The White Lotus creator Mike White has a colorful response to criticisms of season 3. The White Lotus season 3 finale cemented the third installment as the most popular for the HBO vacation-set dramedy so far, breaking viewership records and generating waves of discussion online. But with the added spotlight, there’s also been some criticism about the pacing and overall urgency of the Emmy-winning series.
During a conversation on the official White Lotus season 3 podcast, the series creator took a moment to address some of the online commentary that has called the recent episodes too slow and plotless. White, who writes and directs every episode of the dramedy, offered a lengthy and blunt response, arguing that the main plots “obviously” go somewhere while defending the overall experience of watching the show. Read the quote below:
“The pacing and the vibe… it definitely gets under their skin. There was complaining about how there’s no plot. That part I find weird. It never did. Part of me is just like bro, this is the vibe. I’m world-building. If you don’t want to go to bed with me then get out of my bed. I’m edging you! Enjoy the edging. If you don’t want to be edged, then get out of my bed. Do you know what I mean? Don’t be a bossy bottom. Get the f–k out of my bed. Don’t come home with me. Don’t get naked in my bed. Get the fuck out of my bed. Obviously something is going to happen.”
What Mike White’s Response Says About The White Lotus
It Was Always Meant To Be A Vibe
The White Lotus and its origin story go back to 2020 when White, who had a previous history with HBO, most notably with the Laura Dern-led dramedy Enlightened, was asked to help out by creating a new show for the network during the height of COVID-19. This meant that the cast and crew would need to be relatively limited and cornered off, with the story essentially surviving thanks to the strength of the actors bouncing off each other in scenes.
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Several years later, that’s still what the breakout show is. Precisely because of its breakout status, though, there’s a certain expectation that the acclaimed dramedy has to be more than it is. But it’s always been primarily a study of how the deeply flawed and mostly wealthy White Lous characters intersect during a heightened vacation experience. The creator’s experience is a sexual analogy, boiling down to a piece of advice; if a viewer doesn’t like the experience, then don’t get on the ride.
He’s Right
Heading into The White Lotus season 4, which is already confirmed, there are shortcomings worth pointing out. The Emmy-winning hit might have cared too much about the mystery of who died this time around. Eight episodes might also have been too much for a limited story. On the whole, however, audiences hoping for something different might be better off watching something else.
Source: The Official White Lotus Season 3 Podcast
The White Lotus
9/10
- Release Date
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July 11, 2021
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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Mike White
- Directors
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Mike White
- Writers
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Mike White