2. Miranda’s vulnerability-humiliation narrative cycle
One hot take that I was particularly intrigued by was Miranda’s cycle of showing vulnerability that eventually leads to humiliation. This narrative cycle could be seen as the source of her relationship cynicism. Alderton and O’Donoghue look at Miranda’s dating; from flashing a man in the opposite flat to engaging in public sex, they all lead to humiliation and Miranda putting her guard back up. If the man in question doesn’t do it first, Miranda soon dumps him – an act then enables her to regain control. And ultimately, that’s what it comes down to: Miranda’s show of vulnerability, trying something new or uncomfortable, being emotionally open, is a renouncement of control, something alien to a successful Manhattan lawyer. However, when Steve comes along, Alderton and O’Donoghue theorise that in between fawning, Miranda’s vulnerability is not met with humiliation. Yes, Steve doesn’t let her get away with anything, including being emotionally distant or cynical, but he softens her, creates a space where she can be open without the fear of embarrassment or rejection. This vulnerability-humiliation cycle plays into Miranda’s series arc, that of her softening, the conclusion of this being the bathing scene with Steve’s mum. Cue wiping away tears.
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