Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The White Lotus Season 3 finale. The series The White Lotus truly shines in its exploration of complex moralities and deeply flawed characters, particularly when it comes to portraying toxic masculinity. Each season, Mike White introduces at least one male character that stands out for their obnoxious behavior, with past examples like Cameron (Theo James) and Shane (Jake Lacy) being notably despicable. This season, however, that role is embodied by Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger). Initially, Saxon appears to be the epitome of toxicity, objectifying women as a mere “numbers game” and exhibiting harassment towards many at the pool area, yet he evolves into one of the series’ most controversial characters.

The audience is divided in their perceptions of Saxon; some view his flaws as insurmountable barriers, while others recognize a potential for redemption within him. A pivotal moment in the season finale occurs when he observes Chelsea (Aimee Lou-Wood) departing with Rick (Walton Goggins) on the beach, seemingly distressed. This expression of sadness may not simply be a reflection of lost romantic interest, but rather indicative of deeper emotional turmoil and personal growth.

Understanding the Friendship Dynamics Between Chelsea and Saxon in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

It’s easy to misconstrue Chelsea as merely a romantic interest for Saxon, but doing so overlooks the significant character development he undergoes throughout this season. In the preceding episode, titled “Killer Instincts,” Chelsea’s quick exit from their spiritual session suggests a deliberate choice to avoid romantic entanglement with Saxon, highlighted by his attempt to hold her hands. Rather than portraying Chelsea as abandoning Rick—who is preoccupied with partying alongside Sam Rockwell’s character in Bangkok—this interaction is a crucial test for Chelsea. It challenges her to maintain patience and trust that Rick will ultimately make the right choices, or risk throwing it all away to protect herself from potential heartache.

Saxon’s gesture of reaching for Chelsea’s hand contrasts sharply with his previous encounters, especially those marked by harassment towards other women. A notable example is when he becomes aroused during a massage and feels disheartened by the absence of a “happy ending,” showcasing his prior focus on sexual conquest without regard for the other individual’s feelings. However, following the traumatic incident involving Lochlan (Sam Nivola) in Episode 6, “Denials,” Saxon’s yearning to hold hands with Chelsea transforms into a heartfelt quest for comfort. He respects her boundaries, refraining from pressing for further intimacy after she requests space.

During the finale, as Rick and Chelsea stroll away following their reunion, it’s crucial to note that Saxon’s gaze does not fixate solely on Chelsea. The camera perspective emphasizes the distance from Saxon’s viewpoint, illustrating a connection devoid of romantic idealization, instead reflecting a genuine relationship that seems to slip further from his grasp. In that moment, Saxon experiences the profound loss of a person who inspired him to become a better version of himself, realizing he may never encounter that transformative dynamic again, akin to what Rick and Chelsea share.

Hope for Saxon’s Character Evolution in ‘The White Lotus’

In the scenes surrounding Rick’s appearance on the beach, Saxon illustrates the personal growth he has achieved throughout White Lotus. His newfound interest in the self-help literature provided by Chelsea demonstrates a marked shift from the dismissive attitude he displayed at the season’s outset. Completing nearly an entire book overnight signifies Saxon’s genuine curiosity about self-improvement and his desire to redefine his life’s trajectory.

A significant leap for Saxon occurs when he acknowledges that the “sex stuff was interesting” in the book he read. While the book likely covers various topics beyond sexual encounters, this marks the first time Saxon engages with material from the spiritual genre without ridicule. By approaching the content with an open mind, he takes an important step toward confronting his insecurities. His disdain for Chloe’s (Charlotte Le Bon) assertion that finding someone for sex would be easy illustrates a shift in his values; he no longer finds her hedonism appealing, which starkly contrasts with the Saxon who first arrived at The White Lotus.

Saxon’s Character Development and Its Potential Impact Beyond ‘The White Lotus’

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Season 3 finale is the absence of the Ratliffs’ reactions to the revelation that Tim (Jason Isaacs) is under investigation, which could lead to the loss of most, if not all, of their wealth. While Victoria (Parker Posey) and Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) are likely to be most affected by this turn of events, and Lochlan might cope better, Saxon’s response remains uncertain. His comment to his father, expressing that he is nothing without success and wealth, reveals profound insecurities and sheds light on why Tim contemplated poisoning him, along with his mother and sister.

Nevertheless, it is reasonable to speculate that Saxon is on the cusp of a transformative new chapter in his life, influenced by Chelsea’s role in helping him present a more confident version of himself. The fundamental question remains: can he genuinely change? Viewers skeptical of his character may interpret his scene with Chelsea and Rick as one that merely conveys his disappointment in losing a romantic partner. In contrast, those who believe in his potential for growth might see it as indicative of a man on the brink of enlightenment, grieving the loss of a mentor, yet needing to forge his own path ahead.

All episodes of Season 3 of The White Lotus are now available for streaming on Max in the U.S.