The White Lotus Season 3 Review: A Storyline That Will Make You Squirm

The White Lotus Season 3 is dark, twisted, and extremely uncomfortable to watch (but in a good way). The new ensemble cast fits into this world perfectly. It should be noted that this review is based solely on the first six episodes of The White Lotus Season 3.

The White Lotus Season 3 continues the streak of great television. This show is twisted and bizarre, something writer and creator Mike White excels at. As always, this season starts with a murder and then jumps backward in time, allowing the week prior to the death to play out over the course of the episodes. Season 3 is eight episodes, and I have only seen six of them so far.

If I am being totally honest, Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya is missed. She was a staple of the first two seasons and it does seem strange to not have her be a part of Season 3. Of course, there is good reason why this character cannot be in Thailand and that is because, well, she’s dead. Still, there is a little bit of The White Lotus Season 3 that felt off without her. Don’t worry though, there is a whole lot of drama, mystery, and secrets to keep things entertaining and intriguing, though.

After watching six episodes, I still have no idea who dies this season. There are many possibilities that the writing is so brilliantly sprinkling in, so I have remained on the edge of my seat all the way through. Multiple characters could also be the killer because White knows exactly how to tease several different prospects.

Every Storyline In The White Lotus Season 3 Is Interesting

Each and every storyline in The White Lotus Season 3 is interesting. There is the Ratliff family who have a very strange dynamic, one that will have viewers feeling unsettled and uneasy every time they are on screen. Something strange is going on there that I do not want to ruin, but it all comes to a head in episodes five and six in a truly shocking way.

Then we Belinda, who we first met in season one and is now returning in season three. She is unsure why Tanya ghosted her after offering to help her with her own business and is trying to get her confidence back. We also meet her son in this season.

While I cannot discuss much more about what happens with her this season, just know that she has one of the most suspenseful plots that will have those watching rooting for her, but also worried for her. Honestly though, it is lovely to have Natasha Rothwell back in The White Lotus. She is so great as Belinda.

Chelsea and Rick are the most mysterious of the guests at The White Lotus this season. They have a strange relationship and while they know their backstory, viewers do not. These two also have a fair amount of comedic moments, of which there are not many in The White Lotus Season 3. I love their dynamic and easily became invested in their story.

This show has always included a romantic storyline with the employees of the hotel, and of course, season 3 is no exception.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa joins the cast, in her very first acting role, as Mook. It comes as a complete surprise that this is, indeed, the first time she has acted because she is great in this role. Her character has a bit of a love story, which offers some sweet relief amongst all the bizarre and twisted things going on at the hotel.

Even though all of these plot points are fantastic, and I am excited to see how they crossover and bleed into one another at the end of the season, as they often do in The White Lotus, my favorite has to be the friend group. It is very clear that these three are only still friends out of habit at this point, as they often split up with two ranting and complaining, and gossiping about the other. This is something that so many of us can relate to, which makes it interesting and fun to watch.

Overall Thoughts On The White Lotus Season 3

The White Lotus is one of those shows that is very difficult to discuss what works and what doesn’t without getting into spoilers. The season three ensemble cast does a wonderful job of stepping into this world seamlessly while still bringing new and exciting elements to the story. Mike White proves that he is a brilliant writer once again, to no one’s surprise.

There are moments of suspense, humor, and heart, all perfectly woven together in such a way that will keep viewers guessing when it comes to who has died, and who has killed them. It seems like with every episode I change my suspicions, which is what keeps a show like this interesting.

My biggest qualm with The White Lotus Season 3 is the lack of Jennifer Coolidge. She was fantastic as Tanya and I am sad to have her not be involved – even though there is good reason that she isn’t. Still, with Belinda returning, and what she brings with her this season, it feels like Tanya is still represented. At least a little bit.

With just two episodes left, I cannot wait to see how it all plays out. Of course, it could go downhill, but I highly doubt that will happen.

The White Lotus season 3 premieres on February 16 on Max and HBO, with new episodes following weekly.

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About The White Lotus Season 3

An all-star cast head to a resort and unleash their worst, most privileged impulses. The series is a sharp social satire following the exploits of various guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus resort chain, whose stay becomes affected by their various dysfunctions.

A week in the life of vacationers is unravelled as they relax and rejuvenate in paradise. With each passing day, a darker complexity emerges in these picture-perfect travelers, the hotel’s cheerful employees, and the idyllic locale itself.

The White Lotus season 3 premieres on February 16 on Max and HBO, with new episodes following weekly.

80%

80%

The White Lotus Season 3 is dark, twisted, and extremely uncomfortable to watch (but in a good way). The new ensemble cast fits into this world perfectly.

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