The satirical HBO miniseries “The White Lotus” finished airing its third season on April 3. This season, like previous ones, follows the stories of guests and employees at a luxurious tropical resort– this time in Thailand. This season explores their dilemmas, hypocrisy and consequences of their wealth.
While past seasons ventured into its wealthy and privileged characters’ lives and relationships in a sarcastic wit, the White Lotus resort in Thailand dives more into existential themes of spiritual seeking, death and the West’s interpretation of Eastern philosophies.
Each season introduces a new cast of rich vacationers, and this season was no different. The notably troubled Ratlff family gets to the resort with hopes of a peaceful vacation and an interview with a monk for her daughter’s college thesis. As the season unravels their secret intentions and corrupt actions. The daughter’s interest in becoming a Buddist contrasts with the family’s comfortable lifestyle and adds on to the dad spiraling into deranged thoughts due to legal trouble.
Meanwhile, Rick and Chelsea, a couple with a large age gap, are in the search for closure. This sparks countless clashes with other characters and finally in a shocking violent finale. Mikes White, creator, writer and director of “The White Lotus,” shows his willingness to delve into darkerl territory through this season.
Fans of the show are especially satisfied with the return of Belinda, the spa manager from season one. With the show switching casts every season, this was a pleasant surprise for many. This season she is now involved in different business, and navigates a major settlement for a character’s death in a previous season. This ties up some loose ends and shows the impact the actions of these wealthy guests have.
While as visually stunning and rich as the atmosphere created is, season three is different. The series slows down to contemplate the characters struggles, although this sometimes affects the viewer reception as many thought it took too many episodes for the season’s rhythm to pick up and misses the original hook of the series with its sharp satire. Still, some viewers may find the bold shift refreshing, as it offers a closer look into the emotional costs of luxury.
The show still retains its signature blend of beauty and threat with its setting in serene yet unsettling Thailand, this time with humor less gripping than before. Season three demonstrates the evolution of the series and the writers exploration of new themes. Whether the shift is worth it or not depends on what viewers want from “their stay at The White Lotus.”
