SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the Season 3 finale of HBO’s The White Lotus.
In the chaotic, twist-filled finale of The White Lotus Season 3, Sam Nivola’s portrayal of Lochlan Ratliff left viewers stunned, especially after his character narrowly avoided death and had a critical heart-to-heart with his brother, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger). The Ratliff family’s tumultuous dynamic, including their deeply complex and controversial relationship, reached a boiling point in the final episode, providing some clarity on Lochlan’s motivations and sexuality, as well as the aftermath of the infamous incestuous moment from Episode 6.
Incest, Approval, and a Pleaser’s Complex
When it came time to address the highly debated and shocking brother-on-brother sex scene from earlier in the season, Lochlan finally sat down with Saxon to explain his actions. Lochlan’s justification was unexpected, and it shed light on his psychological complexity. He revealed that his motivations had little to do with sexual attraction and everything to do with people-pleasing. In his eyes, Saxon’s focus on sex and his constant pursuit of approval left him feeling responsible for making his brother feel “included.” Lochlan, desperate to please, crossed a line that turned into a viral moment for fans but ultimately provided a weird explanation for the tension that had been building up throughout the season.
“I’m a pleaser and want to give people what they want,” Lochlan confessed, attempting to clarify that he wasn’t sexually interested in his brother but simply trying to make Saxon happy. “Since all his brother cares about is ‘getting off,’ Lochlan explained, he felt Saxon was “left out” during their drug-induced encounter. The scene was shocking to many viewers, but Lochlan’s explanation seemed to quell some of the incest speculation surrounding the Ratliff brothers.
Lochlan’s Near Death Experience and Its Aftermath
In a season packed with suspense and jaw-dropping moments, Lochlan’s near-death experience in the finale was a surprising turn of events. The character had already been through so much but when Lochlan appeared to die after ingesting poison, it seemed as though his fate was sealed. However, his eventual resurrection offered a startling twist. Nivola, in an interview with Deadline, revealed that Lochlan’s survival might have been due to his vomiting, which likely expelled enough of the poison to keep him alive. Additionally, he noted that the poison may not have been strong enough to kill Lochlan in the first place, since his father was unaware of the exact dosage.
Sam Nivola, Jason Isaacs. Photo: HBO
“I think he got it all out,” Nivola said of Lochlan’s fate. “Also, I think maybe it wouldn’t have killed him anyway.” His family’s financial ruin and Timothy’s moment of desperation came to a head in the finale, but Lochlan’s survival added a layer of unexpected suspense and red herrings to the drama, particularly when compared to the fates of other characters.
The Unresolved Nature of Lochlan’s Sexuality
Throughout The White Lotus Season 3, Lochlan’s sexuality remained a central, unresolved question. In his final conversation with Saxon, it became clear that Lochlan was not exploring any romantic or sexual desires for his brother, but rather struggling with a deeper, existential need for family approval and emotional connection. Nivola confirmed that Lochlan’s actions were not about his sexuality but rather about his complicated relationship with his brother.
“I don’t think he’s sexually attracted to his brother,” Nivola said. “It’s not about sex or love. It’s more about just people and his relationship to people.” Lochlan’s awkward desire to connect with his family members, particularly Saxon, superseded any discussions about his sexuality, and the storyline ultimately left fans questioning whether Lochlan was simply acting out of misguided familial devotion rather than personal sexual exploration.
Swapped Swim Trunks: A Subtle But Iconic Detail
One of the standout, albeit humorous moments in the finale was the brief scene where Lochlan and Saxon swapped swim trunks after their intense encounter on the yacht. What many fans thought might be a spontaneous, fun addition to the episode was actually a deliberate decision made by show creator Mike White. “Mike thought it would be really funny,” Nivola explained. The brief exchange of clothes, with Lochlan sporting Saxon’s ill-fitting trunks and vice versa, became one of the most memorable visual gags of the season, further solidifying the brothers’ bizarre dynamic.
What’s Next for Lochlan and the Ratliffs?
Despite the chaos and dramatic events of the season, Lochlan’s future remains uncertain. After his near-death experience, he claimed to have seen God, but it is to be determined if the young Ratliff has actually made any strides toward leaving his people-pleasing in the past.
The Ratliff Family. Photo: HBO
“Lochlan just wants the approval and love and attention and respect of his siblings,” Nivola said. “He just wants Piper to like him.” However, whether Lochlan will find any sense of peace or direction from these relationships, or from his spiritual journey, is something that may not be answered anytime soon.
As for his character’s growth, Nivola pointed out that Lochlan’s experience was unlikely to result in significant change. “I think he’ll be alright,” he said. “He’s already so lost, he can’t really get much more lost than he already is.”
In the end, Lochlan’s journey on The White Lotus may not have given him all the answers he was seeking, but it left audiences with a lot to ponder about family dynamics, sexuality, and the struggles of finding one’s identity. While his fate remains uncertain, Lochlan Ratliff’s journey through the chaos of his family is far from over, leaving the door wide open for future exploration.
