This week, The White Lotus Season 3 ventured into the realm of fan fiction, as it seemed that the dramatic demise of character Tanya McQuoid (portrayed by Jennifer Coolidge) is a plot point the series finds hard to let go.
It was clear from the moment Belinda, Tanya’s former business partner (Natasha Rothwell), encountered Gary (Jon Gries) in the dining room at The White Lotus Thailand, that she would eventually uncover his dark and deadly murder scheme.
In episode 4, Google Search was used in a highly intense manner, reminiscent of my recent spell of health worries, when the spa manager discovered Tanya’s demise, recognized Greg, and began suspecting his wrongdoings.
Our Belinda certainly knows how to get things done efficiently, which is quite beneficial given that The White Lotus season hasn’t seen much action so far. As Todd from BoJack Horseman would say, “Hooray…?!
My uncertainty arises from questioning if reviving this plotline truly advantages The White Lotus season 3, or if it serves Belinda better, who has just begun to step out of Tanya’s shadows and establish herself as a standalone character.
The show correctly highlighted the pain Belinda experienced when the previous heiress abruptly took away her promising prospect, trapping her in a position that appears neither stimulating nor satisfying for her career.
As a movie-loving soul, I found myself drawn out of my slump just by being around Belinda at the Thai resort. Whether it was for some corporate purpose that required her presence (I’m guessing work commitments were involved), the chance to be there was thrilling and seemed like a breath of fresh air.
In addition to various other seeds for development, Belinda’s son, Zion (Nicholas Duvernay), is introduced formally, providing insights into aspects of her past that were previously hinted at but not fully explored.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning the spark that developed between her and the staff member at the Thai resort, Pornchai (Dom Hetrkul). They exchanged a few shy glances and engaged in adorable, awkward conversations.
Or:
It’s also important to note the growing connection between the woman and Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul), a staff member at the Thai resort. They had their moments of mutual admiration through stolen glances and charmingly awkward conversations.
From my perspective as a movie critic, it’s evident that Belinda has ample room to explore her own narrative this season, rather than getting entangled once again in the relentless whirlwind that is Tanya McQuoid’s life and her lasting impact.
Certainly, as there have been requests for more diversity in the satirical drama, which some say has been narrow in its exploration of topics like white privilege and intersectional disadvantage so far, Belinda’s comeback offers an encouraging opportunity for change.
Here was an opportunity to feature a character with color, not just as a servant but also in a leading role, who catered to the predominantly white patrons of the luxurious hotel group, rather than being limited to that function alone.
Instead, it’s unfortunate that Belinda seems to have been employed (to some extent) as a plot tool to advance the ongoing story of Tanya McQuoid, essentially reprising her function as a supporting character – but this time, for a character who has already passed away.
In an illogical twist, I find myself puzzled by Belinda’s persistent interest in Greg, as they’ve never had any prior encounters or interactions. This intrigue of hers seems rather misplaced to me.
It’s not unreasonable to think that there could have been a scene outside the main frames in season 1, where Belinda may have caught Tanya and Greg sharing an intimate moment at the Maui resort.
As a movie enthusiast, it’s fascinating to observe the intricate process of storytelling, particularly when it comes to movies like “The White Lotus.” It feels as if screenwriter Mike White is constructing this grand narrative in mid-flight, gathering pieces from various sources as he goes along, much like a plane being built in the air. The absence of a tangible scene only heightens the sense of wonder and anticipation, making each new development all the more captivating.
In my perspective, the character of Greg seems to align with this portrayal as well. Initially, it appears that he might not have been designed as a recurring antagonist from the start; instead, he could have been originally conceived as a terminally ill love interest. However, an epic overhaul, or what is commonly known as a retcon, seems to have transformed this concept.
As a cinephile, I often ponder over plots and characters in films, and this question comes to mind: Given that Belinda may have recognized Greg from a fleeting encounter about three years back, what could possibly drive her to delve deeper when she’s juggling a multitude of personal matters?
In contrast to expectations, episode 4 of The White Lotus season 3, titled Hide or Seek, seems to be hinting that the central event of this series will revolve around seeking revenge for Tanya’s tragic passing (or an attempt to do so).
It seems possible that such an element might cater to fans and expand the cinematic universe of “The White Lotus,” but it appears as if the creators are struggling to introduce something fresh and captivating for a post-Tanya phase of the series.
Instead of reinforcing Tanya’s off-screen hero image, I find myself aligning more with her portrayal within the universe – a self-centered, impolite, and unpredictable heiress/nepo baby whose contributions seem minimal in enriching our world.
Absolutely, it doesn’t imply she deserved an unfortunate end, but maybe she no longer warrants Belinda’s time, effort, and focus – considering the significant amount she’s already demanded from Belinda in the past.
It’s quite puzzling as to why Greg might choose to revisit the exact hotel chain linked to the questionable demise of his wife, an incident he’s suspected in and needed for questioning regarding… That’s another mystery altogether.
It’s quite unfortunate, given the series’ past success in developing complex characters, that there are obvious mistakes which undeniably make Belinda and Greg seem less credible as authentic personalities.
In comparison, losing Rothwell seems more significant due to her captivating charm and the creative liberties that her non-involvement in another character’s murder offers for the narrative.
Given her underappreciated and overlooked status within the privileged, unaware society depicted in The White Lotus, it’s unlikely that Belinda’s storyline in season 3 would have been nothing but fun, colorful interactions and romantic flirting.
Contrarily, the surprising or disturbing events she encountered in Thailand might have offered a distinct element to her narrative, unlike the tired remnants of someone else’s tale, known primarily for deceiving her.
If further development in Belinda’s personal growth comes about due to her detective work, it will forever be intertwined with Tanya. To put it another way, despite their separation, this difficult client continues to shape the trajectory of Belinda’s life long after their encounter.
That is about the cruelest twist imaginable, but I suspect not how Mike White intends it.
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2025-03-10 06:35