[This article includes significant spoilers from the season three finale of The White Lotus.]
Is death in The White Lotus portrayed as a return to happiness, or is it a case of savagery? Perhaps it is a blend of both. After eight thrilling episodes set in Thailand, creator Mike White’s anthology series wraps up another season, concluding with one of its fundamental inquiries: who meets an untimely end?
The climactic finales of both previous seasons left fans in shock as core characters Armond (Murray Bartlett) and Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) were killed off. This left audiences wondering how season three would elevate the stakes. The premiere hinted at impending chaos with young Zion Lindsey (Nicholas Duvernay) witnessing rampant gun violence at the White Lotus resort in Thailand. As the series progressed, viewers were left speculating about who would fall victim, with various characters in perilous positions.
- Could it be one of the members of the Ratliff family, such as Timothy (Jason Isaacs) or another relative?
- What about childhood friends turned rivals—Laurie (Carrie Coon), Kate (Leslie Bibb), or Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan)?
- Rick (Walton Goggins) seemed a likely candidate due to his troubled fixation on “this and that,”yet might his partner Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) bear the brunt instead?
- Would it be Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) or Greg (Jon Gries), who found themselves entangled in conflict over Tanya’s tragic fate?
Ultimately, the guessing game has come to an end. Here’s the breakdown of who met their fate and how the finale unfolded.
Who Met Their Demise in the Finale of The White Lotus Season 3?
In the closing moments, Rick Hatchett delivers a shocking line: “Fuck you.” This wasn’t directed at the viewers, but at Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), the man haunting his thoughts throughout the season. Rick, after returning from his trip, believes he’s found peace—until chaos ensues.
The following morning at breakfast, Jim confronts Rick, making unpleasant remarks about his family, including a disturbing truth: Jim happens to be Rick’s father, a revelation that comes too late for Rick to process. Faced with the sight of Jim smiling with Sritala (Lek Patravadi) and friends Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie, Rick’s anger boils over. He approaches Jim, grabs his weapon, and spitefully declares “Fuck you” before pulling the trigger.
The chaos escalates rapidly. Following Jim’s death, the gunfire is met with retaliation from Sritala’s bodyguards, resulting in a barrage of violence. Tragically, amidst the fray, Chelsea is caught in the crossfire, dying as Rick cradles her. Earlier in the season, she had warned of the ominous pattern of three fateful events—a warning sadly fulfilled.
As Rick embraces Chelsea, he assures her they will be united forever, a promise that is cut short when Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) fatally shoots Rick, leaving both him and Chelsea to drift into oblivion together.
In a reflective moment, writer Mike White comments on this tragic turn: “It’s a classic theme of Greek tragedy: a beloved person is killed by the one seeking vengeance.” He adds that Chelsea’s romantic fixation on their relationship amplifies the tragedy, suggesting that if Amrita (Shalini Peiris) had intervened, the outcome could have been different.
The Fate of the Ratliff Family
Heading into the finale, the Ratliff family appeared to be prime candidates for disaster. Timothy faced mounting legal troubles due to dubious dealings, and he had been contemplating drastic measures, even considering lethal options for himself and his family. The dark narrative was partially inspired by real-life stories of wealthy individuals executing their loved ones under financial stress.
In a harrowing scene, Timothy nearly serves his family poisoned piña coladas but ultimately reconsiders. However, Lochlan (Sam Nivola) later unwittingly puts himself in danger by using the same blender. Miraculously, he survives the ordeal, much to Timothy’s relief.
As for Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), Saxon maintains his unchanged demeanor while Piper recognizes that life in a monastery isn’t what she envisioned. As their departure approaches, Timothy warns his family of impending turmoil: “Everything is about to change. But we will prevail as a family.”
“This ending has a bittersweet quality,” White notes. “While life continues beyond these struggles, what challenges will they face without their comforts? It’s uncertain whether Victoria (Parker Posey) can adapt to a life of hardship.”
The Future of the Best Friends
Though their lives were never truly in jeopardy, the friendship among Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie faced significant strain. Initially bonded, they found themselves becoming rivals during the season. Yet after Laurie’s revelatory night with the Russians, she reconciles with her friends, expressing her deep reliance on their support.
“Their small squabbles and deeper issues have come to light,” White explains. “As they navigate this, they must reflect on their life choices. What wisdom will Laurie derive from this experience?”
By the season’s end, the three women emerge closer than ever, narrowly escaping the gun violence tied to Rick’s outburst, ensuring that their friendship endures another day.
The Outcomes for Belinda and Greg
Among the characters, Greg seemed the most at risk of death. Having appeared in all three seasons, he previously attempted to offer Belinda a deal of $100,000 to sever ties. The finale sees Belinda and Zion confronting him for a far more substantial payout of $5 million—an amusing nod for the audience.
In a twist of fate, Belinda, somewhat transformed into a version of Tanya herself, accepts the lucrative offer, planning her exit from Thailand. The season ends with Belinda and Zion crafting their future, riding away in a jetboat, now $5 million wealthier—the ultimate beneficiaries of season three.
“Belinda’s journey has been fraught with disappointments,” observes White. “It felt fitting that someone should profit from Tanya’s tragic fate.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the finale resolves the chaos, Rick and Chelsea’s story concludes tragically, while others escape the turmoil unscathed. Exciting news surrounds the fourth season of HBO’s hit series, although its release date remains unconfirmed. Speculation about the thematic direction of the show continues, prompting the question of what new developments await from White.
“For the next season, I aim to move beyond the motifs of crashing waves and dark themes. Nevertheless, there’s always room for more intrigue at the White Lotus!” White hints.
The White Lotus season three is currently available for streaming on Max. For behind-the-scenes interviews and further coverage, explore THR’s extensive features, including our candid discussions with White and the cast.