Ep 14. All that Glitters

In season 4 episode 14 of Sex and the City, titled "All That Glitters," Carrie finds herself on a mission to buy herself a pair of glamorous new shoes that she's been eyeing for a while. The problem? They're incredibly expensive, and she's not sure if she can justify the purchase to herself.

As Carrie navigates this dilemma, the episode also explores the relationship struggles of the rest of the show's core characters. Charlotte and Trey are still dealing with their fertility issues, and Charlotte begins to feel like their entire relationship is just centered around their attempts to have a baby. Meanwhile, Miranda is grappling with her own feelings of inadequacy when it comes to her career prospects, and Samantha is dealing with some issues in her relationship with Richard.

As the characters confront their various challenges, they each come to realize that there's more to life than just material possessions or superficial appearances. Carrie learns the value of self-indulgence and treating herself to something special, while Charlotte begins to recognize that she's not defined solely by her ability to have a child. Miranda and Samantha, in turn, both come to understand that their worth isn't solely tied to their professional or romantic success.

Throughout the episode, the characters wrestle with these issues while also navigating their usual romances and social engagements. Carrie spends time with her ex Aidan, who's now back in town and seemingly interested in rekindling their relationship. Samantha finds herself growing more distant from Richard as trust issues continue to plague their romance. And Charlotte and Trey continue to struggle with their fertility issues, with Trey growing increasingly distant and Charlotte feeling like she's losing him.

Despite these difficulties, the characters ultimately come out the other side stronger and more self-aware. Carrie decides to indulge herself and buy the shoes she's been eyeing, recognizing that sometimes it's important to treat yourself. Charlotte and Trey come to a difficult realization about the future of their relationship. Miranda decides to take control of her career and set herself on a new path, while Samantha works to repair her relationship with Richard and mend the trust issues that have plagued them.

Overall, "All That Glitters" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that touches on some of the most important themes of the series. From self-indulgence and self-worth to the complexities of modern relationships, the episode offers a nuanced and insightful look at the lives of Sex and the City's iconic characters.