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‘The White Lotus’ Season 3, Episode 2 recap: Put on your yoga pants, we’re relaxing

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Mike White’s black comedy anthology series, ‘The White Lotus,’ returns on HBO for its third season. With travel restrictions in place, our team is eagerly diving into this new installment as an alternative escape. Join us for a journey through each episode as we share our theories, observations, and favorite moments, culminating in our thoughts leading up to the finale. (Check out the recap of Episode 1.)

Episode 2 continues directly from where Episode 1 ended, with Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Jaclyn engaged in chatty discussion about Laurie. It’s revealed that Laurie (Carrie Coon) has recently gone through a tough divorce, has a potentially troubled daughter who destroys household items, and might have missed out on a promotion at work. As the episode progresses, the tense interactions between these characters escalate, as Jaclyn boasts about her marriage to a younger man while Kate and Laurie question the authenticity of her happiness. Kate suggests that Jaclyn’s apparent contentment is merely a facade. “You know what they say,” Kate remarks, “The bigger the facade, the bigger the reality hidden behind it.

In a continuation of events, Aimee Lou Wood’s character, Chelsea, grows closer to Chloe (played by Charlotte Le Bon). It turns out that Chloe’s current partner, who is now known as Gary (portrayed by Jon Gries), was once involved with Tanya’s manipulative ex. Walton Goggins’ character, Rick, initially resists but eventually agrees to a meeting with Amrita (Shalini Peiris) to discuss his past. It emerges that Rick had an abusive and drug-addicted mother, and he never knew his father who was unfortunately murdered. This could potentially explain Rick’s cynical demeanor. In an unexpected turn of events at a resort boutique where Chelsea and Chloe are shopping, a masked robber successfully bypasses the vigilance of Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) at the front gates and makes off with their belongings.

In the evening, the pairs head out for a somewhat tense dinner, with the gentlemen appearing quiet and moody while the ladies chat incessantly. Later on, Chloe confides that she encountered Greg/Gary through a “matchmaking agency” based in Dubai (unbeknownst to Chelsea, Chloe might be a sex worker). When questioned about his occupation, Greg/Gary mentions he’s retired from various jobs.

Television

Mike White’s darkly humorous series on HBO comes back for another season, this time taking place in Thailand, featuring a fresh ensemble of actors and delving into themes of spirituality.

As the Ratliff family vacation unfolds, tensions are rising. Tim (Jason Isaacs) is growing weary of media inquiries about the escalating predicament at home. During an argument with his associate Kenny, he hints at a “snitch” who leaked information to the press and a $10 million money-laundering operation. Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) continues to be a cause for concern, developing an unwanted erection during a massage, flirting excessively, making inappropriate sexual remarks, and causing discord among his siblings. Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) is understandably upset when she learns that Saxon claimed she was a virgin. Victoria (Parker Posey) seems detached from reality, focusing on her medication, and being unusually rude to Kate, who recognizes her at breakfast and tries to greet her. Is she merely under the influence of lorazepam, or is there more to it?

In the end, the staff members of the resort are grappling with personal romantic issues. During lunch, Gaitok proposes a romantic relationship to Mook (Lisa Manobal), who politely declines. Meanwhile, it appears that Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) is developing feelings for Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul), or perhaps just admiring his well-sculpted physique.

It’s now Meredith Blake, Greg Braxton, and Yvonne Villarreal, esteemed VIPs of “The White Lotus” regular guests program, who will share their insights and analysis.

Who do we think is the corpse this week? Does the robbery mid-episode offer any clues?

As a seasoned film critic, I’ve been following this captivating series with great interest. While the recent robbery seems to tie in neatly with the gun-laden opening of the season, I don’t see it as linked to the mysterious floating corpse. Last week, my speculative hunch leaned towards Rick being the deceased. However, I’ve decided to shift gears this week and predict that Saxon could be the one who met his watery end. Perhaps he was on a futile quest for a blender in the depths of the water and suffered an unfortunate fate. If only it were as pleasant as a Belinda massage for the corpse to have washed up in Thailand, tormenting Greg instead!

Braxton: I believe it’s Pam, the persistent hotel worker who repeatedly asks an irritable Timothy if he wants a biometric test. Despite his constant refusals, she continues to inquire. Eventually, Timothy loses his temper, grabs a gun and shoots, exclaiming, “I SAID I ONLY WANT TO GO TO THE GYM! COULDN’T YOU TELL?

Blake: Deeply wishing for justice for Tanya, I secretly hope it’s Greg or Gary found in the pond. However, my reasoning tells me it could be Victoria, as anyone who overdoses on pills near a body of water isn’t likely to have much time left.

The conversation between Jaclyn and Kate initially revolves around their mutual friend, Laurie. How would you assess the bond between these ladies?

As a devoted fan of the “Real Housewives” series, the interplay among the trio seems orchestrated by Andy Cohen and his skilled team of editors. The side conversations between two of them when the third is out of earshot – hidden criticisms and petty comments disguised as concern or compliments – are so flawlessly executed and a signature trait of “Housewives” getaways. It doesn’t get any more catty and high school than, “Did she use a sandblaster on her face or something? It’s very waxy.” If only there was a sprinter van involved! When Laurie pounded on the glass door, catching Kate and Jaclyn in mid-gossip, it brought back memories of the spine-tingling fear from “Real Housewives of New York’s” unforgettable Scary Island trip. A defining moment for me was Kate subtly rolling her eyes as Jaclyn discussed being married to a man ten years her junior. I can’t wait for that moment to be turned into a GIF!

Braxton: Yvonne, I understand your enthusiasm, but could we appreciate this amazing series on its own merit instead of constantly referencing “Real Housewives”? It’s certain that if everyone makes it through, they’ll each be catching a different ride home.

“Greg, ‘The Real Housewives’ might not be top-tier art, but I believe Yvonne has hit the nail on the head. Mike White is quite a fan of reality TV and has participated in both ‘The Amazing Race’ and ‘Survivor’. With such a background, it’s not hard to imagine that he may have found inspiration from the Housewives, possibly even ‘Ultimate Girls Trip’, where women from various Housewives series go on extravagant vacations and get involved in trivial squabbles. My curiosity is piqued: which housewives do these characters resemble? Kate gives me strong vibes of Lisa Barlow, the one who doesn’t travel economy.

Television

At last, Season 3 of HBO’s captivating dark comedy series has arrived! Each week, our writers will delve into the fresh mystery it presents.

What is up with Timothy? First the Wall Street Journal and now the Washington Post is calling?

Villarreal: I’m curious if he follows the news, as it would be interesting to see how he reacts when the story breaks. Go ahead and subscribe to our news! While I don’t intend to pass judgment on his parenting, the way his children interact with him makes me think he may not pay attention to his business dealings either. I must admit, I’m intrigued by Rick’s connection to Timothy following last week’s incident, or if it was simply a matter of disliking someone’s energy – something I can certainly relate to! I only hope Pam can enjoy Timothy’s downfall given his dismissive attitude towards her.

Blake: Perhaps it’s due to the strong Southern accents or the extensive exposure to every detail about Alex Murdaugh’s criminal activities, such as the murders of his wife and child. This story seems pretty dark and twisted, and I can’t help but wonder if Timothy might also be involved in a murder. Could it be possible that he’ll be accused next?

Should we be worried for Gaitok?

Villarreal expressed concern as he watched an unusual amount of suspicious activities unfold – initially attempting to thwart the burglars, followed by monitoring Timothy’s phone call. I am concerned for his safety!

Braxton: Things will not end well for him. A broken heart will be just the beginning.

Blake: Affirmative. This is “The White Lotus,” and anyone who appears so kind and good-natured is bound to encounter misery.

Why are Saxon and Lochlan so interested in Piper’s personal life?

As a film enthusiast, I find myself pondering over the decision to delve into an incestuous plotline in the latest season of ‘Game of Thrones’ on HBO. While I acknowledge their penchant for edgy storytelling, I can’t help but question the necessity of this particular narrative choice. The intrigue surrounding Piper’s virginity has been substantial, and now we’re introducing a sibling dynamic that seems quite extraordinary. However, the curiosity and excitement among viewers are palpable on the internet, which makes me wonder if there’s something deeper and more serious at play here. It will undoubtedly be intriguing to see how George R.R. Martin uses this storyline to shed light on human nature with his exceptional narrative skills.

Me: When I woke up one morning, I found myself gazing at my brother’s bare back for just a moment too long. It was… unsettling, to say the least. But hey, I can’t wait to follow the journey of this intriguing sibling relationship!

Is it Greg, also known as Gary, who has returned? Let’s review what we know about him so far and try to speculate on his recent activities.

Villarreal wrote that the man is “retired” and has been residing in Thailand for a year. When Rick queries what he did prior to retiring, Greg/Gary simply says “this and that.” It’s an amusing, brief conversation between these two enigmatic characters. However, when Belinda glances at him from a distance with a puzzled expression, it piques my curiosity. I want to witness their interactions. Does Belinda know about Tanya’s demise?

Braxton: I’m not convinced Belinda is aware of it, but it seems inevitable that she will find out eventually, given that he was a significant factor in Tanya’s betrayal. It’s likely that the emotional wound inflicted by this betrayal hasn’t fully healed for her yet. Moreover, I can’t help but ponder how much Greg or Gary is privy to Tanya’s broken pledge to Belinda.

Blake: When Belinda discovered that either Greg or Gary, it sparked thoughts about the broader storyline of “The White Lotus.” I began to ponder if Belinda is aware of Tanya’s death and whether the news of her passing at another resort has spread throughout the White Lotus system. This curiosity intensified after Armond’s sudden death at a different hotel within the chain. It seems as though journalists, or perhaps even podcast hosts, would have started probing for answers.

Villarreal: There are many theories circulating, with some suggesting that this season might be a prequel to the others. However, an intriguing theory is gaining traction – could this season actually be unfolding at the same time as Season 2? I find myself drawn to this idea and plan to keep a close eye for any hints or clues in the upcoming episode that may support it.

Why is Rick so obsessed with Jim Hollinger, the resort’s American co-owner and Sritala’s husband?

Rick shared with the hotel worker that he was told his father was murdered before he was born, and it makes me wonder if Jim could be his dad or if he’s seeking vengeance for his father’s death. Could it be possible that others also felt drawn to answer the guide’s questions during Rick’s meditation? On a scale of 1 (no stress) to 10 (extremely stressed), where do Meredith and Greg stand? Can you recall a moment in your life when you experienced zero stress? It’s quite frightening to think about such a time!

Braxton: That question stresses me out.

Blake: I’m unsure about the current situation, but I have a feeling it might be connected to Rick’s late father. There’s a possibility that his father isn’t actually deceased.

Favorite moment from this episode?

The intriguing exchange between Kate and Victoria during breakfast was simply captivating. When Kate attempted to strike up a conversation by mentioning they met at a mutual friend’s baby shower, and Victoria seemed uninterested in continuing the dialogue, it felt like a hint of something deeper, leaving me eagerly anticipating the explanation behind their interaction.

Braxton: At the meal with Gaitok and Mook, Braxton admits his affection for her, and she’s attempting to break it gently without causing him distress – a scenario familiar to many of us, isn’t it?

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but be captivated by that intriguing conversation, Yvonne. It left me questioning if Victoria’s drugged-up demeanor masks a deeper cunningness. Moreover, Aimee Lou Wood’s portrayal of Chelsea remains a highlight for me. She’s innocent enough to believe Chloe and Greg/Gary met via a dating service, yet shrewd enough to recognize Saxon as a danger – or, in her words, “a douche.

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2025-02-24 06:31

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