Hey there, TV aficionados! It’s Lesley Goldberg here, your resident guide to the wild and wonderful world of television, and today we’re diving headfirst into the latest chapter of The White Lotus Season 3. Episode 7, which hit HBO and Max on March 30, 2025, was a rollercoaster of revelations, and I’ve got the inside scoop from none other than Walton Goggins himself. In an exclusive chat with The Hollywood Reporter, the veteran actor opened up about his character Rick Hatchett’s pivotal moment, the grueling journey to get there, and what it all means for this addictive satirical drama. So, settle in—we’ve got a lot to unpack.
If you’ve been keeping up with The White Lotus Season 3, you know this installment has taken us to the lush, chaotic paradise of Thailand. The Koh Samui White Lotus resort is once again the backdrop for a melting pot of privileged guests, each grappling with their own messy dramas. Episode 7, aptly titled “Hide or Seek,” turned the spotlight on Rick Hatchett, Goggins’ brooding, baggage-laden character who’s been a ticking time bomb since the season kicked off.
Up until now, Rick has been a man haunted—by his past, by his father’s death, and by the shadowy figure he holds responsible: Jim, a developer tied to the White Lotus property, played with chilling gravitas by Scott Glenn. The episode built toward a confrontation that had all the makings of a classic White Lotus explosion. But in true Mike White fashion, what we got instead was something far more nuanced—and far more human.
In a stunning scene, Rick faces Jim, the weight of his anger palpable. Yet, instead of violence, he chooses release. With a gingerly toppled desk chair—a small but seismic gesture—he walks away, leaving his vendetta behind. It’s a moment of grace in a show that thrives on cynicism, and Goggins’ performance makes it unforgettable.
For Goggins, bringing Rick Hatchett to life was no small feat. Known for his transformative roles in Justified, The Shield, and Fallout, the actor has a gift for inhabiting complicated souls. But Rick, he says, demanded something extra. “It took me six months and seven hours of this experience to smile, to really smile,” Goggins told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s not joy, but there’s contentment or peace for a moment.”
That smile came in the aftermath of filming Rick’s big scene with Glenn—a moment Goggins described as a personal and professional catharsis. “All of a sudden, 10,000 pounds lifted off of my shoulders,” he said. “That smile was so genuine. It was real.”
The road to that moment wasn’t easy. Goggins admitted that the White Lotus shoot tested him in ways few projects have. “I read all the scripts and I knew what it would take in order to get to that moment, it was all building towards that,” he explained. “I didn’t know exactly how that conversation was going to play out with Scott. We didn’t talk about it a lot.” The lack of rehearsal lent the scene an organic intensity, amplifying its impact on both the actor and the audience.
Goggins also reflected on the uniqueness of his approach. “Other actors would’ve arrived at that very different way and lived their life,” he noted. For him, Rick’s surliness wasn’t just a character choice—it was a mirror to the emotional toll of the role. And when that burden lifted? “It was arguably one of the great times of my life,” he said, hinting at the joy of sharing the season with co-stars like Sam Rockwell, whose earlier cameo remains a fan favorite.
Rick’s arc doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Season 3 has been a masterclass in juggling multiple narratives, each laced with the show’s signature commentary on wealth, privilege, and human folly. While Rick wrestled with his demons in Episode 7, the Ratliff family—led by Parker Posey’s unraveling Victoria—continued their descent into dysfunction. The trio of Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie (Carrie Coon) kept up their biting repartee, exposing the fragility beneath their friendship. And then there’s Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), the resort’s moral compass, whose quiet resilience offers a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
Rick’s decision to let go resonates beyond his storyline. It’s a rare instance of redemption in a series that often revels in its characters’ downfall—a counterpoint to the excess and entitlement swirling around the White Lotus. Set against Thailand’s stark social divides, it’s a reminder of the show’s ability to probe deeper questions about forgiveness and accountability.
With just one episode left, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The White Lotus has a knack for leaving us guessing—who lives, who dies, who gets the last laugh—and Episode 7 only ramps up the anticipation. Goggins stayed coy about the finale but dropped a tantalizing hint: “You’re going to be very surprised where it ends. Everybody has their own destination.” Will Rick’s peace hold? Will the body count finally rise? And what’s in store for Belinda, the unsung hero of this season?
Episode 7 of The White Lotus Season 3 is a standout—not just for its narrative twists, but for the raw humanity at its core. Walton Goggins delivers a performance that’s equal parts harrowing and hopeful, cementing Rick Hatchett as one of the season’s most compelling figures. His insights into the role only deepen our appreciation for the craft behind this cultural juggernaut.
So, what’s your take? Were you shocked by Rick’s choice? What do you hope to see in the finale? Hit the comments below and let me know. And don’t miss the Season 3 closer next Sunday at 9 p.m. on HBO and Max—it’s bound to be a wild ride.
Until then, keep your eyes peeled for the next big twist. In the world of The White Lotus, nothing is ever quite what it seems.
