Special Treatments

Compared with S1 and 2, this season seems "off." Too many scenes that lack dramatic oomph. But the casting is so good that I'm still hooked. Love Parker Posey and Carrie Coon. Walton Goggins is really cast against type here, playing an inhibited and low-key character but I'm sure the shoe will drop soon.

The location is of course gorgeous and some plot threads are intriguing. What's going to happen with Tim's legal dilemma, what is the connection between Rick and Sritala's ailing American husband, and does Belinda really have no inkling at all what happened to Tanya and how her husband was connected? (I had the impression Tanya's assistant had enough info at the end of S2 to put it all together.)

What was once, truly one of the smartest and best written shows out there, has been reduced to flat characters, obvious stereotypes and wooden dialog. Will I watch until the end? Yes of course, but what happened to the writing?

For example, A smart, realistic strong black female character from season one, who was motherly and wise. The kind of person Anyone would look to for the answer in an emergency, has been reduced to what feels like a character from Scary Movie. One who hears something in a tree and quips "uh uh, I'm gettin up outta hurr". A family that COULD have depth, is each a boring flat stereotype plucked from any generic big budget movie.

Bottom line is so far, the show is well casted and visually stunning, but the writing feels like it was taken over by the Fast and Furious team.

This episode continues The White Lotus tradition of mostly following terrible people. I enjoyed this episode more than the season premiere, as now we know a little more about the characters and their relationships. As you know, if you've watched this show, is that this show is a slow burn. But I was happy there was a little action that I think will have more consequences going forward. As for the characters they are interesting. I found the three groups of women particularly toxic, and it will be interesting to see what happens with them. I've only seen Leslie Bibb in Comedies, so it's a nice change of pace for her. Also, Michelle Monaghan is great, as always. As for the family, they just seem weird. There are some strong incest vibes going on between the two brothers and sister, and hopefully, it doesn't go down that road. As for the other couples, there is some business problems hinted at, but we still don't know much. What I like about this show is there are a lot of potential ways this show could go moving forward.

"The White Lotus" S3 E2, aptly titled "Special Treatments," delves deeper into the lives of its guests and staff, revealing hidden tensions and simmering conflicts beneath the idyllic surface of the luxurious Thai resort. While the episode may not deliver any explosive revelations, it effectively builds intrigue and sets the stage for a captivating season of emotional entanglements and unexpected twists.

The episode explores the various "special treatments" offered at the resort, from traditional Thai massages to spiritual guidance and couples therapy. These experiences serve as catalysts for the characters to confront their inner demons, hidden desires, and strained relationships.

The dysfunctional family dynamic between the Spences and the Nixons takes center stage, with their contrasting personalities and clashing values creating a palpable tension. The introduction of Greg (Jon Gries), Tanya's husband from the previous season, adds a layer of intrigue and raises questions about his connection to the current guests.

The episode also delves into the lives of the staff, showcasing their own struggles and ambitions. Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) finds herself drawn to a wealthy guest, while the young receptionist, Mook (Lalisa Manobal), navigates a budding romance with a security guard.

The cinematography remains stunning, capturing the beauty of the Thai landscape and the opulence of the resort with breathtaking visuals. The soundtrack continues to blend traditional Thai music with contemporary sounds, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.

While the episode's pacing remains somewhat deliberate, it effectively builds suspense and anticipation for the events to come. The ending leaves you with a sense of unease and curiosity, eager to witness how the characters' secrets and desires will unravel and what consequences await them in this seemingly idyllic paradise.

Overall, "The White Lotus" S3 E2 is a well-crafted and engaging episode that deepens the intrigue and sets the stage for a captivating season of emotional entanglements and unexpected twists.

Although this episode had some interesting elements and scenes, not quite enough happens to justify how slow it is. Some of the characters this season seem like complete caricatures and exagerate the tropes and archetypes they're supposed to represent to annoying and frankly unrealistic levels. I think when a show commits to the slow burn style that White Lotus definitely has, it has a responsibility to make sure all it's characters are believable and interesting and this season hasn't achieved it in my opinion. I still look forward to the rest of the episodes but this season has failed to pique my interest and curiosity to the level 1 and 2 did. I hope some of the characters become more fleshed out and that the runtime is better spent in future episodes.