Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 4.Despite its anthology nature,The White Lotushas always supplied viewers with twists galore anddeeply nuanced characterrelationships. WhenSeason 3 premieredearlier this year, it not only proved it was ready to continue the series’ tradition of high-end drama, opening with the resort under siege and one of the series’most beloved characters in danger. It’s certainly an exciting way to start the season, but the concept has only become more intriguing with the show’s latest outing. Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) may have come to Thailand to further her craft and enjoy some much-deserved time to resetfollowing the tragedies of Season 1. Still, the season has since put her ona collision course with a characterwho very well be her polar opposite, Greg (Jon Gries). But,if this week’s episode is any indicator, we may be in for a showdown between these two characters.
Pitting Belinda and Greg Against Each Other Ups a ‘White Lotus’ Tradition
The White Lotusmay debuta new castand location every year, but there arecertain tropes that it continues to employto help maintain its iconic identity.Perhaps there’s no trope greater than that of mounting feuds that erupt with deadly consequences. In Season 1, it was Armand (Murray Bartlett) and Shane (Jake Lacy). Their tension was felt almost immediately, concluding in an accidental, bloody climax. Season 2 upped the practice with a fantastic twist we didn’t see coming, pittingfan-favorite, Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge)againstthe murderous Quentin (Tom Hollander)and his mysterious partners, which ultimately led to an epic and comical battle and a tragic end. Thus far, Season 3 seemed as though it was taking its time to introduce its ultimate foes. However,The White Lotus’latest outingmay have finally hinted at an endgame, and it’s far better than we could have ever imagined.
“She’s Not Being Upfront About How Her Life Is Really Going”: ‘The White Lotus’ Leslie Bibb and Carrie Coon on Keeping Up Appearances
When it comes to their characters' friendship, Coon says, “Comparing is the human condition. Women are taught to be separated by it and competitive.”
Viewers were certainly surprised when Greg first showed up in Thailand (now going under the alias “Gary”) but they had nothing on Belinda, who recognizes him almost immediately, a revelation that has seemed to put them at instant odds. Even before audiences have confirmation that this will be the face-off of the season, the prospect has outdone the series’ previous efforts. There’s so much heft in the idea of having these to go after one another, not to mention risk. Sure, Tanya had to fight off a whole crew of murderers, but the fact thatGreg is the man who set Tanya on the path to ruining Belinda’s life, before apparently having Tanya disposed of, is so deliciously melodramatic. The concept alone is truly worthy of the show’s tradition. Additionally, it continues to one up the past when one considers what this would mean for the characters.
Having Belinda Face-Off With Greg Would Do Her Character Justice
Belinda may have come to Thailand to further her professional life, but by putting her in the middle of the action, the show has a wonderful and rare opportunity. Ever since Tanya let Belinda down atthe end of Season 1, it’s been hard to forget her. After all, she’s always been one of the most likable characters on the show, with her only real flaw being that she trusted Tanya. Honestly, one couldn’t blame her if she decided to overlook Greg’s appearance, butthe fact that she still clearly cares is part of what makes her so special.Rothwell has confirmedthat Belinda’s suspicions will continue to motivate her arc, and if this means that she and Greg come to a head, the show finally has the opportunity to give Belinda the ending she deserves.
It would truly be an epic showdown, considering how dangerous Greg is, especially if Belinda were to emerge victoriously. Greg’s master manipulation destroyed Belinda’s dreams and likely ended Tanya’s life. Giving Belinda a victory over him would be such a poetic end to her arc and continue the show’s tradition of shaking up the format, as these sorts of stories haven’t had a particularly satisfying ending yet. Belinda’s story wouldn’t be the only one to have a satisfying end, either; it would finally bring a solid end to Greg.
Greg’s Arc Needs Resolution
The character of Greg is certainly a fascinating one. Still shrouded in mystery, he went from being one of the first season’s most likable characters tothe show’s surprising, ultimate villain. With so little still known about his true identity, each appearance only adds more mystery, especially when the latest episode reveals he’s been able to avoid questioning related toTanya’s apparent murder. It’s seriously baffling how dangerous he’s become, and one can’t rule out the possibility of evenmoredanger for the guests considering how closeChelsea (Aimee Lou Wood)and Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) have become. Not only would having Belinda and Greg face-off potentially save some of the season’s beloved characters, but it would also actually bring his end to the most satisfying conclusion possible.Having Greg confront the past would finally provide us with some answers, as well as bring audiences a sense of justice for multiple characters. Sure, his mysterious ways and hazardous motives are fun to watch, but the show needs to ultimately take care of him in a way that is satisfying.
The White LotusSeason 3 clearly still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, but if Episode 4 is any indicator, we may very well witness its best finale yet. Having Belinda and Greg go head-to-head wouldhelp the show continue to challenge itselfwhile also giving viewers two of the most rewarding character arcs in its history. It certainly won’t be an easy fight, but the polar opposite personalities mixed with their murky past would definitely be one for the books. For now, we will have to wait and see what other surprises await us in Thailand.
The White Lotusis available to stream on Max in the U.S.
The White Lotus
