"The White Lotus" accomplishes a feat rarely seen in television—transforming picturesque settings and seemingly mundane narratives into a palpable atmosphere of dread and unease. The most intriguing aspect of tonight's episode is its eerie undercurrent of impending doom, which lingers throughout yet ultimately resolves into anticlimax. No catastrophe or scandal unfolds, despite the persistent sensation that we were teetering on the brink of disaster. Beware, spoilers ahead.
Despite the absence of horror or scandal, each storyline concludes with a startling or unexpected twist. My predictions (admittedly, not always concrete) diverged sharply from the actual outcomes. Yet, each subplot delivered a peculiar and unforeseen denouement.
Last week's episode culminated in Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and his brother Lachlan (Sam Nivola) setting sail for a neighboring island hosting a Full Moon Party. Saxon's sole preoccupation is sex, and he is equally eager to bed Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and facilitate his brother's conquest of Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon).
Upon arriving at the island, they indulge in pills (presumably ecstasy, though unspecified) and imbibe liberally. Saxon, initially resistant (proclaiming himself the ultimate aphrodisiac, quite annoyingly), eventually succumbs to peer pressure. They find themselves spun out and high, amidst the revelry, perched on the beach as fireworks illuminate the night sky.
This narrative thread dangling the prospect of infidelity is palpable. Chloe, desperate for attention, is hellbent on cheating on Greg/Gary (John Gries) with the "little magician," believing that the risk, despite the potential dire consequences, is worthwhile. She goads Chelsea into cheating on Rick (Walton Goggins), though Chelsea appears horrified by the notion. Nevertheless, we watch, convinced that one thing will inevitably lead to another. Intercut with scenes of the partygoers are glimpses of the Gossip Girls embarking on their own escapade (more on that shortly), all contributing to a mounting sense of impending calamity.
And then, absolutely nothing of substance transpires. By the episode's conclusion, the characters remain in their original romantic entanglements, unaltered. No betrayal mars their bonds. The girls exchange kisses as part of a dare or playful game, much to Saxon's amusement. Subsequently, Lachlan leans in and plants a kiss on his brother's lips—initially a swift peck, but then lingering, turning into a prolonged embrace. It seems all part of their game, and Lachlan dismisses it with a laugh, as does Chloe. However, Chelsea appears genuinely perplexed (my expression mirrored hers almost exactly!), while Saxon's confusion is palpable. This scene is genuinely bizarre, particularly in light of the myriad hints of incestuous undertones that have permeated the season.
