"A wealthy businessman vacationing with his wife and three children." ― Official description
Timothy Ratliff is a former guest of the White Lotus resort in Ko Samui, Thailand. During his visit to Thailand, Timothy received word that he was being investigated by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post for his involvement with Kenneth Nguyen and Sho-Kel. After a call with Kenneth, he discovered that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was in possession of evidence retrieved about Kenneth that also implicated him. Timothy soon stole Lorazepam from his wife, Victoria, and took them throughout the Ratliff family's vacation.
With Kenneth making a deal, the FBI investigating him, and facing prison time, Timothy later stole a gun left unattended by Gaitok, and attempted suicide. During the attempt, he was interrupted by Victoria. He later contemplated killing those in his family who weren't comfortable living without their wealth, but decided against it. On the boat ride leaving the resort, Timothy eventually revealed to his family that their lives were about to be different, but that they would be able to get through it, as a family.
Biography[]
Backstory[]
At some point, Timothy met and married Victoria Ratliff. The two had three children together, Saxon, Piper, and Lochlan. Timothy was an associate of Kenneth Nguyen and worked with him in 2018 on Sho-Kel.[1]
Season 3[]
Shortly before arriving with Victoria, Saxon, Piper, and Lochlan at the White Lotus resort in Thailand, aboard the boat to complete the journey, Timothy was upset by Rick Hatchett's smoking. Also aboard the boat were Rick's girlfriend, Chelsea, Belinda Lindsey, and three friends, Kate Bohr, Laurie Duffy, and Jaclyn Lemon. After arriving, Timothy was called by journalist Bart Nixon of The Wall Street Journal and questioned about his connections to Kenneth Nguyen and Sho-Kel. After the call, Timothy had another brief heated encounter with Rick on the way back to his family.[1]
Timothy soon discovered that The Washington Post was also looking into his connection with Kenneth. After a day that included working out and witnessing Victoria reuniting with Kate, Timothy finally reached a panicked Kenny over the phone. Two two discussed the ongoing situation and Kenneth revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was in possession of Sho-Kel evidence. Timothy threatened to kill Kenny before the conversation ended. Later, Timothy made an unsuccessful attempt to contact a lawyer.[2]
After receiving various phone calls, Timothy was informed that the FBI had begun to investigate him, and was urged to not communicate with anyone. Timothy then decided to adhere to the resort's policy regarding no phones. Victoria soon shared her Lorazepam with Timothy, causing him to nap throughout the day. When he awoke, he proceeded to steal her pills so that he could sleep through the night.[3]
The Ratliff family soon met with Greg Hunt and Chloe, attending a gathering aboard their yacht. Still impacted by Victoria's Lorazepam, Timothy proceeded to steal the entire bottle, and drink, as the day went on. He shared information about his ancestry with fellow passengers, and shared a moment with Piper. When the Ratliff's returned to the hotel, Timothy retrieved his phone from Pam, and discovered that multiple people had attempted to make contact with him. During a following phone call, Timothy was informed by his lawyer that Kenneth had begun to cooperate with the FBI, and suggested that he make a deal as well. Timothy then stated that he would rather die than give up his life, and face prison time. Looking ahead, Timothy notice a gun inside the security booth that Gaitok had left unattended. Timothy proceeded to steal the gun., and went to dinner with Victoria and Piper.[4]
At dinner, Piper informed Timothy and Victoria of her intent to return to Thailand after graduation and attend the meditation center for a year. Victoria was opposed to the idea, with Timothy hardly reacting. He then went to the bathroom, where he was approached by Gaitok about the gun, having earlier been spotted on security footage. Timothy denied having knowledge of the incident, and returned to his family. Timothy later had a brief discussion with Piper about his religious past. Later finding himself alone, Timothy attempted suicide before being interrupted by Victoria, managing to keep the gun a secret. Timothy then prayed to God, asking what to do.[5]
Timothy imagined committing suicide as well as the reaction of Victoria and Piper, and decided to put the gun away. He then laid down with Victoria, briefly discussing Piper.[6]
As his career and financial stability unraveled, he turned increasingly to his wife’s pills to cope. He considered drastic action to "protect" his family from a perceived downfall, even preparing a poisoned cocktail with fatal intent. Though he ultimately stopped the others from consuming the drinks, he couldn’t prevent Lochlan from later using the same blender, triggering a medical emergency. Timothy was consumed with guilt when he realized his son had nearly died because of him. After the crisis, he began to accept that losing wealth did not mean losing everything. He found a measure of peace through the monk's teachings and let go of some of his self-destructive urges, showing subtle but meaningful growth by the end of his family trip.
Characters met[]
- Kate Bohr
- Chloe
- Laurie Duffy
- Fabian
- Gaitok
- Rick Hatchett
- Sritala Hollinger
- Greg Hunt
- Jaclyn Lemon
- Kenneth Nguyen
- Bart Nixon
- Pam
- Lochlan Ratliff
- Piper Ratliff
- Saxon Ratliff
- Victoria Ratliff
- Luang Por Teera
Behind the Scenes[]
Timothy Ratliff is a main character in Season 3 of HBO's The White Lotus. He was portrayed by Jason Isaacs.
Appearances[]
- "Same Spirits, New Forms" (first appearance)
- "Special Treatments"
- "The Meaning of Dreams"
- "Hide or Seek"
- "Full-Moon Party"
- "Denials"
- "Killer Instincts"
- "Amor Fati"
Gallery[]
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