A new season of White Lotus has started, and people have some things to say. The first season of White Lotus premiered on HBO in July 2021 with six episodes. Mike White is the creator, director, and writer of this series.
The first season of White Lotus takes place in Hawaii and follows the lives of staff and guests at a tropical resort. The cast did not disappoint, with Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Sydney Sweeney, and Molly Shannon. The first season of White Lotus was a hit and received 11 Emmy nominations. So, Mike White wrote a second season.
The second season of White Lotus takes place in Sicily. It was filmed at the Four Seasons, providing a serene, luxurious backdrop. The second season came out in October 2022 and had seven episodes. The cast for the second season had a familiar face from season 1, with the return of Jennifer Coolidge. But many new faces were added: Meghann Fahy, F. Murray Abraham, Aubrey Plaza, and Tom Hollander were just a few of the new additions to the cast.
The first and second seasons of White Lotus were so fun to watch, and I was excited to see what the third season had in store for us.
This season takes place in Thailand and features Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, and more. This season has eight episodes, which is more than the previous season.
The first episode kicks off on a weird note. It opens with the first scene, a hotel guest in a mediation session that is suddenly interrupted by screams and gunshots. Immediately, this had a different vibe than all other episodes.
As the episode goes on, we are introduced to new characters. On the boat, we meet the Ratliff family. A typical Southern family, children with manners (they are brats) and parents with the appearance of a perfect marriage (it’s a struggle). They have traveled to this retreat in support of their daughter Piper’s school project.
Along with the Ratliff family, a couple is on board: Rick and Chelsea. Chelsea used to teach yoga, but now she spends her time traveling. Rick seems to only be attending this retreat to please Chelsea, who is much younger. As one would assume, the Ratliffs judge these two the whole time.
While the passengers are busy judging the other passengers, Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie are busy secretly judging each other. The childhood best friends are all living vastly different lives, with Jaclyn being the envy of them all: a TV actor. She paid for the other girls to go on the trip, if that gives you a sense of her: kind and giving, but wants you to say thank you. A LOT. They seem distant from each other, but they want to ignore that and just have fun.
The last one on the boat is Belinda, who returns from Season 1 and is at the resort for three months to research how to improve healing. I am unsure of her role this season, but I know Mike White wouldn’t bring her back without a good reason. Gary/ Greg, who is played by Jon Gries also returns, and we are unsure of what will happen with him.
The characters this season are the typical blueprint for a season of White Lotus. People with complicated yet relatable dynamics are so entertaining to watch.
As this season progresses, I cannot wait to see what unfolds on this island. The guests always arrive unassuming and blissful, but as the days go o,n they become more aware of everything around them and realize everything is not quite like it seems.
I have now finished season three of the White Lotus, and all I have to say is wow. Mike White has done it again.
