[This story contains spoilers from the first two episodes of HBO Max’s And Just Like That.]
And so Viewers couldn’t help but notice that the HBO Max series began with a staggering death.
During the first episode of the Sex and the city Sequel series that launched Thursday, fans caught up on the lives of Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her friends. This included seeing the columnist and her longtime partner, Mr. Big (Chris Noth), enjoying domestic bliss.
That happiness came to an emotional end at the conclusion of the episode, as Big, who had become a fervent fan of working out on his Peloton stationary bike, suffered a heart attack after completing a particularly intense session for his 1000th race. A short time later, Carrie found Big near the shower and cradled him in her arms when he passed away.
“And so Big died,” he said bluntly in a voiceover.
In response to the use of a Peloton bicycle in the episode, the exercise company issued a statement to the Los Angeles Times and other media from Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist on the Peloton Health and Wellness Advisory Council.
His statement cited the character’s “flamboyant lifestyle” and pointed to his previous history of heart problems. In fact, before Big’s death scene, the episode included a moment where he made a meal with Carrie and reminded her not to include too much salt.
“I’m sure SATC fans, like me, are saddened by the news that Mr. Big dies of a heart attack, ”Steinbaum said. “Mr. Big lived what many would call an extravagant lifestyle, including cocktails, cigars, and big steaks, and he was at serious risk, having had a previous heart event in season 6. These lifestyle choices and maybe even his family history, which is often a significant problem factor, was the probable cause of his death. Riding his Peloton bike may have even helped delay his cardiac event. “
His statement noted that “Peloton helps you control your heart rate while driving, so you can do it safely.”
According to the TimesThe company also confirmed that it knew its bike would appear on the show and that real-life Peloton instructor Jess King would play Big’s fictional Peloton trainer Allegra.
HBO Max did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood ReporterKristin Davis (Charlotte) said she doesn’t think the “show has chosen to focus on pain in general.” However, he understands why fans might initially disagree, given that the show “came out of the box” with Big’s death.
For her part, Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) told THR that And so It would have been remiss to avoid showing the characters dealing with death. After all, they are older than they were when the HBO original series was signed 11 years ago, not to mention that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of mourning for many.
“I lost people to the pandemic, and I think a lot of us did,” Nixon explained. “I also think that when you are 55 years old, hopefully, you are more than 30 years older, but there is more life behind you than you have ahead of you, and you are very aware of that.”