I really enjoyed the relationships between the fathers/sons in S2. They all represented a different generation, a different perception in their relationships to women and they were all as bad as each other, whilst thinking they were better. Great generational dynamic.
i remember noticing one scene early on where albie passed by multiple beautiful women and doesnt look at a single one of them. then by the end at the airport, a beautiful woman walks past, and all three men turned around to look at her as she passed. i thought that was p interesting
@@aliciles He also thinks of himself as a nice guy but tries to rescue a woman from her own poverty while taking advantage of her situation for his own gain and the fact that it's his wealth that gave his family the ability to leave and make a worse world for the locals.
Valentina was also super interesting. She wanted to make sure Rocco wasn’t making Isabella uncomfortable because she thought Isabella was interested in her, but the irony of her then making Isabella feel uncomfortable and abusing her powers as a manager to keep Isabella and Rocco apart was so interesting to watch unfold
I thought think Valentina actually though Rocco was a jerk I think she really just wanted Isabella to know that she was thinking of her and had her best interests at heart 💜
To be honest Rocco was distracting AF and Valentina had a 5-star hotel to run --- in those circumstances separating the two of them made total sense. Maybe her motives weren't totally pure, but she didn't know they were together or engaged for that matter, so I give her a pass because when the truth finally comes out, she's disappointed, but still does the right thing by bringing them back together.
I agree! And a dynamic I relate to. It's like she hated him but wanted and desired him at the same time. I knew what was coming after seeing the bathing suit scene 🔥🥵😂
My favorite plot is the one about Ethan, Harper, Cameron, and Daphne. Ethan and Harper's relationship was honest and transparent, but they didnt seem to be happy because they lacked passion. Meanwhile, Cameron and Daphne have passion and connection at the cost of honesty, and it seems to make their marriage work. They pretend all is fine, and somehow, that helps them keep things fine, despite their own issues. At the end of the episode, Ethan and Harper learned a thing or two from Cameron and Daphne, and while that was pretty twisted, it did reignite their marriage, thus saving it. Mike White's approach was to subvert the usual "honesty is the best policy" route, because relationships in real life are more complicated than that.
I don't know if categorizing Ethan and Harper's relationship as honest is correct. I feel they have a lot of repressed feelings towards each other hence the dead bedroom situation. Imo they have a big communication problem but maybe that's not the same as being honest
I thought Harper was perhaps the most genuine and honest out of the four but even she could come across as dishonest. Ethan still acted like he was college and defended the bro code as well as masterbated. I thought that quartet was boring in the first episode but they got more interesting after E2. The more Harper and Ethan's relationship unravelled, the more intriguing they got, and Plaza was great as Harper.
Definitely the most interesting dynamic because it’s so multidimensional. Also the most amazing part is that we don’t know 100% if something happened between Harper and Cameron and Daphne with Ethan. It’s suggested but never confirmed.
@@bobmoegrabi I also don't know if I would characterize Daphne and Cameron's marriage as "working." If you have to "pretend all is fine," then all is not fine. And while you astutely point out that Harper and Ethan's relationship isn't as honest as it might seem, I would argue that Daphne and Cameron's relationship isn't as dishonest as it might seem. They both are aware of the other's infidelity/jabs at the other and consciously participate in whatever back-and-forth it is that they have going on. If we were to say that anything about their relationship is working, it would be from this mutual understanding and honesty. In any case, I think that the show's depiction of both relationships is too ambivalent to characterize either as supporting or subverting the "honesty is the best policy" route. It's just not that simple.
So many peoeple see this show as "rich people bad" which is a fine takeaway, but the show has so much more going on including its understanding of who the audience is and how they aren't immune to criticism. Love this focus on how it portrays power dynamics preventing people from being what we'd call "authentic."
@Old Rusty well said. I know I've caught myself doing that. Better to realize you're the fool and correct yourself than never find out and perpetuate your behavior
yeah i hate when i see myself reflected in some interactions in this show, it is so realistic in it’s portrayal of human interactions and social dynamics
One of the few TV shows that I can watch and it doesn't feel like I'm just watching TV but actually as a bystander in an incredibly awkward and tense conversation
I guess the douchey guy in the first season really respected the hotel manager then. (I disagree that conflict means respect . . .maybe it's respect for y ourself when standing up to someone.). The most respectful one (the autistic kid) just left.
And very true! When I look back on the most direct conflicts of my life, it's been with my immediate family the most. I love and respect my parents and my brother and so do they with me and each other. Hence we're more honest and direct about our conflicts and our problems with one another when they come up. Whereas most conflicts I've had in the workplace and elsewhere has been indirect.
I think you've nailed it. I knew there was something so unique about this season that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but now I know that it's the in-group vs out-group dynamic in the dialogue. It's an art that rich people have perfected - they know what to say and to whom to keep up appearances. They know not to let the harsh realities of the world bog down their conversations. Really impressive how this show so successfully pinpoints what most of us didn't know how to verbalize before. bravo
The power dynamic between Shane and Rachel in season 1 really touched me for some reason. The absolute powerlessness and fear depicted in Rachel was so well done. Really had sympathy for that character and the complete shutdown of a persons potential and vibrancy. Doesn't even end well, does it? She's still stuck with him at the end of the season.
I saw Dr. Romany’s (the narcissist expert) review of the White Lotus and she mentioned how, even though she hated to see Rachel return to her narcissistic partner, it was very realistic to see a victim of narcissistic abuse return multiple times before leaving for good.
Kinda missing the point IMO, which is that she wasn't "stuck", but made the conscious choice to go back to him after she had already ripped off the band aid and ended things.
@@Christopher-md7tf I think the point was that some people get comfortably numb in relationships and will stay in toxic relationships rather than do the best thing for them and move on.
@@TheSimzelp I mean, sure, but you're misrepresenting and underselling her whole arc if you're saying she was "stuck" or simply "stayed". No, she slowly came to realize the reality of the situation, had her doubts and tons of internal conflict, then she finally ripped off the band aid and told Shane how she feels, which, all things considered, probably went better than she and the audience expected. She got out, she had her freedom. And then she went back, actively choosing the life of a trophy wife over the uncertainty, discomfort, and responsibility of freedom and independence, at the expense of her own fulfillment and happiness. That's dramatically different from a stagnant "being stuck", it gives her agency.
The dynamic of hospitality workers vs. clueless clientele in the first season was nowhere near as engaging as the power dynamics in the second season where the hospitality workers were replaced with sex workers, and no one really had to stay in their lane. Lucia, Maia and Jack all worked their marks in different ways. And the dynamics between the guests themselves were far more intricate this season.
Ah I disagree. I thought season 1 was much more sharp / witty / funny, more biting and well written. I also thought the acting was less convincing in the second season (from the main plot with the two couples, which was great)
I know runtimes are a Thing, but I really wish you'd have time to talk about Albie's behavior next to Portia's as well. he prides himself on being a Nice Guy, all the while holding financial power over Lucia, and has no problem with taking part of her exploitation as long as Lucia gives him attention. Albie, in reality, is much more similar to his father than he is willing to admit, and he acts just like Paula and Olivia - he knows all the words to describe oppression, and he knows that it's bad, but when he is the one doing the oppressing, he is more than happy to turn a blind eye. Dominic bought a sexual encounter from Lucia, Albie bought a fantasy where she pretends that she genuinely wants to sleep with him.
I agree, i felt the show was very clear on how much similar are Albie and his father, except that Albie is much more entitled and thinks he has some morwl high ground. I think in that the show really captures the hypocrisy of Zoomers. It does the same with Portia, and with Paula and Olivia girls from Season 1. And weirdly i found the young characters almost the most insuffferable ones. Portia complaining about how her works and boss are awefull when she is in a luxury hotel in Sicily and had her boss tell her to litteraly just do whatever she wants but discreetly 😅 Albie patronizing his father and grand father but having no remorse to ask for 50K so he can keep fucking a hooker 😂 And lets not start with Paula that is so lost in her social justice crap that she convinced a poor guy to steal from her friend’s parents, and consequently ruins his life forever when he goes through without any real consequences for her.
Yeah, I felt that. It’s also sort of a savior complex - Albie convinces himself he’s better than his dad and granddad because he’s “saving” her from exploitation, when he and Lucia are having a transactional relationship. He’s less honest with himself about what the relationship between them is than his dad or granddad.
Yeah, he's "nice" but feels that his niceness should be a magic lifehack that makes every woman want to jump into bed with him, so... really he's not that nice.
I think what Albie was doing with Lucia was worse because with Dominic their hook up was clearcut and straightforward; I mean that is her work so there was nothing hazy about it. Albie tries to persuade her into liking him in what is similarly a clearly transactional encounter, so she has to put up a façade for what is not really entailed in her work. Albie tries to blur the lines between her sex work and romance despite it obviously being all a farce to feel like he's not the macho womanizer his father is. Pretty shitty.
I think that Portia saying “..person” was more showing how she’s gen z… she’s trying to be politically correct and nice but the question in general is a tell that she wants them to just be friends…
as a very analytical person, I notice a lot of the stuff this show exaggerates in real life- a lot. its very interesting to see it in a tv show because its all so true and makes you realize "comfortable" is super artificial
Daphne was honestly one of my favourites TV characters of recent years at first I wasn’t too fond on her but as the show developed I couldn’t get enough of her so interesting
This show is so genius. The writing has so many subtle cues my autistic self couldn't pick up on them. I love how both season one and season two dealt with families where the child thought they were better than their parents but in the end they were just as entitled as toxic as them. Cameron and Ethan were both very toxic like Albie and Olivia.
The breakdown of the power dynamics in relationships is interesting. It made me think that we all put up a front in certain social settings. Working in hospitality is a good example. I think it is human to be hypocritical. None of these characters are perfect. They all have their vices, and like to preach their virtues, but it's all really a facade of virtue-signaling. I think it's ironic that Portia complains about her narcissistic & self-absorbed boss, when she is doing the same thing...absorbed in her own self-pity & wallowing about her own dilemmas.
Albie wasnt too nice. He was actually pretty creepy. The type of nice that thinks you owe him something for treating you like a person. Or that sees women as something to be "saved". Pretty incely. Take his "wounded bird" talk
What did he say or do that made it seem like he was owed anything? Not trying to start something but genuinely don’t remember any indicators of that, seemed like a genuinely okay person
@@elliottruble6693 "Girls are always complaining that guys aren't nice, but then, if they find a nice guy they're not always interested." So basically it's only worth being "nice" if it guarantees that women are "always" interested.
Great video. I've just finished both seasons, and you've done a great job of articulating the power dynamics I sensed (but couldn't quite put into words).
The staff in season 1 reminds me of my experience working in food service/retail. There's a joke among retail workers that we put on our "retail voice."
Ooof, finally, a succinct analysis of the basis of the series and what makes it brilliant: realistic representation of interpersonal dynamics. Thank you! Honestly, it was so real at times, it made me uncomfortable :D
i wish you had covered a little more about paula from s1 and her dynamic with kai and olivia. i think it would be a very interesting topic to hear from your perspective 🙂
The most interesting, articulate and insightful review of this show. It’s not only about class or social hierarchy but about power dynamics like you accurately suggested in your title, wich comes in different forms. Well done 👍🏾 ❤️👏🏾
I like that the show still managed to give a potent dissertation of power dynamics when they were in italy, with the removed colonial subtext of the first season.
I didn't interpret Portia asking Albie who he was interested in dating as a friendzone. I saw it more as them being Gen Z who are much more aware of gender non-conformity/pronoun choice, so it would be second nature to use the word "person" as opposed to man or woman. But great video! I've just discovered this show and I'm obsessed with breakdowns like these
@@JustanObservation I think it’s because Albie is much more reserved/respectful and almost introverted, meanwhile Jack is more of a player, confident and up front about what he wants (sex) so naturally you approach the two personality types differently…
i dont have autism but in the past i had a really hard time reading social queues, i liked commentary on things like terrace house because its not scripted. I think the videos on shows like white lotus is helpful but often the reactions are over dramatized for the show. both can be helpful though
The staff don't just hide their personalities for the benefit of the guests, they do it to protect themselves from the guests. Anyone who works in the service industry will tell you that. 😉
WOW you analyzed this so well. I really love this show and how as the season goes on, you slowly find out who each character really is as their mask slips with different characters, but there was so much I didn't catch or couldn't put into words and this video did a great job of breaking it all down
This just reminded me how much I hate Portia! I was hoping she'd be the one found in the ocean, but she didn't feel like a character important enough to kill off for White Lotus. Excellent work!
@@Daniel-tx2vt Whining isn't the only unlikeable trait a character can possess. Nothing wrong with having an opinion, we just don't share the same one.
I loved this show! I could relate to every character. For once I could actually see normal life in a movie. Beautiful Beautiful writing. It's movies like this that make me want to learn creative writing.
As incredibly well written as Succession is, I think this show is deeper and more subtle. It's like comparing Freud and Jung, although the former is more widely known and accepted, the latter has more depth and complexity.
I am autistic and I felt run over by this show, I could not care less about the plot, but I was captivated by even the smallest bit of small talk. If this was a documentary I would study how every character acts, it is good that I know this is fiction and that every character is a jerk, but if I didn't I would totally feel compelled to base the way I interact socially on the way they do.
Real life is like this if you pay close enough attention. I tend to avoid people like the plague who do this kind of thing but it's pretty common in some social circles
I am not great at understanding social dynamics either and am glad to have this video explaining some of the show to me. I think there is a lot to learn from this show even if it is fictional.
The reason that it's so easy to cringe whenever you're watching the characters argue is because it's such a realistic depiction of our real world tensions! The writing and acting is so superb because you don't even have to be involved in political debate all that much to cringe whenever they start to argue about colonialism, misogyny, sex, etc.
"direct conflict requires a degree of respect" knocked me out actually. Because it's true, whereas passive aggression and manipulation is completely disrespectful to a person's autonomy; you think you have the right to control them rather than mutually come to an agreement
I see myself in the characters more than I want to admit. But I also see everyone else in them too. Don't you guys see your own foibles and failings mirrored on the screen?
This was a great essay which showed up what a great show this is. Glass Onion and Triangle of Sadness are exploring the same ground….. but total difference in quality of writing!
This is exactly why the number one recommendation I have for a show like White Lotus is... Survivor. It's baked into White Lotus' ethos. A small group of people, isolated for a set span of time in a tropical location, where the social mores are different. Add in the "exotica" soundtrack and frequent shots of nature... they're remarkably similar. Mike White was even on s37!
Probably charachters that conflicted me the most in this season were Dafny and Cameron, at beggining i though Ethan and Harper would outshined them,but too me they seamed like they expirinced this "white lotus" many times,they know how this will play out and they are always on top in every situation
Wow- loved your interpretation of this series which echoes my own sentiments around each of the characters and how they interact with others- very insightful!
0:53 humans can't stand each other when things get toxic. things were already toxic for the characters to begin with. its reflected in the small issues that get ignored in people's daily lives. but in this walled garden of a resort, they all stand out. some issues get resolved, others don't.
one of the most disgusting parts of the show was when Rachel was telling her Husband's mom about how he's happy but she's not sure where things are going and the mom was like "it doesn't matter darling, just continue to make him happy" talking to her like she's his toy
I really enjoyed the relationships between the fathers/sons in S2. They all represented a different generation, a different perception in their relationships to women and they were all as bad as each other, whilst thinking they were better. Great generational dynamic.
Well said mah boi
i remember noticing one scene early on where albie passed by multiple beautiful women and doesnt look at a single one of them. then by the end at the airport, a beautiful woman walks past, and all three men turned around to look at her as she passed. i thought that was p interesting
@aliciles nice one...didnt notice the first one
@@aliciles He also thinks of himself as a nice guy but tries to rescue a woman from her own poverty while taking advantage of her situation for his own gain and the fact that it's his wealth that gave his family the ability to leave and make a worse world for the locals.
@@jenm1 YUPPPPPP!!!!!
Valentina was also super interesting. She wanted to make sure Rocco wasn’t making Isabella uncomfortable because she thought Isabella was interested in her, but the irony of her then making Isabella feel uncomfortable and abusing her powers as a manager to keep Isabella and Rocco apart was so interesting to watch unfold
Yessss!
She never honestly thought Rocco was making Isabella uncomfortable, she was just jealous and delusional and wanted to eliminate her "competition".
I thought think Valentina actually though Rocco was a jerk I think she really just wanted Isabella to know that she was thinking of her and had her best interests at heart 💜
To be honest Rocco was distracting AF and Valentina had a 5-star hotel to run --- in those circumstances separating the two of them made total sense. Maybe her motives weren't totally pure, but she didn't know they were together or engaged for that matter, so I give her a pass because when the truth finally comes out, she's disappointed, but still does the right thing by bringing them back together.
The change in the dynamic between harper and cameron is one of the most subtle and interesting ones imo, even albie and portia.
I agree! And a dynamic I relate to. It's like she hated him but wanted and desired him at the same time. I knew what was coming after seeing the bathing suit scene 🔥🥵😂
My favorite plot is the one about Ethan, Harper, Cameron, and Daphne. Ethan and Harper's relationship was honest and transparent, but they didnt seem to be happy because they lacked passion. Meanwhile, Cameron and Daphne have passion and connection at the cost of honesty, and it seems to make their marriage work. They pretend all is fine, and somehow, that helps them keep things fine, despite their own issues. At the end of the episode, Ethan and Harper learned a thing or two from Cameron and Daphne, and while that was pretty twisted, it did reignite their marriage, thus saving it. Mike White's approach was to subvert the usual "honesty is the best policy" route, because relationships in real life are more complicated than that.
I don't know if categorizing Ethan and Harper's relationship as honest is correct. I feel they have a lot of repressed feelings towards each other hence the dead bedroom situation. Imo they have a big communication problem but maybe that's not the same as being honest
I thought Harper was perhaps the most genuine and honest out of the four but even she could come across as dishonest. Ethan still acted like he was college and defended the bro code as well as masterbated.
I thought that quartet was boring in the first episode but they got more interesting after E2. The more Harper and Ethan's relationship unravelled, the more intriguing they got, and Plaza was great as Harper.
Definitely the most interesting dynamic because it’s so multidimensional. Also the most amazing part is that we don’t know 100% if something happened between Harper and Cameron and Daphne with Ethan. It’s suggested but never confirmed.
@@bobmoegrabi I also don't know if I would characterize Daphne and Cameron's marriage as "working." If you have to "pretend all is fine," then all is not fine. And while you astutely point out that Harper and Ethan's relationship isn't as honest as it might seem, I would argue that Daphne and Cameron's relationship isn't as dishonest as it might seem. They both are aware of the other's infidelity/jabs at the other and consciously participate in whatever back-and-forth it is that they have going on. If we were to say that anything about their relationship is working, it would be from this mutual understanding and honesty. In any case, I think that the show's depiction of both relationships is too ambivalent to characterize either as supporting or subverting the "honesty is the best policy" route. It's just not that simple.
So many peoeple see this show as "rich people bad" which is a fine takeaway, but the show has so much more going on including its understanding of who the audience is and how they aren't immune to criticism. Love this focus on how it portrays power dynamics preventing people from being what we'd call "authentic."
People rush to judgment to hold off cognitive dissonance.
@Old Rusty well said. I know I've caught myself doing that. Better to realize you're the fool and correct yourself than never find out and perpetuate your behavior
'rich people are human'
yeah i hate when i see myself reflected in some interactions in this show, it is so realistic in it’s portrayal of human interactions and social dynamics
One of the few TV shows that I can watch and it doesn't feel like I'm just watching TV but actually as a bystander in an incredibly awkward and tense conversation
"Direct conflict requires a degree of respect" ended me.
I guess the douchey guy in the first season really respected the hotel manager then. (I disagree that conflict means respect . . .maybe it's respect for y ourself when standing up to someone.). The most respectful one (the autistic kid) just left.
And very true! When I look back on the most direct conflicts of my life, it's been with my immediate family the most. I love and respect my parents and my brother and so do they with me and each other. Hence we're more honest and direct about our conflicts and our problems with one another when they come up.
Whereas most conflicts I've had in the workplace and elsewhere has been indirect.
I think you've nailed it. I knew there was something so unique about this season that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but now I know that it's the in-group vs out-group dynamic in the dialogue. It's an art that rich people have perfected - they know what to say and to whom to keep up appearances. They know not to let the harsh realities of the world bog down their conversations. Really impressive how this show so successfully pinpoints what most of us didn't know how to verbalize before. bravo
Still one of the best shows I’ve seen and we’re only 2 seasons in
My prediction is the last season will have a combination of characters from the previous seasons all put together
Agreed!!
Season3 isn't going to be the last, is it?! 😭
@@JustanObservationthat would be amazing
The power dynamic between Shane and Rachel in season 1 really touched me for some reason. The absolute powerlessness and fear depicted in Rachel was so well done. Really had sympathy for that character and the complete shutdown of a persons potential and vibrancy. Doesn't even end well, does it? She's still stuck with him at the end of the season.
I saw Dr. Romany’s (the narcissist expert) review of the White Lotus and she mentioned how, even though she hated to see Rachel return to her narcissistic partner, it was very realistic to see a victim of narcissistic abuse return multiple times before leaving for good.
Kinda missing the point IMO, which is that she wasn't "stuck", but made the conscious choice to go back to him after she had already ripped off the band aid and ended things.
@@Christopher-md7tf I think the point was that some people get comfortably numb in relationships and will stay in toxic relationships rather than do the best thing for them and move on.
@@TheSimzelp I mean, sure, but you're misrepresenting and underselling her whole arc if you're saying she was "stuck" or simply "stayed". No, she slowly came to realize the reality of the situation, had her doubts and tons of internal conflict, then she finally ripped off the band aid and told Shane how she feels, which, all things considered, probably went better than she and the audience expected. She got out, she had her freedom. And then she went back, actively choosing the life of a trophy wife over the uncertainty, discomfort, and responsibility of freedom and independence, at the expense of her own fulfillment and happiness. That's dramatically different from a stagnant "being stuck", it gives her agency.
So on point. There is a scene where Armond asked Shane, 'Are you enjoying your mother?' with that impenetrable smile on his face. Chef's kiss.
Polite way of calling him a motherf*cker 😂
The dynamic of hospitality workers vs. clueless clientele in the first season was nowhere near as engaging as the power dynamics in the second season where the hospitality workers were replaced with sex workers, and no one really had to stay in their lane. Lucia, Maia and Jack all worked their marks in different ways. And the dynamics between the guests themselves were far more intricate this season.
Ah I disagree. I thought season 1 was much more sharp / witty / funny, more biting and well written. I also thought the acting was less convincing in the second season (from the main plot with the two couples, which was great)
I know runtimes are a Thing, but I really wish you'd have time to talk about Albie's behavior next to Portia's as well.
he prides himself on being a Nice Guy, all the while holding financial power over Lucia, and has no problem with taking part of her exploitation as long as Lucia gives him attention. Albie, in reality, is much more similar to his father than he is willing to admit, and he acts just like Paula and Olivia - he knows all the words to describe oppression, and he knows that it's bad, but when he is the one doing the oppressing, he is more than happy to turn a blind eye.
Dominic bought a sexual encounter from Lucia, Albie bought a fantasy where she pretends that she genuinely wants to sleep with him.
I agree, i felt the show was very clear on how much similar are Albie and his father, except that Albie is much more entitled and thinks he has some morwl high ground.
I think in that the show really captures the hypocrisy of Zoomers. It does the same with Portia, and with Paula and Olivia girls from Season 1.
And weirdly i found the young characters almost the most insuffferable ones. Portia complaining about how her works and boss are awefull when she is in a luxury hotel in Sicily and had her boss tell her to litteraly just do whatever she wants but discreetly 😅
Albie patronizing his father and grand father but having no remorse to ask for 50K so he can keep fucking a hooker 😂
And lets not start with Paula that is so lost in her social justice crap that she convinced a poor guy to steal from her friend’s parents, and consequently ruins his life forever when he goes through without any real consequences for her.
Yeah, I felt that. It’s also sort of a savior complex - Albie convinces himself he’s better than his dad and granddad because he’s “saving” her from exploitation, when he and Lucia are having a transactional relationship. He’s less honest with himself about what the relationship between them is than his dad or granddad.
Yeah, he's "nice" but feels that his niceness should be a magic lifehack that makes every woman want to jump into bed with him, so... really he's not that nice.
I think what Albie was doing with Lucia was worse because with Dominic their hook up was clearcut and straightforward; I mean that is her work so there was nothing hazy about it. Albie tries to persuade her into liking him in what is similarly a clearly transactional encounter, so she has to put up a façade for what is not really entailed in her work. Albie tries to blur the lines between her sex work and romance despite it obviously being all a farce to feel like he's not the macho womanizer his father is. Pretty shitty.
@@bunnywavyxx9524 totally right.
This is one of the best breakdowns of power dynamics i’ve ever seen. so dope
I think that Portia saying “..person” was more showing how she’s gen z… she’s trying to be politically correct and nice but the question in general is a tell that she wants them to just be friends…
as a very analytical person, I notice a lot of the stuff this show exaggerates in real life- a lot. its very interesting to see it in a tv show because its all so true and makes you realize "comfortable" is super artificial
@@X9523-z3v very true. it is too easy to get wrapped up in cynical stuff and its a shame because life is cool in a lot of ways
Daphne was honestly one of my favourites TV characters of recent years at first I wasn’t too fond on her but as the show developed I couldn’t get enough of her so interesting
This show is so genius. The writing has so many subtle cues my autistic self couldn't pick up on them. I love how both season one and season two dealt with families where the child thought they were better than their parents but in the end they were just as entitled as toxic as them. Cameron and Ethan were both very toxic like Albie and Olivia.
The breakdown of the power dynamics in relationships is interesting. It made me think that we all put up a front in certain social settings. Working in hospitality is a good example. I think it is human to be hypocritical. None of these characters are perfect. They all have their vices, and like to preach their virtues, but it's all really a facade of virtue-signaling. I think it's ironic that Portia complains about her narcissistic & self-absorbed boss, when she is doing the same thing...absorbed in her own self-pity & wallowing about her own dilemmas.
Albie wasnt too nice. He was actually pretty creepy. The type of nice that thinks you owe him something for treating you like a person. Or that sees women as something to be "saved". Pretty incely. Take his "wounded bird" talk
What did he say or do that made it seem like he was owed anything? Not trying to start something but genuinely don’t remember any indicators of that, seemed like a genuinely okay person
I’ve heard this take before, and I know the type. But I didn’t get that impression from him on my first watch. Maybe I’ll feel different on a rewatch
@@JohnNovakovich she’s a rabid feminist that sees the hooker who conned him out of $50k as the victim and him as the predator.
@@elliottruble6693 "Girls are always complaining that guys aren't nice, but then, if they find a nice guy they're not always interested." So basically it's only worth being "nice" if it guarantees that women are "always" interested.
@@Visplight I don’t think that’s why he’s nice. I see it more as him speaking from his experience.
Another astute and well executed video on a great show. Looking forward to more White Lotus and more of your channel!
it brings so much pleasure to see someone make a video of exactly what you’ve been thinking and perfectly find the words to verbalize it
Great video.
I've just finished both seasons, and you've done a great job of articulating the power dynamics I sensed (but couldn't quite put into words).
The staff in season 1 reminds me of my experience working in food service/retail. There's a joke among retail workers that we put on our "retail voice."
Ooof, finally, a succinct analysis of the basis of the series and what makes it brilliant: realistic representation of interpersonal dynamics. Thank you!
Honestly, it was so real at times, it made me uncomfortable :D
i wish you had covered a little more about paula from s1 and her dynamic with kai and olivia. i think it would be a very interesting topic to hear from your perspective 🙂
The most interesting, articulate and insightful review of this show. It’s not only about class or social hierarchy but about power dynamics like you accurately suggested in your title, wich comes in different forms. Well done 👍🏾 ❤️👏🏾
I like that the show still managed to give a potent dissertation of power dynamics when they were in italy, with the removed colonial subtext of the first season.
I didn't interpret Portia asking Albie who he was interested in dating as a friendzone. I saw it more as them being Gen Z who are much more aware of gender non-conformity/pronoun choice, so it would be second nature to use the word "person" as opposed to man or woman. But great video! I've just discovered this show and I'm obsessed with breakdowns like these
Yeah I considered that possibility but she never once speaks to Jack that way, only Albie
@@stoic521 Lmao like men are any different
@@JustanObservation I think it’s because Albie is much more reserved/respectful and almost introverted, meanwhile Jack is more of a player, confident and up front about what he wants (sex) so naturally you approach the two personality types differently…
@@W4TSKY i agree. Also she knew Albie was familiar with “the discourse” while Jack was a “bad boy” so she approached them differently.
Gen z is cancer
Epic. I loved White Lotus, and in this you articulated the art of it artfully.
i just LOVE this series
I've been subbed to you for a while now. You are an absolutely fantastic channel. You can articulate subtle things amazingly.
This is really real, had a group of friends once and felt some of these feelings.. couldnt play along with their bullshit so I ditched them
I’m autistic and these videos are teaching me a lot. Sometimes shows can mimic real life social dynamics pretty accurately
i dont have autism but in the past i had a really hard time reading social queues, i liked commentary on things like terrace house because its not scripted. I think the videos on shows like white lotus is helpful but often the reactions are over dramatized for the show. both can be helpful though
The staff don't just hide their personalities for the benefit of the guests, they do it to protect themselves from the guests. Anyone who works in the service industry will tell you that. 😉
WOW you analyzed this so well. I really love this show and how as the season goes on, you slowly find out who each character really is as their mask slips with different characters, but there was so much I didn't catch or couldn't put into words and this video did a great job of breaking it all down
You've managed to add new dimensions to shows I've watched many times through. Thank you sir.
Superb psychological analysis of this brilliant show :)
This just reminded me how much I hate Portia! I was hoping she'd be the one found in the ocean, but she didn't feel like a character important enough to kill off for White Lotus.
Excellent work!
yeah, she's not a terrible person, she's just super annoying.
Ok but portia didn’t do anything other than whine a few times…
@@Daniel-tx2vt Whining isn't the only unlikeable trait a character can possess. Nothing wrong with having an opinion, we just don't share the same one.
@@alexgreen03 literally what else was unlikeable about her? Having blonde hair?
@@Daniel-tx2vt yes
So glad I found your channel love how you break things down
Dude! Great analysis!!!! I was wondering why i like white lotus so much! You just cracked the code
I loved this show! I could relate to every character. For once I could actually see normal life in a movie. Beautiful Beautiful writing. It's movies like this that make me want to learn creative writing.
As incredibly well written as Succession is, I think this show is deeper and more subtle. It's like comparing Freud and Jung, although the former is more widely known and accepted, the latter has more depth and complexity.
Implying that Succession doesn't have depth and complexity is a losing take, my dude. You're comparing chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Just enjoy it.
I am autistic and I felt run over by this show, I could not care less about the plot, but I was captivated by even the smallest bit of small talk. If this was a documentary I would study how every character acts, it is good that I know this is fiction and that every character is a jerk, but if I didn't I would totally feel compelled to base the way I interact socially on the way they do.
Real life is like this if you pay close enough attention. I tend to avoid people like the plague who do this kind of thing but it's pretty common in some social circles
After watching this video for some reason I wanna go reread 48laws of power by Robert Greene
I am not great at understanding social dynamics either and am glad to have this video explaining some of the show to me. I think there is a lot to learn from this show even if it is fictional.
The author did such a good job on explaining what this show is about 👍 I’m actually impressed!
the best analysis of what makes the white lotus work so well
The reason that it's so easy to cringe whenever you're watching the characters argue is because it's such a realistic depiction of our real world tensions! The writing and acting is so superb because you don't even have to be involved in political debate all that much to cringe whenever they start to argue about colonialism, misogyny, sex, etc.
I just got a psychology class for free, whoa this was sooo good!
"direct conflict requires a degree of respect" knocked me out actually. Because it's true, whereas passive aggression and manipulation is completely disrespectful to a person's autonomy; you think you have the right to control them rather than mutually come to an agreement
Loving all of your White Lotus commentary videos! Thank you!
Really enjoyed the observations, subscribed and considering watching the series, good job!
this channel is TOO GOOD. Great analysis!
Loved the power dynamics analysis
more people need to see this, it is a perfectly detailed video.
Haven't even seen the show but these videos are facinating. Great work!
Thanks for this. Love this show and all it’s layers.
This was so interesting! I like your observations
What an in-depth exploration. Thank you for your help. I will definitely give this series a go.
I see myself in the characters more than I want to admit. But I also see everyone else in them too. Don't you guys see your own foibles and failings mirrored on the screen?
This was a great essay which showed up what a great show this is. Glass Onion and Triangle of Sadness are exploring the same ground….. but total difference in quality of writing!
As always incredible video.
Wonderful analysis!
Great video! Congratulations on the interpretation and analysis
This is exactly why the number one recommendation I have for a show like White Lotus is... Survivor. It's baked into White Lotus' ethos.
A small group of people, isolated for a set span of time in a tropical location, where the social mores are different. Add in the "exotica" soundtrack and frequent shots of nature... they're remarkably similar.
Mike White was even on s37!
Yeah, but Survivor is destroyed by bad producers. Maybe Mike White could produce Survivor and make it good.
There will always be a psychological battle between the conscious vs the unconscious.
Probably charachters that conflicted me the most in this season were Dafny and Cameron, at beggining i though Ethan and Harper would outshined them,but too me they seamed like they expirinced this "white lotus" many times,they know how this will play out and they are always on top in every situation
Always appreciate your layout of the insights, nice work!
Incredible vídeo and analysis. One of the truth of life. Power
Great points reflected in this video!
Wow- loved your interpretation of this series which echoes my own sentiments around each of the characters and how they interact with others- very insightful!
Watching this feels like watching National Geographic animal wildlife documentaries except it’s about humans
Man you're really good
Brilliant breakdown
Brilliant analysis
This show seems really interesting
I didn’t really need to watch this video. I just thoroughly enjoy the narration.
The saddest thing is that this is exactly how society is
Aaah this video is so good. Very nice
So true. This IS how people behave. The civilised people.
lol what???..
😂😂
Great work
This show is absolutely brilliant.
incredible video
I have an request please analyse acting of Jim Carrey pls
Great video!!
Thank you!
0:53 humans can't stand each other when things get toxic. things were already toxic for the characters to begin with. its reflected in the small issues that get ignored in people's daily lives. but in this walled garden of a resort, they all stand out. some issues get resolved, others don't.
GENIUS - thanks!
Great Observation.
Could you evaluate Oz characters as well?
Good content!
best series ever
I have to watch this now
beautiful
Great observation
Great video, very well analysed
one of the most disgusting parts of the show was when Rachel was telling her Husband's mom about how he's happy but she's not sure where things are going and the mom was like "it doesn't matter darling, just continue to make him happy" talking to her like she's his toy
so good!!!
Brilliant!
regarding the intro, it is simply the curse of consciousness
I enjoyed this.