The White Lotus, an anthology series created by Mike White, continues to capture the pop culture conversation with its scathing social satire and intricate charactter studies, and The White Lotus season 2, episode 3, “Bull Elephants” sets up some huge events. Set in a high-end resort, the series shifts its focus each season to a different group of guests and staff, exploring the complex dynamics of privilege, wealth, sex, and human behavior. After an acclaimed first season set in Hawaii, The White Lotus season 2 is set in Sicily, retaining its core themes while introducing fresh narratives and characters.

Leading up to episode 3, the second season weaves an intricate web of relationships among its guests. The DiGrasso family, comprising a three-generation trio, navigates personal and familial conflicts, while the dynamic between the young couple Ethan and Harper, and their more affluent friends Cameron and Daphne, reveals underlying tensions. Tanya, a returnee from the first season, finds herself embroiled in her own emotional turmoil, reflecting the overarching theme of individuals grappling with their inner demons and societal expectations. The White Lotus season 2, episode 3 dives into those very inner demons of every character.

Related

The White Lotus Season 3: Renewal, Cast & Everything We Know

Golden Globe winner The White Lotus season 2 ended on a chaotic note that left viewers wanting more. Here’s everything about The White Lotus season 3.

The DiGrassos & Portia Visit The Godfather Shooting Locations

In this pivotal episode of The White Lotus season 2, the DiGrasso family – consisting of the patriarch Bert, his son Dominic, and grandson Albie – along with Tanya’s assistant Portia, find themselves immersed in the cinematic history of Sicily as they visit the iconic shooting locations of The Godfather. This journey is not just a tourist excursion but becomes a backdrop for a profound exploration of masculinity, legacy, and family dynamics.

As they wander through the storied locales where famous scenes from The Godfather were filmed, the conversation inevitably turns toward the portrayal of masculinity in the classic film. This discussion resonates deeply with the DiGrassos, each representing a different generation’s perspective on what it means to be a man. Bert, with his old-school views, Dominic’s flawed yet modern outlook, and Albie’s more sensitive and contemporary stance, all clash and converge in this dialogue. The conversation becomes a mirror reflecting their own lives and struggles, highlighting the generational shifts in understanding masculinity.

The episode also delves into Dominic’s personal life, which is marked by complexity and moral ambiguity. Dominic’s liaison with sex workers Mia and Lucia represents his struggle with temptation and the consequences of his actions. The morning after, Bert’s accidental discovery of Dominic’s indiscretion sets off a chain of events. Dominic’s desperate plea to Bert not to reveal this to Albie showcases the conflict between his self-indulgent tendencies and the responsibility he feels towards his son. This scene poignantly captures the nuances of father-son relationships and the burdens of familial expectations.

Later, the narrative takes another turn when Dominic, perhaps recognizing the unsustainable nature of his actions, tells Lucia that they cannot continue seeing each other. This decision, while appearing to be a step towards rectitude, is layered with Dominic’s internal conflicts and the ongoing struggle to align his desires with his responsibilities as a father and a member of the family.

Harper & Daphne Spend The Night At A Palazzo

Harper and Daphne, two seemingly contrasting characters, find themselves in an unexpected situation that leads to a revealing and transformative night. Harper, initially unaware that their day trip would involve an overnight stay, finds herself navigating this unanticipated scenario. The palazzo, with its opulent and historical ambiance, serves as a stark contrast to Harper’s more grounded and less extravagant lifestyle. This setting not only amplifies Harper’s sense of being an outsider in Daphne’s world but also subtly underscores the socio-economic disparities between them.

Meanwhile, Cameron, Harper’s husband’s friend and Daphne’s spouse, displays visible frustration over the women’s stay at the palazzo. His reaction hints at deeper issues in his marriage and sets the stage for future conflicts. It becomes clear that Cameron’s discontent stems from more than just the change in plans, suggesting underlying tensions in his relationship with Daphne. The most pivotal moment occurs when Daphne opens up to Harper about Cameron’s infidelities. This confession marks a significant turning point in Harper’s perception of Daphne.

Daphne’s acknowledgment of Cameron’s unfaithfulness reveals a layer of complexity to her seemingly carefree and perfect life. It exposes the vulnerability and acceptance underlying her facade of confidence and contentment. This revelation creates a bond between Harper and Daphne, as Harper confronts the reality that her initial judgments of Daphne may have been superficial. It also places Harper in a moral quandary, as she grapples with her own relationship and the newfound knowledge of Daphne’s marital struggles.

Related

1 White Lotus Detail Makes A Cameron & Harper Hookup Worse

Cameron and Harper are a big topic of interest in The White Lotus season 2. However, one particular character detail makes their hookup even worse.

Cameron Becomes A Bad Influence On Ethan

In The White Lotus season 2, episode 3, Cameron and Ethan’s story takes a darker turn. Cameron begins to exert a troubling influence on Ethan, his more reserved and principled friend. Cameron’s attempt to persuade Ethan to cheat on Harper is a critical moment, as the suggestion is not just a passing comment but a calculated push towards infidelity, reflecting Cameron’s own lax attitude towards maintaining a faithful monogamous marriage. He presents this idea under the guise of normalcy, suggesting that such behavior is widespread and inconsequential.

This conversation is pivotal as it not only tests Ethan’s values but also serves to contrast the fundamental differences in their characters and life philosophies. Cameron’s influence extends beyond personal matters into the professional realm as he tries to involve Ethan in his business venture too. This proposal is not just a business opportunity but a subtle manipulation, blurring the lines between friendship and self-interest. It reflects Cameron’s ability to use his charm and persuasion to bend situations to his advantage, further complicating his relationship with Ethan.

The episode reaches a climactic point when Cameron and Ethan take Mia and Lucia to their rooms. This action, influenced by Cameron’s persuasion, raises questions about the stability of Ethan’s moral compass and foreshadows the possible consequences of his actions on his marriage and personal life. Cameron’s role as a bad influence on Ethan is not just a plot device but a deeper exploration of themes such as temptation, the fragility of morals under pressure, and the impact of external influences on personal decisions.

Tanya Has A Tarot Reading

A significant subplot of season 2, episode 3 is Tanya’s visit to a tarot reader, which adds a mystical and foreboding layer, setting up The White Lotus season 2 ending. This encounter is not just a casual diversion but a profound experience that deeply affects Tanya, reflecting her inner turmoil and the overarching themes of fate and uncertainty in the series. The scene is set in an almost ethereal tarot reading room where the reader begins to unveil Tanya’s fortune. The revelation that Greg, Tanya’s husband, loves another person, hits her like a bolt from the blue.

This prediction is not merely a statement about her marital situation but a catalyst that plunges Tanya into a deeper emotional crisis. It exacerbates her existing insecurities and fears, challenging her perceptions of her marriage and herself. The tarot reader’s ominous warning that Tanya will be driven to suicide is a chilling moment, adding a layer of dark foreshadowing to her journey. This prophecy does more than predict a possible future; it forces Tanya to confront her deepest anxieties. It encapsulates the sense of foreboding that has been a subtle undercurrent in Tanya’s arc since season 1.

How “Bull Elephants” Sets Up The White Lotus Season 2 Finale

“Bull Elephants” serves as a crucial narrative pivot, masterfully setting the stage for the season finale, even though audiences might not know it. The introduction of Tom Hollander’s Quentin in The White Lotus, albeit without dialogue, is a subtle yet significant move. His mere presence adds a layer of intrigue and potential complexity to the storyline. This character’s silent observation of the resort’s happenings and the guests’ interactions suggests an impending involvement in the unfolding drama, effectively piquing the curiosity of the audience as to his future role.

The White Lotus season 2, episode 3 also amplifies the tension between Cameron and Ethan following their night out. This development is crucial as it not only highlights the growing rift between the two friends but also sets up a potential confrontation or climax involving their respective moral and ethical boundaries. Cameron’s influence on Ethan, combined with their respective actions during the night, lays the groundwork for a possible explosive resolution to their storyline, directly impacting their relationships with Harper and Daphne.

Daphne’s cryptic conversation with Harper about dealing with Cameron’s affairs adds another dimension to the suspense. This hint at Daphne’s coping mechanisms and how she does what she has to do to “feel better” raises questions about the nature of her relationship with Ethan and whether something transpired between them in The White Lotus season 2 finale. Furthermore, the title “Bull Elephants” itself is symbolic, alluding to the underlying themes of power, dominance, and masculinity that permeate the season. It reflects the simmering conflicts and the clashing egos of the characters, setting a tone of impending confrontation and resolution.

Watch on Max

The White Lotus

The White Lotus is a sharp social satire following the exploits of various employees and guests at an exclusive Hawaiian resort over the span of one highly transformative week. As darker dynamics emerge each day, this series gradually reveals the complex truths of the seemingly picture-perfect travelers, cheerful hotel employees, and idyllic locale itself.​ Each season follows a new cast of characters with a greater mystery lying at the center of each new location.

Release Date

July 11, 2021

Cast

Alexandra Daddario , Fred Hechinger , Connie Britton , Murray Bartlett , Sydney Sweeney , Brittany O’Grady , Natasha Rothwell , Jake Lacy , Jennifer Coolidge , Molly Shannon , Steve Zahn , Aubrey Plaza , Theo James , Haley Lu Richardson , Michael Imperioli , F. Murray Abraham , Tom Hollander , Meghann Fahy , Adam DiMarco , Will Sharpe , Leslie Bibb , Dom Hetrakul , Jason Isaacs , Michelle Monaghan , Parker Posey , Tayme Thapthimthong

Seasons

2