All told, White Lotus showrunner Mike White expertly wrapped up his season three storylines, from the Ratliffs to the Toxic Trio (who werent so toxic after all).

Sundays 90-minute finale concluded with a mix of triumph (Belindas $5 million payday), tragedy (the Greek tragedy of doomed lovers Rick and Chelsea), spiritual evolution (the Ratliffs finding a sort of peace) and workplace redemption (Gaitok).

Yet there were a few story agenda items that were left unresolved intentionally, sure, and perhaps even correctly, but arguably less-than-satisfyingly. The first and biggest: denying viewers Victoria Ratliffs (Parker Posey) reaction to her husbands (Jason Isaacs) downfall.

All season, Timothy had been shielding his family from the devastating reality that he is going to lose his job, go to jail, and leave them potentially scandalized and destitute. Posey has been a scene-stealing, meme-able delight all season, and how she might react to this massive reversal of fortune was a bombshell waiting to explode. The most viral quote of the season was Victorias, I justdont think, at this age, thatIm meant tolive an uncomfortable life. White instead chose to show the Ratliffs on the boat leaving the resort, with Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) just seemingly starting to see the news on his phone, and cut away right before this information would have been relayed to Victoria.

It was, obviously, very much a choice were left to imagine Victorias uncomprehending meltdown, but its still one that would have been incredible to witness.

Heres another item that didnt feel wholly satisfying: The incest storyline between Saxon and his younger brother Lochlan (Sam Nivola). During the uproar in recent weeks over the storyline, with some viewers feeling that it seemed to exist mainly for shock value, producer David Bernard assured in The New York Post, Those big story turns are not just for shock. Theres a specific reason in terms of the narrative storytelling, and the larger thematic idea Mike is trying to get across. As the season wraps up, youll see the purpose of that story turn. The show goes there for a larger thematic idea. The brother story culminates in a very satisfying way.

Did it, though? It was certainly referenced, with Saxon telling Lochlan not to worship him, and Lochlan justifying the quasi-molesting of his inebriated sibling by explaining, Im a people-pleaser (yikes). But thats hardly culminating in a very satisfying way with a clear purpose to the storyline. And, just in general, Lochlan always seemed like a character with some real issues, and we were left wondering a bit what his whole deal was.

In HBOs post-finale podcast, White explained the siblings represent the two arguments around Buddhism. Somebody whos like, I wanna retreat to the monastery, not have any desires, and thats gonna be the better way to live this life,' he said. Then another one whos calling them on it and saying, Youre just afraid to have sex. Youre afraid to do this. Dont run away from life. And that they both, brother and sister, are two different voices in [Lochlans] ear and [Lochlan] wants to give them both what they want. He wants to go to the monastery with his sister, hes gonna run away from the world with his sister. And then, with his brother, hes gonna go to the parties and have sex.

This explanation provides slightly more clarity, but it still doesnt make you go, Oh, so thats the purpose and payoff for the incest hand job.

As for Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood)? No real notes, though some viewers reacted in disbelief that Rick would return to the hotel owned by the man he just assaulted (Scott Glenn). Obviously, it would have been happier for all involved if Rick just skedaddled with Chelsea the moment he returned, but sticking around for their final day makes sense considering Ricks mindset. He felt enormously relieved of his mental burden and didnt consider somebody that he dismissed as old and weak to be any kind of threat.

Yet Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), girlfriend of returning character Gary (Jon Gries), was left a bit by the wayside. Surely she had some reaction to her vacation friend being murdered?

The remaining Things We Were Left Wondering are items that were very deliberate letting Greg off the hook, for instance, leaves the door open for more with a character who has evolved into the one constant in the series. Letting the trio of resort robbers get away with their crimes was understandable given Gaitoks (Tayme Thapthimthong) options.

And, of course, were wondering about the location of season four. White has teased on the podcast, For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves against rocks vernacular. But theres always room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels. Which suggests White might not be returning to the beach next season. Hes also suggested in the past that he wants to avoid any cold locations, but wed be down for a Switzerland winter wonderland season to really shake things up (snow, fireplaces, turtlenecks, avalanches!).

For more coverage of the White Lotus finale, heres a breakdown of all the endings and here are some of the stars reactions to their characters fates. Head here for all things White Lotus.