Given how slow I’ve been watching new seasons of shows that I actually really like, I’m quite proud of myself for only waiting three days to start up this third season of The White Lotus.
Even though I’m not usually a binge-watcher, I thought there might be a chance, so that is why I waited to start watching until all eight episodes had aired. I also had some extra motivation to watch this season since I myself have just been to Thailand in the last five months. So cool! I have also been learning Thai for over a year, so I was excited to see how much of the Thai dialogue I could pick up. The answer is about thirty percent. I’ll take it. It is a complex and quick language that has almost nothing in common with English. And I’m old. Retaining information is hard.
But gosh, seeing some familiar spots throughout the eight episodes really had me missing that experience. Thankfully, I went in the “winter,” so it wasn’t sweltering like I imagine it was for most of their filming. Poor Walton Goggins really looked like he was going through it the whole season, and I feel like part of that was not baked into his character. I recognized some major tourist spots, like Phang Nga Bay and Wat Arun. Even though they are popular tourist spots, it’s still crazy to me that I had been standing there in the fall!
Speaking of characters, we had some real fun ones this season. First there was a trio of longtime best friends, Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie, who are all their on Jaclyn’s dime, given that she’s a well-known actress. Then there is oddball pair Rick and Chelsea. Rick is there to seek some vengeance, while Chelsea is committed to convincing Rick that they are soulmates. Then there is the Ratliff family. They are stupid wealthy, but all of that might come crashing down when patriarch, Tim, learns that he’s maybe getting busted for fraudulent activity he helped get off the ground a long time ago. Finally, we have two returning characters from prior seasons. Greg sneaks his way back in, which causes a huge scare for Belinda, who’s in Thailand to learn from the staff at this White Lotus location.
It will be hard to talk about most of the cast without going into too many details, so I’ll leave that bit of fun for you. Yes, there are super awkward interactions, and there is of course a murder…or more. The show itself is hysterical, as the other two seasons proved to be, but it’s also so awkward seeing these typical tourists trying to fit into a world that is so different culturally from America. And for them to not even really try themselves. The Thai cast was a little lacking, but security guard Gaitok and childhood friend, Mook, are too cute in scenes together. Mook will also catch people’s eye as Lisa from Blackpink which is a super fun addition! I personally was a fan of Belinda’s mentor, Pornchai – what a looker!
As long as I could guarantee none of the chaos that happens at White Lotus, I’d love to stay at these fictional resorts. Though it sounds like I just need to add Ko Samui’s Four Seasons to my future bucket list. What a beautiful place! I know how insanely popular this show is, but if by chance you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time!