One Episode Later, Rick Just Undid A Big Wild Card For The White Lotus Season 3's Finale

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The White Lotus season 3, episode 7, "Killer Instincts."The White Lotusseason 3 is approaching its finale, and Rick's actions in episode 7 undo a big wild card for the last installment. Episode 8 will finally reveal the cause of the gunshots in season 3's premiere, and it will unveil the victim of the show's latest outing. There's no guarantee the two are connected; it would be right up The White Lotus' alley to reveal that the body seen in episode 1 isn't the result of the shooting. However, no matter what direction the finale takes, it must solve the mystery surrounding both. And after Rick's trip to Bangkok, one answer looks less likely.

Rick finally confronts Sritala's husband in "Killer Instincts," and he accuses Jim of killing his father before pulling a gun on him. However, Rick decides not to shoot Jim in The White Lotus season 3, episode 7. And although they might see each other again — there are still questions that need to be answered about Rick's father and his death — there won't be a weapon involved this time. That's because Rick gets rid of his gun after fleeing from Sritala's home, undoing one possibility for The White Lotus season 3 finale in the process.

Rick Throwing Away His Gun Means His Won't Be Involved The White Lotus Season 3 Finale's Shootout

Walton Goggins' Character Probably Isn't Responsible For The Opening Scene

Rick having a gun in The White Lotus season 3 made it possible that he'd be involved in the shootout glimpsed in the first episode. However, that's no longer looking like an option ahead of the finale. Season 3 has built tension surrounding the opening scene by featuring multiple firearms — and even having them pass between characters. When Walton Goggins' Rick gained access to one such weapon, it added another potential shooter to the mix. But with Rick leaving his gun behind in Bangkok, it seems he was just a red herring.

Rick (Walton Goggins) in The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 6

After The Husband's Introduction In The White Lotus Season 3 Episode 7, I'm More Convinced That This Dark Rick Theory Will Be Right

Rick’s encounter with Sritala’s husband, Jim, in The White Lotus season 3, episode 7 makes one dark theory more likely to come true in the finale.

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Rick hasn't returned to the White Lotus resort yet, so it's always possible he could get another gun after throwing his out. However, there are other characters in The White Lotus season 3 who seem far more likely to be involved in the finale's shootout. Not only do they still have their firearms, but they have storylines that appear to be headed in a darker direction.

Who Still Has A Gun Ahead Of The White Lotus Season 3's Finale

Gaitok Or Valentin's Friends Could Be Involved In The Shootout

With Rick's gun out of the equation, there are other characters who seem likely to be caught up in The White Lotus season 3 finale's looming shootout. Of course, one of them is Gaitok, the security guard at the titular resort. Gaitok gets a gun after the resort is robbed, and it's a focal point of his story. He's initially careless with the weapon, leading Timothy Ratliff to steal it. Gaitok reclaims it ahead of the finale, but his continued incompetence, desire to prove himself, and seeming realization that Valentin's friends robbed the White Lotus all set him up for tragedy.

Speaking of Valentin and his friends, it's very possible that they're behind the shooting in The White Lotus season 3 premiere. With Gaitok realizing that they're likely the robbers in "Killer Instincts" — and Laurie learning they're con artists and thieves after her encounter with Aleksei — it's possible they'll strike again. They could go after Laurie or Gaitok if they suspect either character knows about their crime. Of course, The White Lotus season 3 could just as easily surprise us, with someone more unexpected being behind the shooting.