The White Lotus Season 3 sparks backlash for Patrick Schwarzenegger's 'incestuous' subplot amid rave reviews: 'Genuinely crazy'

The White Lotus Season 3: The third season of The White Lotus is off to a thumping start, debuting an almost perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have dubbed the new part of Mike White's satire comedy the 'most impressive' season yet, with fans echoing similar sentiments, as one wrote on X, "Season 3 of The White Lotus has everything: gay brother incest, Parker Posey doing a southern accent, monkeys, and Carrie Coon having a psychotic breakdown!"

However, amid the widespread praise, Patrick Schwarzenegger's full-frontal naked appearance, along with his incestuous chats about his siblings, has irked some fans, despite an overwhelmingly positive reception to the show.

The White Lotus Season 3: Critics and fans laud the new season

The new season of The White Lotus debuted on February 17. With just one episode out, the show has received widespread praise. On social media, fans and critics are raving about the latest part, with many lauding its ability to balance humour and darkness. Some have even hailed it as the best season yet for aptly adapting the cultural intricacies of Thailand, where it's based this time around.

What's the plot of The White Lotus Season 3?

The latest season of The White Lotus has arrived, and this time, the luxury resort has set up shop in Thailand. Following previous seasons in Hawaii and Sicily, the show's third instalment takes viewers to the Thai branch of the hotel chain, which appears to focus more on wellness and self-discovery.

The resort's emphasis on digital detoxes and various wellness treatments suggests a more serene and peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the usual social media-obsessed teens that we saw in Season 2.

Patrick Schwarzenegger's naked scene sparks mixed reactions

A notable scene in the episode takes place in the hotel room shared by brothers Saxton (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). The episode introduces Saxton as a character with a high sex drive, making inappropriate comments about his sister's appearance. As the scene progresses, Saxton feels the urge to watch porn and "jerk off," but not wanting to do so in front of his brother, he heads to the bathroom naked.

The brief moment of eye contact between the brothers before Saxton closes the door creates sets an awkward tone, making for a cringe-worthy moment in the episode.

Expressing the awkwardness of the scene, one person on X wrote, "Listen, I don't really care THAT much because I get it; these things are just going to post naked hot guys, but man, so weird given the context of this scene lol."

Another person added, "So we have incest in The White Lotus now? This show is genuinely crazy."

"Incest siblings¡­ fake friend group¡­ ugly bald Greg¡­ Belinda is possibly in danger this season¡­ Quite literally terrified for whatever¡¯s going to happen on this season of The White Lotus," a third commented.

Just saw season 3 premiere of White Lotus. Is it just me or there¡¯s an incest relationship going on between the brothers? pic.twitter.com/oH4Pf9KngX

¡ª Pop Junkie (@popjunki3) February 17, 2025

The White Lotus Season 3 is already shaping up to be a wild ride, and with seven episodes left, viewers are on the edge of their seats wondering what's to come. The murder-mystery aspect has everyone intrigued, and for now, the subplot is keeping us all guessing.

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