Viewers stung by the season two finale of Yellowjackets were left with more questions than answers.
With speculative buzz swarming this genre-bending show, the recent writers’ strike and rumored upcoming actors’ strike have enthusiasts of this series theorizing about the implications of season three. As demonstrated by the show, strong female characters and exceptional writing aren’t the only things that make this series special.
Despite tight-lipped executive producers, we’ll take a look at the multiple prominent theories surrounding the stinging sensation that is Yellowjackets.
Lottie Comes Back to Murder Everyone
Lottie (portrayed by Simone Kessell), leader of the purple cult and victim of schizophrenically-induced hallucinations, is the only member of the remaining yellowjackets to propose suicide. Near the finale of season two, Lottie offers herself and her friends as potential sacrifices in the random circle of death as represented by the blinded Queen playing card.
The other members, despite their shortcomings, seem to have more or less acclimated to their present stations in society. Not so for Lottie. Fans theorize that as her world splinters more and more, the haunting scene of her charioted away in an ambulance, presumably headed for the mental health asylum, belies the fact that we’ll see her character again.
The Yellowjackets Were Never Rescued
One wild theory circulating the boards is the concept that, in a strange twist, none of the young soccer players were rescued. This stems from the season one episode – Doomcoming – where the characters accidentally imbibe hallucinogenics and display erratic behavior. Further reinforced by the recurring hallucinations suffered by the coach and other survivors, implied to be due to hunger – fans speculate it could hint at something more.
The theory that the present yellowjackets are hallucinating and still trapped on the island, starving to death, is one darker view yet one in line with the spirit of the show. Although such a course could prove unpopular, the surreal nature of such an ending would prove thought-provoking and leave fans with a long-lasting impression.
Bad Girls With Heart
Aside from the desperate portrayal by both the junior and senior acting cast of Yellowjackets, part of the heart-warming side of the show is its charity. Recently, ten cast members alongside the series co-creator appeared opposite Steve Harvey on Family Feud, and the teams won the game – successfully raising $25,000 for charity.
The dark heart of the show and its revelations, both of the deep well of need that is the human spirit, but also the capability to overcome, comes across in this more humorous side of Yellowjackets. Fans are treated to more of this levity in tantalizing tidbits after the individual episode premieres, as well as the Showtime streaming app. These behind-the-scenes glimpses give a more well-rounded sense of the humanity of the actors and producers while simultaneously providing some much-needed laughs.
Given this softer side of everyone’s favorite cannibal sophomores, viewers theorize that this upcoming season will show more humor, levity, and goofy situations that were the occasional exclamation mark (rather than the focus of) prior episodes. When viewed in this light, the slap-stick dream sequence of Melanie Lynsky’s character (Shauna) with turkey cutter electric knife-hands, in particular, points toward a bit more comedy during the upcoming dark times.
A Stinging Final Scene: The Cabin Burned Down
The penultimate poignant moment in the season finale saw the stranded soccer players forced outside into the freezing cold as their shelter burned to cinders. The only point of comfort and semblance of civility in the show, the abandoned cabin that the yellowjackets had appropriated, stood metaphorically for the eventual salvation of the team.
Not only were the yellowjackets left literally in the cold, but the stinging slap in the face also came from the fact that they were betrayed by their former coach now, turned insane arsonist, Paul, played by the intoxicating and affably unstable François Arnaud. Enthusiasts were left with open mouths and dozens of open-ended questions.
Earlier in the finale, Juliet Lewis’ character, Natalie, was tapped as the leader of the cannibal clan of yellowjackets, directly contradicting the season opener episode that displayed Christina Ricci’s younger half, Misty, as the seeming avatar of the dark forest god and de facto leader. Viewers were left wondering why.
The best theory enthusiasts and die-hard fans can muster is – this is it; season three will be the finale for Yellowjackets. But does that make sense for such a well-written, incredibly acted, popular show?
The answer to these questions and more is; wait and see. The surprising death of Juliette Lewis’ haunted Natalie was the bomb dropping onto the surviving yellowjackets that fans never anticipated. Alongside the betrayal by the coach, and the cabin burning down, the brilliance of the series lies in its ability to keep enthusiasts guessing.
Now that viewers know there are no safety nets for the present yellowjackets, there is no point in prognosticating about the future because this isn’t a soccer game. All bets are off.
