‘The White Lotus’: Things We’re Still Wondering After The Season 3 Finale

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In summary, Mike White, the mastermind behind “White Lotus,” skillfully concluded each of the storylines from seasons three, including those of the Ratliff family and the once supposedly toxic Trio.

The 90-minute finale on Sunday wrapped up with a blend of victories (Belinda earning $5 million), sorrowful tales (the heartbreaking story of the ill-fated couple Rick and Chelsea, reminiscent of Greek mythology), personal growth (the Ratliffs experiencing a sense of tranquility), and professional resurgence (Gaitok).

The 90-minute finale on Sunday came to a close, combining celebratory moments (Belinda’s $5 million windfall), tragic narratives (the Greek-like tale of the ill-starred lovers Rick and Chelsea), spiritual breakthroughs (the Ratliffs finding inner peace), and career comebacks (Gaitok).

There were some plot points in the story that remained unfinished – maybe deliberately, possibly accurately, but still leaving a sense of dissatisfaction.

The initial and major part is that we don’t see Victoria Ratliff’s (Parker Posey) reaction when her husband (Jason Isaacs) experiences his downfall on screen.

Throughout the entire season, Timothy had been hiding from his family the harsh truth that he might lose his job, face imprisonment, and leave them in a precarious, possibly scandalous situation. Posey’s performances all season were captivating and meme-worthy, and viewers eagerly waited to see how she would respond to this sudden turn of events – a time bomb just waiting to detonate. The most popular quote of the season was Victoria’s: “I don’t believe I should have to endure an uncomfortable life at my age.” Instead, White decided to portray the Ratliffs leaving on a boat from the resort, with Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) seemingly glancing at news on his phone, before the scene abruptly ended before Victoria could be informed about Timothy’s predicament.

Clearly, it was a decision she had to make – though we can only speculate about Victoria’s bewildered reaction, it would have been quite an extraordinary spectacle to behold.

Another point of contention in the series has been the relationship between characters Saxon and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), which some viewers found disturbing due to its incestuous nature. However, producer David Bernard defended this plotline in The New York Post, stating that it serves a greater purpose within the narrative and thematic context of the show. As the season concludes, you’ll find that this controversial story arc will tie into a more fulfilling resolution. The writers explore this brotherly relationship to convey a broader thematic concept. By the end of the series, you’ll understand the significance of this incest storyline.

It indeed appeared in the narrative, yet the conclusion felt rather underwhelming as it didn’t seem to serve a definitive purpose within the storyline. Moreover, Lochlan seemed troubled throughout, leaving us curious about his background and motivations. For instance, Saxon warned Lochlan against worshipping him, and Lochlan explained his questionable actions towards an inebriated sibling by saying, “I’m a people pleaser” (a statement that raises concerns). However, these events didn’t seem to coalesce into a compelling narrative arc for Lochlan.

In HBO’s post-finale podcast, White described the brothers as personifying two contrasting viewpoints on Buddhism. One character represents someone who yearns for a monastic life, free of desires, believing it to be the ideal way to live. The other character challenges this notion, suggesting that the brother is merely afraid of intimacy and is avoiding life’s responsibilities. Lochlan, the character in question, wants to fulfill both perspectives: he wishes to retreat into a monastic life with his sister while also indulging in worldly pleasures with his brother.

It offers a bit more understanding, yet it’s not clear enough to say, “Ah, now I get it! The purpose and reward for the incestual act is this.

Regarding Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), there weren’t many specific remarks, but some viewers were taken aback that Rick chose to return to the hotel belonging to the man he had just attacked (Scott Glenn). It would have been more pleasant for everyone if Rick had left with Chelsea immediately upon his return. However, staying until their last day seems plausible given Rick’s state of mind. He felt a significant weight lifted off his shoulders and didn’t perceive the person he thought was weak and insignificant as a threat.

However, Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), Gary’s (Jhn Gries) girlfriend, seemed somewhat overlooked after the murder of their vacation companion. One would expect a response from her, given the circumstances.

The Unresolved Mysteries We’re Still Pondering revolve around intentional choices — such as giving Greg a pass, which leaves room for future storylines involving a character who has become the central figure in the show. Allowing the group of resort robbers to escape their crimes was plausible considering Gaitok’s (Tayme Thapthimthong) limited alternatives.

Indeed, there’s curiosity about where Season 4 of the show might take place. On a podcast, White hinted, “For the fourth season, I’d like to move away from the ‘crashing waves against rocks’ setting. However, there’s always space for more murders at the White Lotus resorts.” This implies that White may not be heading back to the beach next time around. Previously, he expressed a desire to steer clear of cold locations, but we’d welcome a change with a chilly Switzerland winter setting, filled with snow, fireplaces, turtlenecks, and perhaps even some avalanches, just to keep things interesting!

To delve deeper into the conclusion of “The White Lotus,” let’s explore each ending in detail. Plus, you can check out some of the actors’ responses to their characters’ outcomes. For a complete White Lotus experience, follow this link.

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2025-04-07 23:25