The White Lotus

The first season had a languid pace throughout, which sums up all the negatives. The script brought such bizarre yet common characters onto the stage that I actually didn't care about the slow narrative style. These people were toxic, to put it in one word. However, I don't really like this expression (because it's used too often nowadays, especially for those who disagree with the mainstream). It perfectly fit this lineup, though. The negative energy was almost palpable. Well, it was an unexpected and welcome experience with a perfect soundtrack. 4*+ (08/05/2023)

I'm sensing a potentially bizarre twist brewing beneath the excellently depicted snobbishness. I can't wait for it to surface. My mind couldn't help but picture Basil Fawlty instead of Armando; now that would be something truly spectacular. But alas, I don't think we'll get to see a rerun of Fawlty Towers on the politically ultra-correct BBC, let alone a character like Basil in another show. Uncertain of what to expect from White Lotus, I'm eagerly anticipating the next episode. 3*+ (08/11/2021)

Honestly, I was expecting a much faster pace, so I found myself a bit let down. The plot unfolded rather slowly (perhaps even a tad boringly), but the creators compensated with top-notch dialogue and superb character interactions. My initial assessment of the series' direction was way off, and now I've adjusted my expectations. Nevertheless, I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far. (09/11/2021)

I'm still enjoying the series despite its sluggish pace. I've come to realize that perhaps it's my slightly twisted mindset that enjoys the gradual unraveling of the increasingly disturbing inner lives of the characters. It's as if I'm an enthusiastic entomologist lifting a stone in a damp place, gleefully observing the squirming of all those repulsive, multi-legged creatures. I'm somewhat disturbed by my own fascination, and I credit that to the creators. 4*+ (10/11/2021)

I couldn't resist diving into the fourth episode, despite my ongoing concerns about the pacing. The decay, however, unfolds in such a twistedly exciting way that I found myself fully engaged. It seems if you tune into the same wavelength as the creators (which I evidently did), you're in for a ride through a panopticon of various twisted characters. Well, being a disgusting white heterosexual myself, I also have to appreciate Alexandra Daddario, who not only provides a valuable aesthetic experience but also delivers solid acting performances. Among the male cast, Steve Zahn clearly steals the show for me - he's just perfect. (12/11/2021)

The creators completely blindsided me this time by including the first (and probably last) action scene in the plot. It totally threw me off in the best way and earned them that fifth star, which I wasn't sure about until now. I'm eagerly anticipating how they'll wrap up this adventure, yet at the same time, I'm already feeling a bit sad about saying goodbye to all these characters from the hotel. (13/11/2021)

While the finale was satisfying, there's a slight pang of disappointment that the creators seemed to dial back on the dark humor (though there were a few glimmers). The episode was dramatic and even tragic, which is usually the perfect setup for dark humor. However, it didn't majorly detract from my overall positive impression of the finale. If there's anything that truly saddens me, it's that the guests didn't extend their stay. I wouldn't have minded staying in that hotel a bit longer with them. (14/11/2021)

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 White Lotus chain of hotels pleased me with its Sicilian resort because what could be funnier for a European than American tourists? The pilot episode had a much faster pace than the previous season's opening episode. I'm just not sure if the creators managed to create characters for the second time that would evoke my sympathy with their internal decay like last time. Well, I'll wait, see, rate, and review. / Lesson learned: The most significant difference between a sunset and a penis is their practical use. (02/05/2023)

The second episode once again brought the true white-lotus atmosphere with all its veneer. The viewer suspects, or rather knows, that things are slimy and stink on the inside. For a moment, I pondered how naive you must be to leave an open account at the disposal of a pair of workers in the specialized entertainment field, but then I remembered all those Nigerian letters and things like that. At least the victim gets something in return for the money in this case. The creators chose the Sicilian setting well; those shots are simply stunning. The hotel manager, played by Sabrina Impacciatore, greatly amuses me. It's just that I found the gradual unveiling of the characters' inner selves in the first season more exciting. It is not that harsh here, which could be detrimental in the long run. / Lesson learned: Keep your mouth shut while riding a Vespa. (03/05/2023)

I'm still having a good time. Like in the first season, the creators gradually reveal each character's innermost self. Although there's no one as irritating as the characters from Hawaii, I am satisfied. What I enjoy about this show is mainly that the creators do not present the viewer with any virtuous characters that I hate from the bottom of my soul. Instead, they fill this small world with believable beings with common character flaws, and the occasional woke smartass soon makes a fool of himself by saying something dumb ("Gender is a construct."). I am happy with the progress so far and look forward to future episodes. / Lesson learned: Do you want to have your fortune told? You'd better say what outcome you expect in advance. (04/05/2023)

The creators still firmly stick with what they're good at without straying into filler territory, so it's another four stars from me. True, this is only the second hotel in this chain that I've had a chance to visit, but I'm already suspecting that, besides the necessary skills, there is one particular condition that the hotel manager must meet. And Valentina meets it perfectly so far :-) I had a great time again. The atmosphere keeps thickening, and the story is getting tangled. I've never taken Viagra, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't confuse it with any yellow-and-white capsule. I'm surprised at what's possible. Actually, I'm not. / "Ho creato un mostro..." / Lesson learned: Being punished for something I didn't do is the height of injustice. (05/05/2023)

The new morning in Sicily started with a series of awkward situations. Since the creators maintained this trend throughout the fifth episode, I had no choice but to give them five stars. I simply relished all that racket. What racket, you ask? I'm talking about the loud noise of the firing of the characters' overwhelmed brain cells in their attempt to get out of the crisis. It was the best episode of the second season so far. The characters were forced to speak openly, and Daphne's conversation with Harper sent chills down my spine. I clearly stumbled upon a cynic like myself :-) Lucia is undoubtedly a beautiful woman, but for two thousand euros per night, I would expect a deck chair, a sunshade, and full board included in the price. Yeah, I enjoyed this episode with all its nuances. / "Who's the lady? Is it the Queen of Sicily?" "???!!! .......yes." / Lesson learned: Vacation is a time for new experiences. Just make sure you can handle them. (06/05/2023)

I liked how the overall atmosphere darkened, but the plot of the previous episode won me over a bit more. It was definitely another well-crafted episode. I'm just sorry that the creators decided to return to Mia and Valentina's suite because the unnecessary explanation ruined the atmosphere of the previous scene. Oh well. As Ethan tried to explain the almost inexplicable, it made me think of similar clichés used in such situations: "Honey, it's not what it looks like." Or: "I paid the bill at the reception, but the amount doesn't really add up." Yeah, life isn't a walk in the park. / Lesson learned: Don't try to deprive a Sicilian family of their property. Especially not a Sicilian Family. 4*+ (07/05/2023)

The writers did not underestimate the situation and wrote a great script again. They made the already excellent atmosphere even more intense, added a considerable amount of tension, and created a kind of thriller-like drama with comedic elements that I simply had to like. Again, it was confirmed that men are fairly simple creatures - you hit/kick a specific spot, and it does the trick; you cleverly stimulate that particular spot, and they follow you like puppies. The term "Achilles' cock" was spot on:-) I'm sure I would get along with Daphne. It's the second time she uttered something chilling that resonated with me. And she initially seemed like a moron... If I continued writing, I would probably give out spoilers, so I'll just say I had a great time (despite the strange disinterest of the Italian police in potential witnesses). / Lesson learned: The ideal relationship is between people who get stuck with each other. (08/05/2023)