The White Lotus season 3 premiere brings back [SPOILER] in shocking return

Belinda, portrayed by Natasha Rothwell, isn't the sole familiar face making a comeback in this season of "The White Lotus." The season 3 premiere on Sunday unveiled a stunning twist towards the episode's climax, as Greg (Jon Gries) unexpectedly showed up at the White Lotus resort in Thailand without prior notice. Earlier, hotel guest Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), after a scuffle with her beau Rick (Walton Goggins), found herself sharing drinks at the bar with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), a stunning young model who had also experienced a spat with her older lover.

The two ladies, united by their mutual grievances against their surly, elder companions, forged a connection. Chloe confided that she and her partner resided in a hilltop house and only frequented the resort for its dining delights. She then gestured towards her lover across the room, revealing none other than a morose Greg dining solo at their table.

While Chelsea remained oblivious to Greg's identity, "The White Lotus" viewers were all too aware of his history. Greg first made an appearance in season 1 as a Maui resort guest, where he ensnared the affluent yet naive Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge). They tied the knot and returned for a Sicilian vacation at the White Lotus in season 2, but their romantic retreat turned into a fatal ordeal for Tanya, as Greg orchestrated her murder to inherit her wealth. Unfortunately for Tanya, his scheme succeeded, and it's evident that he's now living comfortably in Thailand, flaunting his newfound fortune and a sizzling younger girlfriend.

However, does Chloe know the dark deeds Greg perpetrated against his last partner? And will Belinda encounter him during her resort stay? If she does, will she even recall him? Their paths certainly crossed when Tanya was contemplating funding Belinda's wellness venture before abruptly abandoning the plan to indulge in her whirlwind romance with Greg. Should Belinda catch sight of Greg during her visit, she might finally secure the justice Tanya deserves.

In a season 2 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gries defended Greg's actions, asserting that he genuinely loved Tanya, but being with her exacted a heavy toll over time. "Couldn't it be argued that while Tanya is undeniably charming and endearing, she's also a chaotic mess?" Gries pondered. "Greg is undoubtedly unkind, but I believe he was somewhat at his wits' end — at least, that was the intention: to portray him as reaching his breaking point. Or was he simply over it? Personally, I think he truly loved her."

Murder, indeed, is an odd way to demonstrate affection. "The White Lotus" airs every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.