The White Lotus Season 3 Finale: Victims and Villains
In the season finale of Telling the Bees, I reflect on the season finale of The White Lotus. I discuss the dangers of seeking fulfillment through others while also critiquing the narrative structure and character development throughout the season. I then dive into the moral implications of the characters' choices and the overarching messages conveyed by Mike White.00:00 | Cynicism and Wealth: A Recurring Theme09:35 | Belinda's Transformation12:37 | The Illusion of Healing and Self-Discovery18:04 | Exploring Female Archetypes: The Three Divas21:20 | Toxic Relationships and Karmic Lessons: Chelsea and Rick27:37 | The Ratliffs: Privilege and Identity33:13 | Final Thoughts
--------
32:38
Sympathy for the Devil: Robots in Media (+The White Lotus 305/306)
In this episode, I discuss the intersection of AI, robotics, and the human experience.I explore the ethical implications of robotics, subjugation, and agency. I then discuss modern relationships as depicted on Temptation Island, Love is Blind and Love Never Lies: Poland. Finally, I discuss cultural appropriation and identity in media and The White Lotus episodes 305 and 306. Chapters:00:00 | Introduction and Housekeeping04:54 | Exploring AI and Robot Narratives07:31 | The Human Condition and AI Consciousness09:36 | Annie Bot: A Feminist Allegory12:07 | Companion: Agency and Revenge14:26 | Buffy and the Tragedy of Programming16:24 | Speak and The Impact of Robotics on Communication17:29 | The Creator: Colonialism and Humanity22:50 | The Ethics of Robotics and Humanity's Future25:02 | Reality TV: Temptation Island and Modern Relationships31:42 | Modern Masculinity and Societal Expectations40:26 | Cultural Appropriation and Identity in The White LotusLinks:ChatGPT Viral Tweet: https://x.com/zymillyyy/status/1902181493553733941Death by Chat Bot Lawsuit: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/23/character-ai-chatbot-sewell-setzer-deathFalling in Love with a Chat Bot: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/25/podcasts/the-daily/ai-chatgpt-boyfriend-relationship.html
--------
51:42
"Unruly" Women and the Rise of Bad Mothers in Media (+The White Lotus 304/LIB Reunion)
In this episode of Telling the Bees, I delve into the complex themes surrounding motherhood, particularly focusing on the portrayal of 'bad moms' in both fiction and nonfiction. I discuss the societal expectations placed on women, the controversies surrounding Meghan Markle/Sussex, and the “My Friends Abandoned Me When They Had Kids” discourse. I then analyze cultural depictions of motherhood compared with the representation of women in media before ending with Love is Blind and White Lotus.Note: I realized I misspoke during this, and Meghan and Harry's Spotify deal was worth $20m, not $100m. Apologies!Chapters:00:00 | Intro05:19 | The Impact of Fame and Media on Meghan Markle10:37 | Cultural Commentary on Women in Media21:34 | My Friends Abandoned Me When I Had Kids Article26:48 | The Bad Mother Phenomenon in Media32:10 | Love is Blind36:38 | White Lotus: Aging and Societal PressuresArticles:As Ever: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/style/meghan-markle-as-ever-brand-name-controversy.htmlPaul Mescal Wants Privacy: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/02/paul-mescal-aftersun-oscars-awards-insiderThe Infamous Meghan/Harry Article:https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/prince-harry-meghan-markle-cover-story-2025My Friends Abandoned Me When They Had Kids:https://www.thecut.com/article/advice-my-friends-abandoned-me-when-they-had-kids.html Boyfriendland:https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/boyfriendlandThe Monstrousness Lurking Inside Motherhood:https://lithub.com/the-monstrousness-lurking-inside-motherhood/Red Team/Blue Team:https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/red-teamblue-teamAre You Afraid of Getting Older?https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/are-you-afraid-of-getting-olderSnow White Controversies:https://www.vulture.com/article/disney-snow-white-controversy-timeline.htmlhttps://www.vulture.com/article/disney-snow-white-premiere.htmlhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/snow-white-disney-rachel-zegler-controversy-1236159512/
--------
41:51
American Cheating and Gossip's Alt-Right Pipeline (+ The White Lotus 303/Love is Blind 809-811)
This week, I talk about the Oscars and the implications of ageism in Hollywood. I give two Buffy episode recommendations in honor of Michelle Trachtenberg, then transition into a discussion on American Cheating, exploring how societal norms shape perceptions of infidelity among celebrities. I then analyze the influence of gossip culture and its ability to lead individuals towards the alt-right. Finally, I end with an analysis of the political dynamics presented in both the latest episode of The White Lotus and the current season of Love is Blind.Chapters:00:00 | Oscars Reflections and Cultural Commentary02:42 | The Substance: Ageism and Beauty in Hollywood05:18 | American Cheating: A Cultural Analysis11:08 | Gossip and the Alt-Right Pipeline27:58 | Political Tensions in The White Lotus35:23 | Love is Blind42:25 | Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsThe Oscar Goes To Sue: https://www.vulture.com/article/demi-moore-lost-the-best-actress-oscar-to-mikey-madison.htmlInputs and Outputs:https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/inputs-and-outputsBad Behavior: https://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/bad-behaviorConspiracy Theories:https://www.vox.com/21558524/conspiracy-theories-2020-qanon-covid-conspiracies-whyThe Man Who Gossiped Too Much:https://www.vulture.com/article/enty-lawyer-crazy-days-and-nights-john-nelson.html
--------
43:54
The Politics of Ugliness (+ The White Lotus 302/Love is Blind 807-809)
This week, I break down some discourse on Black TikTok. Is it ever alright to call someone ugly? I discuss a recent book review about what it means to be ugly and two books I love that delve deep into ugliness and low self esteem. I then move onto The White Lotus and theory culture and the weirdness around Rick. Finally, I end with Love is Blind, where Virgina invokes the Should Your Partner Be Your Best Friend debate, and I discuss the digital panopticon of dating today. Chapters:00:58 | The Politics of Ugliness09:06| Literary Reflections on Ugliness12:53 | The Pretty Problem17:17| The White Lotus: Theory Culture30:24 | Love is Blind33:15 | LIB & Should Your Partner Be Your Best Friend?47:37| LIB & Digital Surveillance and Dating Culturehttps://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/the-pretty-problemhttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/08/style/who-is-a-rodent-man.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/well/family/husband-wife-best-friend.htmlhttps://tellthebeees.substack.com/p/antisocial-goods
Ireland