Same Spirits, New Forms

Absolutely loved the first season of this show. What made it for me was how real the characters felt, even when they were over the top. I am worried that as the show progresses, the characters are becoming caricatures of themselves.

Some scenes in this first episode felt very hard to believe. Zion praying to the buddha statue and Jesus while under active gunfire? The Ratcliffe mom rattling off bibliographic information about the family as soon as she encounters the hotel manager? Saxon saying that music gives him a better pump at the gym? These scenes make me feel like I am watching a cheap Hallmark movie as opposed to the more subtle and pointed satire that I have come to expect from the show.

I am hopeful that the rest of the season will be better.

The first few minutes of the premiere episode this season are more action packed than the norm but after that, it's time to get comfy and wait for the slow build-up.

Characters are introduced and seem to have potential. The smug, well-off couple with their perfect teen/young-adult children. Three "cougar" friends on the prowl.

The mismatched couple who seem on edge. Belinda, back from season one, who I hope will emerge as the center around which the story will build. And of course the local staff, who hopefully will have an Armond in their midst.

The main attraction here is the star power, staring with Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs and the Governator's kid. With acting at that high of a caliber, and gorgeous locations, I can be patient about the story revealing itself.

WHERE IS THE FRICKING INTRO SONG????!??

I can't believe they decided to ditch the iconic theme that has defined the show. It's one of the most recognizable parts of The White Lotus, and its absence really threw me off in this first episode of season 3. That being said, the episode itself was solid. The setting is as stunning as ever, and the casting continues to be top-notch. The storyline is intriguing, and I'm excited to see where it goes. Overall, a great start to the season, and I'm hoping the show can maintain that unique charm moving forward.

This should meet your needs while keeping the focus on your thoughts!

At this point, this show has the same formula for the first episode of the season, and this one didn't deviate. The problem I have with these initial episodes is that they introduce the characters but don't progress the story as much as I hoped. The introduction also teases the shocking conclusion of the season, so I'm looking forward to it. So far, all three groups aren't appealing but I know it takes time. The Ratliff family seems boring and predictable, but there are some hints of family tension. The three middle-aged women haven't done too much for me but you can tell Laurie is jealous of the other two. Rick and Chelsea don't seem like a good match, so I'm not sure where their story is going. It's cool to see Belinda back, but I'm not sure why she's there yet, and seeing Greg is haunting. Beautiful setting, though. 3/5 stars.

"The White Lotus" S3 E1 transports viewers to the stunningly beautiful yet spiritually charged island of Koh Samui, Thailand. While the episode introduces a new cast of characters and sets the stage for another season of intrigue and dark humor, it lacks the immediate captivating energy of its predecessors.

The episode establishes the familiar formula of the series, showcasing a group of wealthy and privileged guests arriving at the luxurious White Lotus resort, each carrying their own baggage and hidden agendas. The introduction of the characters, including a dysfunctional family, a group of college friends, and a mysterious loner, hints at the potential for complex relationships and dramatic conflicts.

The cinematography is as breathtaking as ever, capturing the beauty of the Thai landscape and the opulence of the resort with stunning visuals. The soundtrack, a blend of traditional Thai music and contemporary sounds, adds to the show's unique atmosphere.

However, the episode's pacing feels somewhat slow, and the characters, while intriguing, haven't yet fully grabbed the viewer's attention. The humor, a signature element of the series, is present but less biting and satirical than in previous seasons.

The episode's ending, while hinting at potential danger and mystery, lacks the shocking impact of the previous season premieres. It leaves you with a sense of anticipation, but also a lingering question: will this season be able to recapture the magic and captivating energy of its predecessors?

Overall, "The White Lotus" S3 E1 is a decent start to a new season, offering a fresh setting and intriguing characters. However, it lacks the immediate spark and captivating energy that made the previous seasons so compelling. Hopefully, the upcoming episodes will delve deeper into the characters' complexities and deliver the sharp social commentary and dark humor that the series is known for.