TV Series Review: 'The White Lotus'

'The White Lotus', written by Mike White, is one of HBO’s many gems released in the last two years.

Set in a luxurious five-star resort called “The White Lotus”, each season focuses on a group of extremely wealthy holiday-goers with separate backstories. As each season progresses, we see the truth behind their characters as the drama of their lives unfolds.

Season one, set in Hawaii, is written well to reflect the relationship between the extremely wealthy and working class, and highlights real-life issues like privilege and colonialism.

The downward spiral that the staff of the hotel experience trying to cater to the demands of the rich is intense and played well by the actors. The hotel manager, Armond (played by Murray Bartlett), portrays an honest depiction of a life working in hospitality while being forced to interact with entitled customers.

The show ends with a loss for the working-class characters of the White Lotus with Armond’s fate being the biggest downfall of all: falling off the wagon after recovering for five years, leading him to spiral out of control in the duration of the guests' stay.

His enthusiastic and theatrical personality gives the show a satirical aspect and makes his character addictive to watch. His constant battle with the spoiled newlywed, Shane (played by Jake Lacy), makes you side with him as he manages to maintain his smiley customer service facade when Shane becomes increasingly frustrated with him, even trying to get him fired.

Season two is slightly different but with the same level of drama. Jennifer Coolidge plays the same role in both seasons, this time at the White Lotus in Sicily, and her character, Tanya McQuoid-Hunt, is the definition of a “crazy rich lady”.

Again, her personality makes for a fun watch, however, the core values of her character makes her tragic storyline seem like retribution and contributes to the eventual resurrection of the working-class characters in season two.

Overall, the whole show is perfect for a weekend binge-watch, especially if you liked Succession.

★★★★★