It really didn't take long to get through the second season. Where the first season was something watched over the span of a few days, the second season felt like it took two nights. It's safe to say that I got a bit addicted to it, and that is partially a result of the show's darker side of humour. The first season was an unexpected surprise, a great watch that showed the slow descent into madness for a number of characters while also actually offering some nice aspects of closure to some of them, while also showing that madness grow in its intensity elsewhere. The show was meaningful, it felt emotional and it felt funny. The second season was a bit slower in comparison, it felt like much of that humour had been removed and replaced with a bit more sadness. Really trying to pull on the emotion while displaying a series of generally sad events as the general season theme felt like it was oriented around the inability of certain groups to remain loyal to their loved ones. The lies and deceit that came with it, and how some people just couldn't help themselves even if it meant breaking their hearts of those that meant the most to them. It definitely felt more tragic, a lot more ugly in that sense of things. But still generally a good story and season that was worth a watch. To say I didn't like it would be a lie, I certainly did. Though it was quite a contrast from the first season; and that's a good thing given it didn't just tell the same story again.
This time, the season takes place in another luxury hotel resort known as The White Lotus, establishing the fact that it is actually a global chain. It's a similar setup to which the guests arrive at the location and with a comforting trip and relaxing stay in mind, it's not necessarily what they end up getting. I enjoyed the fact that the season brought back a character from the first season, a woman that probably had the most fragile character and had the audience actually wanting something good to come to her. It felt as if her closure in that season provided just that, and it was proven (at least at first) within the first episode when we see she actually married the man she met at the previous hotel and location back in Hawaii. The two now travelling together to Sicily, where she intends to live out her romantic Italian dreams alongside her new husband, deep in the romance and finally happy again. Of course that's not exactly how things turn out, this isn't a story purely on happiness and finding peace. Something bad is inevitably going to happen. And for her character it's the realisation that he's lying to her and clearly has someone else elsewhere. To the point where he claims he has an important work meeting and must fly all the way home for just two days to attend it. Again this plays into the season's general theme of deception and a lack of faithfulness. Similar to the events of other couples and characters that are attending the resort for the week.
Despite the general tonal shift in this season, I found it to be equally engaging, primarily from the visuals and the characters that were displayed, each of them having quite similar stories regarding romance troubles. Either married couples or younger singles that were trying to find some company and escape their fears from everyday life. Trying to find solace in a relationship with another that might bring more joy and life to them. It's safe to say that I hated these characters, they were insufferable people to watch throughout the entire season, and when one character did seem to make some sense, it was inevitably followed up with a really stupid move that made them no different to the rest. This season thrived on the idea of infidelity, with characters either immediately choosing to cheat on their partners or to have the anxiety that it may be taking place already, leading to that stress building up over the week as they search for clues. British Japanese actor Will Sharpe playing an American wasn't the best of choices, though his more youthful and gentle nature played an important role in looking like an innocent idiot getting caught up in the fears of watching his marriage collapse under the manipulation and competition of a business rival. Aubrey Plaza looking generally the same as always, but pulling off a evil nature incredibly well. Both of those performers in particular really standing out.
With the theme of infidelity comes the visual storytelling, the constant symbolism that I'd be lying if I said I fully understood the connection, though there clearly was one present throughout the theme. Most obvious are the objects seen within the frames, a lot of faces and heads, which coincidentally these statues and faces grow more and more decayed as the season progresses. No longer these beautiful pieces of art, but these rotten, crumbling faces of despair. Cinematic close-ups of these statues and faces appear constantly through b-roll, connecting characters to their locations frequently, but there's definitely a meaning beyond the simplistic decay of the mind and innocence that I noticed. Visually, the show remains stunning, and that's alongside the really emotional score that repeats and plays throughout the show. It's artistic, emotional, and often features chants or subtle wording rather than full lyrics. In many cases it's accompanied with really beautiful cinematography, little elements of the beauty of the locations: the old Italian streets, the nature around the coastal areas, or the slow crashing and rolling of waves. Though as that season progresses it removes that feeling of peace and it starts to feel stressful, almost sinister.
I did like the addition of two characters which were native to the area: two women that lived purely by relying on prostitution at the hotel, both of which slowly coming to terms with how empty their lives are. Slowly coming to the realisation that they're fearing not only their futures, but fearing the judgement of God as well. Starting to pay attention to Sicily's strong religious themes and features throughout the landscape, taking not of essentially being watched at all times as they continue to sin. And the two slowly starting to take note of their actual interests in life: one wanting to become a singer, desperately begging the hotel for a chance to perform live there. The other finding actual comfort in the love of a single person after all her shallow engagements. This was a nice change from the other setup which was mostly just people cheating on each other or trying to find a reason to do it. The show does do well in giving a wide range of characters beyond the main ones, even if they do get little screen-time, but somehow they do have an impact on the greater story, everything being connected.
This was a really good season even if it did differ a lot from the first. While I did love the comedic elements of the first season, I was glad to see that this season wasn't just relying on its previous successes. It did have the same general idea regarding The White Lotus hotel and the guests being relatively wealthy and having their lives come into question over the span of a week, but it mixed things up enough to feel different and stand alone. I do think that was important, and it did do incredibly well even if many of those characters were frustratingly annoying or cruel. But that's how good story telling works! If you don't feel anything then the story isn't immersing you.
The season one was epic for me but like you said the contrast in season 2 made me quit on the series entirely. Although, with your review I will give it another shot once more. If you enjoyed the white lotus, you should try out only murders in the building with a much more dark humour and comedy.
I'm all caught up on Only Murders in the Building, that's another great show!
Season two of The White Lotus was definitely different, but yeah I'm glad it did go in a different direction slightly and not create the exact same sort of story as the first. And it was still full of creativity and symbolism to say something more.
OMG!!!!
It's so nice when you get to meet a fellow only murders in the building fan. It feels like meeting a friend at Comic Con 😅
For me, going in a different direction with the next season was a bold move which I believe worked out since their viewership is still up but it wasn't a necessary risk to take. 😌 It was like taking out the spice that made me interested or maybe I wasn't patient enough with the second season. I think I will start white lotus all over again maybe watching on the big screen will be different for me 😅
Are you already on the third season of white lotus and are you done with Only Murders in the Building?
I'm starting the third season later today, I'm a big fan of Walton Goggins so I think it'll be a killer season.
And yeah I'm now waiting for the next season of Only Murders in the Building. I've reviewed it here before and really tried to spread the word about it on here. Steve Martin returning to the screen is a nice surprise, even more for a television series that gives him near full creative freedom alongside his co-creators.
Steve Martins was definitely the icing on top. When I last saw him was in Cheaper by the Dozen which made up my childhood.
I watched that way too many times on DVD as well