The White Lotus (Season 2 - 2022)

 

Rating: ★★★★½

So after really enjoying the spectacle of season 1 but ultimately finding the overall commentary on the themes of white privilege and class status inconclusive, HBO's The White Lotus, returns for a second season with similar themes, a similar setting at a fancy hotel (albeit this time in gorgeous Sicily, Italy) but with different characters and storylines. 


The lack in messaging I found in season 1 became more clear to me in this season's execution on all technical levels. Ultimately - I think - creator/showrunner Mike White is not so concerned about delivering satire for satire's sake or social justice, more so than just showing the raunchiness at the core of humanity and the system we find ourselves in. He isn't necessarily worried so much about pointing fingers, as much as just exploring the inner psychology (manipulation, deception, and lots and lots of sexuality) of the characters in such a scenario - and I can appreciate that, and thus can finally situate myself substantially in the world of The White Lotus.


Season 2 is so much more colourful and deeper than season 1. The characters are all equally flawed and hilarious. Can't get over how much of a mess Dominic (Michael Imperioli) is in throughout the early parts of this series, and the banter between him and his father (F. Murray Abraham) is glorious throughout. I was also just cringing at how his son, Albie, an American on a beautiful trip to Sicily immediately decides to hook up with another American (Haley Lu Richardson) instead of the many tremendously hot local Italian girls that are there. And that American girl couldn't have been anymore amoral and terrible. But luckily fortunes turn in his favour, and I was so stoked for him, but later on we learn not so much really. But at least this would have been a very eye-opening coming of age trip for the young man in experience with the opposite sex.


Furthermore, the dual couple exploits of Cameron, Daphne, Ethan and Harper (Aubrey Plaza) was crazy and incredibly handled too. And initially, I found the reappearance of Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) a poor choice, but it all comes full circle by the end. The best of the bunch however are undoubtedly the local Italian girls Lucia and Mia, and the Italian hotel director Valentina. Breezed through it, couldn't get enough, hopefully this show becomes an HBO staple.

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