Episode Five Delivers a Night of Wild Revelations, Unexpected Twists, and a Controversial Moment Between Two Key Characters
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The White Lotus Season Three, Episode Five (“Full-Moon Party”).
A White Lotus party is never complete without a swirl of indulgence, chaos, and jaw-dropping moments—and episode five of season three proved to be no exception. Just when audiences thought they had seen it all, creator Mike White delivered a series of shockers that pushed the boundaries of intrigue, scandal, and family dynamics to a whole new level.
Sam Rockwell Joins the Cast in a Surprising Role
Perhaps one of the more unexpected developments of the episode was the arrival of Sam Rockwell, playing a recovering sex addict-turned-Buddhist. While his presence could have been a mere cameo, it turns out his character has deep connections to the story—especially with Rick (Walton Goggins), who ropes him into his revenge-fueled plans. Rockwell’s role becomes even more intriguing considering his real-life marriage to Leslie Bibb, who stars in this season as the conservative and fiercely opinionated Kate.
But in an episode filled with betrayals, confessions, and intoxicating revelry, Rockwell’s entrance wasn’t even the biggest surprise of the night.
A Web of Betrayal Unfolds
Kate, along with her best friends Laurie (Carrie Coon) and Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), continue their own tangled saga as their trip takes an unexpected turn. What seemed to be a setup for Laurie to spend the night with Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius) suddenly twists when Jaclyn seduces Valentin behind Laurie’s back. A simmering tension has been building among the three women, and this betrayal threatens to push things to a breaking point.
However, all of these moments are eclipsed by a truly shocking event—one that fans will likely be debating for weeks to come.
The Kiss That Changes Everything
The most jaw-dropping moment of the episode came aboard a moonlit cruise when Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and his younger brother Lochlan (Sam Nivola) shared an unexpected, drug-fueled kiss, egged on by Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon).
Saxon, already established as a charismatic yet controversial figure, takes his complexity to new heights. Schwarzenegger described the character as “a douchebag that was so ridiculous, so without a filter. But also really funny and charismatic—you loved to hate him, but you also kind of love him.” This latest development only makes Saxon’s personality more layered, pushing the audience to question his motivations and emotions beneath the bravado.
Nivola, who plays Lochlan, sheds more light on the kiss and what it reveals about his character. “He’s just an incredibly insecure guy, a real people pleaser who needs something from the people around him,” Nivola explains. “He’s not very self-sufficient. He needs love and support from the people in his life, and I think he’s willing to go to all the lengths to find it.”
As the season barrels toward its climax, this moment is certain to spark discussion—not just for its shock value, but for what it says about the characters and their relationships.
What’s Next for The White Lotus?
With only a few episodes left in season three, The White Lotus continues to keep viewers on edge, delivering unexpected turns that make it one of television’s most compelling dramas. From Rockwell’s mysterious new role to the ever-twisting relationships among the guests, there’s no telling what’s next.
