'And Just Like That' showrunner says viewers were 'blinded' by Che out of 'fear and terror' but expect more of them in season 2
- The "And Just Like That" showrunner said to expect more of Che Diaz in season two, not less.
- Michael Patrick King told Variety that people were "blinded" by Che because of "fear or terror."
"And Just Like That" showrunner Michael Patrick King recently told Variety that viewers should expect more of Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez) on season two of the "Sex and the City" revival, whether fans of the franchise like it or not.
He said viewers were "blinded" by the character out of "fear or terror," but he won't let that stop him from telling their story.
Che is the comedian and podcast host on the show who captures Miranda's (Cynthia Nixon) attention and makes her realize she is unhappy in her marriage to Steve (David Eigenberg). Che, like Ramirez offscreen, is non-binary.
In season one, Che created a polarizing conversation online in part because of their sometimes cringe-worthy jokes and one of the most awkward sex scenes in the franchise's history.
King told Variety the effect that the public's reaction to Che had on him.
"I want to show the dimension of Che that people didn't see, for whatever reason — because they were blinded, out of fear or terror. I want to show more of Che rather than less of Che. Like, really," he said.
The showrunner added that deepening Che's story in season two is one of his "burning passions."
Nixon, who plays Che's onscreen love interest, told Variety that while she doesn't understand the backlash against Che, she knows that their relationship with Miranda is different than the "girl-on-girl action that people across the board think is really sexy."
As for Ramirez, they told Variety that while they are "aware that Che made waves," they chose not to let it affect them as much as possible.
"That's the beauty of being grown — I don't have to receive everything!" they said. "And this is Michael's baby. He created this role. He wrote it. Those are his and his writing team's jokes."
Ramirez pointed out that even if Che truly is the most hated character on TV, it's important that there is a space for them too.
"Che is a great reminder that even when we don't like someone in our community, they still deserve love, safety, and joy, like everyone else," the "Grey's Anatomy" alum said. "But the movement for liberation includes everyone, even people we don't like. This movement, this fight, this party of pride, isn't just for the people who make us feel cozy and cute — it's for everyone."
"And Just Like That" season one, also starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis, ended with Miranda on her way to visit Che in Los Angeles.