The Monkey Did It

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Absolutely, things are still in the early stages. The intricate conflicts among the characters at “The White Lotus” resort in Thailand haven’t fully unfolded yet. However, the enigmatic shooting that initiates the season is enough to pique my curiosity. I’m prepared to venture a theory that I’ll stand by until the end: the monkey was responsible.

It’s only been a year since the airing of “Chimp Crazy,” another production by HBO, which vividly portrayed incidents where captive chimps attacked humans, much like the movie “Nope.” Interestingly, it doesn’t require captivity for these primates to become aggressive. In fact, a group of wild macaques in Yamaguchi, Japan, was reported to have caused havoc last year. They broke into homes, damaged crops, and inflicted scratches and bites on residents. The reasons behind their violent behavior remain unclear, but it’s safe to assume they had their motives. Essentially, instances of simian violence do occur, though they are not common. When they do happen, they make for exciting news headlines and sensational television.

Indeed, it’s important to recognize the difference between monkeys and apes. A simple way to remember this is that monkeys usually have tails while apes, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, do not. Apes are also generally larger and may appear more human-like in their behavior.

Although apes are physiologically capable of handling a gun according to research, it’s important to note that this doesn’t rule out the possibility for monkeys to do so. While it might be less likely for a monkey to pull the trigger, it’s not entirely impossible.

For instance, monkeys can skillfully peel bananas with their dexterous fingers. Although they may not write Shakespeare if left alone with a laptop and Microsoft Word, they could potentially compose an impressive tweet. So, one might wonder, if a monkey was left unsupervised with a gun, could it learn to fire it?

Lastly, have you ever noticed those bodyguards carrying guns around?

Are you seeking additional proof? It seems you’re channeling a bit of a lawyer’s skepticism. Here’s another way:

You seem to require more evidence? It appears you’ve taken on a hint of legal scrutiny. Let me rephrase it for you:

Observe the recurring presence of monkeys in Mike White’s series, “The White Lotus”. These fascinating creatures adorn the frescoes of the opening credits across all three seasons. Monkeys serve as an apt symbol for the resort’s guests – they are playful, sensual, flamboyant, and occasionally aggressive beings.

What makes season three intriguing is how these monkey motifs have become more prominent, serving as recurring themes that cast a shadow over the storyline as we meet the peculiarities of each new character. After a scene sets up a specific character trait, such as “Walton Goggins exudes an unusually sweaty vibe” or “The Southern family might be headed towards incest”, the camera occasionally cuts to a monkey within the resort’s vicinity for a moment of contemplation, suggesting that these creatures are always observing, like mini deities.

As a movie critic, I find myself captivated by the uncanny resemblance of humanity in “The White Lotus”. This series seems to be a mirror reflecting our flaws and follies, making us feel like we’re the ones being observed – silly little people, if you will. Maybe it’s us who have been watching the monkeys all this time, but this season, they seem to have had enough of our sins unfolding on screen.

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2025-02-17 08:01