Critics’ Conversation: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Finale Was a Downer. Was It Also a Series Low Point?

by

Warning: This post reveals details about the final episode of the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus. Essentially, it’s just spoilers for that episode. Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched the finale yet.

AS A FAN, I’M SHARING MY THOUGHTS WITH YOU, ANGIE: Hey Angie, since we’ve already delved into a detailed discussion about the incest storyline in this season of The White Lotus, let’s steer clear of that topic here. I’ve been there and experienced it, much like the Ratliff brothers, so to speak.

The reason I find it challenging to give a general response to the finale of “White Lotus” is due to my specific reasons for watching and not watching the show. I watch for the portrayal of privileged exclusivity, self-destructive narcissism, draining wealth, and stunning vacation visuals that I can only dream of experiencing – even though Mike White doesn’t arrange my vacations, he certainly seems to know a thing or two about travel planning given his experience on “The Amazing Race.” Moreover, I watch for Mike White’s sharp dialogue and the exceptional actors who deliver it with the wild enthusiasm of the Ratliff brothers on a drug-fueled spree.

As a gamer, I don’t tune in for the intricate murder mysteries that frame each season, nor do I seek out subtle clues or hidden references related to these mysteries. Unlike some stories that provide satisfying resolutions or joyful conclusions, many of my favorite gaming experiences often leave narratives unresolved, offering instead an exhilarating rollercoaster ride without a clear ending – just like the thrilling escapades with the Ratliff brothers.

As a gamer, last Sunday’s finale felt more like an endurance test than a satisfying conclusion. The 87 minutes of slow-motion suspense, filled with misleading hints about the shooting from the premiere, didn’t seem tailored for me. While it did have its moments of humor, such as Fabian’s dramatic dive into the pond reminding me of Artie’s pool performance in Glee, it was excessively weighty and overly dramatic. Every scene was underscored by an overwhelming choral score and intercut with shots of monkeys and monks, making it feel more like a cinematic marathon than a gripping narrative.

During the final episode, when it seemed like nearly half the characters might meet their end, I was on the verge of criticizing Mike White for blending his consistent and impressive cynicism with less engaging nihilism. However, at least half of these supposed deaths were misleading, including one character who we watched perish over a lengthy five minutes, only to find out later it was a deceptive plot twist.

To put it simply, while I may not have been thrilled with the ending at first glance, upon reflection, there are aspects of it that resonate more with me. Unfortunately, however, a significant portion of it did not align with what I typically appreciate in the show.

How did you find the finale of The White Lotus, Angie? And did you like how the season’s enigma and its evolving storylines were resolved?

ANGIE HAN: I chuckled when the finale started with the monk’s voiceover, summarizing scenes of our main characters while saying, “It becomes simpler to be patient once we fully understand that there is no conclusion.” In essence, the show is suggesting, “We acknowledge this season has been leisurely paced. However, there’s an inconclusive ending to anticipate!

In a playful manner, I’m agreeing with you that the significant aspects of this series for me are its profound themes, exceptional acting, and stunning visuals. However, we need to revisit the question about the importance placed on character deaths, as it seems to be a recurring element in the storyline so far. Although I didn’t dislike the finale, afterwards, I found myself contemplating whether this ending might not have been the most heartless yet, once the dust settled and the gunfire ceased.

Our protagonists include Rick, who arguably brought about his own predicament due to his relentless pursuit of vengeance; Jim, who inadvertently sparked the chain of events when he left his son years ago… and Chelsea, a character with an exceptionally pure heart, whose only fault lies in her loyalty towards her partner.

To be honest, this final episode felt particularly harsh towards the kind-hearted characters. Farewell to Gaitok’s soul, who found his calling and love, but at the expense of the sweetness that defined him as a remarkable individual and an abysmal guard. Alas, Pornchai’s spa aspirations met their demise, shattered just as resolutely as hers were crushed by Tanya in the first season.

Indeed, Lochlan, the most amiable among the Ratliffs, lives on. However, Tim’s foiled murder-suicide scheme appears far more troubling than anything we’ve witnessed on this series so far. (A side remark: This hotel may want to reconsider the placement of the poisonous tree away from family suites, as it could potentially pose a legal risk.)

In a different phrasing:

The world of “White Lotus” has never been a fair one; Zion’s statement that good things happen to good people seems unfounded, given the events portrayed in the first two seasons of the series itself. However, I can’t help but feel that it hasn’t always been as harsh. It makes me question whether it isn’t merely presenting gloom as depth. If Gaitok and Mook had been more intricate and unique characters throughout, or if Rick and Chelsea’s relationship felt more deeply explored… or if the Ratliffs’ storyline had developed beyond a mere joke, then perhaps it would be different.

Compared to previous seasons, I found myself feeling less emotionally invested in this one and its conclusion, even considering the higher death toll. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if you too felt this ending of our beloved sunny murder mystery series was colder than usual, or is it just me becoming more sentimental?

Eh. I’ll use it anyway.

Concerning emotional detachment, I’ve pondered over it, as mentioned earlier, and I find myself growing fond of this perspective because the finale was almost a parody of extravagant Peak TV endings that seem to require wrapping up resolutions for numerous characters and storylines. In this season, each character received a resolution and a lesson, but the lessons were misguided, and the resolutions proved empty. This is the very point they were trying to make, and this serves as both the lesson and the resolution.

Timothy Ratliff discovered the value of maintaining strong family ties, yet his family is less than ideal, especially Piper, initially portrayed as morally upright, who seems indifferent to seeking wisdom if it doesn’t include premium organic dining options. Belinda prioritized wealth over genuine connections, even if it meant compromising on a sincere relationship with a man whose name hinted at adult content. Gaitok came to understand the significance of prayer and action, only to find himself enamored with a woman who now appears shallow in her affections. Laurie learned the importance of time and friendship, but her friends prove to be unsupportive. Frank experienced his one night of debauchery before returning to religious devotion, suggesting that spirituality permits occasional indulgences. Rick and Chelsea both came to appreciate love, but their journey didn’t end on a positive note.

In their own ways, everyone ended up with something different than what they initially desired, and it turned out that everything they had envisioned was not as it seemed. Even Rick and Chelsea, who thought their relationship would last forever, found that it did, while Rick, despite his quest for revenge, failed to foresee the symbolic nature of Darth Vader avenging his father’s death, as he apparently lacked experience with “Star Wars” movies.

For those who seem to have it all, I’d suggest an experience that mimics contentment and wisdom, a sanitized, luxurious rendition of both. Picture the bliss one finds in a secluded, high-end resort, which gives you the illusion of immersing in foreign lands and cultures, when in reality, you’re mostly confined to a lavish breakfast buffet that feels like a donut tree.

If the finale didn’t stir your emotions, what aspect left you astonished, perplexed, or perhaps even annoyed?

AL: To put it simply, a great breakfast spread can truly bring joy. I couldn’t help but feel proud of Chelsea for snatching a donut on her way to her unsuccessful rescue mission to save her boyfriend. If labeling me as someone like Piper Ratliff, who values delicious meals over spiritual enlightenment, is accurate, then so be it.

Beyond just Chelsea recalling the donut, what truly caught me off guard was the unexpected turn in the girls’ trip plotline. I hadn’t anticipated anything like a heartfelt speech about the essence of life from that angle, but it certainly packed an emotional punch. (It’s no surprise, of course, that Carrie Coon delivers that monologue with such depth and impact.) Throughout the series, these characters have had their ups and downs, seemingly at odds with each other for much of the time — perhaps even going back years. Yet, there’s a powerful sense of camaraderie in the knowledge that they’ve shared so many life experiences together.

Laurie’s honesty may not erase all their disagreements, but it helps them understand the genuine feelings they have for each other at that moment. This is different from the false expressions of affection they’ve used in the past when they’ve claimed to be having a wonderful time, expressing great joy about doing something together, and pretending not to care about minor issues at all.

Laurie’s honesty might not fix all their problems, but it can help them see the real feelings they have for each other instead of the fake expressions they’ve used in the past when they said they were enjoying themselves and didn’t care about small issues.

In my opinion, I would have preferred a more interconnected dialogue between all the storylines within this season of “The White Lotus.” Each installment seems to revolve around a specific theme, but this year’s exploration of death and spirituality appears less concentrated and harmonious to me. Although it is true that each narrative follows roughly similar paths as characters grapple with defining their priorities—be it love, wealth, morals, or personal freedom like Saxon’s—I don’t see how Rick’s story, for instance, became richer by contrasting with Laurie’s, or if the Ratliffs’ journey meaningfully complemented that of Gaitok and Mook.

Later, we ponder over the impact that the choice of location had on the overall narrative of the season. It’s sometimes challenging to determine whether ‘The White Lotus’ is mocking wealthy tourists who fail to appreciate these destinations beyond their own exclusive perspective, or if the show itself is somewhat narrow in its scope.

From one perspective, foreigners often see Thailand as a refuge, a playground, a mystical land brimming with ancient wisdom that has eluded Western societies. Conversely, locals like Gaitok and Mook don’t share this view, but they lack depth and fail to provide significant additional understanding or unique insights about this place. Their only contribution is a vague and unsuccessful adherence to Buddhist nonviolence.

It seems to me that I’m becoming increasingly critical of this current season and its finale compared to my initial feelings. Despite that, I must admit I still found it more enjoyable than not. The more I ponder upon it, the more indecisive I become. Could it be that the formula for White Lotus has reached its end, or did you discover aspects of this season that left you pleasantly surprised and elated?

OR

Initially, I was quite pleased with this season and its finale, but as time goes by, I find myself growing more critical. However, I can’t deny that I still prefer it over not enjoying it. The more I reflect on it, the more uncertain I feel. Do you believe the format for White Lotus has exhausted itself, or did this season offer elements that captivated and amazed you?

Laurie’s speech was convincing, yet I couldn’t believe a word of it myself. However, I found it believable that Carrie Coon was convinced, which appeared to be all the show needed.

These characters often live spontaneously, much like a goldfish doesn’t have a long memory, and while most aren’t overly self-indulgent (Frank seems to be an exception, which makes his exploration of Buddhism questionable), they certainly savor each moment as it comes.

One reason I found myself puzzled by some criticism on social media about the finale was because it seemed odd to many viewers that five characters met a violent, gory end, yet most of the remaining guests appeared relatively unaffected.

If you found it surprising that any of these individuals would mourn the characters played by Scott Glenn (Jim) or the unnamed security guards in this show, or even a mysterious couple whose financial means for this vacation seem questionable to you, then perhaps you were watching a different program. Empathy, a key trait often claimed by many within one of our major political parties, seems to be something they struggle with, even those who identify as “liberals.

As a devoted onlooker, I can confirm that the chilling events unfolded right before my trio of feline friends. Yet, it’s highly unlikely that these majestic cougars will recount this getaway as anything other than their own grand adventure, far from mere bystanders cowering in fear.

Saxon may have felt concern if Chelsea had been intimate with him, but it’s doubtful. It remains unclear what exactly the Ratliffs understood about that final day. Are they aware of the incident involving the shooting? None of them are aware that Timothy attempted to poison them. I’m uncertain if anyone other than Timothy is privy to Lochlan’s near-death experience. As soon as their technology is restored, the children will revert back to being the blind, deaf, and mute monkeys they were in the opening episode.

As a gamer, I’d say, “Though I might have felt it deeply, I’ve got to admit, the wealth I’ve amassed (now standing at $5 million) has its perks. It provides a cushion that separates me from sorrows I don’t share directly.

So “Characters not being traumatized by other people’s trauma” is pretty much the show’s brand.

It seems the main question, apart from discussing if Mike White potentially denied Sam Rockwell a guest acting Emmy win by placing him in the fourth episode, is who from this cast you’d like to see again.” This version aims to maintain the original meaning while making it more natural and easy to read.

In other words, while my response is “the monkeys”, it’s likely that Laurie is the solution in most cases. It appears that White often reintroduces a relatively virtuous female character for the purpose of corrupting her.

It seems Laurie or any other nice woman could be the right choice, but let’s disregard that for now. Instead, let’s recall Fabian. He did say he had a song to share. I’m keen to hear how it unfolds.

Read More

2025-04-08 04:55