Note: this article was written before the release of “The White Lotus” finale at 9 p.m. on April 6.
“The White Lotus” season 3 has come to an end — the big finale aired on April 6 on Max. For the past two months, fans have been following the wild and messy storylines that creator Mike White is known for — and once again, he’s delivered a season full of chaos, secrets and shocking moments. Especially that one scene in Episode 5 … if you’ve seen it, you know what I’m talking about.
Now, everyone’s asking the same question: who’s going to die?
If you’re new to “The White Lotus,” here’s the deal. Each season takes place at a luxury White Lotus resort in a different country. The first season was set in Hawaii, the second season took place in Sicily and the third is set in Thailand. White chose Thailand specifically to explore themes like spirituality and inner transformation, weaving them throughout this season’s many storylines. Each season introduces a new group of guests who arrive at the resort for what’s supposed to be a peaceful vacation. But, of course, everyone has secrets, and things quickly spiral into drama, tension and eventually death. It’s become a signature of the show to start with a flash-forward to a body being found, then spend the rest of the season building up to the mystery of who died and why.
Season 3 has been called a slow burn compared to past seasons, but that’s only made the tension stronger, with there still being plenty of funny moments, strange clues and character breakdowns. One of the main storylines this season follows the Ratliff family, a wealthy southern American family dealing with a major scandal. The father (Jason Isaacs) has lost their fortune and is being accused of financial fraud.
Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), the daughter, wants to stay in Thailand and start a new life away from her family’s mess. There’s also drama between brothers Lochlan (Sam Nivola) and Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), and things are only getting worse. We’re also following a group of girlfriends on a trip — Laurie (Carrie Coon), Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), who are constantly gossiping about each other while getting involved with Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius), the resort’s massage therapist, and his circle of friends. On top of that, there’s Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and Rick (Walton Goggins), a couple traveling to Thailand for vacation, but as it is later revealed, to confront the mysterious hotel owner about Rick’s past.
All of these characters are dealing with their own problems, and many of their stories connect to the spiritual idea of “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.” It’s a powerful concept that ties into the season’s theme — that ignoring the truth or pretending everything is fine only leads to disaster. And now, it might also lead to someone’s death.
Like in previous seasons, the first episode showed us a flash-forward scene full of chaos. Gunshots ring out, and Zion (Nicholas Duvernay) jumps into the ocean, searching for his mom, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell). He believes she may have been attacked by Gary (Jon Gries), who she just found out is hiding a dark past — and who may be connected to Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), who famously died at the end of Season 2. As Zion swims, a dead body floats to the surface.
Since then, fans have been trying to figure out who it is. And honestly? It could be anyone. Some believe there might even be more than one death this season. So many characters are struggling, falling apart, or involved in shady things — it feels like anyone could end up dead.
If I had to guess, I think it could be one of the Ratliff brothers or Valentin.
Timothy Ratliff is clearly breaking down. In one scene from the teaser, he reaches for a poisonous fruit — maybe planning to use it on himself or his family. His wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and son Saxon already admitted that without money and success, they’re nothing. The whole family is falling apart, so maybe he decides to end their pain.
On the other side, Piper just wants to escape and live her own life. But now, when it finally seems possible, Lochlan suddenly wants to stay with her. She turns him away, just as Saxon did earlier, and that moment might break him. Lochlan has always been caught in the middle between his siblings. If neither of them want him around anymore, he might feel completely lost. Could he accidentally drink the poisonous smoothie meant for someone else? Could he snap?
Another possibility is Valentin. He’s been playing all sides — flirting, scheming and even stealing. Maybe the girl’s trip trio finds out about his schemes and turns on him and his friend. Or maybe Gaitok puts pieces together that Valentin is behind the robbery at the resort and decides to take action to impress Mook (Lisa)?
The truth is, we won’t know until the finale airs. But whatever happens, it’s going to be dramatic and intense. Mike White is known for twists, and one thing about The White Lotus is it never ends the way you expect.
