I love the prediction that Haley Lu Richardson might return. I wonder if Leo Wodall would also make an interesting character to bring back considering he escaped the shootout on the yacht. Chelsea and Rick meeting their fate is so heartbreaking but at the same time it felt earned. Chelsea is such an uplifting character and yet I wonder if her insights into others and belief in herself was misguided since her conclusive nature left little room for her to contemplate whether or not she was wrong. Also, I never would have thought at the start of the season that Saxon would see such a redemptive arc.
Cannot wait for the fourth season. I think Mike White has stated that he does not want to see a season set in a snowy climate but I think it would be a great break of pace from the beachside setting the other seasons have enjoyed. Then again maybe having the show set in America with tourists from around the world would be another interesting change of pace.
Just had this discussion with my husband. Is WATER a key element of a White Lotus hotel? Or just the White Lotus show? Does it matter? Do we need the ocean? Would love to see a dramatically different location!
Amanda, were you in my house? I literally just had the same convo with my hubby. I want cold, winter Alps and ski lifts. Maybe the intro scene (fast forward) gives us a face plant in the snow half way down the slope. Strands of hair are revealed at the edge of the victim’s hat, just enough for us to know the victim has hair. And to rule out Greg/Gary
Ohhhhh or of water is so important there are a few great mountain lakes in the alps that could make for a gorgeous luxury setting. Now I'm sold on the idea of a winter ski resort White Lotus
Yes yes! Get us to the Alps, please! Luxury in the snow! An avalanche?! Maybe I've read too much Ruth Ware... (Because I am basically imagining the plot of One by One.)
Yes, same wavelength. I was envisioning the same book. I loved that book! But I’m a fool for any of the variations of “And then there were none” variety. Lucy Foley is a favorite ❤️
And Then There Were None is Christie's greatest in my opinion. I could read it every day and never get bored. I must be honest and say I have never read any Lucy Foley but sounds like I must!
I'm heartbroken about Chelsea's death and mostly mad at Rick. He let hate guide him and he totally forgot to see what love was right in front of him. I still hate Saxon more than Rick though so I don't think I would have wanted Chelsea to end up with him either 😅. I don't know he was just so douchey he would need a 3 season redeeming arc for me to consider liking him.
It was a pretty strong final overall. My only complaint for this season was the lack of strong hotel staff storyline. I feel other seasons had some great characters in the staff but this season was meh.
Good review. I would say though..... 1. This was by far the weakest season so far, so much so, that I'm not sure I'm up for another one. 2. Gary is totally misunderstood, just because he was in a photo in season 2 doesn't necessarily means that he was behind Tanya's death. Also, he is a rational, cool guy, who makes good decisions- like paying people off instead of paying to off people, which I'm sure he could have easily done.
I enjoyed this season. It moved a bit slow but there were some great surprises along the way (the "incest," Sam Rockwell, the revelation of who Rick's father really was, the "pina coladas"... It was good television, if not completely realistic (I love how soon the resort is up and running after the events in this episode!) I'd imagine someone from the first three seasons will be back for the season 4. Maybe Belinda and her spa? How about seeing what Quinn has been up to since season 1?
That's quite an accomplishment. Come back once you digest. It's a lot to process. I had the feeling after watching it that I wouldn't be able to sleep without writing everything I was holding back. It helped!
I think some of my favourite moments were discursive rather than action-packed, eg ep 3 (I think), when the three girlfriends realise one of them voted for T•••p! Frank's epic monologue about autogynephilia (and Rick's facial reaction to it). Laurie confessing how sad she's felt all week (final episode). Lochlan's deeply awkward conversation with older brother Saxon (final episode): "I'm a pleaser."
It's no bad thing to have quiet revelations, when so much else on TV is noisy and obvious.
I thought the reason Tim Ratcliff's 'Things are about to change' comment on the boat didn't get an instant reaction from anyone in the family is because they were all realising simultaneously what he meant as they switched on their phones and saw their incoming messages!
Enjoyed your review, Beth. Although I must say that I was rooting for the monkeys--who were wiser than every character except Chelsea -- to decide they couldn't take it anymore, go on a rampage, and grab a gun.
This is all on point, as per usual with your posts! I’ve seen a lot of criticism about the show’s slow pace until the final episode, but I think that actually ties into its theme of spirituality. Most characters (maybe not Parker Posey, as she seems to live in a state of funny numbness) are on a path of self-discovery. They are trying to understand who they are, improve their lives, or confront unresolved issues. Even when it happens unconsciously, like with Saxon, who by the end opens himself up to Chelsea’s teachings (as you rightly pointed out). Similar to a spiritual journey, all the main characters experience some form of “spiritual” release by the end, whether it’s through death, unexpected financial gain, or simply accepting life and its challenges as they are. They all have a “spiritual” breaking point in their story. Not sure if I’m explaining this right.
Following up on my note, I also felt a lack of character development and some clumsy writing. I find it frustrating that Chelsea, one of the most interesting characters to explore, serves only as Rick's love interest. The friends trio was an opportunity to showcase how old friendship dynamics change over time but, in my view, the porch gossip and Carrie Coon’s final speech weren’t enough. Regarding the Ratliffs, was it really that hard to figure out who stole the Lorazepam? But hey, who am I to judge Mike White’s creative choices? 😇
Why is every critic assuming that Piper changed her mind because she suddenly didn’t like the conditions there? It is obvious to me from the interaction with Lochlan that she let go of her dream in order to protect her little brother who would have insisted to come with her. She then gives a superficial reason to please her mother. Her character is actually the only one who keeps their moral integrity.
I have so many thoughts! But to narrow it down, I didn’t buy how the trio came together at the end—it felt unearned (Carrie was amazing of course). Rick is definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed and how did the Ratliffs even finish their vacation if the feds seized their assets and froze the credit cards?! And MBA student Zion, the $5 mill should have been put in an offshore account not in Belinda’s checking! (Ok the last 2 are nitpicky but this is how my brain works)
- 100% The Blonde Blob's reconciliation was unearned, even if that speech earns Carrie Coon a well-deserved Emmy
- Even in the end, despite Tim's renewed zest for life and his impassioned boat speech to his family about sticking together, I still thought he might jump off the boat and do a runner
- Zion's arrogance and misguided goodwill toward his mom nearly cost them their lives, IMHO, or at least gotten Belinda's identity sold to the highest bidder. What was he thinking, giving Greg/Gary his mother's bank information? Also, yeah, silly move to deposit it all into her bank account in one lump sum. That won't set off any red flags!
- The idea of fate vs choice has been on my mind today, weighing heavily. Carrie Coon's Laurie being told she makes bad choices by Jaclyn. She puts herself in the situations she's in (it doesn't happen to her), which made me also reconsider Chelsea putting herself in a not great situation with Rick by making a series of decisions which brought her closer to him, an unstable and reckless guy. So is it fate? Doesn't feel like it.
Oh yes Carrie Coon will definitely get an Emmy for that. I just feel like Mike really needs a writers room. I was like Zion why are you just giving your mom’s personal info out like that!! Now the IRS is gonna be onto them, too. That is a very interesting question you pose! And Lochy’a brush with death via poisoned smoothie, fate he lived?
I love the prediction that Haley Lu Richardson might return. I wonder if Leo Wodall would also make an interesting character to bring back considering he escaped the shootout on the yacht. Chelsea and Rick meeting their fate is so heartbreaking but at the same time it felt earned. Chelsea is such an uplifting character and yet I wonder if her insights into others and belief in herself was misguided since her conclusive nature left little room for her to contemplate whether or not she was wrong. Also, I never would have thought at the start of the season that Saxon would see such a redemptive arc.
Cannot wait for the fourth season. I think Mike White has stated that he does not want to see a season set in a snowy climate but I think it would be a great break of pace from the beachside setting the other seasons have enjoyed. Then again maybe having the show set in America with tourists from around the world would be another interesting change of pace.
Just had this discussion with my husband. Is WATER a key element of a White Lotus hotel? Or just the White Lotus show? Does it matter? Do we need the ocean? Would love to see a dramatically different location!
Amanda, were you in my house? I literally just had the same convo with my hubby. I want cold, winter Alps and ski lifts. Maybe the intro scene (fast forward) gives us a face plant in the snow half way down the slope. Strands of hair are revealed at the edge of the victim’s hat, just enough for us to know the victim has hair. And to rule out Greg/Gary
Ohhhhh or of water is so important there are a few great mountain lakes in the alps that could make for a gorgeous luxury setting. Now I'm sold on the idea of a winter ski resort White Lotus
Yes yes! Get us to the Alps, please! Luxury in the snow! An avalanche?! Maybe I've read too much Ruth Ware... (Because I am basically imagining the plot of One by One.)
Yes, same wavelength. I was envisioning the same book. I loved that book! But I’m a fool for any of the variations of “And then there were none” variety. Lucy Foley is a favorite ❤️
And Then There Were None is Christie's greatest in my opinion. I could read it every day and never get bored. I must be honest and say I have never read any Lucy Foley but sounds like I must!
I'm heartbroken about Chelsea's death and mostly mad at Rick. He let hate guide him and he totally forgot to see what love was right in front of him. I still hate Saxon more than Rick though so I don't think I would have wanted Chelsea to end up with him either 😅. I don't know he was just so douchey he would need a 3 season redeeming arc for me to consider liking him.
It was a pretty strong final overall. My only complaint for this season was the lack of strong hotel staff storyline. I feel other seasons had some great characters in the staff but this season was meh.
Good review. I would say though..... 1. This was by far the weakest season so far, so much so, that I'm not sure I'm up for another one. 2. Gary is totally misunderstood, just because he was in a photo in season 2 doesn't necessarily means that he was behind Tanya's death. Also, he is a rational, cool guy, who makes good decisions- like paying people off instead of paying to off people, which I'm sure he could have easily done.
But yeah, not a great season...
I enjoyed this season. It moved a bit slow but there were some great surprises along the way (the "incest," Sam Rockwell, the revelation of who Rick's father really was, the "pina coladas"... It was good television, if not completely realistic (I love how soon the resort is up and running after the events in this episode!) I'd imagine someone from the first three seasons will be back for the season 4. Maybe Belinda and her spa? How about seeing what Quinn has been up to since season 1?
Saving to read later!!
Very glad I managed not to read a word of this before watching, Beth!
Great finale to a rather slow, almost sleepy series. I’m too shell shocked to make any predictions. Need to sleep on it!
That's quite an accomplishment. Come back once you digest. It's a lot to process. I had the feeling after watching it that I wouldn't be able to sleep without writing everything I was holding back. It helped!
I think some of my favourite moments were discursive rather than action-packed, eg ep 3 (I think), when the three girlfriends realise one of them voted for T•••p! Frank's epic monologue about autogynephilia (and Rick's facial reaction to it). Laurie confessing how sad she's felt all week (final episode). Lochlan's deeply awkward conversation with older brother Saxon (final episode): "I'm a pleaser."
It's no bad thing to have quiet revelations, when so much else on TV is noisy and obvious.
I thought the reason Tim Ratcliff's 'Things are about to change' comment on the boat didn't get an instant reaction from anyone in the family is because they were all realising simultaneously what he meant as they switched on their phones and saw their incoming messages!
Enjoyed your review, Beth. Although I must say that I was rooting for the monkeys--who were wiser than every character except Chelsea -- to decide they couldn't take it anymore, go on a rampage, and grab a gun.
This is all on point, as per usual with your posts! I’ve seen a lot of criticism about the show’s slow pace until the final episode, but I think that actually ties into its theme of spirituality. Most characters (maybe not Parker Posey, as she seems to live in a state of funny numbness) are on a path of self-discovery. They are trying to understand who they are, improve their lives, or confront unresolved issues. Even when it happens unconsciously, like with Saxon, who by the end opens himself up to Chelsea’s teachings (as you rightly pointed out). Similar to a spiritual journey, all the main characters experience some form of “spiritual” release by the end, whether it’s through death, unexpected financial gain, or simply accepting life and its challenges as they are. They all have a “spiritual” breaking point in their story. Not sure if I’m explaining this right.
Following up on my note, I also felt a lack of character development and some clumsy writing. I find it frustrating that Chelsea, one of the most interesting characters to explore, serves only as Rick's love interest. The friends trio was an opportunity to showcase how old friendship dynamics change over time but, in my view, the porch gossip and Carrie Coon’s final speech weren’t enough. Regarding the Ratliffs, was it really that hard to figure out who stole the Lorazepam? But hey, who am I to judge Mike White’s creative choices? 😇
Why is every critic assuming that Piper changed her mind because she suddenly didn’t like the conditions there? It is obvious to me from the interaction with Lochlan that she let go of her dream in order to protect her little brother who would have insisted to come with her. She then gives a superficial reason to please her mother. Her character is actually the only one who keeps their moral integrity.
I have so many thoughts! But to narrow it down, I didn’t buy how the trio came together at the end—it felt unearned (Carrie was amazing of course). Rick is definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed and how did the Ratliffs even finish their vacation if the feds seized their assets and froze the credit cards?! And MBA student Zion, the $5 mill should have been put in an offshore account not in Belinda’s checking! (Ok the last 2 are nitpicky but this is how my brain works)
These are great. Thanks for sharing
- 100% The Blonde Blob's reconciliation was unearned, even if that speech earns Carrie Coon a well-deserved Emmy
- Even in the end, despite Tim's renewed zest for life and his impassioned boat speech to his family about sticking together, I still thought he might jump off the boat and do a runner
- Zion's arrogance and misguided goodwill toward his mom nearly cost them their lives, IMHO, or at least gotten Belinda's identity sold to the highest bidder. What was he thinking, giving Greg/Gary his mother's bank information? Also, yeah, silly move to deposit it all into her bank account in one lump sum. That won't set off any red flags!
- The idea of fate vs choice has been on my mind today, weighing heavily. Carrie Coon's Laurie being told she makes bad choices by Jaclyn. She puts herself in the situations she's in (it doesn't happen to her), which made me also reconsider Chelsea putting herself in a not great situation with Rick by making a series of decisions which brought her closer to him, an unstable and reckless guy. So is it fate? Doesn't feel like it.
Oh yes Carrie Coon will definitely get an Emmy for that. I just feel like Mike really needs a writers room. I was like Zion why are you just giving your mom’s personal info out like that!! Now the IRS is gonna be onto them, too. That is a very interesting question you pose! And Lochy’a brush with death via poisoned smoothie, fate he lived?
I kind of want to watch all three seasons all over again! This wasn’t the best season, but that finale was incredible.
Not reading this, since I haven't watched it yet 😀 But also wish I could read it 😄