The sixth episode of The White Lotus Season 3 has critics stunned—and in some cases, squirming—after a grim hour that pushed creator Mike White’s pitch-black satire to new depths. From sexual taboos and spiritual crises to social reckoning among wealthy vacationers, the episode’s jarring tone and provocative moments have earned both acclaim and revulsion in equal measure.
What happened on the yacht didn’t stay there. That much is clear after a central sequence involving brothers Saxon and Lochlan, which one critic called “so much incest” and another described as “seared into viewers’ memories.” Meanwhile, characters across the sprawling ensemble are all spiraling as White sets up the season’s violent climax.
With just two episodes left in the season, this installment is being called the darkest White Lotus yet, both in tone and thematic ambition. Here is a roundup of reviews of Episode 6—contains spoilers:
The Telegraph: “A Queasy and Unsettling Hangover” – ★★★★☆
The Telegraph’s Chris Bennion describes the episode as “a queasy and unsettling hangover,” propelling the series into “ever darker waters.” He highlights the shocking developments involving the Ratliff brothers, Saxon and Lochlan, noting that the series continues to challenge viewers with its audacious storytelling. Bennion commends the show’s ability to unsettle and provoke, suggesting that while the narrative choices are bold, they contribute to the series’ compelling nature. “Squeamish viewers (guilty) are already trying to find a way to excuse Lochlan’s sex act on his older brother—perhaps it’s a false memory; perhaps they’re not biological brothers; perhaps it was a prank—but the likelihood is that Lochlan and Saxon’s actions and desires are tangentially linked to Frank’s (Sam Rockwell) extraordinary speech from last week,” he writes.
Esquire: “Sickening, Yet Mesmerizing” – ★★★★☆
Esquire’s Brady Langmann calls Episode 6 a much-needed jolt after a season that had been “a slow burn before I burn out.” The episode finally pushes the story forward, with Saxon confronting his “musclebound life,” Piper seeking escape from her family’s toxic legacy, and Tim spiraling into suicidal ideation. Langmann praises the show’s “earnest note of spirituality,” especially the monk’s speech about “spiritual malaise” and the impossibility of outrunning pain. The Ratliff family’s incestuous subplot is labeled bluntly: “Yikes. Just yikes.” Meanwhile, the trio of Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate remain mired in petty high-school drama, prompting a plea for more integration with the main plot. The episode ends with major setups: Greg’s ominous dinner party, Zion’s return, and Rick’s face-off with his father’s killer. Langmann predicts chaos ahead.
Forbes: “A Slow Build”
In his review of The White Lotus Season 3, Episode 6, Forbes‘ Erik Kain notes that the series “continues to slowly build to whatever wild conclusion is in store for us, but it sure is taking its time.” He observes that, despite the deliberate pacing, the episode effectively sets the stage for upcoming confrontations, particularly with the anticipated dinner party that promises to intertwine the various storylines. Kain also highlights the episode’s exploration of the characters’ “killer instincts,” suggesting that these developments add depth to the narrative. While he doesn’t provide a specific star rating, his analysis reflects a measured appreciation for the show’s unfolding complexity.
TVLine: “A Sick Punch”
TVLine’s Dave Nemetz recaps the jaw-dropping fallout of the Ratliff brothers’ night on the boat, as Saxon slowly recalls a disturbing truth. The review captures the escalating tension and Saxon’s emotional spiral, calling the revelation “Holy Lannisters!” and questioning how this will affect the already strained family dynamic. Meanwhile, Timothy grapples with suicidal ideation and finds existential solace in a monk’s words: “You cannot outrun pain.” The review touches on Jaclyn’s exposed fling, Rick’s escalating revenge plot, and Belinda’s reunion with her son Zion—who walks in on her post-hookup with Pornchai. Greg’s ominous dinner party setup teases major drama ahead. Gaitok retrieves the stolen gun, revealing he may, in fact, have the “killer instinct.” Piper and Lochlan retreat to the monastery, seemingly avoiding next week’s inevitable chaos. The review praises the episode’s intensity and twists, setting up a volatile final stretch.
