WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for The White Lotus season 3, episode 7.
In the gripping seventh episode of The White Lotus season 3, titled “Killer Instincts,”viewers witness Timothy Ratliff’s deepening fixation on death. This obsession serves as a coping mechanism for his entanglement in a financial fraud scandal involving his accomplice, Kenny. To escape the pressure stemming from his luxurious lifestyle and the inevitable fallout from his criminal activities, Timothy has resorted to excessive drinking and reliance on his wife Victoria’s Lorazepam prescription.
Since the FBI’s involvement began to loom over him in earlier episodes, Timothy has been tormented by thoughts of how to evade his situation, leading him down a dark path. His troubling fantasies include using a gun he acquired from Gaitok to harm his wife, son Saxon, and himself, prompted by his belief that they would be unable to cope without their affluent way of life. In stark contrast, his younger children, Lochlan and Piper, have gravitated towards Buddhism, seeking solace and purpose in remaining in Thailand.
Timothy’s Dark Reflections on Death After Meeting the Monk
Image via Max
Timothy’s struggle with substance abuse has plunged him into a psychological abyss, where he begins to believe that his family’s death may be a more benevolent option than allowing them to face the consequences of his wrongdoing. The monk’s insights about death being a peaceful return resonate with Timothy, reinforcing his misguided thoughts. However, it is evident that he fundamentally misunderstands the essence of Buddhism, which emphasizes nonviolence—a stark deviation from his escalating mental turmoil.
As The White Lotus season 3 unfolds, Timothy’s relentless denial of his reality exacerbates his downfall. It appears increasingly likely that he may face a tragic fate in the season finale, as the avoidance of his problems only intensifies his perilous situation.
His pride could drive him toward making drastic choices, potentially culminating in an act of desperation. If Timothy were to confront the implications of his involvement in the money-laundering scheme, he might be able to mitigate the fallout rather than burying his head in the sand.
The Importance of Timothy’s Presence at Piper & Lochlan’s Meditation Session
Recognizing Buddhism’s Core Principle of Nonviolence
Had Timothy engaged with Buddhist teachings, particularly the principle that violence stems from fear and is never justified, he might have navigated his turmoil differently. Unable to reconcile his fears, primarily concerning his reputation as a family man, Timothy spirals further into despair.
Ultimately, it appears that his greatest fear is losing the respect associated with his public image. Attending the meditation session with Piper and Lochlan in The White Lotus season 3, episode 7 could have provided him with the spiritual insight desperately needed to change his destructive narrative.