After stalling while episodes accumulated, Megan and I got swept up in the 7-episode arc of the new season of HBO’s The White Lotus. It’s one of the best television series I’ve watched this year.
You could watch season 2 even if you haven’t seen season 1; it’s more of an anthology series than an ongoing string of episodes across seasons. Overall, the scripted show is about a 5-star resort (this time in Sicily), its employees, and its very wealthy guests.
Each season also has the hook of a mysterious death (it’s so mysterious that you don’t even know who is dead until the last episode). As much as I enjoyed season 2, it’s the characters, their personal mysteries, and their internal drama/romances/exploits that made me want to keep watching–I didn’t really even think about the death until the final episode.
The setting of this show is stunning. It’s an invitation to fantasize about the types of resorts and vacations the 1% enjoy (or somehow manage not to enjoy). I like that we get to see the resort from the perspectives of both the guests and some of the employees, and (this season) even some people who don’t fit into either category.
One of the best things about the show–and perhaps the reason I’m even more enamored with season 2 than season 1–is that I found myself rooting for a good outcome for nearly every character. Everyone has their flaws, but they have a chance to recognize their weaknesses and grow. I love how well the characters in The White Lotus are written, developed, and acted.
I realize I’ve said a lot without actually saying anything, but I’m happy to discuss details and theories in the comments. I really hope there’s a season 3; creator Mike White has said that he’s looking setting it in Asia with a focus on spiritual tourism (season 1 was focused on money, season 2 on sex). What was your favorite moment in season 2? Of the two resorts (Hawaii and Sicily), which do you want to visit more?
