Streaming: The sins of the super rich: The phenomenon “The White Lotus”

One is addicted to the sedative Lorazepam, the other could hike to prison for his criminal machinations and two brothers cross a border. The snappy rich satire “The White Lotus” about wealthy people on vacation has been a viral topic of conversation for weeks.

On Monday the eighth and the last episode of the third season, which can be seen at Sky and the streaming service WoW and which plays in Thailand, will be released in Germany. The international cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Patrick and “Sex Education” star Aimee Lou Wood. What makes Mike White’s series so successful?

What is “The White Lotus” about?

The principle is quickly explained and so far the same in every season. Rich trip to a luxury vacation in the title -giving fictional hotel chain on an island, everyone brings a secret, an (inner) conflict or a (supposed) problem. A mysterious death that is indicated in the prologue of every season overshadows the vacation paradise. Then the time is turned back.

In the current episodes, the German actor Christian Friedel (“The Zone of Interest”) plays in a supporting role. In addition, Jason Isaacs (“Harry Potter”), Walton Goggins (“Django Unchained”), Blackpink singer Lalisa Manobal and Oscar winner Sam Rockwell are part of the cast. In the predecessors, Jennifer Coolidge and “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney were among the stars.

Why are everyone talking about the series?

Despite the recurring concept, millions switch on millions every week. From the point of view of fans, critics and actors, this has one reason: Mike White. The series creator is known for carefully drawing its characters. It may be due to the way he puts his sharp joke out. The show runner takes up human problems and characteristics: self -doubt, urge to apply, power, money worries, lust or inner emptiness.

At the same time, his characters are often arrogant, not particularly personable, foreign to the world and sometimes even criminal. To do this, he combines an increasing, captivating whodunit act. So the question of who is responsible for the death.

The Vice President Entertainment from Sky Germany, Christian Asanger, said: “‘The White Lotus’ has almost reached the cult brand with the third season – in the best sense – in the mainstream.” Compared to the predecessor relay, you could see a increase in spectators of over 150 percent. The series offers “intelligent entertainment with great dialogues and in a fantastic backdrop”.

Why do many Mike White consider a genius?

Patrick Schwarzenegger (31), who plays the sex-obsessed young man Saxon in the third season, told the German press agency: “Everything in the series has a reason.” As soon as a new episode is published, many fans puzzle about the possible perpetrator and the possible fatalities. White leaves information in the episodes, some even interpret details from the intro.

His fiancé also tell him about the different theories. “It is fascinating what people come up with, and the attention to detail that people apply, from what you wear and why you wear, what you wear, right down to the question, why Mike shows this monkey or this seller or this thing.”

In addition, said the US actor, dear White, it is to move borders further and more. Schwarzenegger’s figure Saxon even feels this in a disturbing sex scene.

What is Lorazepam and the Southern Scenario going?

Saxon is part of the fictional Ratliff family from North Carolina in the southeast of the United States. His serial mother Victoria (Parker Posey) has developed into the favorite of many, who is constantly swallowing the sedative Lorazepam – also known as Tavor. For many users, Victoria’s southern accent is iconic in the original English version.

With posey’s elongated emphasis, the words all have a few more letters (“Buuddhismm” instead of “Buddhism”). The “Guardian” writes: “In Parker’s hands, every line becomes an obstacle run.”

Which other figures stand out?

Sam Rockwell (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) was surprisingly a guest appearance in the third season. In the fifth episode, he was remembered with a memorable monologue in Bangkok about his sex life. His wife, the actress Leslie Bibb, is part of a toxic friend trio in “The White Lotus” who meets after a long time.

The “Harry Potter” star Jason Isaacs also stands out with his role as Timothy Ratliff at the side of Posey and Schwarzenegger. The lives of the shady entrepreneur gets out of joints when journalists uncover the patriarch’s business and threaten him to dramatic consequences. Out of despair, he reaches for his wife’s Lorazepam.

What does series star Jennifer Coolidge keep from the new season?

With “The White Lotus” in the first two seasons, the US actress Jennifer Coolidge had become a cult as a heavily unstable Tanya McQuoid. At the end of the second season, their character dies. The newspaper “The Times” told Coolidge that she also watched the current episodes. “It’s scary, creepy, I’m worried about everyone.”

What’s next with “The White Lotus”?

The first two seasons of the social satire won a total of 15 Emmys. It is easy to imagine that there will be further awards at the next EMMY ceremony. Parker Posey or Jason Isaacs would deserve it. In addition, a fourth season was announced before the new episodes started. So far, the cast and travel destination are unclear.