And Just Like That Season 3 Wastes Steve Brady's Cameo Opportunity

Warning! SPOILERS For And Just Like That Season 3, Episode 10, “Better Than Sex”

And Just Like Thatmissed an opportunity to let an original character shine in “Better Than Sex.” Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw finally moves on in the outing after breaking up with herSex and the Citylove interest, Aidan Shaw (John Corbett). While Aidan is absent fromAnd Just Like Thatseason 3now, another original character has returned.

Steve looking at Miranda during Lily’s concert in And Just Like That

DespiteAnd Just Like That’s showrunner announcing that season 3 would be the final installment ofSex and the City’s revival, things are picking up for Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Seema (Sarita Choudhury), and Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker). That said, life is getting rocky for the Hobbes family, soSteve Brady’s (David Eigenberg) cameo appearance had disappointing elements.

It Was Great To See Steve Again - Until His Temper Tantrum

Steve Couldn’t Handle Brady’s News

We finally got to see Steve again inAnd Just Like Thatseason 3, episode 10, but his appearance was overshadowed. Miranda and Steve are co-parenting from different boroughs of New York City after the couple decided to split in the revival’s first season. Steve has made several appearances since the divorce, but his presence in episode 10 is divisive.

That’s because the parents get some shocking news in “Better Than Sex.” It initially looks like the clan is just enjoying a simple dinner together for the first time in a long time. Brady serves his parents a nice-cooked meal, revealing to Miranda that he’s been refining his cooking skills and plans to go to culinary school.

It was refreshing to have Steve back inAnd Just Like Thatseason 3’s cast. However, things go south whenBrady reveals a new development. The 20-year-old tells his divorced guardians that, in recent news, he has gotten a girl pregnant. Unfortunately, Brady’s parents are far from supportive, only making matters worse, and their reaction spoils Steve’s appearance.

Rather than being cautiously optimistic about Brady’s situation or at least showing a display of support, Steve and Miranda have an outburst about the news.Steve is particularly unhelpful, yelling at Bradyand physically threatening his son. Of course, the situation unearths experiences for the couple, since they went through something similar.

And Just Like That Season 3 Doesn’t Have Enough Time To Unpack Steve’s Baggage

And Just Like That Is Almost Over

It wasn’t excusable, but the father’s emotional reaction made sense.Steve and Miranda have strong feelings about Brady’s next chapterbecause it mirrors the less-than-ideal situation that they experienced as parents. InSex and the Cityseason 4, Miranda discovers she has an unplanned pregnancy, and it defines the rest of her story.

Though Miranda initially thought she might have an abortion, waiting until she was ready to have a baby, she decided to keep and raise her child. The decision is similar to what Mia (Ella Stiller) experienced, since she unwittingly revealed to Brady’s mom that she decided to keep the baby when she discovered it would be a"double Libra."

Brady’s development brings up trauma forSteve and Miranda. While the parents made their unplanned pregnancy work for years, Steve and Miranda eventually split, proving the setup wasn’t sustainable. Though it’s nice that Brady grew up with both of his parents, their separation ultimately caused a lot of hurt for Steve, and apparently, he isn’t done processing that.

All that said, the revival show doesn’t have time to unpack the father’s baggage. With just two episodes left inAnd Just Like Thatseason 3, a two-part finale,there will be little screentime to focus on Steve’s issues when other, more prominent characters need to wrap up their season arcs. Therefore, Steve’s massive outburst could be for naught.

And Just Like That Needs To Let Steve Move On

Steve & Miranda Have Played Out Their Drama

Steve’s presence was a bit of a surprise because, after the couple reconciled at theend ofAnd Just Like Thatseason 2, it looked like the series would move on from rehashing Steve and Miranda’s relationship drama. That said, Steve is still clearly holding on to the past, and unfortunately, it’s happening all too late in the game.

Ahead of the show’s two-part finale,And Just Like That’s creators revealed that season 3 would be the lastinstallment of the revival show. ShowrunnerMichael Patrick King also indicated in a statement that it would be the endof the franchise. WithSex and the Cityending, it’s the perfect time for Steve and Miranda to be at peace.

Steve had seemingly reached a sense of resolve inAnd Just Like Thatseason 2. After opening a hot dog and clam stand on Coney Island, the father told Carrie that he felt more like himself, truly returning to his roots after the divorce. Especially after giving him a complete story,it makes sense to let Steve move on.

Steve’s attitude will also affect the end of Miranda’sAnd Just Like Thatstory. While she could be building her life with Joy (Dolly Wells), Miranda is now rehashing the origins of her family issues. Though maybe it’s by design that Hobbes has to come to terms with her most formative trauma before she’s able to create a new life.