The Curious Case of Greg, AKA Gary: Is "The White Lotus" Villain Escaping Justice?
The opulent settings and darkly comedic storylines of "The White Lotus" have captivated audiences for three seasons, but one character has consistently sparked debate and suspicion: Greg, played with masterful ambiguity by Jon Gries. Initially introduced as the husband of the ill-fated heiress Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge), Greg’s actions and whereabouts have been shrouded in doubt, particularly following Tanya’s untimely death in Sicily during Season 2.
Now, with Greg resurfacing in Thailand, adopting the new moniker "Gary," and enjoying the spoils of his late wife’s fortune, the question on everyone’s mind is: has he gotten away with murder?
Gries, seemingly amused by the audience’s collective animosity towards his character, acknowledges Greg’s shady nature. "He’s slippery and a trickster, at best," the actor concedes, hinting at the potential for deeper manipulation. Yet, when pressed about Greg’s involvement in Tanya’s demise, Gries remains evasive. He deflects, posing a hypothetical legal challenge: "If Greg was in Denver, how could he be the offender? If you wanted to prosecute the case in a court of law, how would you do it? It would be pretty hard to prove that I was involved in her demise. And I will neither confirm nor deny."
This deliberate ambiguity fuels the fire of speculation. While Gries emphasizes the difficulty of establishing a direct link between Greg and Tanya’s death, his refusal to outright deny involvement keeps the door open for numerous interpretations. The narrative threads left dangling at the end of Season 2 – Quentin’s (Tom Hollander) connection to Greg, the suspicious prenup that only protects against divorce, not death – all point to a carefully orchestrated plot designed to eliminate Tanya and secure Greg’s financial future.
The transition from Greg to Gary in Season 3 only deepens the intrigue. The character’s new identity, luxurious lifestyle, and conveniently fabricated backstory regarding Tanya’s death paint a picture of a man attempting to outrun his past. He’s living large, seemingly untouchable, with a yacht, a sprawling house, and a younger girlfriend named Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) who parrots his version of events.
However, "The White Lotus" thrives on the disruption of carefully constructed facades. The reappearance of Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), Tanya’s confidante from the Hawaii season, introduces a significant wrench into Greg’s plans. Belinda’s presence in Thailand and her intimate knowledge of Tanya’s relationship with Greg makes her a potential threat to his carefully crafted narrative. She could be the catalyst for unraveling the truth, bringing Greg’s alleged crimes to light. Or, in the ruthless world of "The White Lotus," she could become his next victim.
Gries paints a compelling portrait of a man driven by self-preservation and a relentless pursuit of pleasure. "The dude is in great shape, swimming laps at his luxury pool. He’s desperate to stay alive now that he has all the money. That’s pretty much the essence of this character, to me. This guy doesn’t waste his time. He wants to make the best of every moment. It’s just about keeping one step ahead of time."
This depiction suggests that Greg/Gary is not simply a passive beneficiary of circumstance but an active participant in shaping his destiny. He’s a survivor, willing to adapt and manipulate to maintain his newfound wealth and freedom. This makes him a compelling and dangerous figure, capable of anything to protect his interests.
The premiere of Season 3 hints at a future filled with violence and bloodshed. A resort shooting, a floating body – the hallmarks of "The White Lotus" are all present. Gries himself acknowledges the potential for Greg/Gary to be at the center of the impending chaos. "There are many people who could be the killer. So I can say that Gary would be heaped into that group. But it goes across the board."
The ambiguity surrounding Greg/Gary’s role in the upcoming events is deliberate. "The White Lotus" excels at keeping viewers guessing, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, and forcing us to question our own assumptions. Every character is flawed, driven by their own desires and insecurities, making them capable of both good and evil.
As the season progresses, the truth about Greg/Gary’s involvement in Tanya’s death and his potential role in the unfolding violence in Thailand will undoubtedly be revealed. Whether he will face justice, escape scot-free, or become another casualty of the opulent and dangerous world of "The White Lotus" remains to be seen.
Gries’ final tease only heightens the anticipation: "All I’ll say is that it will get dark and downright twisted from here."
This implies that the true extent of Greg/Gary’s actions, motivations, and potential for violence is far greater than we currently suspect. The final episodes of Season 3 promise to be a rollercoaster of suspense, deception, and ultimately, a chilling exploration of the dark underbelly of wealth and privilege. Whether Greg/Gary will emerge as a triumphant villain or a tragic victim is a mystery that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
