Movies

White Lotus Season 3: Critics Mixed, Needs Renovation?

BBG News

Critics are offering a mix of positive and negative responses to the much-awaited third season of HBO’s The White Lotus.

On Tuesday, Daniel Fienberg, Chief TV Critic at The Hollywood Reporter, commended the series for staying innovative and acknowledged Mike White’s unique take on it.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that Ryan Murphy typically constructs an ongoing ensemble and uses the same actors in diverse roles. However, White has chosen a different path for this show’s third season. Unlike Murphy’s method, the delight of witnessing White’s consistently renewed cast performing their sharp-tongued, often villainous characters against stunning landscapes continues to be undiminished.

He also teased that the ‘first three episodes’ are a ‘very slow burn in terms of plot.’ 

According to TV critic Lucy Mangan from The Guardian, White was commended for crafting yet another exceptional season, one that she deemed as ‘beautifully captured, written, and timed.’

Nevertheless, she pointed out that the most recent series lacked as much biting satire as the initial one. The first one, she explained, tirelessly targeted its subjects and never missed an opportunity to mock the unthinking arrogance or active malevolence of affluent Americans who had distanced themselves from the common crowd.

According to Alison Herman, a critic from Variety, she believes that among all seasons so far, season 3 seems the least captivating or attention-grabbing right away. (Or, Season 3 appears to be the least engaging or intriguing at first glance compared to previous seasons.)

Even so, she noted that ‘The narrative gains momentum and becomes as thrilling and erratic as any of the explosions White has set off, somewhere near its midpoint.’

In her critique, Herman observed that the initial episodes have a tense, suspenseful atmosphere, frequently concluding with underwhelming resolutions, and there seems to be an imbalance in the acting performances.

Rolling Stone’s Alan Sepinwall pointed out that no one else in the cast is delivering a performance quite as large, striking, and captivatingly peculiar as Jennifer Coolidge’s.

Tessa Smith, also known as Mama’s Geeky, concurred while writing: ‘In all sincerity, Jennifer Coolidge’s character Tanya is dearly missed.’

In her critique for The Times, Carol Midgley hinted that although the offering might not be as tantalizing as before, rest assured, you’ll find yourself eagerly devouring every bit of it.

Entertainment Weekly’s Kristen Baldwin points out that even though the hotel series might appear to be slightly worn out, its third season unfolds as a fascinating enigma revolving around attractive individuals possessing all the material luxuries, yet lacking true fulfillment.

In his Slant Magazine review, Niv M. Sultan stated that the season essentially resembles a rougher, less surprising adaptation of the series’ usual pattern.

Similarly, IGN declared that the show ‘needs a renovation’ in their review. 

According to BBC’s Caryn James, the series was criticized as an “imperfect version” that seemed “loose and overextended.

Chase Hutchinson, a writer for the Seattle Times, asserted that this is the most exceptional season yet, as White skillfully builds suspense through his playful antics, and he fearlessly makes daring, penetrating explorations of his character’s inner selves.

According to Garrett Martin from Paste Magazine, the third season of The White Lotus continues the quality set by its earlier seasons, but also maintains certain issues that have been present in the show before.

Emma Kiely remarked in her Collider review that while season three might not be as thrilling, it stands out as the darkest and most philosophical episode of the series.

Regarding the possibility of producing more seasons, FandomWire’s Joshua Ryan stated: ‘I’m not certain how many more seasons the series could sustain without compromising its quality, but so far, there hasn’t been any decline. I hope it continues for as long as it can preserve its high standard.’

The series has received a remarkable 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 45 critic’s reviews, prior to its release for the general audience.

In the past month, it was disclosed that the forthcoming third season will be significantly more ominous compared to the first two series.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share that the highly anticipated drama series is making its comeback on a popular streaming platform on February 16! The new season promises an exciting ensemble with familiar faces like Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, and new additions such as Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, and Sam Nivola. Don’t miss out on the drama unfolding!

In the heart of Thailand, the role of spa manager Belinda Lindsey, portrayed by Natasha Rothwell, is the sole recurring character from past seasons in the upcoming storyline.

Before the upcoming episodes air, White hinted that the show will be bigger and more spectacular than it has ever been.

Speaking to Time, he added: ‘I do feel like the other seasons were a rehearsal for this one.’

For those not acquainted, The White Lotus is a form of witty commentary on society. This season, it takes place at an elite Thai resort, where we follow the adventures of different visitors and staff members throughout a week’s time.

Patrick Schwarzenegger is amongst the A-listers in the cast for this innings. 

The 31-year-old actor, who is Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s son, portrays Saxon Ratliff, the child of Timothy Ratliff (played by Jason Isaacs) and Victoria Ratliff (portrayed by Parker Posey), who is a wealthy character.

The intense trailer suggests that Timothy finds himself in a tough spot, seemingly without his fortune and involved in questionable dealings, as he laments aloud: “How do I explain this to my family? ‘We’re financially stranded now, and your father is heading to jail?’

In the opening scene, Patrick is seen strolling with his fictional parents, Timothy and Victoria, along with his on-screen brothers Lochlan Ratliff (portrayed by Sam Nivola) and Piper Ratliff (played by Sarah Catherine Hook).

In the beginning, a worker can be overheard saying, “By the close of this week, you’ll feel like an entirely new individual.

‘What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand,’ another character says.

In July 2021, the first season of “The White Lotus” debuted and it was filmed in beautiful Hawaii. This series garnered a total of 20 Emmy nominations in 13 different categories and won 10 awards.

In the world of lifestyle, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the second season of a show that graced our screens last December, 2022. This time, it transported us to the enchanting landscapes of Sicily. And guess what? It bagged an impressive 23 Emmy nominations! Now, isn’t that something worth tuning in for?

The upcoming series has been hinted by White as being significantly larger than its predecessor, White alluded to this in an interview with Variety back in 2023.

The upcoming season is expected to last longer, expand more, and become even more outrageous. I can’t predict what others might think, but my enthusiasm level is sky-high! From my perspective, that’s definitely a positive sign… And let me tell you, I’m absolutely thrilled about the content of this season!

Last week, HBO announced that The White Lotus has been renewed for a fourth season.

And White is already planning for the series to go way beyond chapter four.

To Time magazine, he disclosed that he could envision creating a total of six seasons. “Then I might just pass away,” he casually mentioned as well.

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2025-02-12 03:42

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