Comedy. Drama. Satire. The White Lotus is a week-long adventure capturing the stories of both guests and employees of luxury hotels. The third season explores the rich culture of Thailand, but of course, the interest doesn’t stop with the warmth of Thai hospitality and the country’s vistas. The Emmy award-winning show also touches on terrible tourist behavior, a lack of regard for local custom in favor of personal drama, and the relatable dynamic of a three-woman friendship, including the ugly jealousy that comes with comparing one another.
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Western Tourist Culture
The White Lotus is already known for its recurring themes of white privilege and colonialism, and this season is no different. Throw in personal drama to the mix and it’s a recipe for (entertaining) disaster.
From the first episode alone, Rick Hatchet, Walton Goggins’ character was dismissive of the hotel staff and Thai customs, refusing to accept the hotel’s welcome token upon his arrival. The wealthy Ratcliff family was also dismissive, nonchalant, and even outright disrespectful about Buddhism and its spiritual practices. The older brother Saxon Ratcliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger) described Buddhists as “people that want to suppress in life. They’re afraid, don’t get attached, don’t have desires, don’t even try. Just sit there in a lotus position with a thumb up their ass.” This scene alone was infuriating and disgusting to watch, so do remind yourself that this is fiction, no matter how realistic it seems.
The Gem That is Thailand
Following the first two seasons set in Hawaii and Sicily, the show finally found its way to Asia—to the gem that is Thailand. Abundant in natural beauty and rich in history and customs, the third season made sure to showcase cultural and spiritual practices in all its Thai glory. Thailand is also rich in talent with native actors Lalisa Manoban, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Patravedi Mejudhon joining the cast.
Having this mix of geography, culture, and people as the setting, it is baffling how the show’s characters were too caught up with their issues. Yes, even with the beauty around them. The staff constantly encourages their guests to meditate and pray, to try and get in touch with their spirituality. After all, the White Lotus this season is not just your regular luxury hotel, it’s a wellness resort—one that is guided by philosophy and ancient practices to help each guest target their health goals. Unsurprisingly, most of the guests were uninterested in participating in these practices. Expect a lot more disrespect, fetishization, and even cultural appropriation in the coming episodes. Don’t even be surprised.
The Trio Friendship Dynamic
This season, The White Lotus likewise explores the dynamic of a trio friendship with long-time friends Kate (Leslie Bibb), Laurie (Carie Coon), and the TV star Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan). Laurie and Jaclyn have always had a simmering rivalry growing up, always needing to one-up one another. Kate, on the other hand, straddles the sides, even feeds fuel into the flames.
Without warning and proper communication, trios could end up toxic and messy, just like what happened in the first few episodes. It’s a dynamic that, at some point, we may have personally experienced. The jealousy that arises when two of them are talking without you, the tension between two competing friends, even the growing envy of each other’s success, which leads to gossiping and backstabbing. This toxic trio is all too familiar, and no matter how funny and annoying they are, it’s why we sit up and pay attention to when their characters come up on screen.
Whether you’re watching for the hype, for BLACKPINK Lisa, or a hankering for a trip to our Southeast Asian neighbor, we all have to admit that The White Lotus has us hooked, and for good reason. If you haven’t had the chance to catch an episode, you’re missing out.
Featured Image and Photos: FABIO LOVINO/HBO
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