The White Lotus season 3 plays with fan expectations with more red herrings
Natasha Rothwell and Aimee Lou Wood spoke to RadioTimes.com about the latest episodes.
The White Lotus star Natasha Rothwell has warned of "more red herrings" in the show's third season, as another cast member reminds viewers that creator Mike White is "always one step ahead".
The satirical drama returns from a long break this month, with the story picking up at the Thai branch of the luxurious hotel chain The White Lotus, where unfortunate events have a habit of unfolding.
The latest episodes see the return of spa manager Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), an employee of the resort's Maui branch, who is looking to turn over a new leaf after the devastating betrayal she suffered in the first season.
However, death looms over the trip once more, with creator and showrunner White opening his third chapter with yet another mystery body being discovered.
The identity of this season's victim(s) remains unknown, but an abundance of hints are dropped in the first episode alone – some of which are not to be trusted, as Rothwell told RadioTimes.com.
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"I think that’s the fun that Mike gets to have [now]," she explained. "He's in his third season, the fanbase is there, the accolades are there, the writing is there, the visuals are there.
"Now he can play with the audience in a way that he knows what they're looking for and how to tease them. I think that’s the best television, when you feel like you’re being f****d with a little bit [and] you try to outsmart the writer."
The actor and comedian, also known for Insecure, Wonka and Sonic the Hedgehog, went on to recall her experience of The White Lotus season 2, where Belinda was notably absent and she "didn't have access" to any insider secrets.
"I would text Mike and say 'I think I know what’s going to happen!' And he was like, 'No, you don't'," she recalled, adding that season 3 will have "more red herrings to keep everyone on their toes".
In another interview with RadioTimes.com, Rothwell's season 3 co-star Aimee Lou Wood (Daddy Issues) cast doubt on whether anyone would be able to accurately predict the ending.
"Mike is the king of mischief," she began. "He's so mischievous. He's so playful. He's so cheeky. So much of that is in the script. He wants everyone to be chomping at the bit and going 'I know! I know!'
Wood added: "Just know that Mike is always one step ahead. If you think you’ve got ahead of him, he's always one step ahead."
The White Lotus returns to Sky and NOW on Monday 17th February 2025.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.