The essay is about a comparative analysis between the protagonists of two popular TV shows, “Sex and the City” (SATC) and “Emily in Paris” (EiP). It delves into the similarities and differences between Carrie Bradshaw and Emily Cooper, exploring their personalities, motivations, and impact on their respective shows.
The essay begins by highlighting the shared creative mind behind both shows, Darren Star, and their general similarities, such as the central characters’ creative jobs in major cities and their tumultuous love lives. However, it quickly differentiates between the two, noting that Carrie Bradshaw has garnered more audience affection despite or because of her flaws, while Emily Cooper has struggled to connect with viewers in the same way.
The essay then dives deeper into the reasons for Carrie’s relatability, attributing it to her genuine self-exploration through fashion, her relatable struggles, and her endearing friendships. In contrast, Emily’s outfits are often perceived as “try-hard” and inauthentic, and her friendships lack the depth and connection that Carrie’s friends have.
Furthermore, the essay explores how the protagonists’ self-centered natures and inability to think things through contribute to the drama in both shows. However, Carrie’s relatable moments and genuine struggles make her more sympathetic than Emily, who often comes across as unsympathetic and one-dimensional.
The essay also touches on the role of narration in SATC, which provides Carrie with a platform to explain her erratic behavior and connect with viewers on a deeper level. EiP lacks this narration, making it harder for viewers to understand and connect with Emily’s motivations.
Additionally, the essay highlights the importance of friendships in SATC, emphasizing the support and understanding that Carrie’s friends provide. In EiP, Emily’s friendships are superficial and lack the depth and connection that Carrie’s friends have, further hindering her relatability.
In conclusion, the essay argues that Emily Cooper could learn a lot from Carrie Bradshaw, not only in terms of personal growth and relatability but also in terms of developing deeper friendships and connections. The show’s creatives could also benefit from incorporating some of the elements that made SATC so successful, such as genuine character development and relatable relationships. By doing so, EiP could become a more engaging and enjoyable show for viewers.