How And Just Like That set up Samantha Jones perfectly and then abandoned her

And Just Like That fans dared to hope that Samantha Jones, the legendary force of Sex and the City, would finally return to the revival, especially after Kim Cattrall teased a brief comeback in the Season 2 finale.

London's late-game phone call appeared to be an opening act, suggesting that she might make a comeback. In order to subtly reinforce that London connection, the story deftly looped Samantha back into the frame through text exchanges when Season 3 introduced Duncan Reeves, a new character based in London and Carrie's love interest.

This was intentional storytelling, not just fan service. The writers set the stage for an on-screen reunion by incorporating Samantha into the plot through Duncan's arc. Carrie could follow her neighbor back to London and meet up with her oldest friend.

There were indications of dramatic closure, emotional payoff, and a return to continuity in the quartet's dynamic. However, the series abruptly ended with the two-part finale of Season 3 just as momentum was building, leaving fans disappointed and the setup unused.

And Just Like That, Season 2 brought Samantha back, only to let her fade again

From the outset, And Just Like That… acknowledged Samantha’s absence by stating she had relocated to London, a move prompted by creative differences and off‑screen tensions with the original cast, particularly Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall herself.

The Season 2 finale delivered a mild surprise: Samantha, voice-only via video call, declined to join Carrie’s "Last Supper" event, hinting at lingering friendship but physical distance, and raising hopes that more was to come. Season 3 made use of this arrangement.

Carrie texts Samantha after meeting Duncan Reeves, a British neighbor and potential love interest. This is a sophisticated narrative technique that brings Samantha back into the storyline.

By revealing that Duncan will be returning to London by the end of the season, the writers effectively created a pathway for Carrie (and viewers) to follow, creating the impression that a face-to-face reunion is imminent. London was positioned in the drama as Samantha's return link.

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Why And Just Like That should’ve given Samantha Jones more than a cameo

Fans’ anticipation peaked. But then, And Just Like That… abruptly announced that Season 3 would be its final chapter. Showrunner Michael Patrick King insisted the storyline naturally concluded here, and the season was extended to a 12‑episode, two‑part finale, but no Season 4 followed to deliver Samantha’s return.

Despite Samantha’s revamped cameo via text in Season 3 and her legacy woven into the narrative, the conclusion meant there was no screen reunion, no emotional closure, and no chance for Carrie to follow Samantha to London.

Kim Cattrall herself had repeatedly shut down return rumors, tweeting to a fan's comment, "Aw, that’s so kind, but I’m not" when speculation surfaced about Season 3 participation.

The creative route to her comeback was carefully engineered, and then left untraveled. Longtime fans lamented the void Samantha’s absence created. Critics also argued that the series desperately missed her in scripting.

Her absence hurt not only narrative cohesion but the emotional texture that defined the original ensemble. Without the full return of its fourth core character, And Just Like That... left a chapter forever unfinished.

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