Fans were a bit disappointed by The White Lotus Season 3 premiere (Feb.16), as it didn't pack the usual action or suspense right out of the gate. While many were expecting more intense drama, they understand that the show is taking its time to set the tone and introduce the characters. 

It's clear that Mike White is laying the groundwork for what's to come, slowly building intrigue and setting up the complex relationships that will drive the season forward. So, while it wasn't as action-packed as some hoped, fans are willing to give it time to unfold.

Fandom Daily will be offering weekly recaps of The White Lotus. If you haven't caught up yet but want a quick rundown, keep reading for all the key moments and juicy details.

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The episode kicks off, as expected, with a mysterious dead body – a staple of the series. This time, it's floating in a pond on the island of Koh Samui. The flash-forward scene shows a young tourist in meditation when gunshots interrupt. He dives into the water to hide and spots the body. While the mysterious setup hints at the drama to come, it left some viewers more confused than intrigued.

ONE WEEK EARLIER. 

We meet the vacationers heading to the resort. First up is Chelsea, a bubbly young woman with her grumpy older boyfriend, Rick. Rick's attitude is off from the start, and fans can't help but wonder what's bothering him. There's also the Ratliff family –  a wealthy, dysfunctional bunch, with father Timothy hiding a dark secret, and son Saxon acting entitled and inappropriate...especially toward his younger brother Lochlan. 

A girls' trip featuring childhood friends Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie adds another layer of drama. While Jaclyn and Kate bond over their accomplishments, Laurie feels like the odd one out – setting the stage for deeper issues between the women.

Meanwhile, there's a small subplot involving hotel staffers Mook and Gaitok. Gaitok's quiet crush on Mook creates a subtle romance, though she's more interested in the resort's wealthy bodyguards. It's one of the more tender moments in the episode, though it's not enough to fully capture the attention of viewers looking for more action.

Things start to shift when Timothy receives a phone call from a journalist asking about a shady financial deal. It seems his past is catching up with him, and the guilt on his face suggests things aren't as simple as they seem. The Ratliffs may look like just another wealthy family on vacation, but there's more to them than meets the eye.

Who to Watch This Season:

Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea:

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The cheerful young woman paired with the grumpy Rick, whose dynamic promises to evolve as the season goes on.

Walton Goggins as Rick:

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The miserable boyfriend whose strange behavior hints at a bigger mystery.

Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff:

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The high-powered finance exec whose past business dealings may lead to trouble.

Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon Ratliff: 

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Timothy's entitled son, whose inappropriate behavior suggests bigger problems ahead.

Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, and Carrie Coon as Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie:

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Childhood friends whose reunion trip is filled with subtle tension and competition.

Lalisa Manoban as Mook:

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The hotel staffer caught between Gaitok's crush and her interest in wealthier bodyguards.

Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok:

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The hotel security guard who harbors a quiet crush on Mook.

Fandom Daily's been all over the online chatter, and fans are already deep into their theories about The White Lotus Season 3. The gunshots in the premiere have everyone talking, with some thinking they're setting up a much darker death this time around.

The big question now is whether Piper's spiritual journey or the mess with the Ratliff family is going to be at the center of it all. Fans are picking apart every little clue, trying to figure out who's in danger. 

Season 3 of The White Lotus will consist of eight episodes – two more than Season 1 and one more than Season 2. Tune in for new episodes every Sunday night on HBO, airing through April 6.

Photo Credit: @thewhitelotus on Instagram.