Western capitalist consumerism is getting the ultimate kicking in season three of Mike Whites rich-people satire.
The White Lotushas always been an eat-the-rich satire populating the screen with wealthy grotesques.
Thats just a section ofThe White Lotus expensive patchwork of unfulfilled, unhappy and unconscionable rich folks.
Theres a price to pay for these peoples luxurious lives, which leave casualties in their wake.
Even being around them is dangerous, as hotel manager Armond found out in season one.
Season three goes one step further.
More than ever before, the drama is drawing a line between the hideous rich and the spiritually content.
It all comes down to one of Chelseas lines in episode six.
Saxon Ratliff is an abomination, and designedly so.
Beyond sex, money, and protein shakes, he has zero values.
They have a yacht, he assured her.
To Saxon, wealth is the deserved reward of good people who make the right decisions.
Its no surprise he thinks that; so does his Lorazepam-addicted mother Victoria.
If Victoria survives the season finale, shes going to have a choice to make.)
Are the Ratliffs decent people?
TheyreGame of Thrones Lannisters, but less likeable.
Well, not all of them.
Daughter Piper has recognised the hollowness of their cosseted lifestyle and is seeking to escape to the Thai monastery.
Depending on how thoroughgoingThe White Lotus cynicism is, there could still be hope for Piper Ratliff.
There may also be hope for youngest son Lachlan.
Season threes other guests are less extreme but still shore up the shows thesis.
Model Chloe may as well be a Ratliff for all her moral-free, self-serving acquisitiveness.
Her murderer boyfriend Greg/Gary literally killed for his millions (or at least planned to).
Dont say that nothings happening this season because this is the big one: its Armageddon in paradise.
The White Lotusseason three continues on Sunday nights on HBO.
