Ep 9. The Great Unknown

Carrie Bradshaw is continuing to build her writing career in season one of The Carrie Diaries, and in episode nine, titled "The Great Unknown," she gets a big break when she's given an exciting assignment: covering a charity event at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Although she's thrilled at this opportunity, Carrie is also feeling apprehensive. She's never covered an event this large before, and she's worried that she won't be able to do a good job.

Meanwhile, Carrie's father is still struggling with his unemployment, and he's become increasingly distant from his family. Carrie is worried about him, but she's not sure what to do to help him. She confides in her friend Walt, who suggests that she try talking to her father and encouraging him to open up about how he's feeling.

As Carrie prepares for the event, she runs into her old friend Samantha, who's also attending the charity ball. Samantha is now working as a model, and she's doing well for herself, but she's also struggling to keep up the appearances that her job requires. Carrie and Samantha catch up and reminisce about old times, but Carrie can't help but notice that Samantha seems different than she remembers.

At the charity event, Carrie is tasked with interviewing the guests and the organizers, and she throws herself into her work. She's nervous, but she's also determined to do a good job. As she interviews the guests, she meets someone unexpected: Sebastian, her estranged boyfriend. Sebastian is attending the event with his mother and his girlfriend, which shocks Carrie. She's hurt and confused by Sebastian's presence, but she tries to remain professional.

As the night wears on, Carrie continues to interview the guests, but she keeps running into Sebastian. They have several brief, awkward conversations, and Carrie can't help but feel pulled towards him. She's confused about her feelings for him, and she's not sure if she should try to reconnect with him or move on.

As the evening comes to an end, Carrie spots her father in the crowd. She approaches him and tries to talk to him about his unemployment, but he brushes her off. Carrie is hurt, but she's also determined to help her father. She decides to write an article about unemployment, using her father's struggles as a starting point. She believes that by sharing her family's story, she may be able to help others who are in similar situations.

Overall, "The Great Unknown" is a powerful episode of The Carrie Diaries that explores the complexities of love, family, and professional ambition. Carrie is struggling to balance her career aspirations with her personal life, and she's forced to confront uncomfortable truths about herself and the people she loves. The episode is beautifully shot, with stunning scenes of the charity event and heartfelt moments between Carrie and her father. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.