Is Duncan Reeves the most realistic love interest of Carrie in And Just Like That? Here's what we think

Carrie Bradshaw's complicated relationships have been an integral part of HBO Max's And Just Like That. Whether it was Mr. Big or Aidan, or a handful of memorable flings and missed connections, Carrie's love life has been the heart of her story. Each season adds a new unpredictable chapter to her life, but Season 3 might have finally introduced a love interest who we think might be perfect for her.

Duncan Reeves (Jonathan Cake), Carrie's charming neighbor and a brooding British writer and biographer with a sharp tongue, might be the best shot at being her most realistic love interest yet.

Introduced in And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 5, as Carrie's downstairs neighbor who sleeps by day due to his profession, the duo does not hit it off instantly. Instead, they have a small tiff as Duncan confronts Carrie about being noisy in the morning. However, by the end of the episode, the two engage in a sweet conversation during dinner, and Carrie finally decides to ditch walking in heels in her house.

Here's why we think Duncan might be the most realistic man for Carrie Bradshaw.

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And Just Like That: Duncan and Carrie share a creative chemistry

From their first tense exchange-him complaining about her heels-Carrie and Duncan's dynamic was sharp and snappy. It didn't take long for the spark to settle. By Episode 7, they were swapping scripts and bonding over their shared writer struggles.

Writers tend to gravitate towards each other, and Carrie's history proves it. She dated men like Jack Berger, a struggling writer who was quite jealous of Carrie's success, leading to their breakup. But Duncan's not falling apart under pressure or lashing out with insecurity. He is confident, present, and emotionally available.

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Duncan isn't trying to save or fix her

One of Carrie's biggest romantic pitfalls has been falling for men who either tried to change her or who couldn't handle her independence. With Big, there were always power games. With Aidan, there was a pressure to be like the woman that he wanted her to be.

Duncan doesn't cross his boundaries. He respects her space but shows up when it matters. In Episode 7, he invites her to his terrace during Charlotte's celebration, gently offering a compliment for her work without expectations. He is steady but not needy. Duncan tells Carrie:

"I am serious. I think you should be really proud of it."

She is hesitant, but the viewers aren't. The chemistry is there, and for once, it doesn't come with a red flag.

Let's be honest — Carrie and Aidan's rekindled relationship was quite shaky from the beginning. Despite several relationship hurdles, including long distance, Carrie tried her best not to give up. It was Carrie who travelled to Virginia to meet Aidan. However, things took an ugly turn when in And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 6, Aidan confessed that he had cheated on Carrie and slept with his ex-wife, Kathy. Even though Carrie forgives Aidan, the trust is broken, and things aren't the same anymore, even though Carrie insists it is.

By Episode 7, Carrie's patience is wearing thin. She lashes out at Miranda for asking about Duncan, which teases the beginning of a major shift. However, she keeps justifying her relationship with Aiden throughout their argument. Carrie has spent seasons grieving Big, rekindling romance with Aidan, and cycling through what-ifs. Duncan represents the opposite-he brings stability and assurance in her tumultuous life.

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So, is Duncan the right one for Carrie?

Maybe. Maybe not. We won't pretend Carrie Bradshaw's endgame is ever that simple. But And Just Like That seems to be making a quiet case for Duncan Reeves as a refreshingly real option. He doesn't sweep her off her feet with grand gestures. He doesn't challenge her for control. He's there for her. He sees her in and out. And in Carrie's world, that's quite revolutionary.

Duncan and Carrie's connection is refreshing — a potential romance grounded in mutual respect and shared creativity. After years of Carrie being caught in a web of toxic relationships, Duncan might be the first love interest who truly understands her.

Whether it lasts or not, one thing is clear-And Just Like That is finally letting Carrie move forward.

All episodes of And Just Like That are available to watch on HBO MAX.

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Also read: And Just Like That Season 3 might have finally found a way to conclude Carrie's romance arc: Here's how