White Lotus Returns

[d.anders]

6 hours ago, Rod Hagen said:

Up-Stream spoilers in this thread

If someone hasn't seen a popular show, the last thing they should do is visit the internet to read about it. Many people love to spoil surprises for others, and there is no controlling that. Since I see so many things first in my circle, I often remind friends not to read about something on the internet, unless they want to kill a mystery before watching.

6 hours ago, Rod Hagen said:

was his face that puffy in White Lotus?

Leo Woodall does have a full face. Some people might see that as puffy. He was only 24 when he shot White Lotus Season 2, and now he's 28. Faces can still change in the early 20's. I haven't seen Prime Target.

[TruthBTold]

I find that White is setting up various murder/killing scenarios from episode to episode.  I guess I am just sexually naive because I just understand only the most overtly sexual signals in the episodes.  

[Rod Hagen]

3 hours ago, d.anders said:

If someone hasn't seen a popular show, the last thing they should do is visit the internet to read about it. Many people love to spoil surprises for others, and there is no controlling that. Since I see so many things first in my circle, I often remind friends not to read about something on the internet, unless they want to kill a mystery before watching.

Leo Woodall does have a full face. Some people might see that as puffy. He was only 24 when he shot White Lotus Season 2, and now he's 28. Faces can still change in the early 20's. I haven't seen Prime Target.

Wow, that was 4 years?   Ok, that makes sense.  And you're right, it's more....full (puffy?).

[TonyDown]

21 hours ago, d.anders said:

OMG, they both made my heart flutter when they removed the clothing. I wish Mike White would have gone further with their background story. Why couldn't they have played with homo sex in their past? They were perfect characters for a little drunk experimentation. When Theo hired the hookers, I wanted so badly for him to invite Will to the couch, in a nod to "like old times," to rekindle the bi-play they once had together. Not only would that have been hot, hot, hot, it would have driven us gay watchers absolutely into delirium. LOL

I don't know what that means, but I'm happy to agree.

Yes, Lochlan was sitting between the two ladyboys, and he said to his mother, "This is what it looks like before a Tsunami." Yes, all the analysts on YouTube are suggesting that Lochlan is searching for his sexual identity. Does Mike White dare to go Trans in this season with Lochlan? He had the balls to mention you-know-who in Ep 3, so why not push the Trans button? It didn't help Emelia Perez, but that's mostly because the movie's star went bonko on social media, and most Trans folk hated the film.

I recently spoke to a friend who is very active in social media, and he asked me if I was watching White Lotus. After I said yes, he confirmed that everyone is complaining about Season 3, repeating a lot of points being made here. Unless the shit hits the fan soon, Mike White may disappoint a lot of fans.

Some folks are complaining. 

I like season 3. 

It does seem like a whole lot more sh!t is going to hit the fan for more of the characters compared to S1 and S2. 

[+ EVdude]

On 3/5/2025 at 5:36 AM, d.anders said:

OMG, they both made my heart flutter when they removed the clothing.

Theo James On The 'Tricky' Sex Scene in The White Lotus | Marie Claire UK

WWW.MARIECLAIRE.CO.UK

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Theo James has described why one sex scene from The White Lotus was particularly interesting to film.

 

[d.anders]

@EVdude Thanks for the Marie Claire link. Sadly, it didn't reveal much. When it comes to sex scenes in film, no one ever wants to reveal more than they have to in Hollywood. I get the desire to keep the plates up in the air. Without too much reveal, audiences get to speculate, and that feeds endless dialogue. Given that the two characters eventually end up in a physical fight, I thought the sex scene was a missed opportunity to exploit something deeper, more intimate in their relationship's past. It would have made perfect sense. These two guys were hot and very competitive. I instantly saw them experimenting when perhaps they were in college. I don't exactly remember the details of their story.

Edited March 6 by d.anders

[+ poolboy48220]

16 hours ago, d.anders said:

If someone hasn't seen a popular show, the last thing they should do is visit the internet to read about it. Many people love to spoil surprises for others, and there is no controlling that. Since I see so many things first in my circle, I often remind friends not to read about something on the internet, unless they want to kill a mystery before watching.

True. I came late to Downton Abbey, one day I could not for the life of me remember Isobel Crawley's name so I googled the show; found her listed as "Mother of the late Matthew Crawley". I hadn't gotten to Matthew's death yet, that was a shock. 

[d.anders]

2 hours ago, poolboy48220 said:

I hadn't gotten to Matthew's death yet, that was a shock.

Exactly what I was talking about. I was tardy on Downton, too. For awhile there, you couldn't go anywhere in NYC and not find people talking about it. Even at the grocery counters. I had to pull myself away from all the chatter. Luckily, Matthew's death knocked me out of my seat. I could not believe his agent allowed him to do that, although in retrospect, it was a terrific event in the show.

[+ ApexNomad]

Season 3 is leaning into its usual mix of uncomfortable family dynamics, social satire, and slow-burn psychological unraveling. The Ratliff family, in particular, feels like they’re going to be at the center of some major dysfunction.

As for the Lochlan and Saxon situation, there’s definitely something off about their relationship. White Lotus loves to push boundaries, especially when it comes to wealth, power, and privilege warping interpersonal relationships. The incest vibes could be more about toxic sibling dynamics—dominance, control, and blurred boundaries—rather than a literal sexual relationship. That being said, Mike White could take it to a dark and twisted place, and nothing would surprise me at this point.

The show thrives on delayed consequences. One review I read said it’s not until episode 6 that shit really hits the fan. (The critic did not have access to the final episodes.)

[MikeThomas]

No comments since last night's episode?  Maybe people are just tired of this season.

[d.anders]

It was mostly another head-scratching dud. Warning: mild spoilers ahead.

The writing seems really off to me. What the hell is Gary/Greg doing with that size boat? He's got Google headlines in Italy "wanted for questioning" from a previous White Lotus stay, that Belinda found with no effort, and in Thailand, at another White Lotus, he's entertaining complete strangers on a look-at-me-yacht. WTF. Who writes this shit? On top of that, the character has about as much charm and charisma as a dump of fresh, steaming cow dung. None of it makes any sense to me. Why would any of these characters end up on that boat, with that guy?

Gaitok has to be the dumbest, most incompetent luxury hotel security guard I've ever seen. He treats his woody for Mook like a sex addict who needs a fix, while all the blood drains from his real brain. It's way too unbelievable, and silly.

I have no idea why Valentin recommended Motel 6 to the three bitches, but it was fun to watch Michelle Monaghan melt down at the site of jiggling arm fat.

I really dislike the way Timothy Ratliff's character is behaving. I feel sorry for the acting that is required of Jason Isaacs to make it believable. Not sure how a mega-wealthy businessman would behave on vacation with his family, if he found out his life is over during the vacation. It's a fascinating premise, but not the way its unfolding in this show.

I think Mike White may be tired and needs a vacation from White Lotus.

Edited March 10 by d.anders

[+ ApexNomad]

30 minutes ago, d.anders said:

It was mostly another head-scratching dud. Warning: mild spoilers ahead.

The writing seems really off to me. What the hell is Gary/Greg doing with that size boat? He's got Google headlines in Italy "wanted for questioning" from a previous White Lotus stay, that Belinda found with no effort, and in Thailand, at another White Lotus, he's entertaining complete strangers on a look-at-me-yacht. WTF. Who writes this shit? On top of that, the character has about as much charm and charisma as a dump of fresh, steaming cow dung. None of it makes any sense to me. Why would any of these characters end up on that boat, with that guy?

Gaitok has to be the dumbest, most incompetent luxury hotel security guard I've ever seen. He treats his woody for Mook like a sex addict who needs a fix, while all the blood drains from his real brain. It's way too unbelievable, and silly.

I have no idea why Valentin recommended Motel 6 to the three bitches, but it was fun to watch Michelle Monaghan melt down at the site of jiggling arm fat.

I really dislike the way Timothy Ratliff's character is behaving. I feel sorry for the acting that is required of Jason Isaacs to make it believable. Not sure how a mega-wealthy businessman would behave on vacation with his family, if he found out his life is over during the vacation. It's a fascinating premise, but not the way its unfolding in this show.

I think Mike White may be tired and needs a vacation from White Lotus.

I’m actually starting to enjoy it now—I find it hysterical. Agree with you about Gaitok. 

Part of the enjoyment is also the vacation porn. 

[Simon Suraci]

Love me some vacation porn. I’m pent up. Been years since I’ve been on a bona fide vacation. God willing I’m ready to shoot my wad in late 2025. Three seasons of White Lotus has me edging.

That jiggling arm fat, and ensuing reaction was everything!

There has to be some reason Valentin sent them there. Is it his commentary on the three women being past their prime? Is he steering them toward some plot they need to be desperate to agree to after such a disappointment? What a great butler arranging for male escorts in the form of his personal friends.

This burn is so damn slow. It’s killing me.

[d.anders]

59 minutes ago, ApexNomad said:

Part of the enjoyment is also the vacation porn.

I can't disagree with that. I actually don't mind the silent panning images. They are far more beautiful than the dialogue, or anyone in this cast.

42 minutes ago, Simon Suraci said:

Been years since I’ve been on a bona fide vacation.

So true. Haven't flown since 2019. Can no longer lie in the sun. Unless the pool is heated, I'm a shaking chill-fest. So depressing for someone who once cherished his sexy tan line. White Lotus is a fun escape, for sure. But I am so missing the energy and wondrous, chaotic spirit of Tanya, and of course, all the previous hot boys. Mike White's decision to go spiritual is not working for me. I need and want the sex.

[d.anders]

On 2/24/2025 at 10:46 AM, MikeThomas said:

Don't understand all of the fuss about Valentin.

Well now we know. Mike White cast Arnas Fedaravicius for his super-fine ass.

[d.anders]

On 3/4/2025 at 9:08 AM, TruthBTold said:

Not exactly sure what people mean by "incest vibes."

All it takes is one little pill washed down with some liquor.

[+ ApexNomad]

23 minutes ago, d.anders said:

All it takes is one little pill washed down with some liquor.

 

25 minutes ago, d.anders said:

Well now we know. Mike White cast Arnas Fedaravicius for his super-fine ass.

My takeaways from episode 5 too.

[d.anders]

I'm still a bit stunned by how bad this season is. I'm sure Mike White is completely exhausted (he has said so in many interviews), and it shows in this season. The late night talk show hosts are so laughable when they stick their tongue up everyone's ass, praising them for their superfine work on this season's show.

Warning, spoilers.

I was so hoping Jason Isaacs would have shot himself. His character died before the season started. His aimless moping really is a drag on everything.

Who didn't know the 3 women were going to invite trouble? It wouldn't surprise me to learn that Carrie Coon had something to do with Michelle hooking up with Valentin. I wish all three guys would have dropped shorts before jumping in the pool. It would have made perfect sense, prosthetic penises or not.

The brother's kiss kind of made me throw up. Gay incest does nothing for me, and its a subject the gay community does not need to attach itself to. However, I love when a popular Hollywood show causes Megyn Kelly to have a brain aneurysm, so thank you Mike White.

The best scene, IMO, was between Walton Goggins and Sam Rockwell. I didn't love the writing for Walton, but Sam's writing and acting was quite good.

Not sure what to say about Natasha Rothwell pairing with Pornchai. At least the scuffle noise mystery has been solved.

Edited March 17 by d.anders

[+ ApexNomad]

20 minutes ago, d.anders said:

The best scene, IMO, was between Walton Goggins and Sam Rockwell. I didn't love the writing for Walton, but Sam's writing and acting was quite good.

Agreed! This is why you bring in an Oscar winner. Great scene! 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

12 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Agreed! This is why you bring in an Oscar winner. Great scene! 

Rockwell could make reading a phonebook sound interesting.  He's just gifted.

It sure as hell wasn't White's writing.  That's just become a banal, repetitive circle-jerk this season.

It's kinda sad that it only took 3 seasons for him to lose the brass ring.

[d.anders]

3 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

Rockwell could make reading a phonebook sound interesting.

"One night I took home some girl, turned out to be a Ladyboy, which I'd done before, but this time instead of fucking the Ladyboy, the Ladyboy fucked me...and it was kind of magical."

I'm going to give it to Mike White on this one.

3 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

It's kinda sad that it only took 3 seasons for him to lose the brass ring.

I'm not counting him out yet. He just needs a good rest. Strong talent doesn't die so easily.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

10 hours ago, d.anders said:

Strong talent doesn't die so easily.

True, but it can run out of ideas.  Paging Ryan Murphy.

The difficult thing about writing is that block is real.  There's also the constant fear of having one seismic success and never being able to reach that apex again.

This was the case for a guy like Truman Capote. 

White hit big and hit fast.  I'm sure he felt the pressure to churn it out.  Perhaps he's not the kind of creative who can do that and needs more time in-between projects.

[CuriousByNature]

30 minutes ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

True, but it can run out of ideas.  Paging Ryan Murphy.

The difficult thing about writing is that block is real.  There's also the constant fear of having one seismic success and never being able to reach that apex again.

This was the case for a guy like Truman Capote. 

White hit big and hit fast.  I'm sure he felt the pressure to churn it out.  Perhaps he's not the kind of creative who can do that and needs more time in-between projects.

I'm hoping that there has been some method to his madness - perhaps starting with the slow burn to make the eventual drama seem all the more explosive?  I agree that writer's block is real, and I wonder if that's why British programs sometimes have more than one year between seasons.  Giving the writers time to generate great storylines and character development seems more important than churning out episodes to meet an expected deadline, or to satiate hungry viewers who have become used to instant gratification.

[d.anders]

Looks like my YouTube video got pulled. Probably a copyright strike. I was surprised when I found it last night. Oh well. Sorry to those who don't have HBO. Rockwell gave me a tickle in my groin as he spoke of getting gang banged and loving it. The expression on Goggins' face was priceless.

I've seen almost every YouTube interview with Mike White. No one knew the show would get the reception it received via Season 1. Season 2 was fun for many reasons, more money and Italy. Looks like Season 3 was mostly work.

As for Capote, writer's block, and burnout, Mike White leads a fairly healthy life. He may not achieve WL apex anytime soon, but that doesn't mean the doors aren't open, money isn't there. If Mike White wants to continue working, creating, he can. So few ever reach an apex. Getting to work for a very long time is the best a creative person can hope for.

I'm not surprised by the incest outrage all over the media. Apparently, the two brothers kissing has sickened many. LOL. At least it's getting lots of clicks. Isn't that what it's all about these days?

[Rod Hagen]

22 hours ago, d.anders said:

I'm not surprised by the incest outrage all over the media. Apparently, the two brothers kissing has sickened many. LOL. At least it's getting lots of clicks. Isn't that what it's all about these days?

I thought that was pretty tame.  But outrage is In.