7 Problems with The White Lotus Season 3

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Initially, “The White Lotus” was planned as a 6-episode limited series. However, due to its remarkable popularity, HBO decided to produce two more seasons, transforming it into an anthology show. Each season presents unique characters and plotlines set in different White Lotus resorts, each located in a stunning exotic destination. Typically, things conclude in the most unpredictable fashion. The initial two seasons of “The White Lotus,” transporting us to Hawaii and Sicily, were widely praised, making it a highly-regarded series on HBO. As we progress through season three’s journey to Thailand, many viewers have expressed disappointment.

The third season has faced criticism for its plotlines and character development, leading many viewers to feel it’s a step down from the quality of the first two seasons. However, there’s hope that creators Mike White and his team can turn things around and produce an exceptional ending and second half of the series. Until then, here are seven compelling arguments explaining why fans might be dissatisfied with season 3.

7
Minimal Interaction with Locals

In the first two seasons of my followed show, “The White Lotus,” it didn’t just delve into the lives of hotel guests and staff, but also introduced characters from the local community. For instance, in season 2, we saw Lucia (played by Simona Tabasco) and her friend Mia (Beatrice Grannò) as central figures. This integration of locals enriches the narrative, allowing the series to explore more than just its opulent hotels. It offers a glimpse into the authenticity of these picturesque and alluring locations, revealing the lives of ordinary people who reside differently from the affluent visitors enjoying the resort’s luxuries.

In addition to the staff, there are no native Thais portrayed as main characters in season 3. Furthermore, the show’s cast has had limited encounters with local residents beyond the hotel premises. Even when tourists such as that group of lifelong friends depart from the resort, they don’t engage with any authentic Thai citizens.

6
A Weird Incestuous Sideplot

In season 3, the majority of the main characters belong to the affluent and influential Ratliff family. From the very first episode, the show subtly suggests an unsettling incestuous dynamic among these characters. For instance, Saxon (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger) comments on his sister Piper’s (Sarah Catherine Hook) physical appearance in a suggestive manner. Lochlan (Sam Nivola), the youngest sibling, displays an uncomfortable curiosity regarding Piper’s intimate life. This curiosity is further highlighted when Lochlan observes his brother masturbating in one scene and then gazes at his bare posterior in another.

In episode 5 titled “Full-Moon Party,” the siblings’ affection reaches an unexpected peak as they are challenged to kiss each other, which they do. This intriguing subplot has left audiences puzzled and questioning the direction of the story. Is this plot development leading somewhere significant, or is it merely a twist to keep us guessing? Regardless, the unsettling nature of this incestuous storyline has left viewers feeling uneasy much like they did during certain scenes in “Game of Thrones.

5
The Comedy Is Lacking

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my disappointment over the apparent lack of comedy in “The White Lotus” this season. The previous two seasons were brimming with humor, thanks to characters like Tanya, played brilliantly by Jennifer Coolidge, and Armond (Murray Bartlett), who brought a touch of comedic madness to the screen. The darkly funny moments in those seasons left me giggling, despite the ominous undertones. I’m missing that humor this season.

Instead of Season 3, however, we’ve noticed a lack of the wit and amusement that initially propelled The White Lotus to success. While Victoria Ratliff (played by Parker Posey) has provided some humor with her flamboyant Southern accent, and Sam Rockwell’s guest appearance in episode 5 was comically eccentric, overall, Season 3 of The White Lotus has been relatively light on comedic moments.

4
Uninteresting or Useless Characters

In simpler terms, The White Lotus is recognized for its unique and captivating characters. However, the third season seems to lack intrigue due to characters who are dull and irrelevant. All Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), the hotel’s security guard, mostly smiles at the camera, unintentionally lingering in the friendzone of his female coworker, Mook (Lalisa Manobal). Victoria seems to serve little purpose for the narrative beyond providing comic relief. Fabian (Christian Friedel) feels like a less compelling substitute for season 1’s Armond. And then there’s Piper. Besides arranging her family’s trip to Thailand, Piper is the most unengaging and least interesting character on the show, contributing very little with her screen time. Few characters actually advance the plot, and even fewer provide any form of amusement.

3
Too Many Scenes Where Nothing Happens

So far, we’ve watched approximately 5 hours of “The White Lotus”, but only around an hour seems to contain substantial content. Regrettably, many scenes appear to lack action or progression.

In Episode 5, there were evident instances of this issue. For quite some time, we alternated between two distinct groups, both caught up in separate social events. The music swelled ominously, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that suggested impending danger or intrigue. However, our suspicions were unfounded as it turned out to be just more empty moments.

2
The Story Is Too Slow of a Burn

Indeed, it’s understood that The White Lotus is intended as a series with a gradual build-up leading to an engaging climax. However, season 3 appears to be progressing at a pace that’s almost too sluggish, making the show seem dull and its characters less captivating than they initially appeared. Unfortunately, numerous scenes seem devoid of substance, and even the most engaging storylines are advancing at a snail’s speed. Timothy Ratliff (played by Jason Isaacs) initially piqued our interest with his unexpected legal issues and questionable financial practices. However, for several episodes now, he’s been slipping into a drug-induced stupor, barely interacting with anyone beyond his cell phone, while the world passes him by in a haze of trance-like confusion.

In the third season of this series, longtime characters Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) and Greg Hunt (Jon Gries) encounter each other, creating an air of tension and mystery amidst Thailand’s enchanting backdrop. The plot cleverly led us to believe that Greg was stalking Belinda with sinister intentions, but instead, it was merely a gecko causing commotion in her room over the past few episodes. As for Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins), he appears to be pursuing revenge, yet we’ve mostly seen him wandering aimlessly from location to location without much purpose. Watching The White Lotus currently feels like we’re moving along without much progress, simply waiting for the storylines to develop further. To keep viewers engaged for a potential fourth season, Season 3 needs to accelerate its pacing significantly.

1
The Opening Theme Song Is Unrecognizable

Many viewers might find this a common issue with the series: They appreciate the outstanding opening credit sequence of “The White Lotus,” particularly its music, which is often associated with the show. However, the score underwent some modifications from season 1 to season 2, reflecting the show’s anthology nature and adapting to the new environments. Despite these changes, both seasons feature a similar flute-like melody and an eerily hypnotic human vocalization that signify the show’s continuity.

Just as anticipated, the opening theme tune in season 3 underwent a shift – unfortunately, not in a way that I appreciated. Gone were the soothing flute-like tones and the unique, captivating human wailing, which I fondly refer to as the show’s “OoOoOoOh” sounds. Time and again, one hopes these melodies would make their appearance, particularly around the 1-minute mark when it seems like the music is reaching a crescendo. Yet, they remain elusive, never gracing our ears as anticipated.

We enjoy switching up the music according to the season, but it’s puzzling how some classic elements are being phased out. Occasionally, you hear them, but they don’t carry the same impact as before. The opening credit sequence in Season 3 seems foreign and less effective compared to the first two seasons. To be honest, it feels like a significant change in tone, a deviation from what we cherished so much about the earlier seasons. This new musical approach serves as a metaphor for Season 3 itself, suggesting a shift in the show’s focus, a departure from what made us fall in love with the previous seasons.

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2025-03-22 23:02