Arnold and Patrick Schwarzenegger (Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach/WireImage)WireImageA lot has happened in the world of AI over the past few weeks.OpenAI has taken the lead with ChatGPT surpassing 400 million weekly users in February, a doubling from 200 million in August 2024 after shipping a slew of exciting new consumer features last Fall, including Advanced Voice. Amazon announced Alexa+, powered by Anthropics Claude, with the potential to bring generative AI to 600 million Alexa devices. Grok now talks, Perplexity has DeepSeek, and Googles NotebookLM AI podcast hosts are answering call-in questions from humans.AI can see, hear, talk, empathize, reason and take action on behalf of users autonomously. Its merely a matter of time before it starts cranking out entertainment as captivating as humans.I asked the top five AI assistants to write a compelling treatment for the next season of the HBO hit series, The White Lotus, starring Season 3s Patrick Schwarzenegger and his cousin Jack Schlossberg, who is a political correspondent and grandson of former U.S. President John F Kennedy. The two have been at odds in the media and could be a great anchor to any show that descends into chaos, Grok advised.In answering the prompt, ChatGPT, Claude and Grok were rich in detail, while Googles Gemini and Perplexity came up a bit short. But as a tool, these five AI assistants are incredibly powerful, as well as entertaining. Here are the responses.Prompt: Write a treatment for White Lotus 4 starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Jack Schlossberg1. ChatGPT: The White Lotus: ViennaGenre: Dark Comedy / Social Satire Format: Limited Series (7 Episodes) Setting: The White Lotus: Vienna, Austria Starring: Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jack Schlossberg, Anya Taylor-Joy, Christoph Waltz, Emma Mackey, and Cate BlanchettLogline: The White Lotus sets its latest luxury resort in the heart of Vienna, Austriaa city of aristocratic wealth, hidden corruption, and old-money families clinging to power. As a new batch of privileged guests arrives, tensions rise when an elite Austrian banking family and an American political dynasty collide. By the end of the week, someone will end up dead.Setting: Vienna, AustriaThe White Lotus: Vienna is housed in a grand historic palace turned ultra-luxury resort. Originally built for the Habsburgs, the hotel boasts gold-trimmed ballrooms, opera performances, secret tunnels, and a dark aristocratic past. The wealthy guests enjoy private masquerade parties, decadent feasts, and waltz lessonsuntil their carefully curated facades begin to crumble.Cast & CharactersPatrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon RatliffAn entitled, reckless heir to a centuries-old Austrian banking fortune. Handsome and charming, he masks his deep insecurity with arrogance. He has never had to work a day in his life and spends his days fencing, gambling, and indulging in debauchery. But when he gets tangled up in a high-stakes money laundering scandal, his familys entire legacy is at risk.Jack Schlossberg as Ben Kennedy-RossA Harvard-educated political elite and the estranged cousin of Saxon Ratliff. The son of an American ambassador, Ben arrives in Vienna to broker a massive energy deal between Austria and the U.S. While he presents himself as an idealistic statesman, his carefully maintained reputation hides a web of secrets. He and Saxon have a tense history.Anya Taylor-Joy as Margaux DufresneA brilliant but manipulative French art forger posing as a wealthy collector. Shes in Vienna to con an aristocrat out of a priceless Gustav Klimt painting, but she may have picked the wrong target.Christoph Waltz as Baron Albrecht von EbersteinThe ruthless head of Austrias oldest banking dynasty, Baron Albrecht is Saxons grandfather and sees his grandson as unworthy of inheriting the family fortune. When a secret about his wealth surfaces, hell stop at nothing to bury the truth.Emma Mackey as Celeste RitterA mysterious socialite and journalist writing an expos on Viennas elite. She arrives as Saxons new girlfriend, but is secretly investigating his familys financial crimes.Cate Blanchett as Alexandra von HohenbergThe icy CEO of The White Lotus: Vienna, who was born into Austrian nobility. She maintains an unshakable, regal demeanor, but beneath the surface, shes desperate to protect the hotel from scandal.Plot OverviewEpisode 1: The Waltz BeginsThe White Lotus: Vienna welcomes its newest guestsAmerican politicians, European aristocrats, and scandalous socialites. Saxon and Ben are forced into an uneasy reunion and their past resentments resurface immediately. Meanwhile, Margaux sets her art heist in motion, and Celeste quietly gathers intel on Saxons family.Episode 2: The Masks We WearAt an extravagant masquerade ball, tensions explode. Saxon learns that his grandfather plans to cut him out of the family fortune. Ben is caught in a compromising position that threatens his diplomatic deal. And Celeste makes a shocking discovery about the White Lotus itself.Episode 3: Blood and MoneyAs secrets unravel, alliances shift. Saxon attempts to bribe his way out of trouble, but Ben uses his political connections to block him. Margaux is blackmailed into stealing from a more dangerous target, and Alexandra struggles to control the escalating chaos.Episode 4: The Blackmail GameBen receives an anonymous threat, revealing that someone knows about his darkest scandal. Saxon, pushed to the brink, starts self-destructing. A forbidden romance blossoms in the shadows.Episode 5: Vienna BurnsA fire at the hotels hidden underground casino threatens to expose an illegal operation. A body is found floating in the Danube River, and guests realize that someone is willing to kill to protect their secrets.Episode 6: The Grand ConfrontationThe remaining guests scramble to cover their tracks. Saxon and Ben have a deadly confrontation in the hotels grand ballroom, while Margaux attempts her final escape. Alexandras carefully crafted empire begins to fall apart.Finale: The Last WaltzA final opulent dinner party takes place in the palaces golden hall, with tensions at an all-time high. When the White Lotus staff discover another body, the guests must face the consequences of their actions. Who will make it out alive?Themes The Fall of Empires: Old-money families and political elites struggle to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. The American vs. European Aristocracy: The series explores the contrast between American political families (like Ben) and European dynasties (like Saxon). Scandal, Wealth and Power: The more powerful the characters, the more devastating their secrets.2. Grok: The White Lotus: AmalfiLogline: A group of privileged guests and beleaguered staff at an eco-luxury resort on Italys Amalfi Coast unravel over a week of indulgence, betrayal, and buried secrets. The shows signature mix of opulence, absurdity, and slow-burning suspense culminate in shocking tragedy with twists that expose the fragility of their curated lives.Setting: Amalfi, Italy A lavish, eco-resort on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, known as Villa Smeralda, marketed as a sustainable paradise for the ultra-wealthy. The resort is perched on cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, surrounded by lemon groves and ancient ruins, but beneath its pristine faade lie secrets of exploitation, hypocrisy and clashing egos.Tone: Darkly satirical, sensual, and suspenseful, with a focus on generational wealth, privilege, and the performative nature of good intentions in the modern age.Cast & CharactersPatrick Schwarzenegger as Tanner VossTanner, 29, is a charming but reckless influencer and heir to a tech fortune. Tan, toned, and perpetually shirtless, with a million-watt smile and a knack for turning every moment into content, he arrives at Villa Smeralda with his entourage to detox after a public scandal involving a crashed Lambo and a viral meltdown. Beneath his laid-back vibe, Tanner is desperate to prove hes more than a trust-fund burnout, but his impulsiveness and entitlement keep derailing him. Tanners flirtations with staff and guests spiral into a dangerous game of power, leading him to uncover a dark truth about the resorts sustainability claims.Jack Schlossberg as Luca MorettiLuca, 32, exudes Kennedy-esque charismasharp jawline, effortless charm, and a wardrobe of tailored linen suits. A polished, idealistic Italian-American lawyer and scion of a political dynasty, hes at Villa Smeralda to propose to his girlfriend, Isabella, and to scout the resort for a potential family investment. Luca believes in doing good (or at least looking like he does), but his privileged blind spots and need for control clash with the messier realities around him. In his arc, Lucas romantic getaway turns into a moral quagmire as he stumbles into a conspiracy involving the resorts owners and his own familys legacy. Supporting RolesIsabella RicciLucas fiery, art-world girlfriend, a 30-year-old sculptor with a rebellious streak, Isabella is suspicious of the resorts glossy perfection and Lucas polished persona. Shes drawn to Tanners chaotic energy, creating a volatile love triangle. Her growing unease about the resortand her relationshippushes her to take risks that threaten to upend everything.GiuliaA 40-something local woman with a sharp wit and a plastered smile, Giulia is the resorts overworked, quietly resentful manager who keeps Villa Smeralda running while hiding her disdain for the guests and her bosses. She knows the resorts dirty secrets but is trapped by circumstance. An unlikely ally to Tanner and Luca as tensions rise, but loyalties remain ambiguous.The DeLucia TwinsValentina and Matteo, both in their 50s, are eccentric siblings who own Villa Smeralda, and are obsessed with their vision of sustainable luxury. Theyre hiding the fact that the resorts eco-credentials are a sham built on illegal land deals and exploited labor. Their unraveling faade drives the seasons central conflict.Plot OverviewEpisode 1: Arrival The season opens with a flash-forward: a body floating in the crystalline waters below the cliffs, identity obscured. Cut to one week earlier. Tanner arrives at Villa Smeralda in a blaze of bravado, filming his entrance for his followers, while Luca and Isabella check in with strained politeness. Giulia greets them all with forced enthusiasm, already fraying at the edges. Tanner flirts with Isabella by the infinity pool, sparking Lucas jealousy. Meanwhile, the DeLucia twins host a welcome dinner, boasting about their carbon-neutral paradiseuntil a local fisherman crashes the event, shouting about stolen land.Episode 2: Cracks Tanner ditches his entourage for a solo hike and stumbles on a hidden construction siteevidence the resort is expanding illegally. He posts about it, oblivious to the danger. Luca, sensing something off, presses Giulia for answers, but she deflects with charm. Isabella bonds with a quirky guest (a washed-up pop star, perhaps), who hints at the twins shady past. A steamy late-night encounter between Tanner and a staff member ends abruptly when she warns him to stop digging.Episode 3: Masks A masquerade ball amplifies the tensions. Tanner crashes the party in a ridiculous costume, drunk and confrontational, while Luca proposes to Isabellashe hesitates, sparking a public fight. Giulia overhears the twins plotting to silence the fisherman, whos gone missing. Tanner and Isabella share a charged moment, caught by Lucas watchful eye. The episode ends with a cryptic phone call to Luca from a family member, hinting at their ties to the resort.Episode 4: Leverage Tanner blackmails the twins with his footage, demanding a payout, but they counter with a threat to expose his scandal. Luca digs into the resorts ownership and discovers his familys investment firm has a stakehis proposal was a cover for a business deal. Isabella confronts him, accusing him of manipulation. Giulia, torn between self-preservation and guilt, slips Tanner a key to a locked office. A storm brews over the coast, mirroring the chaos.Episode 5: Descent The office reveals documents proving the resorts eco-claims are fraudulent, tied to a mafia-backed scheme. Tanner, Luca, and Isabella reluctantly team up to confront the twins, but the alliance fraysLuca wants reform, Tanner wants revenge, and Isabella wants out. A staff member vanishes after talking to Tanner, raising the stakes. Giulias composure cracks as she confesses to knowing about the fishermans fatehes dead.Episode 6: Reckoning The finale unravels in real time. The twins stage a lavish sustainability gala to bury the scandal, but Tanner gatecrashes with the evidence, livestreaming to his followers. Luca tries to broker a deal to save face, but Isabella walks away from him. In the chaos, a fight erupts on the cliffsTanner and one of the twins grapple, and someone goes over the edge. Cut to the opening scene: the body in the water is revealed as Matteo DeLucia. The survivorsbloody, shakenwatch as the sun rises over the ruined paradise.ThemesPerformative Virtue: The resorts eco-luxury mirrors the guests shallow attempts at goodness (Tanners detox, Lucas idealism).Privilege and Power: Tanner and Lucas wealth insulates them from consequencesuntil it doesnt.Beauty and Decay: The Amalfi Coasts stunning vistas contrast with the moral rot beneath.3. Perplexity: The White Lotus: MaldivesLogline: Amid a luxurious island backdrop, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters hide a darker undercurrent of family drama and political intrigue.Setting: The MaldivesMain CharactersPatrick Schwarzenegger as Tristan Kennedy A charismatic but troubled political scion trying to escape his familys legacy.Jack Schlossberg as Ethan Kennedy Tristans more reserved cousin, aspiring to follow in his familys political footsteps.Plot OverviewThe Kennedy cousins, Tristan and Ethan, arrive at the White Lotus Maldives for whats supposed to be a relaxing getaway. However, their vacation quickly becomes entangled with local politics, environmental issues, and their own familys complex history.As Tristan attempts to distance himself from his political heritage, Ethan embraces it, causing friction between the cousins. Their contrasting approaches to their family name become a microcosm for larger themes of legacy, responsibility, and personal identity.Themes1. Political Intrigue: The cousins become unwittingly involved in a local election, with opposing factions trying to use their family name for leverage.2. Environmental Crisis: A looming ecological disaster threatens the resort, forcing the Kennedys to confront their familys mixed record on environmental issues.3. Family Secrets: As tensions rise, long-buried family secrets come to light, challenging both cousins perceptions of their shared history.4. Romance and Rivalry: Tristan and Ethan find themselves competing for the attention of a mysterious local activist, further straining their relationship.The season explores themes of privilege, responsibility, and the weight of family legacy, all set against the backdrop of a paradise thats not quite what it seems4. Gemini: The White Lotus: New EnglandLogline: At a historic White Lotus resort nestled in the heart of coastal New England, a subtle, yet fierce, class warfare simmers beneath the surface.Setting: New England, during the peak of a crisp, late-summer/early-fall seasonTone: Maintain the shows signature dark comedic tone, with moments of sharp social commentary and unexpected twists. Emphasize the contrast between the idyllic setting and the characters inner turmoil. Increase the level of suspense with many plot twists.Cast & CharactersPatrick Schwarzenegger as Tripp Van Derholt A scion of a prominent New England political family. Hes trying to escape the suffocating weight of his legacy while simultaneously leveraging it for personal gain. Hes an attractive man used to getting his way, but underneath it all, hes extremely insecure.Jack Schlossberg as A seemingly unassuming, yet intensely ambitious, tech entrepreneur who has recently acquired new money, hes determined to infiltrate the "old money" circles and establish his dominance. Hes socially awkward, but has a high level of intelligence. Supporting RolesA jaded, long-time White Lotus staff member who has seen it all, and provides cynical commentary.A group of "old money" socialites, clinging to tradition and resentful of outsiders.A local New England townie that is trying to make money off of the wealthy tourist.Plot PointsThe season opens with the discovery of a body on the resort's private beach, setting the stage for a mystery that unfolds throughout the week.Tripp and Caleb's paths intersect, leading to a complex dynamic of rivalry, manipulation, and perhaps even a twisted form of camaraderie.The "old money" socialites view Caleb's presence as an intrusion, leading to passive-aggressive power plays and social sabotage.Tripp is trying to keep his family secrets from being exposed, while also trying to keep his image intact.Caleb is trying to use his tech and money to gain social status, and to also find out the secrets of the old money families.The staff members are caught in the crossfire, forced to navigate the guests' eccentricities and escalating conflicts.The season culminates in a dramatic confrontation that exposes the hidden agendas and dark secrets of the characters.Themes"Old Money" vs. "New Money": The clash between established, generational wealth and the often-crass displays of newfound affluence.Political Dynasties: Exploring the burdens and privileges of legacy within prominent American families. Illusion of Civility: exposing the dark undercurrents that lurk beneath the veneer of polite society. The idea of decaying American aristocracy.5. Claude: The White Lotus: KyotoLogline: At an ancient hot springs resort in the Japanese countryside, two wealthy American cousins with political ambitions find their rivalry intensified amid cultural misunderstandings, generational tensions, and the ghosts of Japans imperial past.Setting: Kyoto, Japan.Tone: The season juxtaposes traditional Japanese aesthetics (wabi-sabi, mono no aware) with intrusive modernity. Visual motifs include steam from hot springs obscuring truth, perfectly arranged surfaces hiding disorder, and the contrast between natural beauty and human deception. The palette shifts from serene natural tones to increasingly saturated colors as tensions rise. Cherry blossoms, fall leaves, and seasonal changes provide visual metaphors for impermanence. Traditional Japanese music is subtly integrated with the shows signature ominous score. Like previous seasons, the show maintains its signature blend of social satire, psychological tension, and mounting dread, while exploring new themes specific to its Japanese setting exploring the commodification of tradition and ghosts of imperial pasts.Cast & CharactersPatrick Schwarzenegger as Chase Huntington Handsome and charismatic heir to a tech fortune, presents himself as a globally-minded entrepreneur with a public persona of a reformed trust fund kid (35). Beneath his polished exterior lies ruthless ambition. Hes using this trip to court Japanese investors before announcing his congressional run.Jack Schlossberg as Jack Kennedy Chases distant cousin comes from the less wealthy, but more politically established branch of the family (34). A diplomat working on U.S.-Japan relations with genuine respect for Japanese culture and language skills. Hes been invited on this trip by Chase as a gesture of family reconciliation, but is suspicious of his cousins motives and superficial engagement with Japan.Yuko Tanaka (Japanese actress, 40s)The resorts composed, perfectionist manager who returned to Japan after years in New Yorks hospitality industry. She navigates between honoring tradition and delivering luxury to demanding Western guests.Naomi Watanabe (Japanese-American actress, 30s)A famous fashion designer doing a residency at the resort to create a collection inspired by traditional Japanese textiles. Born in America to Japanese parents, shes reconnecting with her heritage while being criticized by both cultures. She becomes entangled with both cousins for different reasons.Takeshi Yamamoto (Japanese actor, 70s)The elderly former owner of the ryokan whose family has maintained the adjacent shrine for generations. He still lives on the property as an authentic cultural ambassador for guests, but silently judges the commercialization of traditions. He sees through the performative cultural appreciation of the wealthy guests and knows dark secrets about the lands history.Supporting RolesThe Kato Family - Japanese tech billionaires considering investing in Chases fund: Hiroshi (50s) - Old money Tokyo elite who views the American guests with polite disdain Mizuki (40s) - His wife, a former pop idol with hidden intelligence and ambitionThe Geller Couple Senator Geller (60s) - A U.S. Senator on a fact-finding trip thats really a luxury vacation Dana Geller (60s) - His ambitious wife who collects Asian art and speaks performative Japanese phrasesResort Staff Takumi (30s) - The charismatic cultural activities director with samurai ancestry Mari (20s) - A maid from a nearby village who witnesses everything Chef Koji (40s) - A Japanese-American chef trying to prove himself authentic enough to master kaiseki cuisinePlot OutlineEpisode 1: Arrival Chase and Jack arrive separately at the resort, establishing their uneasy relationship. We meet the other guests and staff. Cultural misunderstandings occur immediately. The episode culminates in an elaborate welcome dinner where tensions emerge beneath polite conversation. A guest finds a mysterious old photograph in their room.Episode 2: Immersion A visit to the hot springs reveals characters vulnerabilities. Jack tries to investigate rumors about Chases ethics violations. Takeshi tells guests a ghost story about the shrine that seems oddly specific. Senator Geller makes an inappropriate comment during a tea ceremony.Episode 3: Boundaries A Shinto blessing ceremony goes awry when Chase interrupts sacred protocols. Jack and Naomi grow closer as they discuss cultural identity. Yuko receives a threatening message about the resorts upcoming expansion. A sacred object disappears from the shrine.Episode 4: Ancestors An excursion to a nearby temple reveals connections between Takeshis family and WWII-era activities. The Kato family pressures Chase about his companys data harvesting in Asia. Jack discovers an old family photo suggesting his grandfather visited this exact location during the war.Episode 5: Masks A traditional Noh theater performance at the resort parallels the characters hidden motives. Chases true reason for bringing Jack on the trip is revealed. Kato discovers disturbing information about American military history in the area. Takeshi confronts Yuko about selling her familys land.Episode 6: Reflection A typhoon isolates the resort temporarily. Jack confronts Chase about using Japanese cultural imagery in campaign materials. Naomis fashion show preparation reveals exploitation in her supply chain. Mari witnesses a secret meeting between Senator Geller and local officials.Episode 7: Fracture Ancient pottery in the resort is broken, symbolizing deeper fractures. A past tragedy in Yukos family is revealed, connecting her to Chases company. The cousins political ambitions collide in a public confrontation at a formal dinner. Someone falls into the hot springs late at night.Episode 8: Departure As guests prepare to leave, the full extent of various betrayals comes to light. Historical secrets about the property during WWII are revealed. One cousins career is destroyed while the others rises from the ashes, but at great moral cost. The season ends with Yuko making a fateful decision about the property and a final revelation about a death that occurred decades ago on the grounds.Themes1. Tradition vs. Modernization: The resort embodies Japans tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing globalization. The American guests authentic experience is a carefully curated performance that often misses deeper cultural meanings.2. Political Ambition & Legacy: Both cousins are positioning themselves for political careers but represent conflicting visions of Americas role in Asia. Their rivalry resurrects family history that intersects with Japans post-war relationship with America.3. Cultural Appropriation & Identity: Questions of who can claim Japanese culture and how it should be presented to outsiders run throughout. Characters like Naomi and Chef Koji struggle with being Japanese enough, while Americans like Chase commercialize cultural experiences.4. Surface vs Depth: Japanese concepts of tatemae (public behavior) versus honne (true feelings) create a perfect thematic framework for a show about social performance. The hot springs gradually reveal what lies beneath polished exteriors.