One of the more pleasant plotlines in Season 2 of The White Lotus on HBO has already turned sour. Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) and Albie (Adam DiMarco) began the season with a courtship that has deteriorated to its current state. Portia, anxious for adventure, has fallen in love with British bad boy Jack (Leo Woodall), but Albie has found a more amiable partner in escort Lucia (Simona Tabasco). At the White Lotus bar, Jack and Lucia encouraged Portia and Albie to become envious of one another, causing these new relationships to grow. Both couples exchange kisses and finally go to bed together.
What then caused this romantic upheaval? How did the kind, feminist, and extremely caring Albie end up with the same escort his father Dominic (Michael Imperioli) hired for thrills a few days prior? How does Albie, who is drawn to “wounded birds,” relate to Lucia?
“Well, she’s rather hot. Haley Lu Richardson stated, “She’s a physical beauty.” “She is also pleasant.”
Adam DiMarco was slightly more reflective over Albie’s decision to switch to Team Lucia.
“At that time, I believe Albie is displaying a great deal of interest in Portia. Just to have it initially met, or at least appear to have been met, and then play the UNO card,” DiMarco added. “I believe that he enjoys Lucia’s attention very much. It’s a pleasant diversion.”
“I believe she adds a little of heat to the situation that perhaps — I mean, Portia is still hot, but I believe Portia and Albie are comparable. Then, Jack and Lucia are somewhat similar in that they are both a bit more extroverted, spicy, lively, and, you know, a little bit crazy. You see? Even if Portia is in this location, she is still grounded. I believe he enjoys the energy [Lucia] provided.”
DiMarco continued by stating that it was also alluring because Lucia desired to play games that would make Portia envious.
“Games are enjoyable,” remarked Richardson.
“Sometimes you must play games to prove that you are not playing games,” stated DiMarco.
Richardson inquired, “Do they say that?”
According to them, DiMarco responded. “And hurry and be patient. These are the two statements they make.”
Obviously, the games that Albie and Portia play caused Decider to ponder: Could these two insane — well, not that crazy — children ever end up together? Or is all hope lost for a relationship between Albie and Portia?
DiMarco went to Richardson and stated, “There are quite a few despondent looks at the moment. Right?”
“Do you know what I unexpectedly felt in that scene?” Richardson remarked. “In the bar scene with me, Jack, and you and Lucia, I felt…”
“Jealousy?” DiMarco inquired.
“I felt, well, no, but nevertheless, I felt like this. There was a moment when I glanced over, and it was a really late night and I was a bit delirious, so that may have played a role. However, there was one time when I witnessed you two kissing,” Richardson replied. “And, as Portia, I found myself becoming emotional. I recall feeling with Portia during all the preparations and figuring her out that there is a part of her that recognizes how secure and pleasant this situation may be.
Perhaps that might work in the real world, DiMarco stated. But, because you’re on vacation, you want to do something enjoyable with Jack.”
Portia and Albie might be able to find success outside of The White Lotus’ hedonistic and affluent surroundings. But it appears that their romance has ended…at least for now?