The fourth episode of The White Lotus Season 3, directed and written by Mike White, continues the show’s exploration of privilege and human dysfunction.
The episode begins with Jaclyn, eager for a change of scenery, dragging the group to a neighboring resort on Valentin’s suggestion. Her attempt to capture the energetic, youthful vibe she hoped for falls flat, as the resort is a lackluster substitute. Meanwhile, on Chloe’s boyfriend’s luxury yacht, Piper reveals a significant life update to her family. Rick also has a pivotal moment with Chelsea, opening up more about his past.
While these moments provide some character development and good performances, they don’t fully coalesce into an interesting narrative. The episode occasionally feels bogged down by unremarkable plotlines, with characters like Gaitok struggling to leave a lasting impression. Though he means well, his anxiety and ineffectiveness make him more of a comedic distraction than a truly compelling figure.
A key issue persists from earlier in the season: the lack of a strong central figure. In previous seasons, characters like Armond and Valentina anchored the show, offering a mix of sharp wit, emotional complexity, and chaotic energy. These characters had a unique ability to balance personal crises and the demands of managing a resort while keeping the audience intrigued. Unfortunately, the void left by such strong personalities continues to be felt in Season 3. Without a central character like this to drive the plot, the show struggles to maintain the same level of tension and intrigue.
While there’s still potential for the season to turn around, the episode reinforces the feeling that the series is still finding its footing. It’s clear that the formula is somewhat worn, with the show leaning heavily on familiar dynamics and tropes rather than pushing boundaries. The result is an episode that, while entertaining at times, doesn’t quite hit the highs fans expect from The White Lotus.
Rating: 6/10