Tuesday, August 17, 2021

What I’m Watching: The White Lotus (Season Finale)

The White Lotus: Season 1, Episode 6 “Departures” (B)

I had the opportunity to watch this episode before news of the show’s renewal came in, but waited long enough to write this review until after that happened. I’m happy to know that its success won’t be contained to just six episodes, but it’s bittersweet to think that, at least in theory, most or all of the characters who made it so great won’t be coming back. The only one who possibly could have without much need to explain was Armond, and it turns out he’s the one in the coffin since, after that very visual defecation into Shane’s suitcase, he ended up getting stabbed. I think this show could have done without that little bit of mystery from that opening scene in the pilot, and I suppose what we can take away from Shane appearing to be thanked by authorities as they carted Armond’s body away is that he once again was able to use his power and his privilege to get away with something that might have meant certain incarceration for someone else. That was the fate that befall Kai, who was seemingly caught with little trouble, and Olivia revealed to Paula that she was well aware of what had happened. The most poignant moment was Belinda just choosing to get up and walk away after Tanya reeled her in and then let her go and Rachel was about to use her as a crutch to lean on and make all her problems go away. I really liked this show but felt that this finale wasn’t the end I wanted to see, which doesn’t diminish its overall impact. If there was any way to bring back not just this show but also these characters, I’d be all for it. I’ll still watch a season two since I like what Mike White has done before, particularly “Enlightened.” Fortunately, I did have the opportunity to interview a large portion of the cast for this show, including Brittany O’Grady, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Lacy, Murray Bartlett, Steve Zahn, and Connie Britton, so make sure to check those out!

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Murray Bartlett as Armond, but really everyone!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

MICHAEL GRAZIADEI FROM THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS WILL GUEST STAR ON THE WHITE LOTUS MICHAEL GRAZIADEI WILL BE PLAYING AS OLIVER IN THE WHITE LOTUS