The White Lotus has reservations; and not just at the resort. For season three of this popular and award winning series, the reservations are more with the plot. At the time of this post we are five episodes deep and nothing at all has happened. We have been introduced to the characters, been teased with an explosive foreshadow, and had plenty of opportunity to hate – except for a few – these pretentious guests. So what is the point?
Since there is very little in the way of action going on with this season the only thing to discuss are the characters. I am a fan of the show and was quick to nominate and vote in the past. Creator and writer Mike White may be saving it all for the last few episodes, but that is a huge risk when there is so much other stuff vying for our viewing time. For those who have not started the season – waiting for a full on binge – I will not have any spoilers here. Just observations that you may or may not agree with as you watch.
The Ratliff family. These are the ones you expect to find at a resort of this type. Their money has caused them to lose touch with the real world. Their elitist mentality makes them instant villains. They would say what I feel is jealousy. But I assure you it is not. Pity is more like it. Husband Tim (Jason Isaacs), wife Victoria (Parker Posey), and their three kids Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Loch (Sam Nivola) are there at the bequest of daughter Piper. Piper is the only one that is actually likable. She is there to do a thesis on a local Buddhist. She is trying her best to break free of her families materialistic ways. Loch is the youngest and torn between his sister and his over compensating douch-bag brother Saxon. The shining part of all this is the performance of Posey. She oozes southern, conservative personality.
Three best friends are also staying at the Thailand resort. Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie (Carrie Coon) have been friends since school. Their lives have taken different paths, but they still try and stay somewhat close. Jaclyn is a famous actress, Laurie a recently divorced attorney, and Kate a housewife living in all places – gasp – Austin Texas. how she puts up with all those conservative Christians in Texas her Liberal friends can not comprehend.
The most intriguing couple is Rick (Walton Goggins) and his girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood). Rick is struggling with serious demons and is there obviously for more than just a relaxing getaway. Chelsea is the lovable mate who dotes on him regardless if he deserves it and mainly just wants him to relax.
There are a spattering of hotel staff that add to the plot and seem to be ready to play a part when called upon. If ever. For the first five episodes we have simply watched these guests move through their day to day as they struggle with life, hopes, dreams, and past hurts. Maybe Mike White is simply showing how we all deal with pain and struggles differently. How religion and faith can take on many forms. If so, it is subtle. If an explosive ending is coming it better be spectacular. We have waited long enough.
THE WHITE LOTUS is streaming on MAX with new episodes each Sunday.
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