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It’s checkout time for Season 3 of ‘The White Lotus.’ Here’s how we’re rating our stay

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This article contains spoilers for the Season 3 finale of “The White Lotus.”

After a run of eight episodes, including a 90-minute finale, the third season of “The White Lotus” on HBO has drawn to a conclusion. This extended edition of the series was packed full of various storylines, subplots, and even more intricate threads, making it the most expansive installment so far.

In the vibrant setting of Thailand, our story offered encounters with venomous cobras, intense Muay Thai battles, and profound Buddhist wisdom; it also included unsettling scenes involving hanging trees, questionable sexual escapades, and numerous instances of monkeys screeching. Furthermore, a chilling sight of a lifeless body floating facedown in a pond was presented amidst a symphony of gunfire.

Was it Tim Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) whose life was filled with turmoil as he grappled with the possibility of losing his wealth and freedom due to some illicit business dealings, leading him to spend much of the season considering suicide or harming his family? Alternatively, could it be Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins), who traveled to Thailand seeking retribution against Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), the hotel owner that Rick suspects of murdering his father? Or maybe it’s Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) from Season 1, who encountered Greg (Jon Gries), also known as Gary in this season, a man she believes is responsible for Tanya McQuoid’s (Jennifer Coolidge) death in Season 2?

Television

Hey there fellow film enthusiast! Ever found yourself scratching your head over the latest twists in Mike White’s HBO anthology? Let me break it down for you: Who met their end? Was Gaitok the one who pulled the trigger? And whatever happened to that lorazepam? Well, let’s unravel this mystery together.

It appears that the identity of the previous residents of that specific corpse remains uncertain, as five characters met their end in the final episode – four of them ended up in the water, among them two unnamed bodyguards and significantly, Rick and his loving companion Chelsea (portrayed by Aimee Lou Wood). Fans of “Lotus” have expressed their opinions about the climactic revelation (and other aspects), but Greg Braxton and Mary McNamara had additional insights to share regarding Season 3 and the series overall.

McNamara: For quite some time, I’ve admired Mike White’s unique brand of dark humor. He has an uncanny knack for discovering beauty in chaos and exposing the decay hidden beneath a tranquil and picturesque facade. “The White Lotus” has always been a witty commentary on privilege and the futility of trying to escape oneself, even during a luxurious getaway. However, this season seemed unusually slow, somber, and excessively self-aware.

Perhaps I didn’t quite catch the playful irony of Tanya in Coolidge’s portrayal, but the side stories felt like a confusing blend of hints and distractions, while the messages about extravagance were overly emphasized to the point that even a serene Buddhist monk (portrayed by Thai journalist/TV personality Suthichai Yoon) was there to convey them. When the finale began with him saying “there is no answer to life’s mysteries,” I found myself muttering “really?” – this series seemed so focused on revealing who perished and who committed the crime that I kept anticipating the arrival of Miss Marple.

Despite numerous intriguing elements – such as the incestuous relationship between the Ratliff brothers, the enigmatic Russian individuals, Sam Rockwell’s memorable monologue, and the musical ambitions of hotel manager Fabian (Christian Friedel) – there was simply too much happening concurrently. Consequently, it felt like we were dealing with a multitude of sub-plots that gradually fizzled out, similar to how “Lost” viewers had to cope with the gradual demise of various storylines.

Instead of focusing on the strained interactions between hotel guests, staff, and locals that dominated the first two seasons, the narrative shifted towards examining simmering conflicts arising from male energy, primarily involving characters such as Tim, Rick, and security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), who was involved in a mysterious gun incident. The visuals, as always, were stunningly beautiful. However, I must admit that the dynamic of the trio of female friends, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, and Carrie Coon, while engaging, seemed more suitable for another series.

Instead of conflicts between guests/staff/townfolk, the story now focuses on potential arguments among men (Tim, Rick, Gaitok). The visuals are stunning but sometimes it feels like the female friends’ dynamic doesn’t fit this show.

A significant number of viewers criticized the slow pace of the early episodes and Duke’s excessive screen time within the flawed Ratliff family, but given the show’s tremendous popularity, some negative response may have been unavoidable. As a series that has raised the bar so high, it becomes easier to find fault as time passes, so perhaps I’m just being overly critical. What are your thoughts?

Television

In simple terms, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, and Leslie Bibb gathered together to talk about their characters in “White Lotus” and how the conflict among them reaches its peak in Episode 7.

Braxton: It’s challenging to determine where to start, Mary. Do fans seem so intrigued by the enigma of who passed at the end that they’re prepared to overlook the many forced circumstances and blatant manipulations in this episode? Personally, I can’t. To put it another way, using a quote from the finale, “the coconut milk has spoiled.

In simpler terms, your initial two seasons were exceptionally well-done, featuring actors who brought depth and intricacy to characters that might not have been likable, yet remained relatable due to their human qualities. However, this current season has fallen short with flat, uninteresting characters and far too many implausible situations. Incidents like the mysterious “suicide trees” near the villas, Lochlan failing to clean his blender before making a smoothie, or Tim casually consuming lorazepam pills without any noticeable side effects, were just a few examples of many such conveniences that detracted from the overall quality. The transparent manipulations, unresolved plot threads, and sensationalistic events make me unlikely to revisit this season.

Mike White appears to be aiming to convey that Tim achieved a state of understanding on the boat, which serves to redeem him. The speech about the family uniting to overcome the impending disaster at home by sticking together? Not quite convincing, if I may borrow words from Hall & Oates: “I can’t go for that, no can do.

It appears that the series appeared to be filled with events (such as brothers kissing, Frank’s speech about his decadent life as a ladyboy) intended primarily to shock viewers and generate discussion, rather than contributing significantly to the narrative’s progression or depth. The incest storyline was brushed off conveniently with Lochlan’s “I’m a pleaser” comment without Saxon exploring why he kissed his sibling. The finale hit another low note with the “he’s your father” twist at the end, which likely left “Star Wars” fans puzzled or confused.

Mary, despite your strong admiration for Sam Rockwell, I have a feeling his inclusion in the series was primarily to ensure he and Leslie Bibb adhered to their “no more than three or four weeks apart” rule. The emotional speech seemed aimed at stirring Emmy voters for a nomination, which I hope they won’t succumb to. Frank’s presence appeared to have minimal connection with Rick’s quest for revenge. It was this aspect that, in my opinion, marked the moment when the show started to veer off course or, to use a more fitting metaphor, overstepped its boundaries – or, more appropriately, surpassed the monkey.

McNamara: Initially, I had expected Frank to have a more significant role in Rick’s narrative, but we never got to learn about their past relationship or the reason behind Frank owing Rick such a huge favor that he would provide him with a gun and help with the Hollywood director deception. Additionally, I can’t fathom why Rick wasn’t apprehended for releasing venomous snakes in town, or how Chelsea managed to survive her encounter with a cobra, only to chat cheerfully at breakfast the next day with a bandage.

As a passionate film buff, I wouldn’t buy the idea that Tim, having taken a gun, would dismiss its subsequent disappearance (when Gaitok retrieved it) lightly, regardless of how much Lorazepam he might have ingested.

The TV series ‘The White Lotus’ is constructed around the divide between appearance and truth, yet it’s true that numerous plot inconsistencies made it challenging not to stumble upon them constantly. Despite my attempts, I couldn’t help but feel that the show was relying too heavily on its reputation: the picturesque location, the talented cast (with several big names like Parker Posey who were underutilized), and an enthralled audience. It seems as though the program, much like its affluent characters, has been swayed by the allure of the White Lotus mythos – if luxury abounds, one might turn a blind eye to the dangers of overlooking reality.

Though I initially had my doubts about reintroducing the character of Belinda in Season 4, if White manages to portray her as equally discontented and out-of-touch as any typical affluent hotel guest, and provides ample opportunities for Rothwell to showcase his acting skills, I might find myself drawn back into the series.

Braxton expressed his disappointment about this season being overshadowed by darkness compared to its light and intelligent interactions that made it stand out. He’s optimistic that this memory will fade, and he’s looking forward to the next one. Mike White is a talented artist, and Braxton admires his work. He believes Belinda might come back, and she along with her son Zion could be in trouble. Gary/Greg won’t let the arrogant kid feel victorious with his fast-talking tricks, and Belinda remains a potential threat. Braxton also hopes for a more diverse cast next time, as he feels there’s been too much of the same entitled white characters. He noticed a Black couple at the resort, but it seemed like White was just trying to avoid accusations of exclusion. However, his main hope is that the upcoming seasons will resemble the feel of the first two. He can’t wait to see what’s next.

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2025-04-07 23:01

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