How The White Lotus Season 1 Foreshadowed Saxon’s Potential Dark Path Without Chelsea’s Influence

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In the third season of The White Lotus, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s character, Saxon Ratliff, was particularly noteworthy. However, clues about his future trajectory were subtly introduced in the show’s first season, before his significant transformation with Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood). Saxon is the eldest son from the affluent Ratliff family and initially comes across as one of the least endearing characters in the new series. He is known for his boisterous demeanor, arrogance, and an overinflated sense of self-importance. His views are often perceived as the only valid ones, and he exhibits a superficial approach to relationships.

In contrast, Saxon is another character featured in the third season of “The White Lotus.” Throughout the series, Chelsea plays a significant role in Saxon’s transformation. Initially, Saxon views Chelsea as a potential conquest, but her rejection of his advances leaves him cold. As time passes, however, their relationship evolves into friendship, revealing an unexpected side to Saxon. This transformation is intricate and captivating, but perhaps most significantly, it deviates from the familiar pattern displayed by Saxon in the first season of “The White Lotus.

Saxon Would Have Turned Out To Be More Like The White Lotus Season 1‘s Shane

Shane Created The Archetype For The White Lotus’ Entitled Jerk Characters

In the third season of The White Lotus, when Saxon appears, it’s tough not to notice similarities between him and Shane (Jake Lacy) from the first season. Both characters exhibit a troubling amount of toxic masculinity, fueled by their wealth that gives them an air of arrogance and self-importance. Similar to Saxon, Shane’s confidence seems unwarranted, as both men have inherited their wealth from their parents, yet they act as if the world should cater to them.

In the first season, Shane makes his entrance at the stunning White Lotus resort, but instead of appreciating its beauty, he starts voicing discontent over not receiving everything that was promised. A significant portion of the season is filled with his constant griping about not getting his way and harboring a desire to mete out punishment towards those he perceives as having denied him his desires, particularly the overworked resort manager Armond, portrayed by Murray Bartlett.

In “The White Lotus” season 3, Saxon exhibits an identical demeanor, having grown accustomed to his affluent lifestyle and expecting to obtain whatever he desires. He expresses his individual views as if they were indisputable truths, dismissing his sister’s more tolerant perspectives because they clash with his own. His approach towards women remains unchanged, as he believes he is entitled to a romantic connection with Chelsea and behaves immaturely, ridiculing her when she rejects him.

In a surprising twist, Shane, much like how the series The White Lotus defies assumptions by featuring flawed characters, demonstrates this pattern. When Shane’s wife, Rachel (Alexandra Daddario), decides to leave him and he ends up unintentionally killing Armond, one might expect him to recognize his place in the grand scheme. However, by the finale of The White Lotus season 1, an unexpected turn of events occurs: Shane receives a resort apology for Armond’s death, escapes prosecution, and has Rachel back by his side once more.

Shane’s overly high opinion of himself is reinforced by those around him, preventing any chance of change. Saxon, who appeared to be following a similar pattern without facing any repercussions for his actions, managed to avoid becoming like Shane, owing to certain crucial factors.

Saxon’s Experiences With Chelsea & His Family Losing Their Wealth Will Keep Him From Becoming Shane

Saxon’s Friendship With Chelsea Likely Saved Him From Going Down A Dark Path

In “The White Lotus” season 3, Chelsea quickly emerges as someone significant for Saxon to encounter. As he lounges by the pool, flirting with any woman within his sight, the way Chelsea appears disinterested in him leaves a strong impression. Saxon isn’t accustomed to rejection, and he believes he can alter her perception of him. However, each brush-off causes him to shift from annoyance to introspection, as he attempts to demonstrate that he isn’t as shallow as she assumes.

Although Saxon appears self-assured on the outside, it’s evident that he grapples with deep-seated doubts about himself. He reveals to his father that his career has become so intertwined with his identity that he feels he lacks other offerings. As he confronts these insecurities and reassesses his life after a troubling event involving his brother, Lochlan (Sam Nivola), Chelsea serves as a supportive friend, encouraging him to explore spirituality and seek greater purpose in life.

Chelsea embodies the sort of individual whom Shane lacked in his circle. She has the ability to point out when he’s erring and acting immaturely, yet provide alternative perspectives. On the other hand, Saxon demonstrates a more profound capacity for change compared to Shane, which suggests that he could potentially transform into a better person given the way their family’s narrative unfolds.

In the finale of The White Lotus season 3, Saxon experiences a life-altering moment as his father’s legal troubles surface, threatening to strip him of his privileged lifestyle. If not for his encounter with Chelsea, this revelation might have left him shattered beyond repair. Yet, this fresh perspective on existence opens up an opportunity that Shane never received. Rather than revert to his former life and potentially slip back into old habits, Saxon now has the chance to apply Chelsea’s teachings and discover a more profound purpose in life.

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2025-05-04 03:01