
Initially, “The White Lotus” seemed more about satirizing social interactions than a murder mystery. When it debuted in 2021 as an HBO drama, the comedy of errors took precedence over the looming danger, with a dead body serving merely as a catalyst. However, as the series evolved from a pandemic diversion into a successful franchise, “The White Lotus” has increasingly emphasized its distinctive traits across various locations and high-profile casts. This includes the fatalities. Right from the start, when a meditation session was interrupted by gunshots in the cold open, no season of “The White Lotus” hinted at its violent climax as forcefully as Season 3, set in Thailand, which concluded last night. This recurring theme may have exacerbated viewers’ frustration with the narrative pace and complexity, making it the most divisive among all seasons so far. Despite some lingering pacing issues and a sprawling plot, the finale was strong enough to make these seem insignificant in hindsight.