If you're "Sex and the City" illiterate and want to be ready for Friday's movie opening, these are the five must-see episodes that will not only give you the gist of what you've missed, but may get you excited about the prospect of seeing the two-and-a-half-hour "Sex" epic. These episodes, the best of "Sex," should, of course, be followed by a screening of the 2004 finale.
"Twenty-Something Girls Vs. Thirty-Something Women," Season 2, episode 29
The quandary of the young versus the not-as-young. Buxom beach bunnies prompt Samantha to throw melons through a glass window. One of the fab four finally gets an STD. Carrie finds out that the love of her life may be sleeping with the enemy.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Season 3, episode 42
A summary of character flaws. Charlotte is determined to have a perfect wedding even if it means ignoring a big problem. Carrie breaks Aidan's heart. Meanwhile, Miranda pretends to be a flight attendant to be less intimidating to men. Sadly, it works.
"Ring a Ding Ding," Season 4, episode 64
Carrie must buy her apartment but has no equity - besides her shoes. Charlotte comes to the rescue in this honest episode about friendship and class.
"A Woman's Right to Shoes," Season 6, episode 83
Carrie realizes how much she has spent on other people's weddings, showers, and children. She demands that her friends honor her own choices, even if they come in the form of Manolo Blahniks.
"Splat!," Season 6, episode 92
Kristen Johnston plays an aging party girl who can't find fun anymore. Candice Bergen is Carrie's single editor, who laments that men her age are dating women Carrie's age. This episode previews the end - not just the end of the series, but the end of life in New York as the characters know it.
MEREDITH GOLDSTEIN
Disagree with our top five? Debate the most important episodes at boston.com/movies
