Episode 5 of The White Lotus Season 3 keeps the slow burn going, teasing major drama and delivering the chaos fans are craving. With only three episodes left, the tension is palpable, but when will the dominos start to fall? Here are the biggest moments from this week’s episode.
Tim Ratliff’s Breaking Point
Tim Ratliff reaches his emotional limit in Episode 5. After Piper finally admits to lying about the real reason for their family trip, and Gaitok realizes Tim has a gun, things take a dark turn. Meanwhile, Victoria, in a medicated haze, rants about the Clintons, further unraveling the Ratliff family dynamic.
In a powerful performance by Jason Isaacs, Tim opens up to Victoria about the pressure he’s felt since birth. “I haven’t known a single day without all this shit put on me,” he confesses. The episode ends on a haunting note as Tim prays, seeking guidance on whether or not he should end his life. A suicide note is already written: “I’m sorry. I love you all.”
Belinda’s Face-Off With Greg Looms
Belinda inches closer to a confrontation with Greg-Gary. Fabian, the hotel manager, cryptically tells her that Greg has been asking about her: “It appears you have many friends.” But instead of offering reassurance, Fabian remains dismissive—could he be on Greg’s payroll?
In a moment of levity, Belinda warns Fabian that Greg may have killed his wife, but he seems more interested in her love life. By the end of the episode, Belinda, feeling both fearful and vulnerable, asks Pornchai to stay the night. The two share a kiss, but once again, The White Lotus holds back on giving viewers a truly explosive moment.
Saxon and Lochlan’s Unexpected Kiss
The tension between Saxon and Lochlan finally boils over during a full moon festival. The group—Chelsea, Chloe, Saxon, and Lochlan—indulges in drugs and alcohol, leading to a shocking moment where the two Ratliff brothers share a kiss. Chloe and Chelsea laugh at the bizarre turn of events, but the moment raises serious questions about their dynamic. Before things escalate further, the show cuts away, leaving viewers unsettled.
Meanwhile, Chelsea calls Rick, but he’s busy reconnecting with an old friend who shares a wild story about gender identity and sex addiction. This friend—played by Sam Rockwell—seems to have a dark past with Rick, and their conversation about Buddhism, identity, and ego death adds another layer to Rick’s increasingly ominous storyline. It’s through this meeting that Rick acquires a gun, setting the stage for future conflict.
The Girls’ Trip Takes a Dark Turn
Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate finally meet Valentin’s “friends,” and it becomes painfully clear that something isn’t right. Valentin had previously claimed he moved to Thailand alone, yet his crew tells a very different story. The most chilling moment comes when one of Valentin’s friends shares how his aunt blamed him for her son’s death—a possible hint at even darker secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Despite their initial suspicions, the girls get swept up in the party. Laurie lets loose, going nude and taking shots, while Jaclyn—who was supposedly pushing Laurie toward Valentin—ends up sneaking him into her own room instead. The trio’s antics are fun, but their isolation from the rest of the cast still feels like a missed opportunity.
With only three episodes left, The White Lotus continues to tease major twists without fully delivering the payoffs. Tim’s fate, Belinda’s showdown with Greg, and Rick’s newfound weapon all suggest that the storm is coming—but when? Until then, viewers are left hanging, eagerly waiting for The White Lotus to finally serve its main course of chaos.
