[Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for Season Three of The White Lotus, covering episodes one through six.]
The Anticipation Builds: Shocking Developments Ahead
In a recent discussion, actor Patrick Schwarzenegger hinted that audiences should brace themselves for even more startling moments in the concluding episodes of The White Lotus. As he portrays Saxon Ratliff, Schwarzenegger has already dived into some provocative themes this season, including a nude scene and an incestuous storyline. Yet, he assures fans that the ultimate episodes will take things to an unprecedented level of surprise.
Family Reactions: A Blend of Pride and Nerves
Patrick appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, where a message from his mother, Maria Shriver, elicited both laughter and concern. She asked him which episode made him most anxious for her to view. Referring to his nude scene, she quipped, “I think every single one you’ve been nervous for me to watch, and you keep saying, ‘That’s not me, that’s a prosthetic.'”
Schwarzenegger confessed that watching the first episode with his entire family was a unique experience, particularly because it included some revealing moments. However, he expressed heightened apprehension regarding the final episodes, adding, “I think some upcoming episodes I’m gonna watch without them… The next episodes are, yeah, they’re crazy!”
Unpacking the Drama: Threesomes and Emotional Depths
The latest episodes have certainly sparked intrigue among viewers. Fans learned last week that Saxon and Lochlan Ratliff (Sam Nivola) previously shared a kiss and engaged in a threesome with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon). These storylines contribute significantly to the show’s reputation for daring and unpredictable narratives.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schwarzenegger addressed the controversial incest plotline, emphasizing that while there might be sensational elements, there are also profound themes beneath the surface. He explained, “There’s also the stuff behind the wall of the character and what he’s dealing with in the conflict of what just happened. What is that going to do to who he thinks he is?”
To elaborate, he remarked on the broader implications of masculinity within his character’s journey, questioning traditional notions of what it means to be a man. This layers the narrative, providing depth beyond the shock factor typically associated with such story arcs.
Creating Meaningful Conversations Through Controversy
Patrick highlighted how creator Mike White expertly weaves complex themes into his characters’ arcs, stating that the storylines prompt meaningful dialogue while retaining an element of fun and outrageousness. “Mike does a great job… of always bringing something that is really fun and outrageous that gets people talking,” he said. The intricate relationship between Saxon and his younger brother serves as a critical focal point, underscoring that there is considerably more to the plot than merely eye-popping visuals.
Shock Waves Through the Family
Interestingly, even Schwarzenegger’s father, the famed Arnold Schwarzenegger, expressed incredulity at the revelations in the latest episode, as noted in his recent post on X (formerly Twitter). This illustrates not only the show’s impact on audiences but also its ability to provoke discussions within families, even among well-known figures.