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What Belinda’s Season 3 Trauma Hints at About Upcoming ‘White Lotus’ Mayhem

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As I watched Natasha Rothwell gracefully step onto the vibrant shores of Hawaii amidst the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic to bring her charisma to life in the witty satire, “The White Lotus,” I couldn’t help but wonder about the show’s reception and her own future. Reflecting on our first season, she underscores that there was no guarantee of a second one. In fact, Mike White had initially envisioned “Lotus” as a limited series. “Honestly,” she adds, “there was no promise of a tomorrow. We didn’t know what the world held for us next.

Four years have passed, two seasons completed, attracting almost 10 million viewers, and many significant global political events later, Rothwell has come back for Mike White’s highly anticipated third season of the series, which unfolds in Thailand. The kind-hearted spa manager, Belinda—a unique character from the Lotus world who you’d genuinely appreciate as a friend—experienced a heartbreaking storyline in Season 1. Manipulated by Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya into thinking that the demanding heiress was sincere about funding her dream spa, she ended up being deserted in favor of a man with questionable intentions towards Tanya’s wealth.

Currently, Belinda is journeying over the oceans to delve into the wellness offerings at a Thai resort. However, as Rothwell shared with TIME, this trip also holds significant potential for Belinda’s personal growth. In a recent video call, she discussed discovering fresh aspects of her beloved character, fostering relationships with distant castmates, and reflecting on an unexpected event in the early stages of Belinda’s Season 3 arc.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve missed seeing Belinda on our screens since her departure from the show a few years back. The latest episodes hint at some tough times she’s faced post-Tanya. Was this part of Belinda’s storyline that Mike came up with, or was it a joint effort between us?

From the instant I delved into the scripts, I immersed myself in my role as an actor, carefully contemplating the events that shaped Belinda over the past three years and how she, in turn, influenced her surroundings. Mike and I had extensive discussions about these aspects. That’s what makes this show captivating—the glimpses into the characters’ inner worlds and their histories subtly surface within the storyline in engaging ways.

Overcoming the small-scale betrayal or deception from Tanya has left Belinda hesitant to trust and dream once more. Since we’ve first encountered her, she’s been working diligently to regain trust in herself and believe in her own worth, as well as rekindling her ability to dream. Having your dreams shattered so forcefully can be incredibly challenging to overcome. This journey to Thailand represents an investment in her career, but it also serves as a means for her to reinvest in herself. Throughout this season, we’ll witness the results of her efforts unfold.

In the first season, the audience primarily understands Belinda through her professional life and aspirations. However, as the story unfolds in Thailand, there’s an early hint that she may develop romantic feelings towards another character.

In Season 1, much of Belinda’s perspective was deeply personal, as she had limited opportunities to openly express herself due to her work environment. This work trip represents a blurring of professional and personal boundaries, allowing us to witness Belinda beyond her uniform, experiencing life as a multidimensional character with emotions like curiosity, fascination, and flirtation. As an actor, it’s thrilling to bring those internal discussions from Season 1 to life in this season through the narrative. We see Belinda not only as a mother but also as a single woman, a woman of color, and a plus-size woman traveling abroad. This journey seems to encourage Belinda’s growth, a transformation I believe is often triggered by travel. When I travel, I discover aspects of myself that I wouldn’t have encountered if I hadn’t ventured out.

This season, Belinda’s narrative also develops by introducing us to her son, Zion, who we only heard over the phone in Season 1. It was an interesting experience working alongside Nicholas Duvernay, the actor portraying Zion, to deepen the relationship between them.

Zion serves as an authentic gateway into Belinda’s inner self, given how deeply intertwined their lives are. For a long time, she has been shaping her life around him, but now she’s learning to live for herself. Their relationship is truly heartwarming. On the day I encountered Nicholas, we dined on the beach at our shared hotel. He appeared to be significantly younger than myself, and I was mindful not to monopolize his time as I understood he was adapting to this large film set. However, we conversed for about two or three hours effortlessly. There was a unique bond between us. It was an incredibly enjoyable interaction.

Since the debut of Zion in Season 1, it’s been reminiscent for me of a phase in many people’s lives where you shift your relationship with your parent. As you both grow older, you begin to view them not as figures on a pedestal, but as individuals who make mistakes and choices. This transition is accompanied by a sense of understanding and acceptance, often realized during moments like coming home for college breaks and engaging in conversations that feel more like sharing life stories rather than simply listening to their advice.

White Lotus blossoms, a setting your Season 1 co-star Murray Bartlett referred to as “TV summer camp,” seemed to foster the kind of camaraderie you shared with Nicholas. Was that bonding experience as strong this time around compared to when you were in lockdown?

In a foreign land, we all found ourselves as expatriates, forming a unique cultural enclave amidst a larger island. Despite our isolation, there was an irresistible pull towards one another. Additionally, the time difference worked to our advantage, as it gave us a pause when our homeland’s social media activity ceased for 13 hours straight, allowing their digital world to remain unchanged. This enforced presence allowed us to truly appreciate each other. Moreover, the magic of the casting lies in the chemistry – an intriguing blend that feels like an unexplained alchemy.

There seemed to be a captivating unease in your portrayal of Belinda during the initial episodes of Season 3. It’s evident that Belinda is delighted to explore Thailand’s unique wellness methods and indulge in the luxurious experiences guests enjoy. However, she appears quite apprehensive. When a lizard crosses her path, her reaction suggests fear. Given Belinda’s intuitive nature, how much weight should viewers give to such potentially ominous incidents?

When you find yourself in an unfamiliar setting, it’s only natural for you to maintain your defenses until you become more comfortable with the surroundings. Therefore, viewers might not be able to deduce too much after just a few episodes. For me, Belinda showing courage is simply defined as doing something despite being scared. Right from the start, when we see Belinda on the boat at the beginning of the season, she’s taking a deep breath, looking out, unsure of what lies ahead but pushing forward nonetheless. This action embodies fear because it’s unknown territory. So, there’s an intriguing dual meaning in her response to the environment – both the natural apprehension towards the unknown and the unpredictability that is characteristic of a Mike White production.

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2025-01-24 17:06

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