White Lotus 3: Tangled in its twists
The latest season of ‘White Lotus’ trades its sharp satire for scattered drama, losing the series’ signature bite despite standout performances and a stunning Thai backdrop
When the newest season of 'White Lotus' had revealed their cast, fans of the show had marked their calendars and scurried to renew their streaming subscriptions.
The new season aimed for the moon with its exotic location in Thailand and great star power–including Blackpink's Lisa Manobal's acting debut. It is safe to say that this was probably one of the most anticipated seasons so far.
The show's first season aired in 2021, and so far, has won 15 Emmys and two Golden Globes, marking it as one of the leading shows in modern times.
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In classic White Lotus fashion, the new season is a satire following affluent guests and resort staff, set in Thailand at the famous luxury hotel chain, exploring complex dynamics, schemes, and forbidden romances. However, in its many twists and turns, in the hope it would keep viewers' jaws on the floor, the essence of the franchise seems to have gotten lost.
Even if fans could predict the show's ending twist, it ended up being lacklustre because of the frustratingly slow pacing and false moments, taking away from the grandeur of scenes that actually mattered.
The show was crowded with too many plots and characters that barely served the main plotline. Even if the show was stripped of Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), Mook (Lisa), and even the three close friends, the show would have resulted in a tighter story with a stronger hook.
In previous seasons, there was usually one character who served as a thread, bringing the whole show together.
This season, however, lacks that unifying presence. Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) comes closest—she's romantically involved with the brother(s) and later revealed to be dating Greg (Jon Gries). But even she feels disconnected from the broader narrative.
The so-called-friendship between Kate (Leslie Bibb), Laurie (Carrie Coon) and Jacyln (Michelle Monaghan) seemed to have brought back a bit of the allure of the series, allowing Mike White's skill to shine as the creator of the show.
In the last episode, Laurie gives a touching speech about how she has come to value the relationships in her life even more as time has passed. This particular scene shows how the show, even in its weakest season, still delivers heartfelt moments.
Though the monologue itself was moving, the build-up to the speech felt unnatural. Without the proper transition to her character's shift, it just seems like a really good monologue was paired with a character grasping at whatever false epiphanies.
Even if the show's overused plot twists are one of its weak points, it still has moments where your jaw will actually be on the floor, such as Greg's return.
The actors, especially Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett and Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea, delivered powerful performances. Even in the most intense scenes, Goggins' fear was so visceral it leapt off the screen.
Despite having all the tools needed for a great show such as great actors, a fantastic setting–the show suffered because it strayed from its origins. The new season shifts out of comedy and dives headfirst into being a thrilling drama, ultimately making it feel like a different show altogether.
