Season 3 of the hit HBO drama The White Lotuscame to an end Sunday night, and not everyone was satisfied with the ending — specifically when it came to the character Mook.
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The actor behind Mook was played by one of the biggest K-pop stars in the world: Lisa, from the girl group Blackpink, who was credited as Lalisa Manobal in the series. As such, fans had high expectations when it was announced she'd be joining the cast of White Lotus — but by the end of the season, many of them were left feeling disappointed… Perhaps because her character simply didn't do very much.
The majority of Lisa's scenes were opposite Tayme Thapthimthong, who played the bumbling security guard Gaitok. Mook was an employee at The White Lotus resort and spent most of her screentime dodging Gaitok's date inquiries. She made it known that she only dated men with ambition and pressured Gaitok to be more masculine and aggressive in order to get promoted in the security world, despite violence being against his Buddhist beliefs.
Mook's presence throughout the season is unclear and confusing to watch. Why is she pushing Gaitok to be more violent? Is she looking for a man with money? Ambition? Status? Does she think masculinity is hot? Is she just playing with him? Is there no one else on the island to date? And Lisa's looks don't aid the shaky plotline. Wouldn't her beauty open her up to more jobs – or at least more romantic candidates?
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Because of the character's ambiguous motivations, many viewers theorized that she had ulterior motives and was actually working with Valentin and his Russian friends to help rob the jewelry store in episode two. But the finale made it clear that her plotline only existed to motivate a male character, Gaitok, into literal murder. Finally, as Gaitok is promoted to Sritala's personal driver and/or bodyguard, Mook seems proud of him, attracted to him even. And that's it. That was her entire storyline.
When you look back on the season, Lisa did a great job with the material she had. She's a natural actor, and the charm just oozes off of her. But Mook's storyline was rather flat, boring, and not at all memorable.
You could also compare it to another acting debut from a Blackpink singer! Jennie starred in another HBO drama, The Idol, alongside The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp. While that show and its quality are highly debated, Jennie played a pop star pushing into the spotlight. She was able to show off her dancing and performance abilities on the show, so fans who tuned in to see her left satisfied despite whatever else was going on around her.
Outside of her bland storyline, Lisa performed on a stage once during the show. It was a hazy moment in the background of other characters' dinner. Even Gaitok wasn't watching the performance intently, as his gun had just been stolen by Timothy Ratliff. Lisa's biggest strengths were wasted on a performance the characters (and the audience) barely registered.
At the end of the day, the character of Mook was just too minor for the biggest name on the bill. It was also a shame to see the only other woman of color in the main cast get minimal screentime, have no motivations of her own, and fail the Bechdel test so spectacularly. Though Lisa did great, it was a wasted opportunity for the show to utilize the full potential of its biggest star.
HBO's The White Lotus season 3 is now streaming on Max.
Did 'White Lotus' waste Lisa's acting debut?
Lalisa Manobal on The White Lotus season 3.
Out contributor Taylor Henderson comments on Lalisa Manobal's acting debut on The White Lotus season 3.
Taylor Henderson
Taylor Henderson is a pop culture nerd. Lives for drama. Obsessed with Beyonce's womb. Tweets way too much.
Taylor Henderson is a pop culture nerd. Lives for drama. Obsessed with Beyonce's womb. Tweets way too much.