Yellowjackets Season 3 Premiere: Shocking Twists and Dark Secrets Revealed!

Approximately two years after receiving critical acclaim for its second installment, “Yellowjackets” is back on our screens in an eagerly awaited return, now streaming exclusively on Paramount+ with Showtime. This Emmy-nominated series has kept viewers enthralled since its 2021 premiere through its innovative narrative structure that alternates between the aftermath of a 1996 plane crash and the harrowing present of the survivors. By seamlessly weaving elements of psychological horror, black humor, and intricate character studies, delivered expertly by its top-notch cast, “Yellowjackets” has solidified itself as one of TV’s most gripping dramas. As Season 3 starts, anticipation is sky-high, and the initial episode of the new season provides answers to long-standing questions while establishing the direction for what’s to come ahead.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 1

Three months after Natalie’s (Juliette Lewis) unexpected passing at Camp Green Pine and following the destruction of the cabin in an earlier timeline, the third season of ‘Yellowjackets’ resumes with an episode that skillfully manipulates viewer anticipation. Initiating with what initially seems like another ritual hunt, but soon unveils as something far more intricate, this premiere illustrates how both timeframes have progressed since Season 2. In the past, the survivors have fashioned a seemingly harmonious society during the spring season, though ominous undertones continue to lurk beneath their play and rituals. In the present, Natalie’s death has profoundly affected the survivors’ lives, while fresh enigmas arise to torment both them and their families. The episode showcases how trauma permeates across generations, manifesting in various forms such as teenage defiance, frantic attempts at bonding, or the lingering impact of whatever mysterious force continues to exert control over these women’s destinies.

Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 1 Recap

In the opening of Yellowjackets Season 3’s premiere, there’s a lot to explore and analyze. Let’s delve into each scene for a comprehensive understanding.

Tag, You’re It

The episode begins with an intense scene: Mari (Alexa Barajas) sprints hurriedly through woods bathed in sunlight, fear clearly etched on her features. The lack of snow and the vibrant vegetation signals that it’s been several months since the cabin was destroyed by fire. As Mari tries to evade unseen assailants, we witness two other girls giving chase across the forest. She seeks refuge behind a massive tree, gasping for breath, before making an attempt to alter her course—but is promptly brought down forcefully by Shauna (Sophie Nélisse).

At first, the situation resembles the opening hunting sequence with Mari clearly terrified, yet it swiftly changes course as Shauna orders Mari to hand over “it”. When Mari resists, a physical confrontation erupts, ending with Shauna biting Mari’s hand to make her drop whatever she’s grasping. The uproar attracts the rest of their team, and Mari complains about Shauna’s bite, but Natalie (played by Sophie Thatcher) soothes the tension, clarifying that these actions follow the rules of their game: when tagged, you are obligated to pass “it” to whoever tagged you.

In the scene, I, as Misty (Samantha Hanratty), am seen racing away in the distance, with “Maxwell Murder” by Rancid echoing behind me, as my teammates give chase. I reach what seems to be a predetermined destination, claiming a victory for our side. As the situation turns in my favor, Mari’s initial fear morphs into smug satisfaction, while Shauna shoots daggers with her eyes at Mari, evidently fuming over being outsmarted.

[Intro plays]

It’s Peaceful in the Woods

The opening scene transitions smoothly to a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the untouched wilderness, set against the soothing tune of Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken.” As the camera gradually lowers, it reveals an impressive settlement erected by the survivors, boasting several improvised huts crafted from wood and straw. A mini farm area is home to ducks and rabbits, signifying that they have developed self-sustaining food resources. The scene unfolds, showcasing different survivors carrying out their morning activities: Taissa (Jasmin Savoy Brown) gently combs Van’s (Liv Hewson) hair in a tender moment of intimacy; meanwhile, Travis (Kevin Alves) participates in a round of Broken Telephone with other survivors, demonstrating his methods to deal with his sorrow over Javi (Luciano Leroux).

The tranquil atmosphere is disrupted by Misty’s horn call, pulling eager survivors away from their tasks. As they congregate, Mari encounters Shauna and teases her about their previous encounter. When Shauna inquires about Mari’s bandaged hand, Mari keeps up her arrogant attitude. Natalie steps in, proposing that Shauna might want to join them, to which Shauna retorts with sarcastic bitterness, mockingly addressing Natalie as “queen” before stating she’ll remain at camp. This interaction clearly reveals the ongoing resentment towards Natalie’s role as Antler Queen.

Summer Solstice

At the onset, Van unveils the inauguration of the Summer Solstice Festival, an event significant in disclosing the survivors’ latest history. Addressing the congregated crowd, Van elucidates that their prior game, which she concedes could use a catchier title than “Capture the Bone,” dictates that the vanquished team must serve the victors for the rest of the day. Although this setup carries an underlying somber tone, the atmosphere remains jovial – everyone apart from Shauna appears to be enjoying the festivities. Throughout her address, Van recounts their winter survival: under Natalie’s command, they sustained the cabin’s fire for a grueling twelve days until spring eventually arrived. She also lauds Gen (Mya Lowe) for her promotion to hunter following instruction from Natalie and applauds Taissa for her architectural prowess in crafting their new abodes.

In the meantime, the camera focuses on Shauna by herself in her hut, where she scribbles fiercely in her diary with a pen. Her writing expresses a bitter viewpoint about their circumstances – she sees their rituals and ceremonies as empty illusions, fabricated to mask their descent into cannibalism. This juxtaposition between the cheerful festivities outside and Shauna’s pensive ruminations underscores the significant differences in how various survivors cope with their trauma.

[Fade to black]

Suburban Bliss

Following the lively start of the Summer Solstice Festival, the first episode of Yellowjackets Season 3 transitions to the current timeframe. In this moment, we see Callie (Sarah Desjardins) seated in her bedroom window, taking deep puffs from a joint as she checks her phone. Upon hearing it ring, she jumps, recognizing she’s running behind schedule. Hurrying to get ready, Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) appears, displaying surprise at finding her daughter still home. Their exchange is filled with tension as they exchange casual chit-chat about Natalie’s funeral. The discussion takes a turn when Shauna criticizes the unwashed dishes in the sink. Callie responds sharply, questioning why her mother now cares about dishes after all they have been through. The atmosphere becomes even more charged when Shauna catches a whiff of marijuana and challenges Callie about smoking at 7:30 in the morning. Callie stands firm in her rebellious stance, dismissing her mother’s worries as she departs, insisting she’s already late.

Deep Breaths

In Memoriam

In a church setting, Taissa (Tawny Cypress), Van (Lauren Ambrose), Shauna, and Jeff (Warren Kole) assemble for a funeral service. As Natalie’s mother takes to the podium, her eulogy stands out as unusually brief and seemingly detached: she reminisces about Natalie’s tantrums when not playing on swings, explaining that she would simply push her because “that’s what mothers do.” The abruptness and lack of depth in the eulogy leaves those present looking stunned.

The setting shifts to a bar, where the trio gathers to pay a heartfelt tribute to their friend. As they sip drinks, their talk grows more honest, delving into Natalie’s strained relationship with her father and pondering how she endured before entering the wilderness. Shauna contemplates her own future eulogy, humorously predicting she’ll be remembered as the worst mother and spouse. Taissa chimes in with a touch of morbid wit, joking about being the initial senator who impeached herself prior to taking office – a hint at off-screen events between seasons. The discussion encompasses Lottie’s stay at a mental health facility and Misty’s absence from the funeral, with the ladies making light of the latter’s presumed eavesdropping on their conversation via a hidden device. Throughout, Shauna keeps looking around the bar, giving the impression that someone unseen is watching them, although the camera does not reveal any potential observer.

Special Keeps

The story begins inside Natalie’s storage unit, where Misty meticulously arranges cardboard boxes into two categories: “Special Memories” and “Discard.” As the camera tracks her movements, it reveals a collection that covers decades of Natalie’s life. Inside the “Special Memories” pile are many photographs, Yellowjackets memorabilia, and even Natalie’s first arrest photo. The most poignant moment occurs when Misty finds Natalie’s jacket. She raises it to her face, taking in a deep breath, trying to catch a trace of Natalie’s scent still lingering. This moment is unguarded and personal, offering a rare look at genuine sorrow from Misty as she copes with the loss of her friend.

A Crown of Twigs

Previously, Shauna was busy preparing meat with Melissa (Jenna Burgess) helping her out. But their routine work was disrupted when Melissa dropped a piece of meat, causing Mari to criticize her sharply. Despite their recent triumph, Mari bossed Melissa around, demanding she get her berry wine. This command made Shauna annoyed with Mari’s attitude, so she told Melissa to disregard it. A moment of unspoken understanding developed between Shauna and Melissa as they exchanged snide remarks about Mari’s arrogant behavior privately.

The situation becomes more ominous as a Yellowjackets survivor, who remains unnamed, approaches Shauna, presenting a detailed crown fashioned from twigs, leaves, and petals. The girl asks Shauna to wear the crown, but she resists vehemently. When the girl insists, hinting that Lottie (Courtney Eaton) needs Shauna at an evening ceremony because she is “his mother” – a nod to Shauna’s stillborn child – the atmosphere grows tense. Shauna pushes the girl forcefully, causing the crown to fall and break, which Melissa accidentally steps on to support Shauna, though her action suggests her allegiance to Shauna.

Finders Keepers

In a movie-lover’s perspective, I would rephrase it like this: I walk into a hut where Van, Natalie, Taissa, and Gen are gathered in what seems like a leadership meeting. I offer to join the discussion, but Natalie politely brushes me off with a hint of insincerity, encouraging me to savor my victory day instead. Once I exit, the conversation reveals vital details about their survival situation. Gen shares that there’s enough deer in the area for them to feed on. The topic then shifts to Coach Ben (Steven Krueger), whom they suspect caused the cabin fire. Van asks if there’s any news of him, but Natalie firmly states he’s dead, detailing their exhaustive search that led her to believe he either starved or froze to death.

The camera switches to show that Ben is indeed alive, meticulously creating a trap from wire and acorns in the forest. The tension between Mari and Shauna becomes more evident after their meeting, causing Taissa and Natalie to discuss it privately. Natalie downplays the issue, preferring to concentrate on urgent matters like survival. However, Taissa subtly reminds her of Jackie’s fate, warning that every situation in the woods could be a matter of life or death. Meanwhile, Ben stumbles upon something remarkable: a hidden wooden floor leading to several chests containing emergency supplies in the forest. The episode concludes with him enjoying a peanut butter protein bar, his first proper meal since the accident, emphasizing how vital his find could be.

Gossip Hurts

In the contemporary setting, at Callie’s school, a cluster of teenage girls gather, their voices softening into hushed whispers as they speculate about Natalie’s death. The camera concentrates on their animated expressions as they spread rumors suggesting that the Yellowjackets survivors are part of a cult. Their chatter becomes more scandalous as they allege orgies and animal sacrifices, with Callie’s mother, Shauna, being a central figure. As the camera pulls back, Callie is revealed to be standing nearby, her countenance a blend of suppressed feelings, symbolizing how the past can resonate through generations, placing the burden of history upon Callie’s shoulders.

Lovers at Odds

In another part of the city, we see Taissa engaged in a phone conversation with her former spouse Simone (Rukiya Bernard). Meanwhile, Van is resting on a bed nearby. The dialogue suggests that Simone continues to keep Sammy (Aiden Stoxx) distant from Taissa, and her sadness over this separation is clearly conveyed through Taissa’s restrained voice. After hanging up, Van tries to console her, but her attempts are hindered by physical discomfort – it appears the alcohol consumed at Natalie’s funeral is affecting her weakened body due to cancer.

Taissa suggests they talk in her room, but Van responds bluntly with a harsh “go away.” Their conversation becomes intense as Van expresses her long-standing resentment towards Taissa. She feels hurt because Taissa broke up with her after their rescue, only to later reveal she’s a lesbian and marry another woman. With a terminal illness, Van has no intention of giving Taissa the peace she seeks. However, despite the tension, Taissa invites her for an expensive dinner, which seems like a truce. In the end, Van agrees to the dinner. This invitation acts as a fragile peace treaty between them.

Untimely Call

At the school, Callie is standing by herself, anticipating a delivery, hidden behind the school building. When Randy (Jeff Holman), who now works as a delivery person, arrives, he mentions how unusual Callie’s order seems to him. Meanwhile, at her home, Shauna diligently searches through Callie’s room, evidently seeking out her daughter’s hidden stash of drugs. Upon discovering Callie’s joints, Shauna decides to smoke one herself. However, this momentary act of defiance is disrupted by a call from Callie’s school principal, the timing of which is amusingly inconvenient as Shauna attempts to conceal her high state while on the phone. The principal’s tone indicates something significant has taken place, but the specifics remain intriguing and unclear for the viewers.

Listen to the Trees

Previously, Lottie meticulously concocted a magical mushroom brew for Travis in a manner that seemed almost ceremonial. As he ingested the psychedelics, their dialogue about mourning Javi ensued, revealing additional depth to the emotional intricacies within their campsite. Travis admitted that he’s been suppressing his grief due to feeling that Shauna has suffered more than him, adding another layer of complexity. Lottie empathized with this sentiment while sharing her struggles in helping Shauna cope with her own loss. They also opened up about Lottie’s mental health history and how she continues to struggle to perceive the spirits of the wilderness since crowning Natalie as the Antler Queen.

Under the influence of mushrooms, Travis perceives vivid auditory hallucinations, insisting he can hear trees making a distressful sound. Lottie, however, doesn’t hear anything, but Travis’s ominous prediction that she will adds an unsettling tone. Meanwhile, we see Coach Ben meticulously setting up a complex deer trap in his storage area, concealing it with a tarp and camouflage before embarking on the laborious task of transporting his survival supplies to his secret cache.

High-Level Trauma

Currently, a noticeably distressed Shauna shares with Jeff that Callie was involved in an incident at school where she attacked her classmates using pig intestines. Jeff’s swift worry about the psychological impact of this act, considering that Callie had witnessed Natalie’s death six weeks ago, stands in stark contrast to Shauna’s seemingly indifferent reaction. The six-week timeframe offers essential context for understanding the events happening now.

The situation becomes somewhat comical when, under the influence of marijuana, Shauna starts snacking on chips during a serious talk about their daughter. This incident underscores the increasing rift in their family dynamic, as Jeff’s deep concern for their daughter’s well-being starkly contrasts with Shauna’s momentary lapse in fulfilling her parental duties.

Fois-Gras and Cotton Candy

The scene in the upscale eatery opens with Van expressing his harsh criticism towards lavish dishes, considering them unnecessary indulgence. But Taissa’s idea of cancelling their reservation for a rooftop pizza instead ignites real enthusiasm in Van. She further brings up a nostalgic recollection of an old adventure they had over dinner on Route 9, which Van instantly connects with. This leads to light-hearted bickering about Taissa’s past political downfall, where she openly confesses that as a former disgraced politician, she now has the freedom to do whatever she wants.

In a surprising twist, it’s revealed that Taissa going to the bathroom and then Van following soon after was actually a signal for a dine-and-dash plan. The song “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany sets the tone as they flee the restaurant through the back door, being chased by their persistent waiter. This chase scene creates tension, with them narrowly escaping being hit by a taxi while crossing the street and nearly causing their pursuer to be hit by a bus. Unbeknownst to them, this near-miss accident triggers a heart attack in the waiter. Catching their breath in a dark alley, they share a kiss to the tune of “Glycerine” by Bush, but this moment is cut short when Taissa sees the Man With No Eyes. Van senses something’s amiss, but Taissa brushes off her concerns and instead gets lost in the kiss.

Dinner is Served

The narrative continues with a significant event: a grand dinner, where those who lost during the day’s game prepare and serve deer soup to the winners. A dramatic instant unfolds as Shauna covertly spits into Mari’s bowl. When Mari notices this, she accuses Shauna, to which Shauna responds with feigned innocence, yet her hostility is palpable. Mari retaliates angrily by dumping the soup on the floor in disgust. The tension escalates as Shauna attacks Mari, pushing her down and forcing her face into the spilled food.

Or, more concisely:

The story progresses with a formal dinner, where the losers of the day’s game prepare and serve deer soup to winners. A heated moment occurs when Shauna secretly spits in Mari’s bowl. When Mari confronts her about it, Shauna pretends ignorance but her hostility is obvious. Mari responds by flinging the soup onto the floor in disgust. The conflict intensifies as Shauna assaults Mari, shoving her to the ground and forcing her face into the spilled food.

In a rush, other survivors divide them, making Natalie take charge. In this extraordinary situation, her solution seems remarkably ordinary: both girls are given a week’s grounding, kept within their huts. Natalie’s unease at assuming the role of a camp counselor is clear, but she finds no other option. Mari challenges the justice of her punishment, as Shauna was the one who started the fight, and then departs into the night on her own. Seeing no other choice, Natalie allows her to leave, asserting that everyone deserves their evening’s peace.

Jacket Power

In the current timeframe, the story moves to a bar. There, Misty puts on Natalie’s jacket as if it were armor and tries to summon her late friend’s courage. She orders seven shots of whiskey, projecting an air of toughness. When someone admires her jacket, the scene becomes dream-like as Misty sees young Natalie in the mirror, telling her she doesn’t need to tolerate disrespect from anyone. This apparition (or conversation) encourages Misty to stir up trouble. She misconstrues the compliment as ridicule and starts a fight by spilling drinks on both the stranger and his companion’s trousers, threatening to ignite their personal belongings. The episode concludes with security being summoned, as Misty’s effort to embody Natalie proves less successful than expected.

Homeschooling

At Shauna’s residence, with a glass of wine in her hand, a mother who seems lax is trying to educate a willful Callie at home. The atmosphere is charged with tension as Callie pushes back against her mother’s control, leading Shauna to warn about the revocation of car privileges. However, things shift when Callie queries if her father, Jeff, is upset over her school suspension. Upon learning that both parents are more worried than angry due to what Callie experienced at Lottie’s cult, Callie unexpectedly expresses comfort. She asserts she isn’t shattered or traumatized—she just desired retribution against the girls who were spreading false rumors about her family.

The situation becomes awkward as Callie reveals the video of her pig’s intestines to Shauna. Instead of displaying concern as a parent might, Shauna finds the video amusing and asks for another viewing. This is yet another instance that suggests Shauna isn’t ready to be a mother.

Contacts

At night, Misty, clearly drunk, wanders the streets by herself until Walter arrives in his car. At first, she resists his aid, but he persists gently. In a moment of stark emotion, Misty expresses that Walter will never comprehend her – it’s only her teammates who truly understand. When she attempts to phone them for help, she recalls that she left her phone at the bar. Walter reveals a hard truth: when the bartender tried to call Misty’s contacts about her precarious condition, he had to reach “W” before anyone picked up. The discovery that her teammates didn’t answer her calls shatters Misty’s barriers. Overwhelmed with emotion, she breaks down in tears and confesses her remorse over Natalie’s death, leaning on Walter for support as he provides whatever comfort he can.

Late Delivery

At nightfall, Callie makes ice cream at Shauna’s house while someone remains unseen outside, adding an eerie suspense to the situation. When a sound at the door piques her curiosity, she finds an envelope meant for her mother, bearing the cryptic wilderness symbol. Inside lies a cassette tape, but before she can explore it any further, Jeff’s sudden arrival necessitates her swiftly concealing both the envelope and the tape from his sight, as he doesn’t realize they could jeopardize their already strained family situation. The significance of his comment about suspension not being a vacation is amplified by Callie’s newfound secrets.

For Those Who Passed

The previous events lead to a ceremony near three graves – those of Javi, Jackie, and Shauna’s stillborn child. Lottie gives a serious speech about how these departed souls are guiding and helping the group in the wilderness. Shauna appears upset when her lost child is mentioned, causing her to leave the gathering. As the survivors release hot air balloons into the night, eerie screams echo, causing everyone to feel scared. Lottie wonders if these sounds are similar to what Travis heard earlier, hinting at possible supernatural developments in Season 3 of Yellowjackets.

Into the Pit

The last scene in the episode starts off with the tune of Cake’s rendition of “I Will Survive” playing, as Coach Ben goes to inspect his trap the morning after. Upon hearing whimpers, he moves closer and finds Mari at the bottom of the pit, visibly terrified upon seeing him and calling out for help. She had fallen into the pit while leaving a dinner party upset, placing Ben in a difficult situation as he must choose whether to keep his solitude or rescue her, without revealing her existence to the other cannibal girls. This leaves viewers with a suspenseful ending.

[Credits Roll]

Without further ado, we’ve arrived at the conclusion of Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 1. However, there’s plenty more to explore, as Showtime has simultaneously unveiled Episode 2 this very week.

2025-02-14 12:11