How is the White Lotus nonetheless in enterprise? The posh resort that capabilities as a setting for every season of Mike White’s eponymous HBO sequence has blood on its palms — and that doesn’t change in Season 3, Episode 1: “Identical Spirits, New Kinds.”
Whereas different seasons opened with the invention or physique or reveal that somebody died, Season 3’s chilly open unfolds on the White Lotus in Thailand, the place Zion’s (Nicholas Duvernay) meditation is interrupted by gunshots. He’s instantly terrified for the protection of his mom — as are all viewers who put collectively that that is Belinda’s (Natasha Rothwell) son — after which a physique floats towards him.
It’s shrewd of White to start out the season this fashion, instantly delineating Season 3’s dying from its predecessors. It might nonetheless have been an accident, however the implied violence and visibly widespread concern add new pressure (as does a contemporary theme music from Cristobal Tapia de Veer). Belinda is the one returning character this season; not solely would her dying sting worse after her Season 1 arc, however the scene with Zion demonstrates how a lot he’d hate to lose her.
“Identical Spirits, New Kinds” skillfully introduces a big ensemble (as viewers can depend on White to do, from expertise). This is able to be the second to spotlight those that stand out, however everybody shines on this episode. Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb’s trio says all the things about their dynamic with furtive seems to be and compelled smiles (and a few unforced smiles, to be honest); Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs debut their North Carolina accents and work tirelessly to persuade the White Lotus workers that their household is “regular.” Lisa Manobal and Tayme Thapthimthong reveal an enthralling rapport, and Rothwell appears proper at residence in her return to the resort. What Aimee Lou Wooden conveys with an brisk smile and exclamation, Walton Goggins portrays with a scowl and an expletive.
That connection is especially compelling; on the skin there’s clearly a spot in age and verve, however in addition they appear genuinely comfy within the relationship. Whilst Goggins’ Rick grumbles and pulls away, Wooden’s Chelsea stays optimistic, calls him out, and tries to not let it get in the way in which of her trip. On most exhibits — and certainly, in actual life — it’s the form of partnership the place the Rick inevitably explodes with anger if not violence. That would nonetheless occur within the remaining seven episodes, however doesn’t appear to presently issue into their relationship.
It’s an astute distinction (or parallel) to Chelsea’s new buddy Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) — and her personal older associate, the surprisingly resurfaced Greg (Jon Gries). That’s two returning characters with a direct hyperlink between them — a useless hyperlink, because it occurs, which connects all three seasons in a tangle of timing, threads, and hazard. For now, all of them start their week on the White Lotus blissfully unaware of the surprising occasions to return. Tragedy is simply across the nook, however for most of the characters it’s already unfolding in methods which can be all-too acquainted.
Grade: A-
New episodes of “The White Lotus” air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.