The fifth episode of the second season of The White Lotus, “That’s Amore,” creates the most tension thus far in this season, leaving viewers dumbfounded and on an absolute cliffhanger. As character relationships deepen, the drama inflates between the different character factions, creating insanely nail-biting moments.

In every episode of The White Lotus, there’s always a ton to pick apart in terms of drama and who knows who, who likes who, and even who is sleeping with who. For example, Albie, played by Adam DiMarco (Radio Rebel), has struck up an odd love affair with Lucia, played by Simona Tabasco (Perez), while not realizing that she’s an escort, as well as one who previously provided services to his own father. This scenario creates even more drama between Albie and his father, who Albie does not want to be anything like, but may be inevitably/inadvertently morphing into with his actions. 

While all of this is going on, Tanya, played by Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde, Another Cinderella Story), continues to go on expeditions with Quentin, played by Tom Hollander (Pride and Prejudice, Gosford Park), and friends. Here, Tanya finally feels accepted and like she’s surrounded by people that don’t only want to be friends with her because of her wealth. It almost seems too good to be true, but I’m sure that will be revealed in due time. Not in this episode.

As Quentin entertains Tanya, Portia, played by Haley Lu Richardson (Five Feet Apart, Unpregnant), continues to be effortlessly wooed by Jack, played by Leo Woodall (Cherry, Nomad). As charming as Jack is, he also seems too good to be true. Yes, Albie was an incredibly sweet and safe option, but Portia likes Jack because he’s daring and mischievous – things that are fun in the moment, but might be too disastrous for reality. 

Returning to the two “happy couples,” the four learn even more about each other while having their silent and subtle disdain for one another intensify instead. Daphne, played by Meghann Fahy (The Bold Type, The Lost Valentine), alludes to Harper, played by Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, Little Demon), that she’s having an affair with her personal trainer to manage putting up with her cheating husband. It mainly just shows that no one here is really happy.

Tanya and Portia are both in incredibly happy and content eras, something that The White Lotus doesn’t permit its inhabitants to feel for long. Of course, in the final moments of the episode, Tanya discovers that neither Quentin nor Jack may be what they seem – nor are they exactly nephew and uncle. 

Rating: 8.5/10.0