The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5 is where I expected things to heat up but literally nothing happened

Even though The White Lotus Season 3 wrapped up a while ago, viewers are still reeling from the aftermath of everything that transpired in the acclaimed HBO series. The White Lotus follows the story of the many intriguing guests and staff at a luxury resort. In Season 3, which is set in Thailand, every episode will leave the viewers on the edge. Episode 5 of the season, titled ‘Full Moon Party’, was the turning point in the story where the show takes the uneasiness to a whole new level, only to fizzle out and leave viewers dissatisfied with how it played out.

The narrative is set up in a way where anyone could be a killer or a victim. Everyone has an agenda, making each storyline more intense. The White Lotus is known for building tension with its stories. Despite so many things happening simultaneously, the episode ends with very little firework.

The scene is set for something spectacular in The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 5

For 'Full Moon Party', much of the tension is built in the previous episode. In episode 4 titled ‘Hide or Seek’, a spiraling Timothy Ratliff (played by Jason Isaacs) steals a gun from Gaitok (played by Tayme Thapthimthong) for what the audience initially presumes is to kill himself. Belinda (Nathasha Rothwell) and Gary/Greg (played by Jon Gries) are caught in a standoff. Piper (played by Sarah Catherine Hook) has been keeping a secret unknown to her parents. While the Ratliff brothers are planning to head to a party.

In episode 5 of The White Lotus season 3, Gaitok learns that Timothy has stolen his gun. He is perplexed about what to do next as he needs to recover the gun without drawing attention. Though he corners Timothy about it, he denies knowing anything.

Piper finally confesses to her parents the real reason she wanted to come to Thailand. To Victoria’s (played by Parker Posey) horror, Piper shares that she wants to come back to Thailand and wants to follow Buddhism.

At the Full Moon Party, Chloe (played by Charlotte Le Bon) gives party drugs to Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (played by Sam Nivola). What starts as a fun evening, quickly spirals out of control after the two brothers share a kiss.

Another party group comprising of Jaclyn (played by Michelle Monaghan), Laurie (played by Carrie Coon) and Kate (played by Leslie Bibb) are enjoying an eventful evening. Kate is being cautious as she expects things to somehow go wrong, but they all get back to their rooms safely. Nonetheless, Jaclyn decides to sleep with Valentine (played by Arnas Fedaravicius), which foretells the possible showdown she will have with Laurie.

Belinda is informed by Fabian (played by Christian Friedel) that an American guest asked about her. This makes her restless and scared as she fears Gary/Greg will do something to her.

The episode fails to deliver on the stories it set up

This episode of The White Lotus leaves things open-ended. A few tweaks and details could have made the storylines even more interesting. For one, Piper's revelation should have resulted in a bigger reaction. She had lied to her own family to make the trip, which gets overshadowed by Victoria's speech about her upbringing. And it is ironic, since Piper's father Timothy is also hiding a secret of his own. If Victoria had caught Timothy with the gun, we could have had things play out in a much more interesting manner.

Also, the audience expected Belinda to have a face off with Greg/Gary but nothing concrete takes place except for a little spying. In the party scene, Lochlan seems to be going through a confusing adolescence stage. It would have made sense if he had actually opened up about it to his brother. Lochlan embracing his emotional struggle would have been a gripping watch.

And Jaclyn, who seems to be dealing with insecurities of her own, could have had a moment of clarity with Laurie. It would have added more tension to the group dynamics.

That said, the episode does set the perfect foundation for what is to come, but despite the surprising secrets and confrontations, the episode falls short.

The White Lotus is available on streaming service Max

ALSO READ: “We clearly have chemistry”: When The White Lotus star Jon Gries made his feelings known about working opposite Jennifer Coolidge in the HBO show

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