A Luxury Hotel Where the Familiar Meets the Exotic
In the world of luxury travel, there’s a delicate balance between the exotic allure of new destinations and the comforting familiarity of high-end amenities. A five-star resort, no matter how remote or culturally rich its location, promises certain constants: crisp linens, attentive staff, and opulent spas. This duality is at the heart of The White Lotus, Mike White’s critically acclaimed HBO anthology series. Season 3 of the show, set in the lush surroundings of Koh Samui, Thailand, offers a fresh backdrop but stays true to the familiar themes and character types that have come to define the series. The result is a cringingly comic, occasionally murderous, and always thought-provoking exploration of privilege, identity, and human frailty.
The Handsome Jerk Due for a Reckoning
Every season of The White Lotus features a character so obnoxious, so blinded by privilege, that audiences can’t help but wait for their inevitable downfall. In Season 1, it was Shane, the entitled mama’s boy played by Jake Lacy. Season 2 brought Cameron, the smarmy but clueless financier portrayed by Theo James. For Season 3, Patrick Schwarzenegger steps into the role of Saxon, a self-absorbed finance bro who turns up his nose at local cuisine in favor of protein shakes and bemoans the lack of a “happy ending” during his massage. Saxon is the kind of character who seems to embody every conceivable form of entitlement, and yet, as is often the case with White’s creations, his comeuppance is far from guaranteed.
The Uptight Workaholic Having a Bad Time
NICOLE, the high-strung femmepreneur from Season 1, and Harper, the chronically stressed employment lawyer from Season 2, both struggled to unplug in their respective White Lotus locales. This season, Jason Isaacs’s Timothy takes the cake as the workaholic having the worst time. A financier from North Carolina accused of financial misconduct, Timothy spends his days sweating through panicked phone calls and flirting with suicidal—and even murderous—thoughts. His journey is a stark reminder of how splintered work-life balance and unchecked ambition can lead even the most privileged individuals to the brink of collapse.
The Esteemed Character Actor Undergoing Existential Torment
Each season of The White Lotus features a deeply troubled character whose inner turmoil often overshadows their outward charm. In Season 1, Steve Zahn’s Mark grappled with the power dynamics in his marriage. Season 2 introduced Michael Imperioli’s Dominic, a man wrestling with sex addiction. Now, Walton Goggins’s Rick takes center stage as the enigmatic and bitter boyfriend of a yoga instructor. Rick’s existential angst seems tied to the death of his father, and his true motives for the trip remain unclear. Is he seeking vengeance, or is he simply lost? Whatever the case, his presence adds another layer of complexity to the White Lotus’s already tangled web of characters.
The Resort Manager With Secret Desires
The staff of the White Lotus are often just as fascinating—and flawed—as the guests they serve. In the first two seasons, resort managers like Armond and Valentina harbored secret desires, often of a romantic or sexual nature. Season 3’s manager, Fabian (Christian Friedel), has different aspirations. His hopes are tied to show business rather than the bedroom, but that doesn’t make him any less intriguing. Fabian’s storyline serves as a reminder that even those behind the check-in desk have their own dramas and ambitions, adding another dimension to the show’s exploration of luxury and power.
The Resort Worker With Dreams of More
One of the most compelling aspects of The White Lotus is its focus on the workers who keep the resort running, often under the radar of the pampered guests. In Season 1, Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda hoped to open her own spa—a dream she still clings to in Season 3. Season 2’s Mia, a sex worker with aspirations of becoming a lounge singer, traded her services for a chance to perform. This season introduces Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), a security guard with a crush on a colleague and a longing to prove his bravery. If the season’s opening gunshots are any indication, Gaitok’s opportunity for heroism—or tragedy—may be just around the corner.
The Friend Who Secretly Hates Their Wealthy Friend
Friendships rarely survive a stay at the White Lotus. In Season 1, Paula and Olivia’s relationship crumbled under the weight of privilege and resentment. Season 2 saw Ethan and Cameron’s friendship fracture, with both men emerging the worse for wear. This season, Laurie (Carrie Coon) and Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) take center stage as childhood friends turned uneasy travel companions. Laurie resents Jaclyn’s wealth and fame, while Kate (Leslie Bibb), the third wheel of their trio, harbors her own grievances. As the dynamics between these women unfold, it becomes clear that even the most seemingly idyllic friendships can’t withstand the pressures of luxury and перет года.
The Ingénue Questioning Her Choices
White’s sympathy for his youngest characters—and particularly his young women—is one of the show’s most endearing qualities. In Season 1, Alexandra Daddario’s newlywed Rachel began to question her marriage. Season 2’s Portia, Haley Lu Richardson’s wide-eyed personal assistant, reevaluated her professional life. Season 3 introduces two women at crossroads: Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), a pert yogini, and Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), a budding Buddhist. Both are grappling with the expectations placed upon them and the paths they’ve chosen. Their journeys serve as a poignant reminder that even in the most luxurious of settings, self-discovery is often the greatest luxury of all.
The Callow Boy Who Might Just Become an OK Man
Quinn, the idealistic but aimless young man from Season 1, and Albie, the well-meaning but naive romantica from Season 2, both represented the possibility of redemption in a world of Entitledています. This season, Sam Nivola’s Lochlan steps into that role. A son of privilege with a focus on personal wellness—and improving his posture—Lochlan seems like the perfect candidate for a White Lotus transformation. Will he stand up to his brother, the odious Saxon, or will he retreat into the comfort of his family’s power? Only time will tell, but for now, there’s hope that Lochlan might just turn out to be one of the first truly OK men in the White Lotus’s universe.
