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‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 premiere: Get in the boat, we’re going to Thailand

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After much anticipation, Mike White’s black comedy anthology series ‘The White Lotus‘ has returned on HBO for a third installment. With dreams of vacationing abroad currently on hold, we’re finding solace by diving deep into this new season. Join us as we dissect each episode, sharing theories, observations, and our favorite scenes, all the way up to the final episode.

Over two years have passed since “The White Lotus” Season 2 wrapped up on HBO, leaving viewers in stitches with an unforgettable finale where Tanya McQuoid checked into a heavenly spa instead.

At long last, “The White Lotus” is back on our screens, gracing us with a stunningly beautiful new setting, a fresh batch of intriguing, morally questionable characters to delve into, and plenty of tantalizing secrets to explore.

I’ve found myself transported to the verdant shores of Ko Samui, Thailand, for this season, penned and guided once more by the skilled hand of Mike White. As anticipated, our story commences in the familiar manner: with an unsettling sight – a lifeless body. A character named Zion (Nicholas DuVernay) is engaged in meditation alongside hotel staffer Amrita (Shalini Peiris), when suddenly, gunshots echo, interrupting their tranquil moment. In response, Zion seeks shelter behind a statue of Buddha nestled within a pond filled with water lilies, as an unlucky soul floats by.

A week ago, I find myself back at the familiar sight of visitors approaching by boat – in this instance, a striking red-sailed junk.

In this scenario, the first individual we encounter is Belinda, a character portrayed by Natasha Rothwell. She was the remarkably understanding spa attendant from Season 1 who nearly partnered with Tanya on a business venture. At present, she’s in Thailand, acquiring knowledge about the resort’s wellness initiatives. (Based on hints within the scene, it appears that Zion, introduced at the beginning, may be her son.)

Additionally, we have the Ratliff clan, which includes Timothy (Jason Isaacs), a wealthy Southerner; his wife Victoria (Parker Posey), who frequently takes medication; their children: Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), who can be quite annoying; college student Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) focusing on religious studies; and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), the youngest of the bunch.

Aboard the vessel, Saxon and Timothy encounter the gruff Rick (portrayed by Walton Goggins), who’s in Thailand for enigmatic reasons together with his charming, carefree partner, Chelsea (played by Aimee Lou Wood).

At the last gathering aboard, it’s Laurie (Carrie Coon), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) – these three long-time pals are having a blast on their girls’ getaway in a far-off land.

Upon reaching the island, they encounter the hotel team led by manager Fabien (Christian Friedel), the stylish owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi), wellness consultant Mook (popularly known as Lisa from Blackpink), and Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), who seems to harbor affection for her.

In Episode 1, “Same Spirits, New Forms,” there’s not a lot of active events, but it leaves us pondering many unanswered queries instead.

It seems that Timothy is involved in some questionable activities, which made him anxious when he received a call from a Wall Street Journal reporter concerning an old work associate in Brunei. There appears to be turmoil regarding his eldest son Saxon, who has an unhealthy fascination with pornography and refers to his sister in an inappropriate manner as “hot.” What exactly is happening with Timothy and his family remains a mystery.

What’s the reason behind Rick’s unkind behavior towards Chelsea, and why does he seem so determined to locate Jim Hollinger, the resort’s American co-owner and Sritala’s husband, who is said to be recovering in Bangkok?

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder when the tension between the women on their midlife crisis adventure might boil over. The episode ended with Laurie, all by herself in her room, crying into a bottle of wine – what’s her story? And it seems peculiar that Jaclyn, the TV personality, and Kate, who’s married to wealth, are lavishing praise on each other, while seemingly overlooking Laurie. Could there be hidden resentments or unspoken issues at play?

Intriguingly, we find ourselves wondering about Tanya’s husband Greg (Jon Gries), who mysteriously left Sicily for a “business meeting in Denver” at the end of Season 2. Currently, he’s in Thailand, apparently with a younger girlfriend. Will Belinda, noticing Greg sitting across the restaurant, be able to connect the dots?

Now, our esteemed panelists – Yvonne Villarreal, Meredith Blake, and Greg Braxton, valued Platinum Members of the “White Lotus” regular guests club – will share their insights and analyze everything for us.

Where is this all heading? Any early predictions about who is going to end up as a corpse?

Blake: I don’t recognize the individual found face down near the water lilies, but I sense that the produce from the pong-pong tree might be connected in some way. It’s similar to Chekhov’s gun – if there’s a highly poisonous fruit hanging around, chances are someone will eventually consume it.

Villarreal: Indeed, that fruit looks like it’s going to create some problems. For argument’s sake, let me speculate that the deceased character could be Walton Goggins’ role, Rick, considering his cranky and sweaty demeanor suggests a predestined end. However, my concern is that the corpse might be Gaitok, the seemingly wise and shrewd hotel worker who exhibits suspicions towards the right individuals. I can’t predict what’s coming next, but I have a feeling Jim Hollinger will come to regret his early hospital discharge.

Braxton: I’m not completely sure it’s a dead body. It was just a brief sighting. Perhaps the series is playing a trick on us, and it could be something like an alligator or dangerous marine life instead. However, if it turns out to be a body, I will advocate for Greg. It’s crucial that there’s justice and closure regarding Tanya’s unfortunate demise.

How are we feeling about the new theme song and opening credits?

Frankly speaking, the updated theme tune left me feeling a bit flat. However, I was quite fond of certain music cues, such as the track that played when new passengers boarded the boat, identified by Shazam as “Made in Thailand” by Carabao. Absolutely fantastic!

Villarreal: Indeed, there wasn’t a recurring pattern in the rhythms as I felt drawn to with the earlier versions. The composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer created the popular themes for “White Lotus,” such as “Aloha!” from Season 1 and the Season 2 intro, “Renaissance.” These tracks had a consistent melody, unique instrumentation, a catchy rhythm, and quick vocals that matched their respective settings (Hawaii in Season 1 and Sicily in Season 2). However, I don’t detect the same continuity here, which might hint at something. Yet, I can still appreciate the soothing and spiritual ambiance of Season 3 given the tumultuous state of current events.

In a more conversational style: Braxton finds the music in this series to be incredibly important and valuable. While the main theme might not grab your attention right away like it did in previous seasons, it’s still quite refreshing. I’m still undecided about the other music selections they’ve used.

Who stands out so far?

In my view, Mike White consistently selects unconventional Gen Z actresses for “The White Lotus,” like Haley Lu Richardson and Sydney Sweeney. Currently, I find Aimee Lou Wood’s portrayal of Chelsea particularly captivating, as her style shares a resemblance with Portia’s [Richardson] unique flair.

Villarreal: The monkeys. Eerie performances and brilliant side-eye delivery.

Braxton: In past seasons, there were one or two memorable characters, and each had an interesting trait or problem that made viewers curious about their future paths. Parker Posey is a fantastic actress, but so far her comic charm seems to be toned down (perhaps she’s jet-lagged?). The relationships in Hawaii and Italy had their problems, but their histories helped us empathize with them. Here, it feels a bit more forced. To me, the characters are waiting at the starting line, but the race hasn’t started yet.

How are we feeling about the hotel staff? Are any of these characters intriguing to you yet?

Blake: No one quite matches the exceptional and unforgettable Armond (Rest in Peace) at the moment. However, I find Sritala intriguing – she asks the newly arrived guests to linger in the bay for a bit longer as she adds final touches to her glamorous setup. A true diva, indeed.

Villarreal: I am a sucker for the will they/won’t they, so I am fully invested in Mook and Gaitok.

Regarding Sritala, I find her particularly striking. Her voice is remarkable! I sense a more mysterious aspect to her that might come to light.

What do we make of the Ratliff family accents?

Blake’s Thoughts: There’s bound to be discussion about Jason Isaacs’ accent authenticity, but I found it convincing. His portrayal has a strong resemblance to Alex Murdaugh from true-crime documentaries. As for Parker Posey, I can’t tell if her character’s odd speech is intentional, due to heavy medication, or if she’s excessively exaggerating that drawl.

Villarreal: The accents aren’t crossing my mind right now, as I’m more preoccupied with the unusual energy exuding from the sibling pair.

Any theories about Greg?

Blake: It’s clear that Greg isn’t just an ordinary bald, aging individual among the many in Thailand often referred to as “LBHs” (losers back at home). If we consider this season happens after Season 2, it appears evident that Greg might have accessed some of Tanya’s wealth. What other explanation is there for his maintenance of a lavish lifestyle?

Villarreal: I hope he dies for what he did to Tanya.

Braxton: Anyone named Greg should always be regarded with extreme caution.

What is happening with the Ratliff siblings?

Blake: So far, Saxon seems like an extremely malicious version of Shane (Jake Lacy) from Season 1, possessing all the arrogance and entitlement of a white male, yet lacking any charm or moments that might make us feel a hint of sympathy. From head to toe, this character is alarming, with his name, Saxon – a nod to the early Germanic people known for plundering their neighbors – being just one of many warning signs. I’m also intrigued by Piper’s situation. Is it possible that she’s in Thailand to interview a monk, or is there more to it than meets the eye?

Villarreal: The day I call a sibling “attractive” in reference to their intimate life is the day I’d welcome someone to whack me with fruit from a pong-pong tree. Therefore, yes, Saxon also makes my skin crawl, Meredith. (This maintains the humor and informality while being easier for some readers to understand.)

Regarding Arnold Schwarzenegger’s questionable history, it’s slightly disconcerting to witness his son portraying a character who is narcissistic and thinks highly of himself as a ladies’ man. However, this could potentially hint at a negative outcome for him when the series concludes.

What’s your verdict on Episode 1? Are you hooked?

Blake: I’m really excited to be back at “The White Lotus” again! I’d give this trip a 3 out of 4 stars. Yes, Episode 1 was more of a gentle start, but don’t worry, just like Season 2, it had a grand finale. The new location offers us a wealth of thought-provoking topics to delve into, such as Westerners seeking spiritual enlightenment in Asia, and stunning vistas to appreciate. After all, isn’t that the main reason we’re here?

Villarreal: I’m all set to glide on a water lily for the entire season. The episode was perfectly paced to establish the scene and spark curiosity. With Walton Goggins and Natasha Rothwell involved in the chaos, I have confidence that whatever is coming up will be a fun and shareable adventure.

Braxton starts off with a slight spoiler: “The White Lotus” has set an exceptionally high standard across all aspects – storyline, casting, direction, and writing – in its past seasons. Mike White’s ability to craft such intricate and insightful characters is nothing short of extraordinary. However, I found the beginning of this season less engaging than expected, as the slow pace seems a bit too sluggish and insufficiently developed. Yet, I have faith in Mike White and the talented cast, believing that the payoff will be worth the wait.

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2025-02-17 06:32

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