The White Lotus Season 3 DVD Review
The third season of “The White Lotus” takes a slight dip in quality.
Writer/creator Mike White’s hit HBO comedy-drama series “The White Lotus” returns for an 8 episode third season. This time around the story takes place at the Ko Samui, Thailand White Lotus resort. Much like the first two seasons, this is an ensemble story. The characters: A family of 5 led by Timothy (a businessman who is in financial and legal trouble), his materialistic and pampered wife Victoria, and their 3 children Piper, Lochlan and Saxon, Rick (a mystery man seeking vengeance) and his younger British girlfriend Chelsea, a nervous and meek security guard (Gaitok) and a hotel staff member (Mook) that he has a crush on, 3 friends (Kate, Laurie and the movie star Jaclyn) who have a lot to work through, White Lotus owners Sritala and Jim, and a couple of familiar faces with Belinda (who is on a work exchange program) and Greg (the former husband of Tanya). Belinda’s son Zion appears later and Greg has a new girlfriend (a former model named Chloe). Belinda also bonds with and learns from hotel employee Pornchai.
Throughout the season there are key subplots involving a robbery, Piper pondering a stay at the local monastery, Rick meeting with a friend (Frank), and, yes, murder. There are also several storylines taking place outside of the resort such as Rick traveling to Bangkok, Kate, Laurie and Jaclyn partying with Valentin (a Russian hotel employee) and his pals, and a boat trip and party.
After 2 phenomenal seasons, the third season turned out to be a divisive one. It is often said that pacing is everything and that holds true for this season. The pacing is very slow and plodding and the season suffers as a result. You’re left wanting more forward development instead of seeing everything happening in episode 8. Yes, the build-up and calamity in the season finale was worth the wait, but either the show needed to be 1-2 episodes less or there needed to be another more impactful storyline to create more tension and intrigue.
On the plus side, it was nice to see the show take a darker turn. Without delving into spoilers, the season features murder, a planned suicide and murder, incest, and Belinda fearing for her life with Greg around. This might not be for everyone, but it’s nice to see Mike White take some risks all while exploring themes of family, friendship, privilege, ignorance, wealth, and religion. White also heavily digs into Thai culture and symbolism.
The cast is quite massive here with Jason Isaacs, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Walton Goggins, Leslie Bibb, Jon Gries, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and others appearing. Truth be told, the best performance comes from Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea. A star is truly born with her scene stealing performance here. Walton Goggins also shines as the secretive and tortured Rick. Keep your eyes peeled for some surprise appearances by Scott Glenn, Sam Rockwell, and the voice of Ke Huy Quan.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? This is a solid DVD transfer, but where’s the Blu-ray?
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is crisp and clear.
Extras:
* “Unpacking”- A featurette for all 8 episodes complete with interviews, episode clips, and story and character discussions.
* “Invitation To Set: Welcome To Thailand”- Mike White and the cast talk about season 3 as a whole. Set footage is also included.
* “Get To Know”- 7 segments with cast members asking and answering questions. Pairings include Leslie, Carrie, and Michelle, Walton and Aimee, Natasha and Nicholas, Patrick and Sam, Jason and Sarah Catherine, Lek and Christian and Tayme and Lalisa.
* “Thai Tea” covers Thailand culture presented in the series.
* “Closet Tour”- A look at the wardrobe closet with star Michelle Monaghan and costume designer Alex Bovaird.
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