The White Lotus – Season 1 Episode 3: “Bull Elephants”

“Bull Elephants” continues the narrative threads from the previous episodes, moving into a more emotionally revealing territory. While the picturesque landscape of Sicily still frames the guests’ daily lives, it’s becoming increasingly evident that things are not as idyllic as they appear. This episode focuses on gender roles, sexual tension, self-worth, and power—both within relationships and in broader social hierarchies.

From Ethan and Harper’s shaky marriage to Dominic’s inner turmoil, Tanya’s confusion about Greg’s coldness, and Lucia’s rising presence, this episode begins to answer the question: What happens when people are stripped of distraction and forced to confront their real selves?

Harper and Ethan: Strangers in a Marriage

The episode begins with Harper (Aubrey Plaza) and Ethan (Will Sharpe) still reeling from the awkwardness of the trip. Harper, already hypercritical of the Sullivans (Cameron and Daphne), is increasingly uncomfortable with the way Ethan seems to be warming up to Cameron’s vibe.

Harper tries to initiate a meaningful conversation about their intimacy and relationship, but Ethan brushes it off. He insists that everything is fine and tries to redirect the energy toward “having fun.” Harper, however, can’t ignore her intuition: there’s a growing emotional distance, and Ethan’s behavior is becoming more erratic.

Ethan’s arc in this episode begins to explore the idea of masculine performance and the “invisible competition” between men. As he jogs alongside Cameron on the beach or shares drinks with him, Ethan is slowly being pulled into Cameron’s world of posturing and dominance—under the guise of “just having a good time.” Ethan may be wealthier now, but Cameron remains more socially dominant, which begins to create a quiet power shift.

Cameron and Daphne: The Illusion of Harmony

Meanwhile, Cameron (Theo James) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy) seem more in sync than ever—on the surface. They maintain a united front of marital happiness, but cracks begin to show in the subtle moments.

Daphne opens up to Harper about how she navigates their marriage, revealing her method of dealing with Cameron’s behavior: by doing her own thing and not dwelling on the problems. She nonchalantly mentions renting a villa for a spontaneous girls’ getaway and brushes off Harper’s concern over Cameron’s possible cheating. It becomes clear that Daphne’s strategy is to protect her peace, even if that means ignoring Cameron’s obvious flaws.

This episode teases a deeper intelligence in Daphne. She’s not naive—she’s aware of the power Cameron holds, but she responds with calculated detachment. When Harper tries to confront the reality of their marriage, Daphne simply smiles, gently shifting the conversation away from confrontation.

Dominic: A Man in Denial

Dominic Di Grasso (Michael Imperioli) continues to spiral. Though he’s been making vague promises to change, his actions show otherwise. After sleeping with Lucia (Simona Tabasco), he’s filled with guilt and shame. He tries to create boundaries, telling Lucia not to approach him again—but he does so with a tone of weakness rather than authority.

Dominic is surrounded by the consequences of his past. His father, Bert (F. Murray Abraham), constantly excuses his own sexist behavior as “old-school charm,” while Albie (Adam DiMarco) represents a younger, more idealistic perspective. Yet Dominic is stuck between generations, unsure whether he can truly change or is just pretending for show.

His conversations with Bert reflect generational differences in how men view women and themselves. Bert continues to be outwardly flirtatious and dismissive of modern sensitivities, while Dominic, though more introspective, still struggles to break free from the same patterns of behavior.

Dominic’s guilt is compounded by the fact that he’s trying to appear as a changed man to Albie. Yet, his secret rendezvous with Lucia underscores how little progress he’s made. This duplicity adds to the emotional complexity of his character.

Lucia and Mia: Taking Control

Lucia and Mia’s storyline takes a bolder turn. No longer on the fringes, they’ve inserted themselves into the resort’s ecosystem. Lucia is more confident than ever, navigating her relationship with Dominic with a mix of charm and quiet power.

Mia (Beatrice Grannò), meanwhile, wants more than just proximity to wealth—she wants a career in music. She flirts with the idea of seducing Giuseppe, the aging lounge pianist at the resort, to land a singing gig. Though initially hesitant, she later decides to take the leap, performing a song with him that signals both her vulnerability and ambition.

Their friendship remains central. While Lucia is grounded in the reality of their position, Mia is more idealistic. The two women symbolize both the exploitation and agency that exist for locals around the tourist economy. They’re not just victims or opportunists—they’re complex individuals trying to create opportunities in a world that was not built for them.

Tanya and Portia: A Comedic and Tragic Pair

Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) spends most of the episode in confusion. Greg (Jon Gries), her new husband, remains emotionally distant. Tanya tries to make their time romantic and magical, but Greg is visibly irritated. His sudden announcement that he has to leave early for work devastates Tanya. She spirals, suspecting something is off—perhaps an affair, or simply disinterest.

Feeling emotionally abandoned, Tanya lashes out in both sad and comedic ways. She visits a psychic who gives her vague, ominous predictions, telling her that Greg may be hiding secrets and that her aura is filled with “grief and betrayal.” Tanya, being Tanya, immediately internalizes the worst.

Meanwhile, Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) is caught between Tanya’s chaos and her own desires. Tanya has instructed her to stay invisible, but Portia is lonely and frustrated. She starts spending time with Albie, and their connection begins to grow. Albie’s shy charm and quiet sensitivity appeal to Portia, who’s craving something real amid the performative excess around her.

However, their bond is tentative. Portia is unsure if Albie is genuinely interesting or just “nice,” and there’s a clear contrast between their worldviews. Their early flirtation adds another thread to the season’s exploration of generational and relational confusion.

Themes Emerging in “Bull Elephants”

1. Masculinity and Competition
The episode title refers to male elephants that are forced out of the herd once they reach a certain age. It’s a metaphor for the various male characters—Ethan, Cameron, Dominic, Bert—who are all grappling with their place in the world. Whether it’s aging, emasculation, or shifting power dynamics, the men in this episode are either asserting dominance or reacting to its loss.

2. Female Strategy and Self-Preservation
The women in this episode—Daphne, Harper, Lucia, Mia, and Tanya—all showcase different survival strategies. Whether it’s detachment, confrontation, seduction, or spiritual seeking, each woman is navigating a system that often renders them powerless. Their choices reveal how they reclaim agency, even if through morally ambiguous means.

3. Wealth and Emotional Bankruptcy
Despite being surrounded by beauty and luxury, none of the characters are truly at peace. Their wealth has given them comfort but robbed them of clarity. The episode suggests that privilege can cloud self-awareness, and that beneath the surface, many of these characters are emotionally bankrupt.

Closing Scenes: Fractures Grow Wider

As the episode winds down:

Ethan and Harper lie in bed, further apart than ever—both physically and emotionally.

Cameron and Daphne laugh together, their bond impenetrable but unnervingly superficial.

Dominic stares at his reflection, unsure if he’s a man in recovery or still a slave to his impulses.

Tanya watches Greg leave, feeling abandoned and unsure what’s real.

Portia and Albie continue their cautious flirtation under the stars.

Lucia and Mia toast to a successful day, uncertain of what tomorrow will bring, but determined to make the most of it.

Conclusion: Pressure Builds Under the Surface

“Bull Elephants” is a pivotal episode in Season 2. The characters are no longer just tourists—they’re actors in a slow-burning psychological drama, one where loyalty, intimacy, and power are all in flux. The episode excels in subtlety: nobody explodes, but everyone edges closer to a reckoning.

The White Lotus remains a place of artificial perfection—but the emotional realities underneath are starting to bubble over. The bull elephants are circling each other, and someone is bound to charge.