The White Lotus

Though some of the first season was cringe-worthy. This second season is about as masterful as anyone could hope for.

It starts a bit slow, the first episode, but soon finds its legs and impresses again and again, captivating me as if I weren't quite seasoned. It feels like a review of every thought I've ever had at a vacation resort, many of which I'd long forgotten. On that score alone it's a delight, but not to worry, it goes way beyond that to flirt with opera-like heights of drama and beauty something quite appropriate given its setting in Sicily.

Given the excellence of the acting and the seeming effortlessness of the story I would have to say Mike White, this series' creator, is some sort of unsung genius. The guy seems unaware of boundaries coupled with one of the sharpest eyes for detail I've ever seen.

It's not for everyone's taste but if someone likes weird and satiric humor, can enjoy cringe and slow-burn stories with layers then it would be one of the best from recent shows. Finally something different.

Acting and writing are on point too. After the utter Netflix nonsenses this show is like your first ice cream sundae after a year long diet with extra whipped cream.

The first season of the show gets a nine from me. It's tight, consistent, darkly humorous, and its social commentary is nuanced and central to the show. Season two gets more like a six. It's good enough for me to watch a season three, but overall season two is less interesting because it feels more like a slow moving trainwreck of a tabloid story. The writing is just too obvious and lacks the nuance necessary to make the excesses interesting or meaningful. That doesn't make it bad television, but it does move it to the "maybe" category of recommendations for me - except for Aubrey Plaza's performance. She is excellent and definitely worth showing up for. Overall, the show is engaging and has plenty to say. If they can move past the sophomore slump of overly obvious excess, I'd love to see more seasons.

I really hope she gets some award consideration love. Every single scene she is in is cringeworthy, fun, and full of depth. She's killing it!

Season 3 is absolutely atrocious. It is slow. There are no likable characters. The entire season seems like a waste of time. Everyone is either frightened, stupid, or vacuous. I keep watching only because I have come this far hoping something will happen. Season 3 is the worst of the series.

I don't know how the producers can expect people to stick with a series that is so bereft of an interesting plot. Its like each episode is trying to extend itself for 45 minutes.

I am very disappointed in this season because the first two were so entertaining. Not only are the characters not interesting, they are downright unlikable. Don't waste your time.