And Just Like That... Harry Goldenblatt's Cancer Story Is A Stroke Of Genius

As Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda go through midlife, the world of And Just Like That... keeps changing, which makes things harder for them. Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler), Charlotte's adored husband, is at the center of one of the most current and important storylines. Harry tells Charlotte (Kristin Davis) that he has prostate cancer in season 3, episode 5. Charlotte is very worried by this news, even though Harry tells her that his type of the disease has a 98% chance of survival. This plot is a great decision for the show because it doesn't rely on cheap drama and instead gives depth to characters that fans love.

There's little doubt that And Just Like That... hasn't shied away from real-life problems. The sudden death of Mr. Big in season 1 set a sad tone for the revival, and many fans were distraught. Fans had a familiar concern when they found out Harry had cancer: will another beloved figure be snatched from us? But executive producer Michael Patrick King has hinted that the Goldenblatt family will be fine by saying, "Do you think I'm going to kill Harry?" This promise is a tremendous comfort since it means the program may look at the emotional effects of disease without having to deal with another tragic loss. It's a sign that the show is willing to talk with significant issues in a nuanced way.

Charlotte is pushed into new territory by Harry's diagnosis.

Charlotte's trouble with keeping secrets is a true picture of caregiving.

One of the most interesting things about this story is how it affects Charlotte. She has always been proud of being the one who keeps everything in order and is there for her pals. Charlotte has to keep Harry's condition a secret, which makes her very anxious and makes it hard for her to deal with. Kristin Davis herself said that this narrative is "true to life" and looks into the often-overlooked responsibility of being a caretaker. Charlotte's journey through this secret is a stunning look at how people neglect themselves when a loved one is sick.

I really felt for Charlotte when she yelled at her kids and had a hard time on the glamping trip. This picture is really different from how she usually acts, which is happy and positive. It shows a side of her that we don't see very often. It's clear that this plot is meant to push Charlotte out of her comfort zone and make her ask for help instead of constantly giving it. This makes her story very easy to relate to for anyone who has taken care of a sick partner and put their own health on the back burner.

The show hinted at Harry's health problems early on.

Evan Handler's own life story makes the story more real.

Some people might have been surprised by Harry's diagnosis, however And Just Like That... has actually set the stage for his health problems. Charlotte humorously tests Harry for cancer while giving him oral sex in season 1, episode 8. This scene now feels like a really sad piece of foreshadowing. Carrie even asks Charlotte whether Harry is "dying or something?" as an explanation for her closeness. These early scenes, which were meant to be funny at first, now lend a depth of tragic irony that makes the current tale feel earned instead of sudden.

Evan Handler's own journey as a cancer survivor makes this story even more powerful. Handler had acute myeloid leukemia in his twenties and had to have treatment and a bone marrow transplant. He has been cancer-free for decades and has talked about his experiences, including the fear of getting it again. Harry's portrayal is undeniably real because of this real-life experience, which makes the fictional story more believable. The show made a smart move by casting an actor who really gets how serious this kind of diagnosis is, even though Harry's cancer is different.

This plot is better than other drama tropes.

It lets the characters grow without ruining the Goldenblatt's strong marriage.

Kristin Davis said she was glad the writers picked this option for Charlotte and Harry because "it wasn't something horrible." She quipped, "It could have been worse; at least I didn't have to cheat on him or something like that, right?" I agree with you entirely. This plot lets characters grow and adds emotional stakes without using the old cliche of cheating or a quick split that doesn't make sense for the characters. Charlotte and Harry's marriage has always been a steady source of love and support on the show. It would have felt fake to break it up with a cheating narrative, and it would have hurt years of character development.

Instead, the show looks at how a strong, loving couple deals with a crisis together, showing how committed and powerful they are. This way of looking at things is far more interesting and accurate to how Charlotte and Harry's relationship has been going. It's clear that this difficulty will make their relationship stronger in the end, even as it tests Charlotte's capacity to let go of control and accept help. Focusing on a health concern instead of marital problems is a clever technique to add drama while staying true to the people.

My Heart Is at Ease Harry Won't Die

We Couldn't Take Another Big Loss In The Series

It was nearly too much to stomach to think about losing another cherished original character like Harry Goldenblatt after Mr. Big's terrible demise. I just couldn't handle it. Harry is a fan favorite for a good reason: since he first appeared on Sex and the City, his warmth, humor, and undying love for Charlotte have been the main focus of their relationship. The idea of him being written out would have been a huge blow to the emotional heart of the show. Knowing that Michael Patrick King has confirmed that Harry will be okay gives viewers peace of mind and lets them get into the story without worrying about a sad ending.

This choice shows that the show is paying attention to its fans and knows how much we care about these characters. Drama is important, but there is a limit to how much pain a following can take. And Just Like That... is smart to look at the details of a health problem and how it affects a family instead of just trying to shock people. Even while the show is still about the crazy lifestyles of its main characters, this makes it feel more grown-up and real. I can't wait to see how Charlotte and Harry deal with this problem together, knowing that their love will win in the end.

Every Thursday at 9 PM ET, new episodes of season 3 of And Just Like That... air on Max.

Questions and Answers About Harry Goldenblatt's Story

What does Harry Goldenblatt have in And Just Like That season 3?

In season 3, episode 5 of And Just Like That..., Harry Goldenblatt finds out he has prostate cancer.

Is Harry Goldenblatt going to die in And Just Like That?

Michael Patrick King, the executive producer, has said that Harry Goldenblatt would not die. He said that the movie is supposed to illustrate a different side of Charlotte.

What does Evan Handler have to do with cancer in real life?

Evan Handler, who plays Harry Goldenblatt, is a survivor of acute myeloid leukemia. He fought the cancer in his twenties.

What does Harry's cancer narrative do to Charlotte?

Charlotte has a hard time with worry and the stress of keeping Harry's condition a secret. This makes it hard for her to take care of him.

What made And Just Like That... chose this narrative for Harry and Charlotte?

The writers chose this plot to show how Charlotte needs help and to deal with real-life health problems without using cliches like cheating, which lets the characters grow in their great marriage.