Carrie a beautiful, pear-shaped engagement ring. However, Carrie's commitment issues and her lingering feelings for Big ultimately proved too much. She struggled with the idea of marriage and the domesticity Aidan represented, leading to their second, and seemingly final, breakup in the original series. Team Aidan fans missed seeing Carrie and Aidan together, but even they would admit their journey was fraught with emotional turmoil. The narrative often portrayed Aidan as Carrie Bradshaw’s perennial second choice, a kind man who deserved more than the emotional rollercoaster she put him through. This repeated pattern of Carrie choosing Big over Aidan cemented a perception for many viewers.The Abu Dhabi Encounter: A Brief Rekindling
Years after their last breakup, Aidan Shaw made a surprising cameo in the second *Sex and the City* movie, *Sex and the City 2*. While Carrie and the girls traveled to Abu Dhabi for a luxurious trip, Carrie coincidentally ran into Aidan at a spice market. This unexpected reunion, of all places, in the improvident Arabian fantasia, highlighted that the spark between them was very much still alive. At this point, Carrie was married to Big, yet the encounter with Aidan stirred old feelings. They shared a kiss, a moment that sent shockwaves through the fandom and reignited the "will they, won't they" dynamic, even if briefly. This scene served as a reminder of the powerful connection they once shared and the road not taken. It also subtly hinted that Aidan, the one that got away, might not be entirely out of Carrie's life, leaving a lingering question mark over her seemingly settled marriage. For many, this brief rekindling reinforced the idea of Aidan in *Sex and the City* as the 'what if' scenario.The Return in And Just Like That... Season 2
More than a decade later, Aidan returned to the *Sex and the City* universe in season 2 of *And Just Like That...*—a reboot of *Sex and the City*—after Carrie emails him. His absence in season 1 of *And Just Like That...* was notable, making his return in season 2 all the more anticipated. John Corbett's comeback as Aidan Shaw was one of the most talked-about aspects of the season. Fans were eager to find out how he and Carrie rekindled their romance, what happened to his family (he had married and had children), and what to expect from this new chapter. In *And Just Like That...* season two, episode eight, Carrie Bradshaw declares she's starting a new beginning with her old love Aidan Shaw. This reunion came after the death of Mr. Big, opening up a new possibility for Carrie's love life. The showrunners, including Michael Patrick King, had clearly planned for Aidan's significant return, recognizing the character's enduring appeal and the unresolved emotional threads between him and Carrie. The sight of Aidan in *Sex and the City* once again, especially after Big's passing, felt like a full-circle moment for many.The Five-Year Wait and the Future of Carrie and Aidan
The rekindled romance between Carrie and Aidan in *And Just Like That...* season 2 took an unexpected turn. While their chemistry was undeniable, Aidan asked Carrie to wait five years until his son was out of his teens before they could fully commit to a life together. This condition, seemingly a way to protect his children from the complexities of a new relationship, left many fans divided. Showrunner Michael Patrick King revealed the hint behind their ending and what it means for season 3. This "five-year wait" has sparked considerable debate among viewers. Some see it as a mature, responsible decision on Aidan's part, prioritizing his family. Others, including Dr. Zhana, can't quite endorse the feasibility of Carrie and Aidan’s revived relationship, questioning if such a long pause truly aligns with a genuine rekindling of love. Season three of the *Sex and the City* revival is off to a rollicking start, with hints that Carrie is finally getting this story as she navigates life alongside Aidan Shaw in *And Just Like That...* season 3. The writers hint he will be sticking around, suggesting this isn't just another fleeting reunion. However, the question remains whether this new beginning can truly lead to a lasting future for Carrie and Aidan, especially given their past and the new terms of their relationship. The future of Aidan in *Sex and the City* is now tied to this unique arrangement.Why He Wasn't the Right Fit for Carrie
Despite being remembered as a kind and gentle man, many *Sex and the City* fans, and even the show's narrative itself, have consistently suggested that Aidan wasn't the "right fit" for Carrie. This isn't a commentary on Aidan's character, but rather on the fundamental incompatibility between him and Carrie's lifestyles and desires. Carrie, throughout most of *Sex and the City*, wrestled with the fact that she had two great loves in her life: John "Mr. Big" Preston and Aidan Shaw. While Aidan offered stability, commitment, and a desire for a traditional life (marriage, a home in the country), Carrie was inherently drawn to the unpredictable, glamorous, and often chaotic world that Big represented. *Sex and the City* already told its most invested fans 23 years ago why Carrie and Aidan's romance isn't working in *And Just Like That...* season 3. Their love failed multiple times because Carrie consistently chose the excitement and challenge of Big over the comfort and security of Aidan. Her cheating on Aidan with Big was a stark illustration of this deep-seated preference. Some fans even despise Aidan Shaw right now, not because of his character, but because his presence highlights Carrie's past inability to fully commit to him, and perhaps, her own unresolved issues. The idea that Aidan's multiple transformations later on in *Sex and the City* are upsetting to some viewers further underscores this point; perhaps fans wanted him to move on completely, rather than remain tethered to Carrie's complicated world.Aidan Sex and the City: An Enduring Legacy
Aidan Shaw's role in the *Sex and the City* franchise is far more than just a love interest; he serves as a crucial counterpoint to Mr. Big and a mirror reflecting Carrie's own struggles with commitment and self-identity. He is portrayed by John Corbett, whose warm and grounded performance has made Aidan one of the most beloved characters, despite his often-heartbreaking journey. The relationship triangle between Big (Chris Noth), left, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Aidan has come into the social conversation with *Sex and the City* now streaming on Netflix, proving his lasting impact. From his initial introduction as a kind and gentle man, to his brief cameo in *Sex and the City 2* where Carrie and Aidan kiss in Abu Dhabi, and his significant return in *And Just Like That...* season 2, Aidan has consistently represented a path not taken for Carrie. While he wasn't the right fit for Carrie in the past, his presence in the revival forces both Carrie and the audience to reconsider what true happiness and partnership might look like for her in this new phase of life. Whether their current "five-year plan" will lead to a lasting union or another painful separation, Aidan Shaw's legacy as Carrie's "other" great love, and the embodiment of a different kind of happiness, remains a cornerstone of the *Sex and the City* narrative.Conclusion
Aidan Shaw, the beloved character brought to life by John Corbett, has been an integral part of the *Sex and the City* franchise, offering a compelling alternative to Carrie Bradshaw's tumultuous relationship with Mr. Big. His journey, marked by kindness, heartbreak, and unwavering love, has resonated deeply with fans, sparking endless debates about Carrie's choices and the nature of true compatibility. From his hopeful introduction in season 3 of *Sex and the City* to his surprising return in *And Just Like That...* season 2, Aidan has consistently represented stability and a different path for Carrie. While their past relationship timelines were undeniably messy, the current "five-year wait" period introduces a new layer of complexity to their rekindled romance. Whether this long-term commitment will finally lead to a lasting happiness for Carrie and Aidan remains to be seen, but his enduring presence highlights the show's exploration of love, loss, and second chances. What are your thoughts on Aidan Shaw's return? Do you believe Carrie and Aidan are finally meant to be, or is history doomed to repeat itself? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don't forget to explore other articles on our site for more insights into your favorite shows and characters!
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