'Sex and the City': Season 1 Episode Guide

EPISODE 12: ''Oh Come All Ye Faithful''

Carrie couldn't help but wonder... ''Are relationships the religion of the '90s?''

PLOT Miranda can't handle that her Catholic lover showers immediately after sex; Carrie discovers that Big takes his mom to church every Sunday and shows up to force an introduction; when Big calls Carrie his ''friend'' — and later can't tell her that she's ''the one'' — she breaks up with him.

BEST SOUND BITE ''Four stars. Great bread, disappointing wine selection.'' —Miranda, on how Zagat's would rate Big's church

STYLE AND ERROR Carrie's church outfit — complete with gloves and floppy white hat — exemplifies her ability to trot out a funny-yet-fashionable costume for any occasion.

CRITIQUE Genuinely uncomfortable, true-to-life moments like Carrie laying it on the line with Big — and stunning clothes? ''Faithful'' hits all the right notes, and the SATC we've come to know and love finally finds its footing. A

More dish on the Sex and the City movie:

Sex and the City: Secrets from the movie set
Sex and the City: Four portraits of the leading ladies
Sex and the City: Six writers explore different ways of looking at Carrie Bradshaw