Abductions

Just when you think this show can't get any better, it does. This might be the tense episode of the White Lotus, yet. And it was also heartbreaking in its own way. I wouldn't change a thing about this episode. The way they have built up the tension between Harper and her husband and her husband's friend is amazing. Aubrey Plaza was an amazing choice. She seriously deserves an award for her performance. And she is so hot it's not even funny. But it isn't just their story. Every storyline is on point, and all the characters are captives in a way in their own mind and in their own personal circumstances. At first, I didn't like the grandson with the sex work, but now I think it actually works really well. They have an interesting dynamic, and it is fun to see how that relationship affects the father and the grandfather. It's just so good I can't wait to see see what happens next, and I can't believe it is ending.

The intensity got much better with this episode. I felt like the prior one was a bit of a letdown but this one had the drama I was looking for. The Di Grasso family with Lucia is a pretty crazy situation. Having her being chased down was nuts and I'm curious if they will even show her in the finale. The Spiller and Sullivan couple has a wild situation going on. It was hinted in the first episode with the inappropriate way Cameron is approaching his best friend's wife. Portia and Jack is also an interesting dynamic. Jack opening up to her being near blackout drunk might have pushed her away from pursuing him but we'll see how it all turns out. 4/5 stars.

Seriously what is wrong with all of you people liking this second series. I really feel I'm watching a hostage video- of course especially Aubrey Plaza always acts like she's in one in real life. Seriously it's like watching both impending doom and doom already occurring, and really not caring about any of them if the end in doom either. These people are so boring. Not just people with foibles or actual bad behavior which can also make them interesting and when watching anti heroes you still root for them. As in the first series with Murray Bartlet's brilliant character. Seriously I hope they all end up dead in the ocean. You're wondering who will divorce first or who will kill themselves first, except this time most of them deserve it. And the fact that there's a whole bunch of bodies in the sea brought up in the first episode, not a single murder which bring intrigue, makes it even more who cares it's just a serial killer. Or it is all the cast members just dying to get out of this insipid 'story'!

Thank god only one episode to go!

In "Abductions," the penultimate episode of The White Lotus Season 2, the tension reaches a fever pitch as the characters' intertwined lives spiral towards a dramatic climax. Suspicions and betrayals deepen, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

The episode masterfully sets the stage for the finale, leaving us with a myriad of unanswered questions and a sense of impending doom. The characters' actions become increasingly desperate as they grapple with the consequences of their choices and the looming threat of exposure.

The Sicilian setting continues to play a crucial role in the unfolding drama, with its rich history and cultural nuances adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. The episode's title, "Abductions," hints at the physical and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters as they become entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation.

With its masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and breathtaking cinematography, "Abductions" is a fitting prelude to what promises to be a dramatic and unforgettable finale. The episode leaves us with a heightened sense of anticipation, eager to see how the stories of The White Lotus guests will ultimately resolve.

The previous episode was a let down. A lot of random twist and unexplained developments. It looked like most of the story thread had to take an unexpected turn.

This episode is a bit better as it makes more sense and is more focused on characters motives rather than plot events. This episode we are (finally) starting to see people motivations more clearly and it feel somewhat refreshing.

The biggest reveal of course concerns the subplot of the gays and Tanya. Until now it looked somewhat uneasy and strange but there was no concrete element to say what was going on for sure. Now, it is clear that it's simply a giant con. Personally, I am a bit disappointed again that Tanya did not storm out of the room at the end, when she discovers it. She ends up in a number of situations where her behavior is not in line with her character. All this time, she was somewhat assertive and impulsive. Now that she is stuck in this surreal rabbit hole; most of that seems lost and forgotten, and she is now basically submissive and timid.

One thing that started to bother me, was the fact that the series was disconnected from its Sicilian environment. And the small acknowledgments felt more like lip-service than anything meaningful. Until now the show could have taken place almost anywhere. Yet, we finally got some immersion. The Di Grassos go to the countryside, have run-ins with the mob and a couple of typical Sicilian nonnas. Also the mob is mentioned! And the final party scene is very deliciously baroque and decadent. It feels Italian, it feels representative.

One aspect that was I liked very much was the whole Ethan-Harper-Cameron love triangle. First of all because it is a plot thread that is not as predictable as the others, and it is well executed. The role-reversal in the infidelity is very interesting, and justifies Harper's beaing a b-word earlier; it is clear that Ethan is very bad at communicating. The whole situation could have been diffused with a simple conversation between adults. Of course that would not make for an interesting show. But it is great to see him almost confronted with his own actions.

I feel that there was too many twists and turns in the previous episodes just for the sake of it. Characters behaving and doing things out of the blue. That somewhat turned me off this series. It feels like this episode attempts to justify many of those previous choices after the fact. Some of it lands, some of it fails, like Valetina's arc. It looks like everything is geared towards a very sinister conclusion; you kinda expect the worst a bit like in Black Mirror. Yet, I do not feel like all these stories are as sophisticated and meaningful as we are told they are.