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The Impact of Controversial Storylines in Television: A Look at ‘The White Lotus’
Recent events in the realm of television have shown that dramatic shifts can occur in Emmy predictions based on bold storytelling choices. As of mid-March, neither Patrick Schwarzenegger nor Sam Nivola were in contention for Emmy nominations for their roles in the third season of The White Lotus. However, following a provocative plotline where their characters engaged in a sexually charged scenario during a trip, both actors have seen a notable rise in their Emmy odds for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Schwarzenegger, portraying the charismatic Saxon Ratliff, has surged into the top seven contenders, while Nivola’s introverted Lochlan Ratliff now finds himself among the top 15. This sudden shift raises the question: does the inclusion of incestuous themes enhance a show’s chances for recognition?
The Controversial Nature of Incest in Storytelling
While incestuous relationships are often viewed as taboo, history shows that such storylines do not necessarily hinder a show’s success. For instance, Game of Thrones intricately wove the relationship between siblings Jaime and Cersei Lannister throughout its entire run, contributing to its record-setting 59 Emmy awards. Similarly, the spin-off House of the Dragon also explored familial love with its narrative of Rhaenyra Targaryen and her uncle Daemon Targaryen, garnering nominations and accolades including Best Drama Series at the Golden Globes.
Furthermore, contemporary productions like Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story have hinted at uncomfortable familial dynamics, with actor Cooper Koch receiving a Golden Globe nomination. Awards recognition for such themes suggests that audiences and critics alike may be willing to overlook or even embrace these provocative elements.
Over a decade ago, Bates Motel, a reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock‘s classic film Psycho, centered around the complex relationship between Norman Bates and his mother. The show was well-received, earning its stars nominations, including a contender at the Emmys for Vera Farmiga.
The Journey of ‘The White Lotus’
In the ongoing third season of The White Lotus, the controversial threads of incest began in the season’s premiere set in Thailand. Saxon’s character not only flirted with boundaries in front of Lochlan, but the narrative escalated during a party that involved alcohol-fueled indiscretions. This plot element has become a hot topic on social media, showcasing the actors’ pervasive presence across various platforms as they navigate the aftermath of their characters’ actions.
The episode’s climax featured a chaotic drunken night where Lochlan is seen engaging with others while also intertwined with Saxon in a way that blurs the lines of their brotherly bond. These intense moments left Lochlan disoriented upon waking up, with Saxon grappling with the reality of the previous night.
As Nivola described the filming experience, he emphasized how well the team worked together to portray the surreal nature of the scene, thanks in part to the guidance of creator Mike White and an intimacy coordinator. Schwarzenegger echoed this sentiment, noting that White’s approach invites thoughtful conversations among viewers.
Current Emmy Landscape
As of late March, the current odds for Emmy contenders in the Best Drama Supporting Actor category, as outlined by Gold Derby, are as follows:
- John Turturro (Severance) — 39/10
- Walton Goggins (The White Lotus) — 11/2
- Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) — 6/1
- Tramell Tillman (Severance) — 13/2
- Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus) — 17/2
- Jeffrey Wright (The Last of Us) — 21/2
- Patrick Schwarzenegger (The White Lotus) — 20/1
- Jonathan Pryce (Slow Horses) — 22/1
- Sam Rockwell (The White Lotus) — 25/1
- Zach Cherry (Severance) — 68/1
- James Marsden (Paradise) — 100/1
- Hugo Weaving (Slow Horses) — 100/1
- Christopher Walken (Severance) — 100/1
- Lee Byung-hun (Squid Game) — 100/1
- Sam Nivola (The White Lotus) — 100/1
The impact of controversial plotlines can significantly shape a show’s trajectory during awards season. With its unflinching exploration of taboo subjects, The White Lotus not only stirs conversation but also solidifies its place as a strong contender in the current Emmy landscape.
Source
www.goldderby.com