When Yellowjackets first burst onto the scene four years ago, it took some time for the thrilling Showtime series created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson to gain traction and buzz. As a long-time reviewer of Yellowjackets, it has been both fascinating and rewarding to witness a show that captivated me from the start gradually attract a larger audience with each successive episode. In retrospect, Yellowjackets may not have achieved its remarkable success without its strategic weekly release schedule, which fostered a growing viewership through vibrant word-of-mouth promotion, innovative fan theories, and the kind of engaging online discussions that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s streaming landscape. By the time Season 2 premiered, expectations soared as fans anticipated the wild twists and turns the series is known for ? yet it became clear that we had merely scratched the surface of the show’s potential for jaw-dropping surprises, heartbreaking character losses, and the ever-intensifying challenges faced in that treacherous Canadian wilderness.
In the early episodes of Yellowjackets Season 3, we find ourselves in a space where the narrative allows for a moment of reflection amid the aftermath of intense trauma. The previous season’s climax saw the titular girls’ soccer team confronting the devastating loss of their makeshift hunting cabin, which was engulfed in flames amidst the harsh winter. Now, the surviving Yellowjackets have congregated at Lottie Michaels’ (Simone Kessell) “wellness commune,” where the group engages in bizarre rituals, donning animal masks and pursuing one another through the forest. However, this season also brings the tragic demise of one of their own, Natalie Scatorccio (Juliette Lewis), which casts a long shadow over the remaining characters as they navigate their complex emotions.
As Season 3 commences approximately six weeks after the harrowing events, the loss of Natalie continues to haunt the surviving women. No one seems to feel the weight of this tragedy more than Misty Quigley (Christina Ricci), who wrestles with her role in Natalie’s fate, having administered that fatal dose of phenobarbital. Meanwhile, the past reveals how the girls survived the winter through teamwork, makeshift shelters, and sheer willpower?a testament to their resilience. However, escalating tensions among several group members threaten to reach a breaking point, igniting conflicts that may jeopardize their fragile unity.
Discover the Intriguing Plot of ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3
Now in the midst of summer in the wilderness, the Yellowjackets are reflecting on their remarkable survival skills and the determination that carried them through the brutal winter months. A poignant recap narrated by Van (Liv Hewson) serves to remind viewers of the events that have transpired, almost as a playful nod to the audience. However, for Shauna (Sophie Nélisse), this retelling feels like a sanitization of history, as she scribbles furiously in her diary about the uncomfortable truths being overlooked. The group collectively avoids discussing the darker aspects of their winter survival, including the unsettling instances of cannibalism they resorted to, both literally and figuratively, to cope with their dire circumstances. Shauna grapples with her grief over losing her baby in childbirth, feeling frustrated by the surface-level platitudes surrounding their survival, particularly the clichés surrounding female empowerment that do little to address the harsh realities they faced. Additionally, Shauna harbors resentment towards Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) for being crowned the new Antler Queen, an honor she feels should have been hers.
Given these tensions, it is no surprise that unresolved conflicts among the teammates begin to resurface, revealing even uglier dynamics this season. Shauna and Mari (Alexa Barajas) have never seen eye-to-eye, and even a seemingly innocent game of “capture the bone” threatens to escalate into physical confrontations. Yet, amidst this discord, Shauna unexpectedly finds a new ally in the previously quiet Melissa (Jenna Burgess). While Natalie seems to settle comfortably into her new leadership role, doubts about her loyalty begin to surface, largely fueled by Misty?s (Samantha Hanratty) manipulative game of telephone regarding her suspicions. Meanwhile, Lottie (Courtney Eaton) may no longer hold the same sway she once did, but she continues to draw Travis (Kevin Alves) into her orbit as they navigate their connection to the wilderness. Adding to the mystery, Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) remains unaccounted for since his disappearance into the woods just before the cabin?s destruction, leaving viewers to ponder whether he played a role in that chaos or if he is even alive.
Related
Essential Recap: What You Must Remember from ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2 Before Diving into Season 3
The wilderness is calling.
Fast forward to the present day, and the survivors are not only grappling with the recent loss of a beloved friend; they are also struggling to find direction in their lives. Taissa (Tawny Cypress) humorously quips about becoming the first senator to impeach herself before even taking office, which serves as a stark reminder of her fall from grace. Although Tai seems somewhat content with Van (Lauren Ambrose) back in her life, her situation is overshadowed by her estrangement from her son and Van’s secret battle with cancer. On the flip side, Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) feels trapped in a downward spiral as a wife and mother, especially since both Callie (Sarah Desjardins) and Jeff (Warren Kole) witnessed the chaos that unfolded at Lottie’s commune. Despite her fears about her family’s future, the Sadeckis family appears more united than ever, bonded by the illegal activities they?ve engaged in rather than by keeping secrets from one another. Meanwhile, Misty’s relationship with Walter (Elijah Wood) has evolved into a semblance of domestic bliss, but his tendency to hover and her unresolved grief over Natalie ? coupled with the dawning realization that the rest of the Yellowjackets view her as an afterthought ? pushes Misty to distance herself from the one person who might truly understand her.
Exploring the Challenges of Balancing Dual Timelines in ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3
The most significant challenge facing Yellowjackets in its latest season is one that has plagued the show since its inception: creating a present-day timeline that is as riveting as the flashbacks. This observation is not a critique of the talented older cast, many of whom are delivering some of their finest performances this season; Lynskey and Ricci, in particular, shine when they share scenes and spar with each other. Shauna is given a particularly eerie and mysterious storyline in Season 3, which appears to involve an ominous threat from her past that plays psychological games with her mind. Ricci, as Misty, continues to steal scenes with her impeccable delivery, perfectly calibrating each line to fit the moment’s intensity. The Sadeckis family gains greater visibility this season, with increased focus on Desjardins’ Callie and Kole’s humorously exasperated husband Jeff, further strengthening the narrative as these characters become integral to the unfolding drama.
In contrast, it seems increasingly difficult to determine Taissa’s trajectory, especially after she has essentially dismantled her entire life. Following the hospitalization of her wife Simone (Rukiya Bernard) and losing visitation rights to her son Sammy (Aiden Stoxx), one would expect Tai to be more proactive in addressing her reemerging fugue state that has caused so much disruption. Yet, her journey of self-exploration and the investigation she and Van embark on feel drawn out and lack the urgency that other storylines possess. However, once the present-day timeline takes a bold turn, viewers are treated to an exhilarating twist that reinforces the notion that some threats from their past have lingered, patiently awaiting the perfect moment to resurface.
Meanwhile, the past remains as engrossing as ever, particularly due to the new power dynamics within the group. Natalie’s rise to Antler Queen, seemingly ordained by the wilderness itself, initially appears to be a positive change for the collective. Yet, simmering resentments come to a head when it is revealed that this new leader has been harboring secrets. The younger cast continues to impress ? Thatcher skillfully balances Natalie’s duality, while Eaton’s portrayal of Lottie feels otherworldly. Nonetheless, the first four episodes are undeniably dominated by Nélisse, as Shauna embarks on a rage-fueled journey this season, openly resenting the group’s celebration of survival when not all of them made it through the winter intact.
Although the season starts at a slower pace, it ultimately leads to a standout Episode 4, directed by Jennifer Morrison and penned by Julia Bicknell & Terry Wesley. This episode pays homage to 12 Angry Men, infusing its own unique Yellowjackets flavor into the narrative, which will undoubtedly keep viewers on the edge of their seats long after the credits roll. This episode solidified my commitment to this season, showcasing a particularly surreal shared hallucination sequence that underscores the show?s best qualities ? reminding fans that you can’t spell “wilderness” without “wild.” Sometimes, the most intricate mysteries are the ones that leave you craving more.
Yellowjackets Season 3 premieres with its first two episodes on February 14, exclusively on Showtime, with new episodes released weekly every Friday.
