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Sex and the City - Season Six, Part 2
HBO // Unrated // December 28, 2004
List Price: $49.99 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Show
Is it possible for a long-running television show to end on a high note, either thematically or in terms of quality? Over the years (and especially in 2004), we've seen many popular shows take their final bow and the finales either seem to be ultimately be disappointing, or overwrought with sadness and drama. During its six-season run, HBO's Sex and the City had deftly mixed comedy with drama, but it was generally the funny moments which buoyed the show. As the series drew to a close, would it focus more on laughs or tears. We learn the answer with the DVD release of Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two.
(SPOILER WARNING!: In order to describe Sex and the City Season 6: Part Two, I must divulge some of the plot-lines for the shows, as well as discuss events from the first half of Season 6. So, if you haven't seen any of Season 6 and want to be surprised by Season 6, read with caution.) As mentioned in my review of Part One of Season Six, Sex and the City had returned to its roots, with the storylines focusing on the fun and sassy nature of the show's four main characters, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon), and Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall, and exemplifying that the series is at its best when the women are obsessing over relationships. Yet, as the first-half of the sixth season ended, all four of the women found themselves in stable-to-semi-stable relationships. Charlotte had married attorney Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler), but was distraught to learn that they couldn't conceive a child. Miranda had finally admitted to herself that she loved Steve (David Eigenberg), with whom she'd had a child, and they had moved in together. Samantha, the one who always shunned relationships, had gotten quite comfortable with actor Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis), despite what her instincts were telling her. And the ever unlucky in love Carrie had begun seeing Aleksandr Petrovsky (Mikhail Baryshnikov), a world-famous artist who was much older than her.
Thus, as the latter half of Season Six begins, all of these relationships are firmly in place. And because you can't have drama without...well...drama, the Sex and the City writers begin to pour on the sad and/or depressing themes. Carrie is unsure of her relationship with Petrovsky, for he makes sweeping romantic gestures which fascinate Carrie, but he can be very cold as well. And when Carrie's friends meet the artist, they don't approve of him. Coming to grips with the fact that they can't have a baby on their own, Charlotte and Harry turn to adoption, but find many roadblocks there as well. Miranda and Steve realize that her apartment is too small, so Steve suggests that they move to house in Brooklyn -- an idea that long-time Manhattanite Miranda hates, as it will take her away from her friends. But it's Samantha who gets the biggest dose of drama, as she not only struggles with her feelings about Smith (dare she truly commit?), but she's also diagnosed with breast cancer. As the series nears its end, Aleksandr asks Carrie to come live with him in Paris. Does she love this man enough to make the journey and can she leave her beloved city behind?
Because of the wacky scheduling involved with Sex and the City, HBO made viewers wait several months for the final 8 episodes to air. But, who would have expected the show to hit on some many down-notes during its farewell. The show had always had its share of ups and downs, both in terms of quality and story. The series was practically based on the premise that once a character became happy, something bad would happen. (Therefore creating dramatic intrigue for most viewers and frustration for me.) This "bad" would usually mean the termination of a seemingly promising relationship. But, in Season Six, the "bad" becomes "Bad" with a capital "B", nearly pushing the series out of the "comedy" category. No matter how down the ladies got, one could usually rely on Sex and the City for great laughs -- and the cynical Miranda seemed to thrive on these bad times. But, there are very few laughs to be found in the final 8 shows, as the show piles on the pathos. In fact, the series becomes somewhat ludicrous as one bad thing after another takes place. As for the actual ending to the series, that is a true toss-up. Some fans will be quite pleased, but others (especially those who think like Miranda), will find the finale unsatisfying.
All of these negative statements shouldn't imply that b>Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two is a complete failure. It's just that it's disappointing. These 8 episodes do demonstrate the fact that the writers on b>Sex and the City are amongst the most talented on TV as they are able to build a complete narrative while giving each episode a word or symbol which is repeated throughout the show and parallels one of the storylines. (Actually, the best example of the writing skill comes in the character of Smith, a pretty-boy who women swoon over, but men should hate, except that he's written as such a cool and nice guy that everyone can't help but like him.) The additional dramatic themes allows all of actors involved in the show to stretch their acting muscles, with Kim Cattrall shining in the her storyline. Despite all of the sadness, there are some funny moments, mostly coming from peripheral characters, but the show doesn't evoke the belly-laughs from years past. b>Sex and the City joins the group of TV shows that made a splash upon its debut, but went out with a whimper.
Video
The DVD release of Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two comes to us courtesy of HBO Home Video. This three-disc set contains all eight episodes from the second half of Season Six as well as supplemental material. The packaging is the same as past seasons, featuring a pinkish color. The shows are presented in their original 4:3 aspect ratio, as originally broadcast on HBO. The image is clear, but only somewhat sharp. While the picture shows little grain, there is a noticeable amount of artifacting on the image, and the picture shimmers at times. The colors are good, which is a must, as the series always features very prominent, vibrant hues. The transfer is acceptable, but fails to match the clarity of the original digital cable broadcasts.
Audio
The episodes on the Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two set carry a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. The audio sounds fine, as the all-important dialogue is sharp and clear, and there is no hissing or distortion on the track. The bulk of the audio comes from the center and front channels and the stereo effects are noticeable. However, there is a lack of surround sound and subwoofer effects. I don't recall noticing any significant bass sounds and the only rear speaker action occurs during crowd noises and street scenes.
Extras
This final (?!) Sex and the City DVD set carries many interesting extras. Writer/director/producer Michael Patrick King provides audio commentaries on three episodes; "Let There Be Light" (Disc 1), "Splat!", "An American Girl in Paris (Parts Une & Deux)" (The latter two are on Disc 2). As with his past commentaries, King does a great job here of discussing the various aspects of the show, most notably the story and characters and the locations. Those of you who know New York, or want to know about New York, will enjoy the fact that King points out the various shooting locales in the city. He also steps outside of the show and comments on the reaction of the press and the public to final season.
The remainder of the extras can be found on Disc 3. The disc contains both "HBO Farewell Tributes" which aired on the network prior to the series finale. Both "Tribute 1" (26 minutes) and "Tribute 2" (26 minutes) contain comments from the cast and crew, as well as soundbytes from various celebrities, such as Alanis Morrisette. "Tribute 1" examines the themes of the show (sex and relationships) and the style of each of the main characters. "Tribute 2" looks at the various locations from the show and the relationships that each of the women have had over the years. "USCAF Writer's Panel Discussion" (48 minutes) was taped at the US Comedy Arts Festival. The discussion is hosted by King who speaks by himself for a few minutes and then chats with Sarah Jessica Parker for nearly half of the show. Then, series writers Jenny Bicks, Cindy Chupack, Amy B. Harris, Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky, and Liz Chuchulu. The talk is very loose and entertaining as the writers discuss the writing on Sex and the City and the environment in the writer's room. There are three "Alternate Series Finale Endings", but this is actually a misleading title, as the first one is simply a deleted scene from the episode which aired. The other two scenes show us two different directions which the show could have taken. Presumably these alternate endings were shot so that no one would know how the series was going to end, but there is no commentary or explanation given here. The DVD features "Deleted Scenes" from Seasons 2-6, with a "Play All" option. There are 10 deleted scenes in all. Finally, each disc contains promo spots for all eight episodes.
While Sex and the City is, and should always be considered, a landmark TV show, it would be a lie to say that the show's conclusion was completely satisfying. While not a total loss, the last eight episodes became far too serious, losing the light-hearted nature which made the series so charming to begin with.
Is it possible for a long-running television show to end on a high note, either thematically or in terms of quality? Over the years (and especially in 2004), we've seen many popular shows take their final bow and the finales either seem to be ultimately be disappointing, or overwrought with sadness and drama. During its six-season run, HBO's Sex and the City had deftly mixed comedy with drama, but it was generally the funny moments which buoyed the show. As the series drew to a close, would it focus more on laughs or tears. We learn the answer with the DVD release of Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two.
(SPOILER WARNING!: In order to describe Sex and the City Season 6: Part Two, I must divulge some of the plot-lines for the shows, as well as discuss events from the first half of Season 6. So, if you haven't seen any of Season 6 and want to be surprised by Season 6, read with caution.) As mentioned in my review of Part One of Season Six, Sex and the City had returned to its roots, with the storylines focusing on the fun and sassy nature of the show's four main characters, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon), and Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall, and exemplifying that the series is at its best when the women are obsessing over relationships. Yet, as the first-half of the sixth season ended, all four of the women found themselves in stable-to-semi-stable relationships. Charlotte had married attorney Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler), but was distraught to learn that they couldn't conceive a child. Miranda had finally admitted to herself that she loved Steve (David Eigenberg), with whom she'd had a child, and they had moved in together. Samantha, the one who always shunned relationships, had gotten quite comfortable with actor Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis), despite what her instincts were telling her. And the ever unlucky in love Carrie had begun seeing Aleksandr Petrovsky (Mikhail Baryshnikov), a world-famous artist who was much older than her.
Thus, as the latter half of Season Six begins, all of these relationships are firmly in place. And because you can't have drama without...well...drama, the Sex and the City writers begin to pour on the sad and/or depressing themes. Carrie is unsure of her relationship with Petrovsky, for he makes sweeping romantic gestures which fascinate Carrie, but he can be very cold as well. And when Carrie's friends meet the artist, they don't approve of him. Coming to grips with the fact that they can't have a baby on their own, Charlotte and Harry turn to adoption, but find many roadblocks there as well. Miranda and Steve realize that her apartment is too small, so Steve suggests that they move to house in Brooklyn -- an idea that long-time Manhattanite Miranda hates, as it will take her away from her friends. But it's Samantha who gets the biggest dose of drama, as she not only struggles with her feelings about Smith (dare she truly commit?), but she's also diagnosed with breast cancer. As the series nears its end, Aleksandr asks Carrie to come live with him in Paris. Does she love this man enough to make the journey and can she leave her beloved city behind?
Because of the wacky scheduling involved with Sex and the City, HBO made viewers wait several months for the final 8 episodes to air. But, who would have expected the show to hit on some many down-notes during its farewell. The show had always had its share of ups and downs, both in terms of quality and story. The series was practically based on the premise that once a character became happy, something bad would happen. (Therefore creating dramatic intrigue for most viewers and frustration for me.) This "bad" would usually mean the termination of a seemingly promising relationship. But, in Season Six, the "bad" becomes "Bad" with a capital "B", nearly pushing the series out of the "comedy" category. No matter how down the ladies got, one could usually rely on Sex and the City for great laughs -- and the cynical Miranda seemed to thrive on these bad times. But, there are very few laughs to be found in the final 8 shows, as the show piles on the pathos. In fact, the series becomes somewhat ludicrous as one bad thing after another takes place. As for the actual ending to the series, that is a true toss-up. Some fans will be quite pleased, but others (especially those who think like Miranda), will find the finale unsatisfying.
All of these negative statements shouldn't imply that b>Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two is a complete failure. It's just that it's disappointing. These 8 episodes do demonstrate the fact that the writers on b>Sex and the City are amongst the most talented on TV as they are able to build a complete narrative while giving each episode a word or symbol which is repeated throughout the show and parallels one of the storylines. (Actually, the best example of the writing skill comes in the character of Smith, a pretty-boy who women swoon over, but men should hate, except that he's written as such a cool and nice guy that everyone can't help but like him.) The additional dramatic themes allows all of actors involved in the show to stretch their acting muscles, with Kim Cattrall shining in the her storyline. Despite all of the sadness, there are some funny moments, mostly coming from peripheral characters, but the show doesn't evoke the belly-laughs from years past. b>Sex and the City joins the group of TV shows that made a splash upon its debut, but went out with a whimper.
Video
The DVD release of Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two comes to us courtesy of HBO Home Video. This three-disc set contains all eight episodes from the second half of Season Six as well as supplemental material. The packaging is the same as past seasons, featuring a pinkish color. The shows are presented in their original 4:3 aspect ratio, as originally broadcast on HBO. The image is clear, but only somewhat sharp. While the picture shows little grain, there is a noticeable amount of artifacting on the image, and the picture shimmers at times. The colors are good, which is a must, as the series always features very prominent, vibrant hues. The transfer is acceptable, but fails to match the clarity of the original digital cable broadcasts.
Audio
The episodes on the Sex and the City -- Season Six: Part Two set carry a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. The audio sounds fine, as the all-important dialogue is sharp and clear, and there is no hissing or distortion on the track. The bulk of the audio comes from the center and front channels and the stereo effects are noticeable. However, there is a lack of surround sound and subwoofer effects. I don't recall noticing any significant bass sounds and the only rear speaker action occurs during crowd noises and street scenes.
Extras
This final (?!) Sex and the City DVD set carries many interesting extras. Writer/director/producer Michael Patrick King provides audio commentaries on three episodes; "Let There Be Light" (Disc 1), "Splat!", "An American Girl in Paris (Parts Une & Deux)" (The latter two are on Disc 2). As with his past commentaries, King does a great job here of discussing the various aspects of the show, most notably the story and characters and the locations. Those of you who know New York, or want to know about New York, will enjoy the fact that King points out the various shooting locales in the city. He also steps outside of the show and comments on the reaction of the press and the public to final season.
The remainder of the extras can be found on Disc 3. The disc contains both "HBO Farewell Tributes" which aired on the network prior to the series finale. Both "Tribute 1" (26 minutes) and "Tribute 2" (26 minutes) contain comments from the cast and crew, as well as soundbytes from various celebrities, such as Alanis Morrisette. "Tribute 1" examines the themes of the show (sex and relationships) and the style of each of the main characters. "Tribute 2" looks at the various locations from the show and the relationships that each of the women have had over the years. "USCAF Writer's Panel Discussion" (48 minutes) was taped at the US Comedy Arts Festival. The discussion is hosted by King who speaks by himself for a few minutes and then chats with Sarah Jessica Parker for nearly half of the show. Then, series writers Jenny Bicks, Cindy Chupack, Amy B. Harris, Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky, and Liz Chuchulu. The talk is very loose and entertaining as the writers discuss the writing on Sex and the City and the environment in the writer's room. There are three "Alternate Series Finale Endings", but this is actually a misleading title, as the first one is simply a deleted scene from the episode which aired. The other two scenes show us two different directions which the show could have taken. Presumably these alternate endings were shot so that no one would know how the series was going to end, but there is no commentary or explanation given here. The DVD features "Deleted Scenes" from Seasons 2-6, with a "Play All" option. There are 10 deleted scenes in all. Finally, each disc contains promo spots for all eight episodes.
While Sex and the City is, and should always be considered, a landmark TV show, it would be a lie to say that the show's conclusion was completely satisfying. While not a total loss, the last eight episodes became far too serious, losing the light-hearted nature which made the series so charming to begin with.
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