Show: The White Lotus Season 2

Cast: F. Murray Abraham, Jennifer Coolidge, Adam DiMarco, Beatrice Grannò, Meghann Fahy, Tom Hollander, Sabrina Impacciatore, Michael Imperioli, Theo James, Aubrey Plaza, Will Sharpe, Haley Lu Richardson, Simona Tabasco, Jon Gries, Leo Woodall

Director: Mike White

OTT: HBO Max

Rating: 3.5 Moons

Writer-director Mike White is back with the second season of his Emmy-award winning show The White Lotus. They say that a sequel can never match the original and let’s face it The White Lotus 2 does not match the authenticity and the intrigue of the previous season yet it manages to hold its own and that itself is no mean feat. White takes his sumptuous hotel to Sicily this time, the home of the mafia and focuses his spiky satire on the lives of the rich, miserable and obnoxious with sexual escapades rather than racial politics. The series plays out and debunks quite a few myths related to sexuality, gender tropes, masculinity, marriage etc.

The White Lotus 2 has a whole new set of cast members except Jennifer Coolidge, who returns in fine form as Tanya McQuoid, the heiress whose latest hubby Greg (Jon Gries) dislikes the intrusion of her assistant, Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) in their new married life. Cameron (Theo James) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy) play the picture-perfect married couple. Harper (Aubrey Plaza) and Ethan (Will Sharpe) are another set of married couple who feel things are a bit amiss between the previous couple.

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There are also three generations of Di Grasso men (F. Murray Abraham’s Bert, Michael Imperioli’s Dom and Adam DiMarco’s Albie) on a pilgrimage to their Sicilian roots. Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore) serves as the hotel manager whereas Lucia (Simona Tabasco) and Mia (Beatrice Grannò) lurk around the hotel to trade on their sex appeal. They also provide a running commentary on the esteemed guests in the hotel which makes for a great commentary. There is also super rich British ex-pat Quentin (Tom Hollander) and his nephew, Jack (Leo Woodall).

Jennifer Coolidge as the only returning character is saucy and fun and holds the scenes well. Aubrey Plaza brings forth her own insecurities when she questions Daphne’s life choices and no career. On the other hand, Meghann Fahy as Daphne brings out the pathos of her own situation amid the effervescent character she plays.

The White Lotus 2 makes all of us skeptics when it comes to romance and courtship and while the second season is not as sharp as the first one yet it never even for a moment disappoints. It explores jealousy and desire and makes no stark contrast between prey and predator or subjects and objects but rather presents all of them in the same light and on equal footing. With the first five episodes given for review, The White Lotus 2 brings semi-scathing comedy, a chance for introspection and self-reflection. The White Lotus 2 is worth a watch.

PeepingMoon.com gives The White Lotus 2, 3.5 Moons.