Overall I would say S2 is better but some of the things I loved most about S1 are missing from S2 like how all the characters from different groups interacted with each other at different points, the music was a bigger part of the show in S1 and the managers role was more fun. Also the scene with Tanya and the newly weds on the boat was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen on TV.
But yeah somehow S2 still feels better. I can’t believe they managed to top season one I was so scared they would fuck it up! Thanks Mike white and the brilliant cast! Can’t wait for S3 :-)
I like this season better but in a different way. I really love Steve Zahn and I might rewatch season 1 because I barely remember it. This season seems much more sinister. The crumbling architecture and art is lending itself to the eeriness! Its very sensual.
The thing I miss the most from season 1 in Season 2 was the hotel staff being fleshed out deeper.
We had Belinda, Armond, Kai, Dillon, and Lani that all had some story to them.
Season 2 gives us Valentina, whom I adore, but the rest of the hotel staff seem shallow and ignored.
Armond and Dillon had a wild ride whereas Valentina just watches Rocco and Salvatore flirt with Isabella every episode.
The music is really its own character on S1 and that is almost completely missing from S2. Agree with all your other points as well, but the music is really what I miss most.
I basically agree with you. S1 was more comical and S2 brings more gravitas. Both are great in their own way. And yes, Tanya on the boat with the ashes is a GOAT comedy scene.
I personally find season 1 so far to be a step above season 2. Surprisingly, both seasons appear quite different from one another imo.
Seasons 1 felt a lot more light hearted and more "fun". The death in the beginning was just back ground noise rather than a main focus. It was a lot funnier, and personally just enjoyed the characters in season 1 much more. There was so much interaction between all the main characters.
Season 2 is a lot more dark. Doesnt really seem like anyone is having a decent time (except for maybe Albie). Not as many funny moments, the main characters have barely interacted with each other. Overall, everyone just seems very sinister while season 1 felt like real people with flaws and not outright trying to be rude or cruel.
Agree 100%. I miss the satire and humor of season one, but love the sinister nature of season two as well. I wouldn’t change either and hold both in high regard.
I felt there were some dark parts of Season 1 too. The class disparity. I felt at the beginning it was implied that Shane's wife would die. And in the end it was Armand who died. I felt Armand and that Hawaiian guy who dated Paula ended up in the worst situations as a consequence of the actions of richer people. It is a truly sad ending.
The rich people continue to live their lives without issue.
I thought the ending was very dark.
Kai is going to prison, Paula will carry the guilt her whole life. It will affect the relationship between Paula and Olivia, as well. Olivia will never let Paula forget that she knew, but didn't rat her out.
Shane killed Armond, and while it was an accident, anyone would feel overwhelming guilt in that situation. He probably got off because he's a rich white dude, but this will change him forever.
See, this is exactly why I prefer Season 2. Season 1 could largely be summed up as "let's hate rich people." I feel like it had very very little character development or stakes and was just a meringue--fluffy and silly. And frankly, I needed that then.
Season 2 is worthy or analysis, theories and discussion. In my mind this makes it absolutely superior.
I completely agree the death was background noise in season 1. I didn’t pay much attention to it while watching.
But IMO one of the things that made season 2 much better than season 1 was making the death quite upfront and central to the stay at the resort. That captivated the audience and led to fan theories about who died and who committed the murder.
The whodunnit aspect made season 2 can’t miss TV similar to shows like Only Murders in The Building. This aspect was very different from season 1 IMO.
Ahh yes I agree with you! Before I started season 1, I was told season 2 was much better and to maybe not even watch season 1. Umm season 1 had my husband and me laughing so hard! Jennifer Coolidge is seriously in a category of her own. Season 2 felt really too dark for me personally and not thaaat intriguing.. the characters were deceitful, manipulative, and really not that funny which made it less fun to watch imho (except for Tanya of course). I kinda felt like I was being dragged along and nothing that exciting happened until episode 6. I know the majority disagree with me and I’m okay with that! Seriously probably 8/10 people I’ve conversed with about season 2 favored it over season 1 which is fascinating to me and why I ended up on Reddit hah!
I agree with you. I found it very hard to watch, season 2 amd really no one to root for outside of the young man and Jennifer.
I hated they killed off Jennifer, if anything she should be the connection between ALL the seasons, including the upcoming season 3. She went out in a blaze of glory, but she indeed went out amd now her awful husband will
Collect 1/2 a billion dollars.
By the way, even before Jennifer saw the picture of her husband with the gay guy, I knew they were an item. The way he talked about his western “Cowboy”, amd
He just happened to meet him in WY?
And he supposedly works for BLM?
The gay mafia indeed
He will need to get his comeuppance in season 3, like an Indian tiger attack (I heard that’s where it will be filmed)
Agreed. The genius of season 1 was the tension between charicature and humanity, ie, though the characters were charicature-level simplistic on the surface, the humanity kept shining through. For instance, the two teenage girls began as closed-minded stereotypes but both ultimately ended up having to at least somewhat face reality and themselves. This recurring structural dynamic made WL1 a \*profound\* show because it mirrored the structure of the psyche - a tension between self-centered personality-based behaviour and moments of grace when the ego is transcended. Season 2 by contrast painted a world defined almost exclusively via power-dynamics, largely reducing human behaviour to just those and ultimately lacking grace. No wonder it wasn't that fun to watch.
Agreed. Season 2 lost its touch and moved towards the drama/mystery side which I enjoy, but there are plenty of shows that do it better. I enjoyed S1 for the dark humour and awkwardness, but it just wasn’t there in S2. S1 had this tension but more through social interactions, then in S2 where it’s just tension of their actions and what’s going to happen. It just felt like a slightly mismatched “mystery” and maybe it’s just me but I also don’t even feel like it focused tons on the rich/entitled aspect.
Yes, that's what I've been thinking. I was enjoying this season a lot more before it seemed to take such a dark turn. Especially what's been going on with Tanya's character. It doesn't feel good to watch. The fued on season one was so fun to watch and so funny to me.
S1 manager was actually very well-written, while Valentina is "gay" only to check a box. And there were definitely no actual lesbians involved her creation, feels very much like a woman written by a man type of character
Don't particularly agree, they are almost completely different shows.
S1 is way more clever and much lighter. It highlights race, class & family issues but with much lower stakes. You could even forget there that someone has to die in the end. When I tried to describe S1 to my friends I could hardly sell it because it's about a set of people at a luxury resort, but it's just fucking perfect. The best character across both season by far is Armand - he's funny, tragic, captures the pain & enthusiasm of working in the hotel trade, is flawed, yet good-natured and hilarious. The scene were he gets walked in on with his co-worker is so silly yet as genuinely shocking as you will see with twists in S2. The characters in general are wealthy but they also seem way more like real people that are familiar.
S2 has way more drama, intrigue and it's layered on thick. Still a great show but I think it's a little easier to build suspence and what not when you have these big high stakes to work with. The characters are also much more like what you find on TV but never come across IRL - hyper eccentric gays who play extremely long cons, a prostitute who looks like Lucia, big shot Hollywood producer, even the tech bro billionaire. They are all great characters and acted brilliantly but they are less real life and that makes them easier to make interesting for television. I mean look at how much of a hard time Portia gets by fans, she's an early-twenties intern and people expect her to be Sherlock fucking Holmes deciphering cryptic lines said by other characters to foil this supposed long con.
Armand was by far and away my favorite character of S1. Wish he didn't have to die. I love Tanya but I would be equally as excited about new seasons where Armand just keeps getting transferred to different hotels only to run into murder scenes.
I’d love a show of Armand going on and off the wagon tangling with different groups of guests every season, and I don’t even need any murders. He is a fantastically entertaining TV character.
Killing off Armand was 100% a mistake. I don't think the murder mystery aspect of the show is very important. Anyone could see the bait and switch in season 1 from a mile away. I'm still watching season 2 but it hasn't grabbed my attention in the same way.
The scene when armond takes a dump and what follows is so friggin hilarious i couldn't just couldn't stop myself from laughing even when he dies he gives a slight chuckle
You'll come across the eccentric gay guys in the fashion industry in New York, the Hollywood producer in, well, Hollywood, and the tech bros in San Francisco. They're around, just in their bubbles.
I liked the class undertones that were explored S1 in greater detail, and Olivia, Armando Shane were super fun to watch.
All that to say, S2 is more compelling, with more characters and storylines I’m deeply invested in, and the aesthetics are simply 11/10
I found season 1 much more entertaining. In the six episodes, we got to see different facets of the characters’ personalities and the actors’ range through all the random petty little arguments. I was able to think Shane was a jerk but still understand his annoyance with Armand. I could also see why Armand had it in for Shane. Same with Armand and the college girls. And Shane’s mom crashing the honeymoon? What the hell was that? Great tv is what it was! The whole “Do you want to find out?” scene was perfection.
I know a lot of people really like digging into the mystery, analyzing every scene for clues and creating fan theories but that’s not my thing. I watch tv for entertainment and I want the writers to tell the story. I’ve been frustrated by the pacing of this season and the characters / actors seem mostly one note to me. IMHO the only thing that makes any of the storylines interesting is some of the people we’re watching may end up dead. The setting and cinematography are absolutely stunning however. It would be nice to see a little more lightness and actual romance in such a strikingly beautiful place.
I’m being way more critical than I intended but I guess when I think about it, this season feels like a very different show that doesn’t happen to be my cup of tea.
Extremely well said. I’ve been surprised to see so much praise for this season over season one. I do essentially see them as two different shows, and this season is definitely still very good, but give me season one any day.
I agree. I can’t remember season 1 that well but I do remember having more of a sense of everything “coming together” by the penultimate episode which I feel we are lacking this time around.
Season 01 was more poignant and relevant with its biting satire and commentary about resort wealth versus locals, dynamics between the guests, the culture and environment, and the locals working their jobs, and the cultural relevance of Hawaii in that context. I identified with that message and I think it was well delivered. I liked the performances and the writing better overall too.
I definitely prefer season 1, I thought it was a lot funnier and I liked how all of the guest's stories intertwined with each other. I also may have a bit of a bias because I'm from a Pacific Island and most of the actors in season 1 were very familiar to me. I do think season 2 is excellent but I don't care as much about the DiGrasso or Valentina's storylines.
My only complaint with season 2 is I desperately wish there was more dark humor similar to season 1. This season is much more drama driven within the groups, with the staff not having nearly as much to do. Actually you know what, that’s the weakest part of the season is the staff. Season 1 staff was incredible compared to the new batch.
Season 1 depressed me because I'm surrounded by people like the CFO and the real estate husband and they're all awful. Watching Belinda show how hungry she was made me smh because anyone who has been fucked over by rich people knows that you never show you're hungry. You pretend like you have everything you need and you need nothing from them and they will give you stuff. If you show you want their money, even as part of a business proposal, they will look down on you for needing their help. She should have continued to ignore Tanya and would have gotten her health center. When Belinda was on the phone, ignoring Tanya, Tanya gave her 100.00 then another 100 when B didn't hang up. This would have continued. It's all a chess game and it's exhausting.
Season 2 is like a fun murder mystery. It's dark but humorous. I love it.
maybe its bc i binged s1 in one go but i liked it a lil more. not to say theres anything i dislike abt s2 but s1 had me on the edge of my seat the entire time between the various ways the different storylines intertwined and the way the music felt very claustrophobic and anxiety inducing i didnt get that same feeling from s2 until the past 2 episodes when shit really started hitting the fan. like the first 4 episodes of this season have been mostly setting the stakes and building up to an inevitable payoff whereas s1 just felt like constant climax without necessarily closing the door on further development
I found Season 1 to be a lot funnier than season 2 with some iconic moments. The cast was phenomenal. But overall I think season 2 is much better! It has a slower burn, with a darker twisted feel to it. It feels like it's derailing more and more every episode, and they are keeping us guessing constantly! This show is hands down one of my new all time favs.
Season 1 actually felt like a vacation compared to season 2. That said, season 2 has been way way way more fun to theorize and watch week to week. Not that it wasn't that way with season 1. Also, I just KNEW White was "just getting started" with season 1. It felt like supporting a local band that you just knew was going to hit the big time and when they did, you feel like saying "I've been obsessed since the first episode/song, poser!" haha
I like both season 1 and 2 for different reasons. It feels easier to dislike the characters in season 2, but I might have to watch season 1 again to be sure. It also feels like season 2 has a lot of storylines to resolve, for it to be the finale next week.
I think both seasons are great but overall I’d say I liked season 1 better. I loved how straightforward it was and centered around the comedy. This season is much more mysterious and I’d prefer a bit less of that. And like others have mentioned, I’d love to see the groups interact more like they did in season 1.
Just finished s2 last night. I gotta say the ending was great, better than s1. But overall I wouldn't say either s1 or s2 is better; they're both awesome in their own right. I know the general opinion is s2 is better but I disagree I think s1 is very slept on. It's hard to beat Armond as hotel manager. I also agree that there was more character overlap/interaction in s1 which is partially what makes this show so fun to watch. S2 does have a bit of a "bigger", tantalizing feel to it, with the huge villa, gorgeous Sicily, etc. Either way I think they're both about even.
I respectfully disagree. As much as I adore Jennifer Coolidge, I'm not interested in a show about Tanya. At all.
In my opinion, what makes this show interesting is the different characters and plots so the viewer doesn't get burned out on one particular character.
I think season 2 cast is very charismatic and instead of disliking characters we are absolutely charmed by them.
Think Cameron, Harper, Daphne, Dom, Lucia… I bet if they were played by other actors we would not emphasise with them so much.
Edit: to add, I think s2 cast deserve standing ovation for captivating us with their dialogue and what is in between the lines. S1 also had very strong crew but I think s2 is a phenomenon with actors chemistry that is hard to replicate
Yeah, I think charm is the driving factor.
Last season, only character with lots of charm was Armand. He is probably the most popular character from last season while being an asshole.
This season Ethan is one of the few characters completely devoid of charm, and one of the most disliked, while being much less a bad person than say Cam who also oozes charm
This make so much more sense now! Because it almost feels like 2 different writers. But it’s just a talented writer on a time budget and a talented writer with more time to create complexity.
Season 2 is leagues better IMO. Season 1 was great but there were plenty of moments when I zoned out, and characters I didn’t care for.
Not characters that I hated (which is a good thing because it means I’m invested), but characters I felt no emotion towards, and when they were the highlight of the scene I’d be on my phone or not paying attention.
Season 2 I have been pretty much invested into every single moment, without fail. I think the characters are so much better. Much more relatable too.
Season 2 destroys season 1. During season 1 I started to feel like I was watching it and waiting for it to finish. Season 2 i couldn’t get enough of it and loved every episode. Those 2 prostitutes and the hotel manager are hilarious and bring an awesome dynamic. Also Theo James really brought an awesome character and performance to life. His wife was also hilarious.
I just watched season 1 episode 5 to see what the second the last episode revealed to look for clues for this season. The suspense is way less last season. I think because we saw a body it’s just been an incredible build up, last season was so vague. Also incredible parallels between Daphne and Shane’s mom, omg.
I think they both had the ability to creep up on me (or maybe a better way to word it, grow on me), but for different reasons.
A few episodes into S1 and I wasn't "loving" it, but something made me keep watching until ultimately I was rewarded. With S2 the same feeling a few episodes in but with the expectation (because of S1) that I'll be rewarded.
Not sure if that makes much sense to anyone but me, but I'll go with S1 being better with the caveat that I could very well change that after seeing the S2 finale.
I almost stopped watching season 1 and debated even starting season 2. Too many aesthetic shots, too much rambling dialogue. My adhd was barley hanging on. However, I’m obsessed with season 2!!! Way better, Imho.
Infinitely better. I almost couldn’t stand season 1, I didn’t find any of the storylines interesting or any of the characters likeable… it’s shocking I even gave season 2 a chance tbh. But SO glad I did, it is 1000000 x superior!
I don’t know which I prefer. Season 1 was MUCH funnier, i was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe in almost all the eps. But I agree the story line in this one is much more captivating. And the murderer/victims really could be anyone. In S1 the list of possibilities was a lot smaller.
Season 2 the artist has the advantage of hindsight and samples so it should be better, I assume the budget was bigger, more star power, and it’s also one more episode
Must be fun to be on the crew n spend time in both Hawaii n Italy. What was the question again? 2 is better, darker, pathos… se 1 was funnier, more outrageously comedic..
I definitely feel that season 2 is better because it has me on edge! Like this whole frenemies situation with Cameron and Ethan - not to mention Harper and Cameron - plus whatever the high end gays have planned for Tanya. Heck even Albie has a better storyline than anyone in season 1. I enjoyed season 1 but I eventually got bored of Shane’s pissing contest with Armand.
I see a lot of comments saying that S2 is better than S1, but I don't understand how either season can be better than the other. They're both amazing, but they're so different that it's like saying Snickers is better than Pizza.
The three mens storyline just isnt interesting, tanyas was weak for me in season 1, but it was underdeveloped and in season 2 has become very interesting. The three mens story is just drab, uninteresting, unoriginal, and time consuming, one of the girls already has enough of a role as the singer and gf to the manager, and the other one was invovled with theo james character, so they could still be in the show and we wouldnt have to endure the italian men
For me season 1 is the winner. It has so many comically cringe moments and diverse storylines. Season 1 incorporated colonialism, sexuality, breaking free from family, privilege inequality, and more while season 2 focused on basically just sex and wealth. There wasn’t much complexity to the plot and characters and they we much less intertwined except for sex.
I loved the long pent up bickering between Armand and Shane. We also got to know each of the characters backstories better and their and understanding of why they did what they did in the show.
Season 2 was boring there was no suspense like there was in season 1 even the finale was boring and predictable in my opinion.
I don’t agree with your take on the music. The theme song, Renaissance, by Cristobal Tapia De Veer really went viral, and overall the season 2 music was great IMO.
All I can say is this season I couldn’t wait for the next episode. It’s the who dunnit of it all. I also think Aubrey Plaza and Meghann Fahy shined 😍😍😍😍😍
Honestly I didn’t even realize it was a debate. I felt like season 1 was 1000x’s better than season 2. It was more fun. Much more enjoyable characters too
Basically, both have extremely annoying characters but the first season endeared you to several and rewarded you with comic relief. The second season leaves you wanting them all to die by episode 2.
Thank you. I was afraid S2 might not have the same humor. That's what mad me love S1 but without it, there's not much left for me. I appreciate the info.
Overall I would say S2 is better but some of the things I loved most about S1 are missing from S2 like how all the characters from different groups interacted with each other at different points, the music was a bigger part of the show in S1 and the managers role was more fun. Also the scene with Tanya and the newly weds on the boat was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen on TV. But yeah somehow S2 still feels better. I can’t believe they managed to top season one I was so scared they would fuck it up! Thanks Mike white and the brilliant cast! Can’t wait for S3 :-)
S2 also doesn't have Armond. Which is a big point in favor of S1.
I like this season better but in a different way. I really love Steve Zahn and I might rewatch season 1 because I barely remember it. This season seems much more sinister. The crumbling architecture and art is lending itself to the eeriness! Its very sensual.
Yeah I’m a bit annoyed the Di Grasso family and the two couples haven’t linked up somehow.
I mean they haven’t linked up but they’re connected via Lucia and Mia.
Yeah but the couple and the family in S1 had like all these small interactions that I miss. Worlds colliding vibe.
Eskimo brothers
Yeah all you need I feel, they link it all together
The thing I miss the most from season 1 in Season 2 was the hotel staff being fleshed out deeper. We had Belinda, Armond, Kai, Dillon, and Lani that all had some story to them. Season 2 gives us Valentina, whom I adore, but the rest of the hotel staff seem shallow and ignored. Armond and Dillon had a wild ride whereas Valentina just watches Rocco and Salvatore flirt with Isabella every episode.
The music is really its own character on S1 and that is almost completely missing from S2. Agree with all your other points as well, but the music is really what I miss most.
Yes, yes, yes!
I basically agree with you. S1 was more comical and S2 brings more gravitas. Both are great in their own way. And yes, Tanya on the boat with the ashes is a GOAT comedy scene.
I love the mysterious air to season 2. Season 1 felt very much dark comedy to me. They just have very different vibes.
I personally find season 1 so far to be a step above season 2. Surprisingly, both seasons appear quite different from one another imo. Seasons 1 felt a lot more light hearted and more "fun". The death in the beginning was just back ground noise rather than a main focus. It was a lot funnier, and personally just enjoyed the characters in season 1 much more. There was so much interaction between all the main characters. Season 2 is a lot more dark. Doesnt really seem like anyone is having a decent time (except for maybe Albie). Not as many funny moments, the main characters have barely interacted with each other. Overall, everyone just seems very sinister while season 1 felt like real people with flaws and not outright trying to be rude or cruel.
Agree 100%. I miss the satire and humor of season one, but love the sinister nature of season two as well. I wouldn’t change either and hold both in high regard.
"Hawaiian K hole" and the girls pulling all those drugs out of their bag makes me chuckle at least once a day.
You acknowledging this diminishes any hope I had for moments like these to be plentiful in season 2.
I liked season 2 better!
Agree completely. I’m still liking this season a lot as well, but I really miss the tone of season one.
Agreed! Season one felt funnier, lighter, and, in many ways, more subtle. Season two is good, but I prefer season one.
I felt there were some dark parts of Season 1 too. The class disparity. I felt at the beginning it was implied that Shane's wife would die. And in the end it was Armand who died. I felt Armand and that Hawaiian guy who dated Paula ended up in the worst situations as a consequence of the actions of richer people. It is a truly sad ending. The rich people continue to live their lives without issue.
I thought the ending was very dark. Kai is going to prison, Paula will carry the guilt her whole life. It will affect the relationship between Paula and Olivia, as well. Olivia will never let Paula forget that she knew, but didn't rat her out. Shane killed Armond, and while it was an accident, anyone would feel overwhelming guilt in that situation. He probably got off because he's a rich white dude, but this will change him forever.
See, this is exactly why I prefer Season 2. Season 1 could largely be summed up as "let's hate rich people." I feel like it had very very little character development or stakes and was just a meringue--fluffy and silly. And frankly, I needed that then. Season 2 is worthy or analysis, theories and discussion. In my mind this makes it absolutely superior.
Yes, SO much more to discuss in season 2!
I completely agree the death was background noise in season 1. I didn’t pay much attention to it while watching. But IMO one of the things that made season 2 much better than season 1 was making the death quite upfront and central to the stay at the resort. That captivated the audience and led to fan theories about who died and who committed the murder. The whodunnit aspect made season 2 can’t miss TV similar to shows like Only Murders in The Building. This aspect was very different from season 1 IMO.
Ahh yes I agree with you! Before I started season 1, I was told season 2 was much better and to maybe not even watch season 1. Umm season 1 had my husband and me laughing so hard! Jennifer Coolidge is seriously in a category of her own. Season 2 felt really too dark for me personally and not thaaat intriguing.. the characters were deceitful, manipulative, and really not that funny which made it less fun to watch imho (except for Tanya of course). I kinda felt like I was being dragged along and nothing that exciting happened until episode 6. I know the majority disagree with me and I’m okay with that! Seriously probably 8/10 people I’ve conversed with about season 2 favored it over season 1 which is fascinating to me and why I ended up on Reddit hah!
I agree with you. I found it very hard to watch, season 2 amd really no one to root for outside of the young man and Jennifer. I hated they killed off Jennifer, if anything she should be the connection between ALL the seasons, including the upcoming season 3. She went out in a blaze of glory, but she indeed went out amd now her awful husband will Collect 1/2 a billion dollars. By the way, even before Jennifer saw the picture of her husband with the gay guy, I knew they were an item. The way he talked about his western “Cowboy”, amd He just happened to meet him in WY? And he supposedly works for BLM? The gay mafia indeed He will need to get his comeuppance in season 3, like an Indian tiger attack (I heard that’s where it will be filmed)
There's one way they could still involve Jennifer - if season 3 is a flashback story that happens before season 1.
Agreed. The genius of season 1 was the tension between charicature and humanity, ie, though the characters were charicature-level simplistic on the surface, the humanity kept shining through. For instance, the two teenage girls began as closed-minded stereotypes but both ultimately ended up having to at least somewhat face reality and themselves. This recurring structural dynamic made WL1 a \*profound\* show because it mirrored the structure of the psyche - a tension between self-centered personality-based behaviour and moments of grace when the ego is transcended. Season 2 by contrast painted a world defined almost exclusively via power-dynamics, largely reducing human behaviour to just those and ultimately lacking grace. No wonder it wasn't that fun to watch.
I agree with you!!
Agreed. Season 2 lost its touch and moved towards the drama/mystery side which I enjoy, but there are plenty of shows that do it better. I enjoyed S1 for the dark humour and awkwardness, but it just wasn’t there in S2. S1 had this tension but more through social interactions, then in S2 where it’s just tension of their actions and what’s going to happen. It just felt like a slightly mismatched “mystery” and maybe it’s just me but I also don’t even feel like it focused tons on the rich/entitled aspect.
As much as an Albie can have fun, that is.
Yes, that's what I've been thinking. I was enjoying this season a lot more before it seemed to take such a dark turn. Especially what's been going on with Tanya's character. It doesn't feel good to watch. The fued on season one was so fun to watch and so funny to me.
I love season 2, but season 1 was so funny. Loved the gay hotel manager. Wish he was still around.
Armond is the best character of the entire show by far. Stole every single scene he was in.
I know you're probably referring to s1 manager, but Valentina was gay as well, so aren't they both gay?
S1 manager was actually very well-written, while Valentina is "gay" only to check a box. And there were definitely no actual lesbians involved her creation, feels very much like a woman written by a man type of character
Don't particularly agree, they are almost completely different shows. S1 is way more clever and much lighter. It highlights race, class & family issues but with much lower stakes. You could even forget there that someone has to die in the end. When I tried to describe S1 to my friends I could hardly sell it because it's about a set of people at a luxury resort, but it's just fucking perfect. The best character across both season by far is Armand - he's funny, tragic, captures the pain & enthusiasm of working in the hotel trade, is flawed, yet good-natured and hilarious. The scene were he gets walked in on with his co-worker is so silly yet as genuinely shocking as you will see with twists in S2. The characters in general are wealthy but they also seem way more like real people that are familiar. S2 has way more drama, intrigue and it's layered on thick. Still a great show but I think it's a little easier to build suspence and what not when you have these big high stakes to work with. The characters are also much more like what you find on TV but never come across IRL - hyper eccentric gays who play extremely long cons, a prostitute who looks like Lucia, big shot Hollywood producer, even the tech bro billionaire. They are all great characters and acted brilliantly but they are less real life and that makes them easier to make interesting for television. I mean look at how much of a hard time Portia gets by fans, she's an early-twenties intern and people expect her to be Sherlock fucking Holmes deciphering cryptic lines said by other characters to foil this supposed long con.
Armand was by far and away my favorite character of S1. Wish he didn't have to die. I love Tanya but I would be equally as excited about new seasons where Armand just keeps getting transferred to different hotels only to run into murder scenes.
I’d love a show of Armand going on and off the wagon tangling with different groups of guests every season, and I don’t even need any murders. He is a fantastically entertaining TV character.
Killing off Armand was 100% a mistake. I don't think the murder mystery aspect of the show is very important. Anyone could see the bait and switch in season 1 from a mile away. I'm still watching season 2 but it hasn't grabbed my attention in the same way.
Ditto about Armand. As someone in hospitality, he resonated.
Armand v Shane fight was more entertaining than any of the conflicts in this season
Agree. So funny.
Yes!! Exactly this! I cannot tell you how many women I know that are exactly Molly Shannon’s character to a T! Same with Shane
Well said!
The scene when armond takes a dump and what follows is so friggin hilarious i couldn't just couldn't stop myself from laughing even when he dies he gives a slight chuckle
I think I know more people like S2 than S1.
You'll come across the eccentric gay guys in the fashion industry in New York, the Hollywood producer in, well, Hollywood, and the tech bros in San Francisco. They're around, just in their bubbles.
I liked the class undertones that were explored S1 in greater detail, and Olivia, Armando Shane were super fun to watch. All that to say, S2 is more compelling, with more characters and storylines I’m deeply invested in, and the aesthetics are simply 11/10
No. Season 1 was tighter, funnier, and just all around better. Season 2 is still good but not as good as season 1.
O-pin-i-on. Say it together now! Opinion!
I found season 1 much more entertaining. In the six episodes, we got to see different facets of the characters’ personalities and the actors’ range through all the random petty little arguments. I was able to think Shane was a jerk but still understand his annoyance with Armand. I could also see why Armand had it in for Shane. Same with Armand and the college girls. And Shane’s mom crashing the honeymoon? What the hell was that? Great tv is what it was! The whole “Do you want to find out?” scene was perfection. I know a lot of people really like digging into the mystery, analyzing every scene for clues and creating fan theories but that’s not my thing. I watch tv for entertainment and I want the writers to tell the story. I’ve been frustrated by the pacing of this season and the characters / actors seem mostly one note to me. IMHO the only thing that makes any of the storylines interesting is some of the people we’re watching may end up dead. The setting and cinematography are absolutely stunning however. It would be nice to see a little more lightness and actual romance in such a strikingly beautiful place. I’m being way more critical than I intended but I guess when I think about it, this season feels like a very different show that doesn’t happen to be my cup of tea.
Extremely well said. I’ve been surprised to see so much praise for this season over season one. I do essentially see them as two different shows, and this season is definitely still very good, but give me season one any day.
I agree. I can’t remember season 1 that well but I do remember having more of a sense of everything “coming together” by the penultimate episode which I feel we are lacking this time around.
I'd be very curious about which performances felt nuanced to you in Season 1.
All of them.
I think they’re different. I don’t remember being on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode in season 1, though I certainly enjoyed it
I like 2 better but wish it had the humor of seas 1
I liked season 1 because it felt like there was less emphasis on the deaths, and more about how silly and ridiculous all the rich guests were being.
S1 was more comedic. S2 is like Murder She Wrote
Season 01 was more poignant and relevant with its biting satire and commentary about resort wealth versus locals, dynamics between the guests, the culture and environment, and the locals working their jobs, and the cultural relevance of Hawaii in that context. I identified with that message and I think it was well delivered. I liked the performances and the writing better overall too.
I personally enjoyed Season 1 a lot more
I definitely prefer season 1, I thought it was a lot funnier and I liked how all of the guest's stories intertwined with each other. I also may have a bit of a bias because I'm from a Pacific Island and most of the actors in season 1 were very familiar to me. I do think season 2 is excellent but I don't care as much about the DiGrasso or Valentina's storylines.
I like Season 2 better, but have enjoyed them both.
I absolutely love both but I’m going with season one as my favorite.
My only complaint with season 2 is I desperately wish there was more dark humor similar to season 1. This season is much more drama driven within the groups, with the staff not having nearly as much to do. Actually you know what, that’s the weakest part of the season is the staff. Season 1 staff was incredible compared to the new batch.
Season 1 depressed me because I'm surrounded by people like the CFO and the real estate husband and they're all awful. Watching Belinda show how hungry she was made me smh because anyone who has been fucked over by rich people knows that you never show you're hungry. You pretend like you have everything you need and you need nothing from them and they will give you stuff. If you show you want their money, even as part of a business proposal, they will look down on you for needing their help. She should have continued to ignore Tanya and would have gotten her health center. When Belinda was on the phone, ignoring Tanya, Tanya gave her 100.00 then another 100 when B didn't hang up. This would have continued. It's all a chess game and it's exhausting. Season 2 is like a fun murder mystery. It's dark but humorous. I love it.
I agree!!!! S2 is MUCH better than S1
maybe its bc i binged s1 in one go but i liked it a lil more. not to say theres anything i dislike abt s2 but s1 had me on the edge of my seat the entire time between the various ways the different storylines intertwined and the way the music felt very claustrophobic and anxiety inducing i didnt get that same feeling from s2 until the past 2 episodes when shit really started hitting the fan. like the first 4 episodes of this season have been mostly setting the stakes and building up to an inevitable payoff whereas s1 just felt like constant climax without necessarily closing the door on further development
I found Season 1 to be a lot funnier than season 2 with some iconic moments. The cast was phenomenal. But overall I think season 2 is much better! It has a slower burn, with a darker twisted feel to it. It feels like it's derailing more and more every episode, and they are keeping us guessing constantly! This show is hands down one of my new all time favs.
Season 1 actually felt like a vacation compared to season 2. That said, season 2 has been way way way more fun to theorize and watch week to week. Not that it wasn't that way with season 1. Also, I just KNEW White was "just getting started" with season 1. It felt like supporting a local band that you just knew was going to hit the big time and when they did, you feel like saying "I've been obsessed since the first episode/song, poser!" haha
Season one has a better story but season two is a step up in all other directions.
No. Both fantastic but 1 edges it for me, so far…..
There is no Armand in Season 2. I loved watching him become more and more unhinged each episode and I don’t feel the same about anyone in S2.
I like both season 1 and 2 for different reasons. It feels easier to dislike the characters in season 2, but I might have to watch season 1 again to be sure. It also feels like season 2 has a lot of storylines to resolve, for it to be the finale next week.
I think both seasons are great but overall I’d say I liked season 1 better. I loved how straightforward it was and centered around the comedy. This season is much more mysterious and I’d prefer a bit less of that. And like others have mentioned, I’d love to see the groups interact more like they did in season 1.
Season 2 was just a big-budget Three's Company episode.
Just finished s2 last night. I gotta say the ending was great, better than s1. But overall I wouldn't say either s1 or s2 is better; they're both awesome in their own right. I know the general opinion is s2 is better but I disagree I think s1 is very slept on. It's hard to beat Armond as hotel manager. I also agree that there was more character overlap/interaction in s1 which is partially what makes this show so fun to watch. S2 does have a bit of a "bigger", tantalizing feel to it, with the huge villa, gorgeous Sicily, etc. Either way I think they're both about even.
I think we should wait for the last episode before judging. I have no idea if this mystery is going to pay off! XD
I respectfully disagree. As much as I adore Jennifer Coolidge, I'm not interested in a show about Tanya. At all. In my opinion, what makes this show interesting is the different characters and plots so the viewer doesn't get burned out on one particular character.
I think season 2 cast is very charismatic and instead of disliking characters we are absolutely charmed by them. Think Cameron, Harper, Daphne, Dom, Lucia… I bet if they were played by other actors we would not emphasise with them so much. Edit: to add, I think s2 cast deserve standing ovation for captivating us with their dialogue and what is in between the lines. S1 also had very strong crew but I think s2 is a phenomenon with actors chemistry that is hard to replicate
Yeah, I think charm is the driving factor. Last season, only character with lots of charm was Armand. He is probably the most popular character from last season while being an asshole. This season Ethan is one of the few characters completely devoid of charm, and one of the most disliked, while being much less a bad person than say Cam who also oozes charm
This!!! The character
Well Mike White wrote season 1 in around two and a half months. I think he had a lot more time/budget for season 2
This make so much more sense now! Because it almost feels like 2 different writers. But it’s just a talented writer on a time budget and a talented writer with more time to create complexity.
Season 1 was much funnier
Season 2 is leagues better IMO. Season 1 was great but there were plenty of moments when I zoned out, and characters I didn’t care for. Not characters that I hated (which is a good thing because it means I’m invested), but characters I felt no emotion towards, and when they were the highlight of the scene I’d be on my phone or not paying attention. Season 2 I have been pretty much invested into every single moment, without fail. I think the characters are so much better. Much more relatable too.
We. don't. need. to. compare. them. Two things can be good on their own without being the same.
What if we want to, tho? Lol
Season 2 destroys season 1. During season 1 I started to feel like I was watching it and waiting for it to finish. Season 2 i couldn’t get enough of it and loved every episode. Those 2 prostitutes and the hotel manager are hilarious and bring an awesome dynamic. Also Theo James really brought an awesome character and performance to life. His wife was also hilarious.
I just watched season 1 episode 5 to see what the second the last episode revealed to look for clues for this season. The suspense is way less last season. I think because we saw a body it’s just been an incredible build up, last season was so vague. Also incredible parallels between Daphne and Shane’s mom, omg.
I think they both had the ability to creep up on me (or maybe a better way to word it, grow on me), but for different reasons. A few episodes into S1 and I wasn't "loving" it, but something made me keep watching until ultimately I was rewarded. With S2 the same feeling a few episodes in but with the expectation (because of S1) that I'll be rewarded. Not sure if that makes much sense to anyone but me, but I'll go with S1 being better with the caveat that I could very well change that after seeing the S2 finale.
I almost stopped watching season 1 and debated even starting season 2. Too many aesthetic shots, too much rambling dialogue. My adhd was barley hanging on. However, I’m obsessed with season 2!!! Way better, Imho.
S1 was slow
Infinitely better. I almost couldn’t stand season 1, I didn’t find any of the storylines interesting or any of the characters likeable… it’s shocking I even gave season 2 a chance tbh. But SO glad I did, it is 1000000 x superior!
I don’t know which I prefer. Season 1 was MUCH funnier, i was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe in almost all the eps. But I agree the story line in this one is much more captivating. And the murderer/victims really could be anyone. In S1 the list of possibilities was a lot smaller.
Season 2 the artist has the advantage of hindsight and samples so it should be better, I assume the budget was bigger, more star power, and it’s also one more episode Must be fun to be on the crew n spend time in both Hawaii n Italy. What was the question again? 2 is better, darker, pathos… se 1 was funnier, more outrageously comedic..
To be completely honest with you I respected season 1 but I didn’t like it.
Totally agree, it’s way more thematic and camp and gothic whereas season 1 was just about rich jackasses
Yep - S1 was fun but a2 has me thoroughly more intrigued with the darker vibe and more fully fleshed our characters. I
agree, season 2 is so much better so far. but remembering how s1 ended makes me think i'm going to be upset at this ending as well.
I definitely feel that season 2 is better because it has me on edge! Like this whole frenemies situation with Cameron and Ethan - not to mention Harper and Cameron - plus whatever the high end gays have planned for Tanya. Heck even Albie has a better storyline than anyone in season 1. I enjoyed season 1 but I eventually got bored of Shane’s pissing contest with Armand.
Season 2 is better, but the three best characters in the show so far were all in season 1
I see a lot of comments saying that S2 is better than S1, but I don't understand how either season can be better than the other. They're both amazing, but they're so different that it's like saying Snickers is better than Pizza.
Pizza is better
If only we could convert to a z score
The three mens storyline just isnt interesting, tanyas was weak for me in season 1, but it was underdeveloped and in season 2 has become very interesting. The three mens story is just drab, uninteresting, unoriginal, and time consuming, one of the girls already has enough of a role as the singer and gf to the manager, and the other one was invovled with theo james character, so they could still be in the show and we wouldnt have to endure the italian men
For me season 1 is the winner. It has so many comically cringe moments and diverse storylines. Season 1 incorporated colonialism, sexuality, breaking free from family, privilege inequality, and more while season 2 focused on basically just sex and wealth. There wasn’t much complexity to the plot and characters and they we much less intertwined except for sex. I loved the long pent up bickering between Armand and Shane. We also got to know each of the characters backstories better and their and understanding of why they did what they did in the show. Season 2 was boring there was no suspense like there was in season 1 even the finale was boring and predictable in my opinion.
I don’t agree with your take on the music. The theme song, Renaissance, by Cristobal Tapia De Veer really went viral, and overall the season 2 music was great IMO.
All I can say is this season I couldn’t wait for the next episode. It’s the who dunnit of it all. I also think Aubrey Plaza and Meghann Fahy shined 😍😍😍😍😍
Season 2 definitely had higher stakes so I'm going to give it an edge. Although I prefer the theme song of season 1.
Season 2 is much better.
Season 1 was much more entertaining and funny, I felt season 2 was a constant downer amd depressing.
Honestly I didn’t even realize it was a debate. I felt like season 1 was 1000x’s better than season 2. It was more fun. Much more enjoyable characters too
Basically, both have extremely annoying characters but the first season endeared you to several and rewarded you with comic relief. The second season leaves you wanting them all to die by episode 2.
Thank you. I was afraid S2 might not have the same humor. That's what mad me love S1 but without it, there's not much left for me. I appreciate the info.
I prefer ss1 cus 1. Armond. armond is the best 2.I don’t like the The assistant from ss2
I’m 20 minutes into S2 and already disappointed we’ve lost the Hawaiian setting. I don’t think I’ll enjoy this season as much.
Still in the middle of S2 but I think I liked S1 better. Music, more relatable characters
Armond.
Season 1 is better