The White Lotus - Série 2

Mike White the screenwriter once again plays the role of a malicious host. He punishes not just the unappealing culprits but also appealing victims and even just individuals floating through life. Their merits don't matter, nor do their offenses or karma; everyone gets a bitter pill and it's merely a question of whether one at a time or by the handful. Then Mike White the director surpasses the first season, the sea waves enveloping them in an even more irresistible guise and pulling out ever more surprising aces from his sleeve. Even this time I won't give in to the highest rating, even though for the second time only just barely. The reason is that painful conclusions sometimes have such staying power that I feel a palpable grief for up to several weeks after the vacation is over. (23.01.2023)

I have two takeaways from the second season. The first one is that Mike White knows what he's doing and does it very well. The second one is the certainty that if, hypothetically, I ever ventured beyond the ordinary, I would definitely not accommodate myself in one of the White Lotus hotels. It would be an adrenaline rush, but the risks are too great. The characters from the first season seemed somewhat more depressing to me, while the second season pleased me with a much more exciting setting. Most of the characters were excellently portrayed, and their stories were worth watching. It's the second time Mike White got me hooked on the drama, spiced it up with intelligent humor, and occasionally surprised me with an idea that seemed unexpectedly deep for an ordinary show. I guess it's just not an ordinary show. I am looking forward to the third season with optimism (which is something I'm not used to). / Lesson learned: What happens in Sicily stays in Sicily. (08.05.2023)

The first season had the more attractive setting of Hawaii, not that Sicily isn't beautiful, but the Hawaiian exoticism had its charm. Yet I have to say that the second season has more interesting characters, better plot twists and overall I enjoyed it a lot more. Of the familiar faces, I liked Theo James, Aubrey Plaza and the return of Jennifer Coolidge. Simona Tabasco as the hooker was an instant crush, and for the biggest likable character there's Will Sharpe,  I felt quite sorry for him, that relationship was pretty toxic. You really care about the characters, their development and their relationships are very well written, you hate the opening theme song of the first season and then love it and the final twist is really very good. Very entertaining, gripping and addictive, I'm glad I gave it a chance. 8/10. (29.04.2024)