15. Shortcomings Guide
: Begins dating Vaughn Wysel (played by Justin Theroux), an acclaimed short-story writer. While Carrie is deeply enamored with his "perfect" family—particularly his mother, Wallis (Valerie Harper)—she must contend with Vaughn's struggle with premature ejaculation , a significant physical shortcoming that threatens their relationship.
: The episode is often placed in the lower-to-middle tiers of series rankings. Rolling Stone ranked it 75th out of 94 episodes , noting it might be forgettable if not for the guest appearance by Justin Theroux.
" 15. Shortcomings " refers to the fifteenth episode of the second season of , which first aired on September 12, 1999. This installment is frequently remembered for its focus on the "shortcomings" of the characters' romantic partners and Carrie’s attempt to date a promising writer whose family life proves more appealing than his own. Plot Overview 15. Shortcomings
: Becomes fixated on the idea that her "shortcoming" is her brother Wesley's lack of ambition, leading to conflict when he visits New York.
: Starts a relationship with Kevin , a divorced father. Her struggle is with the "shortcoming" of being a secondary priority to his child, highlighting her discomfort with his domestic responsibilities. : Begins dating Vaughn Wysel (played by Justin
: Finds herself in a relationship with a man whose primary "shortcoming" is his lack of hygiene, specifically his refusal to wash his hands after using the restroom. Critical Reception
In this episode, the four main characters navigate various "shortcomings" in their romantic and personal lives: Rolling Stone ranked it 75th out of 94
: It is noted for exploring how people often stay in relationships for secondary reasons—like liking a partner's family—rather than the partner themselves. Production Details Director : Dan Algrant Writer : Michael Patrick King Original Air Date : September 12, 1999 Every 'Sex and the City' Episode Ranked - Rolling Stone