The White Lotus S2 Review: Even Better Than Season 1!

The White Lotus was one of my favorite new shows last year. And I was worried because I didn’t know where they could go with a second season, given that the first was written in a short series format. However, I was pleasantly surprised by what the writers came up with. And I might have even enjoyed this season more than season one, if I’m honest. Now that’s some high praise for a show’s second season. This time, the action of The White Lotus S2 is centered on the Sicilian location of the luxury resort where, over a week, we have a window into these characters’ lives. Who they are on vacation and back home.

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The characters in this show are always the focal point. Always interesting and entertaining, yet all terrible people in various ways. Episode 1 of The White Lotus S2 pretty much sets the stage for all the characters visiting the resort. The newly successfully and intellectual couple following the couple born into privilege couple down the rabbit hole. Three generations of men looking to rediscover their roots. Two hotel prostitues searching for the score of a lifetime. A perpetually paranoid depressive and her assistant. And lastly, an overworked resort manager. Each looking towards Sicily and The White Lotus as an escape.

But of course, as always, these insanely privileged people can’t help but tow their issues around. Even in the most beautiful of destinations. The location this season, much like last, and it’s scenery is stunning. Especially the villa Harper (Aubrey Plaza) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy) visit. (Seriously, I need to go wherever that is one day.) It’s beyond sad that even though they’re surrounded by so much beauty, they can’t enjoy any of it because they’re so caught up in their ridiculous problems which 90 percent of the time, aren’t even real problems. The luxuries mean absolutely nothing to them. Why even bother going?

The White Lotus is a place where people go on vacation to leave their worries behind, and yet, they can never seem to. They are constantly surrounded by luxury and beauty, and they hardly notice any of it. In Greek mythology, the Land of the Lotus Eaters was an island where the inhabitants lost track of time, fully enveloped by the sensations and experiences around them. I imagine that the White Lotus hotels have the same effect. It isn’t a location or destination per se, that’s why it doesn’t matter which location it is, the country, or even the players. It’s more of a case study where we examine the dysfunction of the wealthy.

In such a romantic destination, it’s easy to lose yourself in the eroticism of it all. Even though it may feel like a sex-filled romp at times, there are genuine moments of profound life lessons. There’s a line Bert (F. Murray Abraham) says, “they used to respect the old, now we’re just reminders of an offensive past they want to forget.” It makes you think that the elders in our society were once revered for their wisdom, and now, they’re just seen as obsolete. What’s more, is that every generation will undoubtedly think the same about the last. It makes you wonder if we truly value people anymore.

Bert’s grandson Albie (Adam DiMarco) was an interesting character to me and a familiar one in The White Lotus S2. He summed himself up in the very beginning when he said he has a thing for pretty, injured birds. Some men do, the same way some women think they can always fix a man. He’s the typical guy with a savior complex who thinks he’s a good guy because of it when really, he’s just as controlled by his sexual desires as his philandering father and grandfather.

I think Tanya is a misunderstood character. On the surface, she seems insane, however, she’s well aware of the duplicitous nature of people. Having been an heiress her entire life means she’s always had people befriending her solely for her money. It must get very tiring after a while not knowing who to trust, and so she discards people as easily as she collects them.

Perhaps one of the most interesting relationships was that between Cameron (Theo James) and Ethan (Will Sharpe) as they continue their juvenile dance from college. Constantly trying to one-up each other because everything is still a competition amongst men, especially for successful men. Each gains a point for the most arbitrary things. Who has more money, who’s more successful, who’s in better shape, and of course, who has the best-looking, most agreeable wife?

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Cameron and his wife Daphne introduce Ethan and his wife Harper into their world. One of luxury and complacency and slowly, Ethan and Harper begin to question whether they can navigate their newfound wealth together. By the end, they realize why they fell in love in the first place. Harper’s discernment and Ethan’s loyalty. They realize just how much they have to lose. Oddly enough, the only “normal” characters I’d argue are the two local prostitutes, Lucia and Mia. Say what you want, but they at least know what they want and can appreciate the finer things in life. These two live every day as it comes, and I respect them for it.

Needless to say I was highly entertained by this season. I binged it in two days, and I’m interested to see where they go for Season 3. Watch The White Lotus S2 on HBO MAX here and Disney+ Hotstar here.

‘The White Lotus S2’ Rating – 4.5/5

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