Did they really just do that? Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola’s Shocking Kiss in The White Lotus

The fifth episode of The White Lotus season 3, which dropped this weekend, took viewers by surprise with an unexpected and bizarre plot twist. Brothers Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan Ratliff (Sam Nivola) find themselves at a party, hoping to impress two women. As part of the playful exchange, the women share a kiss and encourage the brothers to do the same. To the shock of viewers, Lochlan leans in for a lingering kiss on his brother, creating an unsettling and confusing moment for fans.

Fan Reactions: Shock and Confusion

The scene left many fans questioning its purpose, as there had been no prior indication of any incestuous undertones between the two characters, who had been portrayed as heterosexual men. “Hell no! Where did that kiss come from?” one Twitter user wrote, while another exclaimed, “That was bizarre. Why is The White Lotus doing things for shock value?” The unexpected moment prompted a wave of confusion, with many viewers expressing discomfort over the situation.

Defending the Controversial Scene

Despite the backlash, the makers of the show have defended the scene, stating that it serves a larger narrative purpose. Executive producer David Bernard, speaking to the New York Post, credited the show’s creator Mike White for the decision. “Mike is brilliant, and I think those big story turns are not just for shock. There’s a specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling and the larger thematic idea Mike is trying to get across,” Bernard explained. He added that as the season unfolds, the true purpose behind this controversial twist will become clearer, contributing to a deeper family storyline that will be “very satisfying.”

With the show set in Thailand, The White Lotus season 3 continues to explore complex relationships, adding a layer of intrigue that fans can expect to see develop further in upcoming episodes.