Is ‘The White Lotus’ Ratliff Family Inspired by the Infamous Murdaugh Clan?
Could it be that the Ratliff family from “The White Lotus” is more than just a fictional creation? Rumors are buzzing that Mike White, the mastermind behind the hit HBO series, drew inspiration from the notorious Murdaugh family, particularly the infamous Alex Murdaugh, who has been embroiled in a scandal that has captivated the nation.
In March 2023, Alex Murdaugh, a member of a prominent legal dynasty, was convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul, at their estate in Hampton County, South Carolina. The shocking crime took place two years prior, and the details surrounding it have been nothing short of sensational.
Prosecutors painted a grim picture of Murdaugh, alleging that he shot his family in a desperate attempt to divert attention from his mounting financial troubles. Facing a slew of charges, including money laundering and fraud, Murdaugh was sentenced to two life sentences. His actions were seen as a last-ditch effort to garner sympathy and distract from his financial misdeeds.
In the latest season of “The White Lotus,” we meet Tim Ratliff, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, who arrives at a luxurious resort in Thailand only to discover that the feds are hot on his trail for a dubious money laundering scheme. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Ratliff’s financial crimes are about to be exposed, putting his family’s future in jeopardy.
As the pressure mounts, Ratliff grapples with the fear that his wife, Victoria (played by Parker Posey), and their three children won’t be able to cope with the impending fallout. In a moment of panic, he resorts to taking his wife’s Lorazepam pills, echoing Murdaugh’s own struggles with opioid addiction during his family’s tragic events.
Both Victoria and their son Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) express their inability to imagine life without the family’s wealth and status, highlighting the toxic dynamics at play. In a dramatic twist, Ratliff contemplates murdering his family to escape the consequences of his actions, only to reconsider at the climax of the season.
Mike White, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealed that he was inspired by stories of aristocrats who resorted to extreme measures when faced with financial ruin. “The way Timothy’s family sees him is so crucial to his sense of self, so when that’s at risk, he’d rather burn the whole house than face the music,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Alex Murdaugh is currently serving his sentence in a secure unit away from the general population. Reports indicate that he has taken up chess as a pastime while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. The only remaining member of his immediate family, his son Buster, is currently embroiled in a legal battle against Netflix for defamation over his portrayal in a documentary about the case.
Interestingly, some individuals connected to the Murdaugh saga have expressed skepticism about the idea that White borrowed from their story. Dick Harpootlian, Murdaugh’s lead attorney, noted that while there may be superficial similarities, the details differ significantly. “The mother and father in the show went to Duke and Chapel Hill, while Alex and Maggie attended the University of South Carolina. It’s a different vibe,” he remarked.
Harpootlian, who has watched every episode of the latest season, is a fan of the show but has some critiques. He pointed out that the accents portrayed in the series don’t quite match the reality of the region, adding a layer of authenticity to the discussion.
Parker Posey’s accent has been a topic of debate among viewers, with some praising it while others have criticized it. Posey herself has mentioned that her delivery was influenced by the Bravo reality show “Southern Charm,” which adds an interesting layer to her character’s portrayal.
Joe McCulloch, an attorney from Columbia, South Carolina, who previously represented one of the victims of a tragic boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh, shared his thoughts on the potential parallels between the two families. “In retrospect, I can see how the Murdaugh case might inspire a fertile mind in the screenplay business to do a variation on the theme,” he said, admitting that he watched the entire season without connecting the dots initially.
McCulloch noted the similarities in the characters’ motivations, stating, “The guy’s sweating bullets because of everything he’s done, his family facing ruination, so he plots their murders but then chickens out.” He drew a comparison between Murdaugh’s actions and those of Ratliff, highlighting a shared lack of concern for the impact of their misconduct on their families.
Overall, while the Ratliff family may not be a direct representation of the Murdaughs, the parallels are intriguing. The themes of wealth, desperation, and moral decay resonate throughout both narratives, making for compelling storytelling. As the world continues to follow the Murdaugh saga, it’s clear that the fascination with their story has seeped into popular culture, influencing creators like Mike White in unexpected ways.
As for Harpootlian, he remains a fan of “The White Lotus” but has a bone to pick with the season’s conclusion. “In case Mike White is reading this, let him know the ending this season sucked,” he quipped, adding a touch of humor to the serious discussion surrounding the show and its potential inspirations.
