Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 6: Shocking Revelations and a Gruesome Feast!

Yellowjackets stands out as one of the most captivating dramas on television due to its skillful fusion of psychological horror, dark humor, and intricate character studies, delivered by a top-notch cast. The show’s narrative weaves between the harrowing experiences of teenagers lost in the Canadian wilderness and the tumultuous lives of their adult counterparts, providing a deep dive into how trauma can shape someone’s identity and drive them to extremes for survival. In Season 3, both storylines have become even more intense as the teenagers in the wilderness plummet deeper into primal savagery while the adults at Camp Green Pine deal with Natalie’s (Juliette Lewis) death and increasingly bizarre events hinting at supernatural influences. As the line between reality and delusion becomes unclear, the survivors must confront not only external dangers but also the inner darkness they’ve cultivated over time, as they struggle to safeguard the fragile lives they’ve rebuilt since their rescue.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 6

As a movie enthusiast who’s been hooked on “Yellowjackets,” I can’t help but express my excitement over the latest episode, “Thanksgiving (Canada).” This installment brings some significant twists that have left me on the edge of my seat.

In the past timeline, tensions reach a boiling point as we grapple with the moral dilemma of keeping Coach Ben alive against his will. The Yellowjackets are faced with a heart-wrenching decision, one that ultimately leads to an act of mercy, but with repercussions that ripple far into the future.

In the present day, the survivors stumble upon a chilling recording, which seems to shed light on one of our darkest wilderness acts. This discovery forces us to confront our fractured relationships and work together, even as we grapple with the haunting memories this recording evokes.

This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling, keeping viewers hooked while exploring complex themes of survival, morality, and human nature. I can’t wait to see where the show takes us next!

Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 6 Recap

In Episode 6 of Yellowjackets Season 3, we’re given our initial hint regarding the means by which the team managed their return to civilization. To unravel this mystery bit by bit, let’s delve into each scene before the jaw-dropping twist at the end.

Someone’s Trying to Kill Us

The story begins in the current timeframe, as Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), driving late at night, finds her thoughts drifting back to her conversation with Jackie’s ghostly image inside the freezer and her more recent arguments with Misty (Christina Ricci). She ponders the unsettling notion that someone might be deliberately targeting the Yellowjackets. Upon reaching her home shrouded in darkness, Shauna jumps at the sight of lights flickering on, revealing Jeff (Warren Kole) nervously waiting for her in the living room. He confesses it’s 2 AM and admits he almost contacted the police, despite his concerns about law enforcement following his involvement in a murder case in Season 2.

After Shauna apologizes and starts talking about her city trip, she notices Jeff hasn’t been informed about Lottie’s passing. When she reveals this news, Jeff shows visible surprise, questioning if she’s certain. Shauna clarifies that Lottie’s corpse was found in her father’s apartment building’s basement, and although the police say it was an accident, she remains doubtful. She subtly hints at her suspicions by stating, “Even disgraced cult leaders don’t accidentally fall down stairs and die.

The conversation is momentarily halted as Callie (Sarah Desjardins) enters, having overheard some unsettling news about Lottie. She quickly retreats to her room, frantically searching for the enigmatic tape that was delivered in Episode 1. Upon seeing this, her worried parents follow suit. In a moment of confession, Callie admits she made a mistake and hands Shauna the tape, describing its mysterious arrival and assuring her mother that she hadn’t listened to it yet. As pieces of the puzzle fall into place – connecting the tape, Lottie’s death, the tampered brakes, and the freezer incident – Shauna delivers a chilling statement: “Someone is trying to harm us,” ordering Jeff and Callie to gather necessary items urgently.

[Intro Plays]

This Is Not a Living

Previously, Coach Ben stirred awake as the sun’s rays bathed his face. Natalie (Sophie Thatcher), entering with breakfast, gently unveiled the bandages on his injured Achilles tendon. The scene lingered on the gory wound as she checked for signs of infection. Ben quipped sarcastically at her, addressing her as “doc”, doubting her medical skills. When Natalie affirmed her knowledge of pus, Ben inquired why he was still alive. She revealed it was due to Akhila’s (Nia Sondaya) vision, which led to Ben’s cynical remark: “So a vision full of baloney spared me? What a blessing!

When Natalie asserts that life is superior to death, Ben, confined in a pen with animals destined for slaughter, counters by suggesting that his situation hardly qualifies as living. Growing more urgent, Ben implores Natalie to end his life, flattering her by describing her as a strong leader who consistently makes the right decisions. However, Natalie clarifies that though she leads the group, she has no control over Ben’s destiny, especially given his survival being crucial for their chances of escaping. She urges Ben to cling onto hope for eventual rescue and assures him that his condition will get better with time.

The sequence shifts to a series of scenes depicting Natalie frequently visiting Ben’s cage. During each visit, she provides food for him, but his cries for release intensify. He implores her for a knife, suggesting it would help alleviate his pain, proposes a firearm as a swift and merciful end, and suggests an accident near the slippery stream might be a way out. Yet, Natalie remains firm in her denial, only telling him to consume the food instead.

In the climactic moments of this cinematic montage, I find myself wrinkling my nose at the pungent aroma wafting from the pen, hinting at a certain lack of personal hygiene on Ben’s part. Before I could delve deeper into my observations, Ben interrupts abruptly, revealing a shocking confession: he admits to setting fire to the cabin. He details his methodical approach, using matches to light rags shoved into the cabin’s crevices, intentionally provoking me, hoping my rage would result in his execution. When I challenge the veracity of his tale, asking for an explanation of where he acquired the rags, Ben brushes off my query, emphasizing that the crux of his story is his desire to eliminate the Yellowjackets, particularly myself. As I express my doubts, Ben expands on his covert existence in the woods, sensing the smoke, and eagerly awaiting the sound of my screams. Recognizing his desperate scheme, I maintain my cool demeanor.

In a heavy moment, Ben collapses, recalling that Natalie had condemned him during the trial and now it’s time for her to carry out the sentence. His plea is heart-wrenching as he implores, “Could you just end this for me?” Natalie silently sets a meal before him and leaves. Upon meeting Gen at the gate, she confesses that the burden of caring for Ben has become unbearable. She asks Gen to include “Provide breakfast for Ben” in the communal chores list, her gaze showing the strain of keeping Ben alive against his will.

Furs, Food, and Fun Huts

As I peer into the dimly-lit interior of one of their rustic woodland abodes, it’s clear that Van (Liv Hewson) and Taissa (Jasmin Savoy Brown) are readying their fortress for the impending chill. The nights have taken on a colder hue, and I can’t help but ponder if they’re gearing up for another long, harsh winter in this untamed wilderness. But Taissa, ever the optimist, counters with a reassuring smile, expressing confidence that their improved arsenal – furs, food, and a sturdier shelter – will see them through the upcoming season.

In their discussion, they pause upon seeing Shauna and Melissa step out from Shauna’s dwelling hand-in-hand. Van makes a pointed comment, questioning if Taissa believes Melissa is compelled to don Jackie’s attire during their private moments. Taissa carries on the jest, implying that perhaps Shauna insists Melissa calls her “Shipman,” a term reminiscent of Jackie’s nickname for Shauna.

When Melissa gives them a wave, Van responds with a less-than-polite gesture, while Taissa gently scolds her to “be kind.” Taissa recognizes that Shauna and Melissa’s friendship may be peculiar, but they’re “not causing harm” – an assertion that conveniently overlooks their harsh actions towards Ben in the last episode. She also notes that Shauna appears to be much more balanced since she started dating Melissa.

You’re the Best, Karl!

Currently, Misty confronts a man in a lab coat named Karl (Brendan Riggs). Karl clarifies he can’t grant favors due to fear of upsetting his superior and potentially losing his job. Misty seems to comprehend this, but swiftly changes the conversation by invoking friendship and urgency, stating she sought him out because they are friends and this is an immediate issue. This tactic proves effective as Karl appears more positive upon being called Misty’s friend and consents to assist with her emergency. Misty’s expression immediately shifts from despair to joy upon revealing a small flask containing material she collected from beneath Lottie’s fingernails at the morgue.

Karl’s face changes to worry, querying if the authorities know she possesses this possibly incriminating item and if it originated from a crime scene. Before he can fully comprehend the moral aspects, Misty swiftly withdraws, leaving him with the questionable artifact. In her vehicle, Misty looks at her phone to see numerous messages from Walter (Elijah Wood) inquiring about what she told Shauna, who has stopped replying to his texts. Misty replies briskly, stating that Lottie’s murder is her case and instructing Walter to “keep away.

Marked for Death

I, an observer, see Shauna, Jeff, and Callie step into a hotel room. Jeff hands Callie her luggage and advises her to explore her room and rest. Noticing that her parents require solitude, Callie playfully says, “Why on earth would I want to learn about being targeted for demise?”, before departing. Once Callie is beyond hearing distance, Jeff queries Shauna about the gravity of their predicament. Shauna admits she’s clueless regarding the tape’s content or even how to operate it. When Jeff persists for truthfulness, Shauna swears she’s honest, but Jeff appears skeptical.

Exhaling deeply, Jeff settles on the bed, outlining their difficult circumstance. It seems someone is threatening Shauna, has access to their home address, and possibly knows about the incident in the wilderness. Trying to comfort him, Shauna vows to safeguard both him and Callie while urging him to have faith in her management of the situation. Jeff responds that trust should be reciprocal.

In a sudden movement, Shauna presses her hand to her forehead, looking puzzled. When Jeff voices worry, she admits to feeling lightheaded. Jeff suggests getting some food since it’s been quite a while since Shauna last ate. At first, Shauna refuses, but her wobbly actions persuade Jeff to help her rest before fetching the snacks. As soon as Jeff exits the room, Shauna’s supposed “dizziness” promptly disappears. She swiftly jumps off the bed and contacts Taissa, exposing that her symptoms were a trick to get Jeff out of the room, breaching their mutual trust just moments after promising it.

Garage Band and Hardcore Birders

During a massage at a fancy hotel, Taissa (Tawny Cypress) picks up her phone. Shauna requests to talk to Van (Lauren Ambrose), explaining that since Van used to run a video store, she’d know how to play old cassette tapes. When Taissa proposes Shauna calls Van directly, Shauna confesses she may not be able to reach Van as they aren’t close friends enough for her to guarantee an answer. She also mentions that she presumes Taissa and Van are spending time together.

Taissa merely stretches out her arm, validating Shauna’s suspicion as Van, clad in a bathrobe, grabs the phone. Venturing into the bathroom to arrange a bath, Van listens attentively to Shauna’s anxious account about needing assistance with a cassette labeled DAT. Vaan inquires about Shauna’s possession of such an old-fashioned device and when Shauna emphasizes the urgency, Vaan verifies she has a DAT player but requires time to find it. Shauna firmly reasserts the emergency status of her plea, giving Vaan her location at the Jolly Richter hotel and demanding they uncover the tape’s contents without delay.

Moving back to their bedroom, Van shares with Taissa that Shauna might have “broken under pressure” severely, urgently requesting a DAT player be sent directly to her secret hotel location. Meanwhile, Taissa leisurely calls for an overflow of room service – a filet mignon, a burger with fries, and two whole lobsters drenched in butter. Van playfully wonders if she’s somehow induced pregnancy in Taissa, but Taissa keeps ordering until the waiter is dismissed by Van.

In private, Van confronts Taissa regarding her apparent disconnect, as Lottie has passed away, Shauna is falling apart, and yet Taissa appears indifferent. In an unusual display of emotional openness, Taissa admits to being overpowered by her accumulated losses: her family, profession, two fellow survivors, and the impending fear of losing Van to cancer. With nothing to mend, she’s withdrawn into self-indulgence as a means to experience something pleasant for once.

Van empathizes with Taissa’s spontaneous attitude but points out that Shauna sounded truly worried. However, when Taissa brushes off concerns about an old-fashioned tape format, Van starts mentioning possible users of DAT tapes like garage bands and dedicated birdwatchers. Then, as if struck by a sudden revelation, Van’s face changes drastically, hinting at the possible origin of the tape. She urgently asks Taissa to quickly get ready, stating they must locate Shauna right away.

The Messages Are For All

In the past, Travis (Kevin Alves) meets up with Akhila and asks if she continues to visit the caves often with Lottie (Courtney Eaton). When he asks about any new visions she’s had, Akhila, who has now embraced Lottie’s beliefs, gives a mysterious answer that she only sees what she’s “supposed to.” Even though Travis is no longer the messenger, Akhila suggests the messages from the Wilderness are meant for everyone. Despite Travis’ concern about her ongoing exposure to the caves’ harmful fumes, Akhila brushes off his worries and departs, mentioning she has chores to finish before nightfall.

In Between Cleaning Ladies

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I find myself stepping into the animal pen, ready to serve breakfast to Ben. Upon seeing him looking unwell, I have to jolt him awake with a swift leg tug. With a wry grin, he mutters that if it’s me, of all people, feeding him, things must be in a dire state. The air is thick with the humming of flies and an overpowering stench fills the enclosure. He playfully jokes about being “in need of a cleaning lady at the moment,” but promises he’ll “take care of it.” Probing further, I uncover a hidden cache of rotten food. It turns out Ben has been surreptitiously refusing meals, and the Yellowjackets were oblivious until his accumulated feasts began to rot.

Emergency Meeting

During a gathering involving Natalie, Lottie, Akhila, Taissa, and Mari, Mari alerts everyone about Ben’s ongoing fast. Lottie voices worry, underlining that Ben serves as their “bridge home” based on Akhila’s prophetic vision. Mari inquires further from Akhila regarding any other insights she has gained from the caves, to which Akhila hesitantly replies that she has only witnessed small images, such as her family and girls playing soccer. Taissa subtly notes that Akhila’s visions seem confined to past occurrences rather than offering future predictions. As Lottie advises Taissa to be cautious in interpreting the visions, Natalie steps in, reminding everyone that while opinions on the visions may differ, the “bridge home” concept offers vital hope for the group, particularly with winter drawing near. When Taissa proposes they merely have to encourage Ben to eat, Mari disagrees, stating it will be challenging since Ben is determined to end his life. Lottie’s face clouds over as she hints at a potential solution to resolve the predicament.

Peace Offering

Currently, Misty is strolling down a street on her own when she gets a text from Walter, expressing remorse for their disagreement. He then directs her to glance to the left as he’s sending her something. A limousine pulls up next to her, and the chauffeur inquires if she is “Miss Quigley.” Misty replies brusquely, asking who it is. The driver, unperturbed, says he was told she would be like this and asks for a moment of her time. He retrieves two plastic bags from the trunk and places them at Misty’s feet while explaining they are tokens of Mr. Tattersall’s apologies. Another text from Walter reveals that the bags contain Lottie’s trash, which he couldn’t find anything valuable in, but suggests “maybe a skilled detective like you will.” Misty ponders over the bags, considering whether to accept this truce.

Basically a Zombie

In a time long past, I, a devoted moviegoer, find myself at a rickety table, wielding a knife as I voice my disbelief that Lottie came up with a plan for Ben before I did. My eyes drift towards Ben, his pronounced cheekbones now evident, and I can’t help but lament my oversight of his hunger strike earlier. A pang of guilt grips me as I apologize to Natalie for letting the group down. She quickly reassures me that it wasn’t just me who missed the signs, no one else noticed either.

Intrigued, she then poses a question, suggesting that perhaps keeping Ben alive might not have been the wisest decision, given his current ‘zombie-like’ state. I stand tall, declaring my determination to keep Ben alive, just as I did after his amputation. When Natalie points out that Ben is suffering, I retort firmly that my plan will help him, so she should trust me to manage the situation.

As Natalie departs, Travis catches up to her and queries whether Ben’s predicament is as dire as she claims. When Natalie affirms it is, Travis tentatively proposes that Akhila’s visions may be incorrect. He compares this to Lottie’s powers which had solid proof – such as the bear dying near the cabin and birds falling from the sky – while Akhila’s visions lack such confirmation. This leaves Natalie puzzled, prompting her to challenge Travis about his previous assertion that Akhila was the Wilderness’s conduit. Travis tries to wriggle out of it, asserting he did have a vision related to Akhila, but his unease indicates he’s caught in a deception he can no longer smoothly extricate himself from.

A Creepy Phone Call

Currently, Van is rummaging through cardboard containers filled with her belongings, seeking a DAT tape player. When she locates it, the room lights flicker, and mysteriously, an old house phone within the same box starts to ring. Shaken, Van picks up the receiver. Amidst static, she hears a voice resembling Taissa calling “Van,” with phrases like “I can’t” and “Help,” suggesting that Taissa might be reaching out from somewhere supernaturally. The connection is lost just as the actual Taissa enters the room, inquiring about Van’s preference for a colorful boxcutter. Instead of disclosing her eerie encounter, Van merely declares she’s found what they needed and recommends they depart promptly.

Bamboo Café

In a secluded alleyway beside some trash bins, Misty scrutinizes Lottie’s garbage. She unearths an empty container from the “Bamboo Café.” Upon researching it online, she learns that the eatery boasts only 2.5 stars, a “C” for health inspections, and no vegetarian options—an unusual fit for Lottie, a well-heeled vegetarian with sophisticated tastes. This contradiction piques Misty’s curiosity, leading her to dine at the restaurant where she uncovers that Lisa (Nicole Maines), once a member of Lottie’s cult, now works as a delivery driver for Bamboo Café.

The Apple and the Tree

At the hotel where Shauna and her family are hiding, Callie and Jeff lounge around eating unhealthy snacks and watching TV. When Shauna’s phone rings, she answers it with gratitude and informs them she needs to leave. Curious about her destination, Callie inquires, but Shauna is hesitant before revealing that Van has called and she intends to find out what’s on the videotape. Jeff quickly jumps up, demanding to accompany her. When Shauna argues that someone should stay behind with Callie, their daughter interjects, expressing frustration about being treated as fragile. Shauna firmly counters by stating that as parents, it’s their duty to safeguard their child.

Shauna openly acknowledges that they haven’t always been able to ensure Callie’s safety. Jeff concurs with this observation. In what seemed like a heartfelt moment, Callie embraces Shauna; however, unbeknownst to them, she secretly places her phone in Shauna’s bag, equipped with an active recording app. This action suggests that Callie has a tendency towards manipulation, a trait possibly passed down from her mother.

For Your Own Good

Previously, Misty went to see Ben in his enclosure, urging him to eat. However, he declined and asked her to depart. Before she complied, she expressed regret about the forthcoming incident. Subsequently, a group of masked individuals, including Yellowjackets, arrived at the pen with a funnel, tube, and container full of liquid mush. They physically restrained Ben, using a stick to keep his mouth open as they forced a tube down his throat and poured the liquid substance in. This force-feeding was carried out brutally, and Misty tried to defend their actions by stating it was all for Ben’s wellbeing.

Outside the pen, Natalie and Akhila listen to Ben’s faint cries of anguish coming from within. As the sounds grow more distressing, Akhila becomes noticeably upset. In a sarcastic tone, Natalie questions whether Akhila is sure about her visions, which causes the girl to exit in clear emotional turmoil.

Leaving their hiding place and taking off their masks, Travis bluntly exclaims, “That was awful!” as Misty ponders if Ben managed to swallow everything. Shauna reassures Misty they’ll become more skilled at forcing-feed Ben with practice. Upon checking on Ben later, Natalie finds him spitting blood due to the tube’s rough insertion. Despite his evident pain, he tries to find humor in the situation, commenting that the “service is abysmal.” Still asking why he can’t just die, Natalie repeats they cannot let it happen. Ben responds with a chilling laugh, hinting at his mental state deteriorating under relentless torment.

Talk to Me

As night descends, Lottie kneels at an altar consecrated to the Wilderness, imploring the spirit to converse with her. Akhila then proposes they revisit the caves, as she wants to check if she overlooked anything in her past visions. It’s evident that Ben’s agony is troubling Akhila deeply, and she’s frantic to discover a remedy that could ease his pain.

One, Two, Three

At the moment, Van and Taissa remain inside a vehicle, while Shauna taps on the window and enters the backseat. When Taissa queries why Shauna doesn’t want them indoors, Shauna stresses the importance of keeping things private. Taissa encourages her to listen to the cassette tape straight away. Shauna retrieves the cassette from her handbag and passes it to Van, who inserts it into a player and hits play. A female voice comes from the device: “Testing, testing… One, two, three. Oh my god, what is this?” before the story moves on.

Is That My Order?

In another part of town, Lisa is delivering food when Misty watches from afar. When Lisa pauses in a doorway, Misty approaches her. Scared, Lisa offers money but pleads with Misty to let her bicycle remain untouched. However, Misty pushes the bike aside and reveals she’s investigating Lottie’s murder, hinting that Lisa could be involved. This idea makes Lisa laugh, which causes Misty to explain possible reasons: Lottie had taken Lisa’s money, independence, and even her belongings.

Despite admitting that she was part of a destructive cult, Lisa adamantly maintains her innocence regarding murder charges. In a sarcastic tone, she tells Misty, “Not everyone transforms their pain into acts of violence.” When pressed for information about possible killers by Misty, Lisa suggests sharing everything she knows – but only in a public setting where there would be witnesses present to prevent any repeat of their tumultuous past, alluding to an earlier incident between them.

What’s In the Tape?

In the vehicle, Van, Taissa, and Shauna were left speechless as they heard the tumultuous cries of women from the tape. Van halted the playback and somberly stated: “Only we or those no longer alive know about this,” implying that whoever recorded this horrific incident, they had been witnesses to it. Taissa quickly proposed getting rid of the recording, but Van disagreed, suggesting that there might be multiple copies. Upon reflection, Shauna noted that the tape seemed to be a warning, specifically aimed at her, since it was sent to her house and included her name as part of several attempts on her life. This suggested that whoever owned this recording held a grudge against Shauna.

In the course of our conversation, I accidentally find Callie’s phone in my handbag, revealing a 43-minute voice memo. As I uncover my daughter’s secret deception, I feel compelled to make a hasty apology to Van and Taissa, feign an emergency, and step out of the car, taking both the recording and player with me. My friends express their confusion, wondering what could be more pressing than the tape’s contents, but I choose to leave without elaborating.

The Bear

Previously, Akhila and Lottie revisited the caves. Before stepping into a room filled with hallucinogenic fumes, Akhila took a deep breath. In the vision that followed, she witnessed the Yellowjackets performing a dance around their campsite, only for them to disappear, leaving a stop-motion bear with a third eye on its brow in their place. When Akhila came to, she was next to Lottie, panting heavily. Upon Lottie’s inquiry about her vision, Akhila started crying and explained that she didn’t comprehend the significance of this latest experience or any of the visions she had previously encountered.

What Did You Do?

At their campsite, Natalie is found sobbing in her hut as Low’s “Be There” plays softly. With a burst of determination, she retrieves a lantern and knife, intending to visit the animal enclosure. Travis notices her departure and approaches her, asking about the knife. When Natalie dismissively tells him to stay asleep, Travis insists on understanding the situation. Upon learning that Natalie wants to end Ben’s misery due to his constant suffering, Travis expresses concern about how the others would react. Despite this, he reluctantly steps aside, vowing to keep watch but urging her to act swiftly before dawn breaks.

Within the confines of the animal enclosure, Ben stirs suddenly at the sight of someone approaching. Upon seeing Natalie brandishing a knife, he transitions from fear to deep-seated relief. He tilts his head, exposing his neck for a swift conclusion. As Natalie moves closer with the trembling blade in her grasp, Ben softly directs her hands, arranging the knife against his torso. With a whisper of “Thank you,” Natalie applies her weight to push the knife into Ben’s heart. As his life ebbs away, Ben offers a smile.

In the open air, the morning breaks, and Travis makes an attempt to divert Misty, who carries Ben’s breakfast. However, his distraction attempts fall flat as Natalie exits from the enclosure, her knife and garments stained with blood. Misty lets out a scream of “Murderer!” as other survivors gather, inquiring about what transpired. Taissa questions Natalie about her actions, to which she responds cryptically that she “honored a vow.” Misty dashes into the enclosure to discover Ben’s body, sitting next to him and hugging his lifeless form before planting a chilling goodbye kiss on his lips.

All Hail the Bloody Queen

At the heart of the camp, Natalie tries to defend her actions, stating that she acted because Ben was in distress and it was the correct thing to do. Melissa snaps at her to be quiet, and Gen shoves Natalie forcefully to the ground. Van interrogates Natalie on how she could think she had the authority to decide such a thing for everyone, while Mari laments their predicament of returning home without their guide or “connector.

In response to Taissa’s proposal for a trial regarding Natalie, Shauna takes charge and asserts that a trial isn’t essential since Natalie has already admitted guilt. She criticizes Natalie for prioritizing her personal wants over the collective good, even though she was given a leadership role within our group.

As Taissa moves to shield Natalie, Lottie interjects, asserting that Shauna should take charge instead. Agreeing to this shift in leadership, Shauna speaks to the group, acknowledging their frustration but underscoring the importance of unity. She recalls their experience in the wilderness, explaining that when someone passes away, they must pay tribute – hinting at a cannibalistic ceremony by nightfall as a way to honor Coach Scott and appease the Wilderness.

When Misty inquires about how to handle Natalie, who she believes deserves no mercy for murdering Coach Scott, Shauna subtly smiles before disclosing that Natalie’s punishment will involve preparing a meal. More specifically, Natalie is required to process Ben’s remains and cook them for consumption.

Mother-Daughter Chat

Currently, Jeff and Callie are playing cards on a hotel bed. Trying to ease his daughter’s worries amidst recent upheaval, Jeff assures her that he and Shauna have the situation under control and will ensure her safety. In an effort to lighten the mood, Callie jokes about their card game, asking if Jeff is “bluffing, folding, or merely delaying” his move. Laughing, Jeff responds, plays his card, and unfortunately loses the round.

Shauna reappears during their game, showing clear agitation and asking for a “private conversation between mother and daughter” with Callie. Feeling the tension, Jeff quickly departs, leaving them alone. Shauna confronts Callie about the phone recording, questioning why she covertly recorded her mom. Callie retaliates, stating she deserves to know about the potential dangers they’re exposed to. When Shauna insists that Callie is too young for such information, Callie counters by reminding her mother that she was the same age as Callie was when the Yellowjackets had their plane crash in the wilderness. Struggling to keep her anger in check, Shauna demands that Callie reunite with Jeff before she does something she might later regret.

Leaving with a statement that she was merely seeking proximity to her mother, Callie finds, to her delight, that a previously deleted voice recording is stored in her trash folder, allowing her to restore it. This discovery brings a wicked grin to her face, suggesting her secret triumph over her mother.

Cooking Lesson

Previously, Natalie stepped into the enclosure adorned in an apron fashioned from animal skins. There, she encountered Shauna who was standing by Ben’s lifeless body, patiently waiting. As Natalie pondered the gruesome task at hand, Shauna provided technical guidance, advising her to begin with a joint and suggesting she close her eyes if it became too distressing. Shauna further mentioned that she could perform the task without looking due to her extensive experience in butchering, something that Natalie was not yet familiar with.

Shauna’s delight in making Natalie carry out this distressing task is clearly noticeable, but she displays a small amount of mercy by concealing Ben’s face with a cloth to spare Natalie from seeing him. However, she insists upon giving Natalie a sharp knife, implying that Natalie must endure her punishment without hesitation.

Which Taissa Did It?

Currently, at this very moment, I find myself seated at a restaurant with my friend, Misty. She shares an intriguing tale about her encounter with Lottie. Last time they met, Lottie dined at Bamboo Café and left Lisa a $50,000 tip in an envelope with just “I’m sorry” scribbled on it. I can’t help but find it odd that she accepted such a substantial amount without a second thought, but she rationalizes it by explaining that after enduring numerous hardships in her life, when something good finally happens, she just takes it and carries on. She even suggests that perhaps I should try adopting the same approach.

Misty strongly objects to this counsel, asserting she can’t get over the death of her best friend, Natalie, which occurred at Lottie’s commune. However, Lisa clarifies that it wasn’t just that Natalie passed away but that she was brutally murdered by Misty herself. Lisa further explains that before Misty arrived, Natalie had been making progress at the cult, experiencing healing through the community, until her life was tragically cut short.

In response to this accusation, Misty angrily labels Lisa as someone who doesn’t grasp the relationship she had with Natalie, calling her a “rebellious” individual. However, Lisa defends herself by stating that Lottie’s death was undeniably an accident — a fall down the stairs — which Misty seems unwilling to accept. When Misty asserts the situation is too straightforward, Lisa proposes they look into their shared acquaintances for more insight. This proposition reveals that Taissa had met with Lottie on the day she passed away. This revelation catches Misty off guard, and when she questions Lisa’s claim, Lisa affirms that she indeed saw Taissa outside the Bamboo Café during Lottie’s last visit.

A Call For Help

As I ponder the latest twist in this chilling tale, the camera pans to Taissa’s room, where she slumbers peacefully while Van delves into the mystery of DAT tapes’ lifespan in the great outdoors. However, this tranquility is shattered as Taissa jolts upright in bed, emitting a blood-curdling cry for aid, clearly terrified beyond words. When Van tries to console her, Taissa’s countenance undergoes an unexpected transformation, replacing fear with an eerie calmness. She then nonchalantly asks why Van is up so late. This sudden shift in demeanor hints at the sinister possibility that a darker side of Taissa has taken control of her body.

Better Luck

At home, Misty composes a text to Taissa, hinting they should discuss something important. Her phone shows several unanswered messages from Taissa. Meanwhile, an email from Karl arrives, containing Lottie’s fingernail scrapings test results. Although the email includes a DNA profile, Misty understands that this data is incomplete without comparative samples. She then forwards these findings to Walter, confessing her inability to understand them but hinting he might have better success. This exchange suggests that while Misty is open to mending their professional relationship, personal reconciliation may require more time.

Crashing the Party

Previously, darkness had descended. The Yellowjackets assembled in ceremonial garb, bearing dishes laden with food – Ben’s meat intermingled with vegetables. Mari approached Natalie and tried to convey that what she “did for Ben… to Ben, was…”, finding it hard to choose the right words. It was evident that she thought Natalie had displayed courage in ending Ben’s pain, despite the devastating repercussions. Natalie merely replied, “I understand,” establishing a moment of silent comprehension between them. Mari admitted that Natalie shouldn’t have done it, yet her voice hinted at personal agreement with the act of mercy.

While Van watches Shauna enjoying her meal with other survivors, she appears more at ease now that she’s with Melissa, a fact he shares with Taissa. On the other hand, Misty eats by herself, humming softly and seeming deep in thought about Ben. Similarly detached, Lottie looks at her food untouched before muttering that what happened to Ben was unjust and not how things should unfold.

In the third season, Lottie is initially startled by hushed whispers – the initial form of communication from the Wilderness. She swiftly stands up and yells, causing everyone to halt their activities and focus on her. Simultaneously, eerie shrieks from an unidentified beast echo through the night, seemingly answering Lottie’s cry. Despite their fear, Lottie commands the Yellowjackets to sing. Initially, she sings alone, with the creature’s haunting sounds harmonizing with her tune. As more survivors join in, the chaotic symphony transforms into a raw celebration, filled with jumping, laughter, and dancing around the bonfire.

In the midst of the chaos that surrounded us, I spotted a figure shrouded in shadow heading towards our campsite. At first, I thought it was Ben’s spirit returning, but as they drew closer, I could see it was two fellow campers – a man and woman – who had stumbled upon our gathering. The man offered a casual greeting before his eyes fell upon the chilling sight of Ben’s head displayed on a plate. His blood-curdling scream echoed through the air at the same instant the screen went black, leaving us in no doubt that the disturbing sounds we heard on the DAT tape were these campers’ terrified reactions to the grisly aftermath of Ben’s death and the horrifying cannibalistic feast they unwittingly witnessed.

[Credits Roll]

2025-03-14 10:15