The hit HBO drama, The White Lotus, continued to captivate audiences with its latest episode, which aired on Sunday, March 16. Episode 5 of the show's third season took a controversial turn as it explored the complex and unsettling relationship between two of its characters, Lochlan and Saxon Ratliff. This episode, filled with unexpected twists, has left fans questioning the nature of their bond.
Set against the backdrop of a lavish party, the episode depicted a scene that was both intriguing and discomforting. Lochlan, portrayed by Sam Nivola, and Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, share a moment that is incestuous in nature. The tension between the two characters has been building since the first episode of the season, where viewers saw Lochlan's fixation on Saxon as he walked naked to the bathroom.
In a visually striking scene, Saxon removes his shirt while Lochlan sips alcohol out of a shell. The party atmosphere is heightened as everyone dances under the eerie red lighting of the boat. This moment serves to further illustrate the peculiar dynamics within the Ratliff family, whose behavior is anything but conventional.
"I think that the relationship with his brother — although it's very odd and weird, which is what [creator] Mike [White] wanted — it's still very loving at the same time," stated Sam Nivola.
The Ratliff family is already embroiled in controversy, as their father, Timothy Ratliff, is under investigation by the FBI. The investigation centers on his multimillion-dollar business dealings, adding another layer of complexity to the family's story.
Throughout the season, the relationship between Lochlan and Saxon has been unsettling for fans. From the very beginning, Saxon's attempts to help his younger brother lose his virginity have shocked viewers. In the latest episode, Saxon's actions take a more bizarre turn as he throws his hands up in the air during the party scene.
"I think that one of the things that we worked on as a group, as a family, was to try to create that dynamic: the closeness, but the oddness, the weirdness we thought was normal, the older brother to younger brother relationship," Patrick Schwarzenegger explained.
As Lochlan and Saxon continue to work out their complex dynamic, viewers are left questioning what lies ahead for the Ratliff family. The narrative challenges conventional understanding of familial relationships and leaves room for speculation about future developments.