“I cannot find something. And I think you have it.”
For this episode of The White Lotus, we pick right where we left off. Everyone is about the evening shenanigans. Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) is in a panic. Deep breath, maybe there’s something you can do. Like checking the cameras? He does and sees Mr. Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) enter and exit the office; being the obvious culprit for the theft. But when he gets his chance to confront him, nothing happens. C’mon, Gaitok. If you want to get the girl, you’re gonna have to get more aggro than that.
“I don’t even have my lorazepam. I’m gonna need to drink myself to sleep.”
Piper (Sarah Catherine Cook) drops her bomb: that there’s no thesis, she asked for this vacation to see the meditation school she wants to go to after she graduates. Only for a year! And to be honest, I get it. There’s an appeal to having the time and money to find your happiness. Here’s the thing: I think the money to fund that will be gone soon. It’s a luxury to be able to take a year off of anything. Even when you’re still a student. Kids struggling to make ends meet while also going to school don’t have that advantage. They have to work to put food on their table. At the end of the day, even if Piper feels so extraordinarily different from her family, she’s the exact same. She’s used to a life of privilege. Will she love life as much when she doesn’t have that? There’s the million dollar question that probably only Dad can answer. Mom is also worried about cults and to be fair, that’s also a fairly legit concern. While Buddhism on the whole isn’t worrisome, plenty of young, naive girls have been spun around when it comes to religion and spirituality. Mom’s concern isn’t exactly out of nowhere.
“But don’t take advantage of me.”
Meanwhile, her brothers Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola) are enjoying the yacht time with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood). Chloe’s ready to let loose even if it pisses off Greg…Gary (Jon Gries). But Chelsea is stuck in her head and worried about Rick (Walton Goggins). “I’m a romantic.” Ugh, I love her so much. And then there’s “They just want to be used” Saxon and just…UGH. Men, this is why we choose the fucking bear. But there’s booze and drugs and the foursome lets loose…in a few ways. Jesus, Mike, why is there always some kind of incest subplot? Please, stop. Seek help if you need it, but why did the brothers have to kiss? Is it so Saxon can realize he’s actually gay? If he’s not gonna die, he better go queer and that’s all I’ll say on the matter.
“Guess I was trying to fuck my way to an answer.”
But Rick is in Bangkok for whatever it is that he needs to do. We see him meet up with a friend (Sam Rockwell) to deliver some goods for the job. The pew pew kind. But before that, the two sit and have a beverage and discuss life. They discuss desire and Walton Goggins’ facial expressions were too perfect but 
also props to Sam Rockwell for that obviously odd yet hilarious monologue about sex. I’m sure Walton’s face was doing what we were all doing for that scene and likely the whole episode, but if you’re gonna use Sam Rockwell for like one episode, that is the way to do it. But Rick asks his friend to be around for some “roleplay” and I’m hoping Rick is closer to letting go than letting Jesus take that wheel. I need you safely back to Chelsea. I need one couple to end this story, ok? PLEASE.
“Let’s fuck.”
The trio of lovely ladies is finally having fun. They make it out of the water fight and into a club. Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) is vibing. She feels hot and young. She’s claiming her territory on the dance floor. 
Laurie (Carrie Coon) is just relaxing and having a good time. Kate (Leslie Bibb) is the designated mom. Kate is me and I am Kate. While I certainly know how to let my hair down and let loose, if I’m with friends, I’m the mom. I’m watching everyone, making sure they stay hydrated, making sure creeps aren’t taking advantage. But the ladies are having a great time with Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius) and his friends. Until one of their ladies shows up. After a little yelling, they all retreat to their villa sans girlfriend. More booze, a little nudity, you know. Vacation! For all her pressure on Laurie to have some
horizontal time with Valentin, Jaclyn’s own self-esteem issues get her in the end. And I think that’s the actual confidence level difference in these ladies. While Kate’s Republican husband is nothing I’d brag about, she’s confident in her relationship and doesn’t need to seek male attention. Laurie is confident in her singlehood and her own body, sure she’s on vacation but she doesn’t need to have sex. She’s letting loose and having fun. She’s not rushing to get a guy in bed. But Jaclyn is aching for attention. She’s constantly used to people asking her if she’s famous, having women feel undermined by her beauty. But when her own husband is too busy to text back, she’s already entertaining someone else in her bed.
Meanwhile, also entertaining bed guests is Belinda (Natasha Rothwell). After her internet sleuthing, she approaches Fabian (Christian Friedel) to discuss her concerns about Gary…Greg. She knows he was likely involved in Tanya’s (Jennifer Coolidge) death, she knows he’s wanted for questioning. And now he’s poking around asking questions about her? Yeah, I’d be scared. But Fabian blows it off. And here’s his self-esteem 
issue coming through. I don’t think he wants to address anything that could be more than he could handle. Something like this, as she points out, would likely warrant calls to SEVERAL different police. Fabian’s eyes go deer in headlights immediately. He can’t handle that. And he doesn’t want the boss to know he can’t handle that. So it’s hush for now. Belinda is still scared, even hearing noises in her room. She confides in Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul) who eases her mind by not only getting the lizard out of her room but also staying over. I also need her to have a happy ending and this helps.
“Tell me what to do, please.”
The episode ends with a table note, a gun, and an interruption. The moment was ruined then, but the question is if it will occur again. Will he come clean with his family? Or take the easy way out and leave them to figure it all out without him? Only two episodes left to wait and see…
