Same Spirits, New Forms

The White Lotus season 3 premiere did not disappoint! Everything I love about the show is here. The slow building tension, the sharp and awkward social dynamics, and that feeling that something is just OFF beneath all the luxury. Right from the start, the relationships feel well established, and you can tell things are going to unravel in the best (or worst) way possible.

Thailand looks absolutely stunning, as does the hotel. The cinematography, soundtrack, and overall vibe - all perfect. The episode immediately pulls you in and makes you feel like you're there, which is something this show always does so well.

I saw a lot of buzz online about Lisa joining the cast, and I was honestly expecting to be let down since hype usually leads to disappointment. But she's great! I saw Grace Randolph's tweet, and after she gave positive comments on these actresses, I was especially curious about Lisa and Aimee's performances. Have to say they both delivered, and the whole cast is already bringing such strong energy.

Also, from the very first episode, you can tell something is going to happen with the siblings. It's HBO MAX, so nothing really shocks me at this point (Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon).

Overall, a strong opener, and I can't wait to see where this season takes us!

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.

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.

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.

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!