White Lotus Review of Episode(s) 6 + 7 ( with some hints about the FINALE)

The show is about the ebb and flow of life and our journey through the waves of both good and bad Karma. It is all connected, and in doing this delicate dance we discover our lives. These two episodes are both referring to our REGRETS and also the DISCOVERIES of our innermost fears. Each of the characters is on their own journey and in these two episodes, we are almost at the end of their circular pathways. I won’t go ahead and tell you that the FINALE is both a surprise and also a slow motion ‘de·noue·ment‘ *(Day-Noo-Mont) of the previous episodes that end either to some as a surprise and others as a ‘whimper’ for mysteries. And, the monkeys continue to watch from the trees as silent observers (ok, maybe not so silent) as we are rushing to a conclusion.

And now, the CLOTHES:

We are in the Buddhist Ashram: The search for Self Identity: Here the costumes of the monks are a backdrop to the casual rich attire of both the family members who are bent upon spending the night there. Here we see subtle casual luxury and food that is less than acceptable, as is explained at the end of their stay. Our young male lead, wants very much to stay but his sister declares she “does not want to be the one to ruin his life” so subtle colors and simple delicate tones are the message of self-denial in these scenes. The drip drip drip of water from the ceiling takes on again, that theme of water that is running through (*yes, I couldn’t resist) the entire series.

The Sky View House Party where several propositions were made: Here the dirty rich and uber wealthy couples of balding men and hot girls are gathering at the home where one such couple, resides. Proposals and sexual contracts are proposed. and then turned down. The ‘hot girls’ are always wearing something that seems like it is from the 1990s, like they spent their youth watching Beverly Hills 90210 and never got over it. Its literally perfection as it shows their total lack of fashion sense, only ‘copycatting’ their tv re-ru idols. Our leading lady, a smooth operator, is wearing a short black/white dress that makes her look like a slutty car-hop girl, with buckles down the bodice that hints about the sexual escapades that might be ahead. Belinda, our Spa Lady, always wears an elegant and chic Caftan ensemble and her elegance literally overshadows her working class origins. Its hard to believe she has not been to some Paris fashion week shows. But, her uniform at the resort takes her back down to her reality and we do believe her. The family, dressed up to separate themselves from the other “lowly people” at the party show up in their Southern Country Club attire and even at an elegant billionaire’s party, they still all look a bit small town.

At the fights we are brought into a cultural moment, where the cross section of classes mingles and mixes to the sounds of cheers, screams, music and sweat. Its perfect when one of the ladies heads home with a Russian Stud to continue the sweaty theme and then finds herself in a compromising position. Clothes here are casual upper middle class, and distinctly different from the Russian Guys who are all dressed in MIAMI VICE attire. A classic. Chelsea, our soulful heroine is wearing a sexy black cocktail dress in the final party scene, and its the first time we have seen her in black, with shiny beads and details so the dress is both striking and later, a foreshadowing of what is to come.

de·noue·ment

What is the end of all these stories? Will we find that they are what we expect? The color palettes are arranged by groups and characters also have their own uniforms, too. The characters that share colors, patterns and textures are both individual and highlight plot points, as well. This is what makes the interplay of the story lines so interesting. So in this episode, everyone has their particular coda, to their story. And their style tells the story, too.

As the morning mist rises from the waters of the resort, and we hear the monkeys scream, the tension about the storylines begin to bisect and cross each other in a host of interesting ways. I dont want to spoil the ending for you, but this costume map might be of help as you watch: