When the first book in a series, the first film in a franchise, or the first season of a TV show is so good that it’s seemingly unbeatable, it can be daunting to tune into what follows. What if it doesn’t live up to the first one? Will the characters and actors be as talented? Will the writing and the storyline be as engaging? After a commendable first season of The White Lotus, fans – myself included – were left pondering these very questions. 

 However, The White Lotus season two dispels any fear of disappointment. Like the first season, the second season is engulfed by wealth and privilege. With witty writing, satire, a beautiful setting, strong character performances, and of course, a little murder mystery, season two additionally comments on gender, sexuality, and relationships. Instead of taking place in Hawaii, season two is set in Sicily, where there’s no shortage of wine and where sunny mountain ranges meet the blue sea: a perfect combination for some drama. In terms of characters, the only returning actor is Jennifer Coolidge, or in the series, Tanya McQuoid. The rest of the cast, however, proves to be an impressive roster. With Aubrey Plaza, Will Sharpe, Meghann Fahy, Michael Imperioli, Haley Lu Richardson, Theo James, Simona Tabasco, Adam DiMarco, Beatrice Grannó, and more; could this season be too good to be true? 

 Again, this season opens with a dead body, but this time it washes up on shore. And from episode one to episode seven, audiences are left wondering what story lies behind this season’s unidentified body. But until then, viewers are occupied with the layers of sexual politics fueled by Sicily’s machismo. Now I’ll leave it up to you to watch, but take it from me, this season is not too good to be true.