Same Spirits, New Forms

The White Lotus Season 3 kicks off with Episode 1, bringing a noticeable shift in setting and atmosphere compared to previous seasons. The action moves to a luxury resort in Thailand, introducing a fresh cast of characters. Among them, Mook, a friendly resort employee played by Lalisa Manoban-better known as Lisa from BLACKPINK-stands out. This marks her acting debut, an exciting transition from the music stage to the screen.

However, the tone and pacing of this season feel significantly different. I noticed a slower approach and a darker atmosphere, which may not sit well with longtime fans of the show. It seems to impact the tension and dynamics that made the previous seasons so engaging.

Despite these changes, creator Mike White continues to explore themes of class anxiety, mystery, and death, now set against the stunning backdrop of Thailand. The return of Belinda, the spa manager from Season 1, adds a sense of continuity, though the absence of some beloved characters from earlier seasons is noticeable.

Overall, Episode 1 of The White Lotus Season 3 offers a fresh yet different take on the resort's stories, showcasing both the strengths and challenges of its new narrative direction and cast.

What a start to a season. After not rewatching or even revisiting season 1 or 2, I am happily greeted by an amazing start to season 3. With an eerie beginning, as we can expect, a myriad of characters are introduced and shown in the brightest of lights and the darkest of shadows. Personalities have been born and the baseline has been drawn. "It's time for season 3, strap in and enjoy"

Already I find myself writing the stories for each character in my head and being absolutely certain that my story is the right story, but I know better than that. I will be wrong in some capacity but I will also be right in others.

That is why I love this show and that is why I cannot wait for this season to continue. All I can say is, a fantastic start with what seems to be the perfect cast, per usual, which I'm sure will deliver.

It's White Lotus so obviously the plot will pick up and make for an intriguing story. That said, I found a lot of the dialogue to be like a rehearsal. Lot of lines meant for laughs that fell flat.

In addition, not many super intriguing characters. In seasons past, many had loads of charisma and it made for riveting TV. This year, 20 minutes in I thought, is that it? Lot of seemingly one dimensional people.

For example, older bro from Duke could be good, but they make him a caricature of a douche and even a creep, makes him less of a real person. Or the blond friend who keeps complimenting the famous one. Ok we get it, she's pretentious! Or how about the employee from season one? Mm mm not today nuh uh sista. Like..... *sigh*

I'm not giving up of course. It was still a good hour of tv. Just not to the standard we've come to expect.

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.

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.