Shocking Twists Unveiled in Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 3: You Won't Believe What Happens!

The TV series “Yellowjackets” has proven itself as one of television’s most gripping dramas since its premiere in 2021. This Emmy-nominated show skillfully intertwines two storylines: the harrowing tale of a high school soccer team stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash in 1996 and their adult lives decades later as they confront the psychological repercussions of their traumatic ordeal. With its blend of complex characters, supernatural elements, and intrigue, each episode of “Yellowjackets” leaves fans eagerly anticipating more, as they try to unravel the truth about the series’ most significant mysteries. The third season started off powerfully, with a double premiere that laid the foundation for this season’s major advancements. Now, in Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 3, we are presented with some startling revelations concerning what transpired in the wilderness.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 3

In Episode 3 of “Yellowjackets,” the story advances as Coach Ben, portrayed by Steven Krueger, grapples with the repercussions of abducting Mari (Alexa Barajas) in the second installment of this season. Simultaneously, in the present timeline, Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) faces the awkward predicament of Lottie’s (Simone Kessell) presence, which could potentially lead to disastrous outcomes for Callie (Sarah Desjardins). The episode is engaging and ends mysteriously with a mind-bending trip that leaves viewers questioning reality itself.

Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 3 Recap

Just like always, Yellowjackets delivers a wealth of surprises and unexpected moments. Following our tradition since the premiere of Season 3, let’s scrutinize each scene in this week’s episode step by step.

Too Sexy for This Cave

The show starts with a black screen as “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred plays. We see Mari in Coach Ben’s hidden hideout, singing a revised version of the song, “I’m too sexy for this cave.” Her subpar karaoke session is disrupted by Coach Ben, who enters with two plates of cooked bat, acknowledging its less than ideal taste but useful for survival. His comment about Mari being used to better food hints at their group’s cannibalistic past. Mari tries to charm him by pretending to appreciate his cooking and seemingly confessing her feelings for him. However, Ben quickly sees through her manipulation, reminding her of the time she called him a “pervert failure” in gym class, which she claims was just to get detention with him. When he brings up the rumor she spread about him having gonorrhea, Mari tries to explain it as a tactic to eliminate competition. As Mari acts cold and suggests Ben warm her up, he discloses his homosexuality and delivers a harsh rejection, stating he’d rather poke a dull object into his skull than have any physical contact with her.

As I stroll away from Mari, she queries if I’ll complete my meal. Filled with compassion for the girl, I retrace my steps to offer her a portion of my food. However, the situation escalates dramatically when Mari snatches the pepper spray from my belt, aiming it at me and causing temporary blindness. In the chaos that follows, we both end up rolling on the ground, disoriented, with Mari vocalizing her distress while I insist she’s responsible for this predicament.

[Intro Plays]

Blood Results

Currently, character Van (Lauren Ambrose) anxiously awaits in her physician’s office, summoned for a detailed discussion regarding her recent blood test findings. What was anticipated as grim news unexpectedly unfolds into an astounding disclosure: remarkably, her Stage 4 cancer has ceased spreading. The doctor underscores the extraordinary nature of this occurrence, asserting that she’s never encountered anything similar throughout her entire professional career. As the doctor’s words trail off, the camera zeroes in on Van’s face, reflecting a mix of bewilderment and curiosity as she ponders whether Natalie’s (Juliette Lewis) ritualistic offering to the wilderness deities at the conclusion of Season 2 could have had any impact on this extraordinary turn of events.

Busy Schedule

Scones to Die For

The sound of a ringing phone disrupts the peaceful morning, and Shauna responds, questioning if the caller’s not still recovering from a heavy night out. With assurance, Misty (played by Christina Ricci) replies that she handles her drinks well. The scene then shifts to depict Misty at work, fulfilling her duties at the nursing home and carrying on with their conversation. When Shauna presses her about leaving Lottie and Callie unattended the night before, Misty sidesteps by asserting it was a calculated move and she obtained useful information. Shauna’s request for immediate details is countered by Misty saying she can’t discuss from work; instead, they should meet at a café famous for its mouthwatering scones. The dialogue concludes with Misty promising to share the café’s location.

Two Realities

In the past, Mari is seen in obvious discomfort as Coach Ben pours clean water into her eyes to rinse out the bear spray. Both have red, swollen, tear-filled eyes from their earlier altercation. Coach Ben queries Mari about her plan after seizing the spray, pointing out its futility given she’s still restrained. Mari confesses to improvising, admitting her lack of experience with kidnapping situations. Coach Ben acknowledges his own inexperience and discusses the absurdity of their predicament. He discloses his suburban upbringing and how he took on the job as a substitute teacher merely to pay off student loans, contrasting starkly with his current role of holding a teenager captive in an underground hideout.

Ben’s emotional collapse is marked by the abrupt appearance of primal shrieks and growls echoing through the surroundings. Inquiring if Mari can detect these sounds, she confirms, leading to a poignant bonding moment. Mari then discloses a highly intimate tale about observing her four-year-old cousin’s demise from brain cancer. She explains how she carried on watching cartoons in the living room following her passing while awaiting her parents. This discussion sparks Mari’s belief in the existence of two simultaneous realities – one ordinary, one horrifying – where the terrible reality often conceals itself but persists equally genuine. The exchange concludes with Mari proposing an escape route for Ben, hinting she could return to camp claiming an injury and getting lost, without revealing his survival. Her query about Ben’s future strategies for holding her captive goes unanswered, suggesting he has been making things up as he goes along.

Shoplifting With Friends

In this current narrative, we find Lottie perusing clothing at a shop while waiting for Callie’s arrival. Callie arrives late, expressing regret and revealing that Shauna’s sudden physics quiz ended abruptly because her mother didn’t grasp thermodynamics well. This brings up memories of a past incident where Lottie chased Shauna with a knife in the woods; however, they remained friends despite this. Lottie finds this friendship dynamic fascinating, which prompts Callie to bring it up. Lottie then presses further, questioning Callie on how she would define herself without worrying about embarrassment or shame. Despite finding the question challenging, Callie acknowledges Lottie’s assertion that she has the ability to answer such a question if she so chooses.

As the conversation takes a more philosophical turn, it shifts towards practical rebelliousness when Lottie assists Callie in stealing an expensive dress from the store. Lottie shows her expertise by spotting the absence of security sensors and noticing that the guards were absent. This act of shoplifting demonstrates Lottie’s influence over Shauna’s daughter, as Callie expresses admiration for Lottie’s rule-breaking behavior.

It’s Kismet

At the coffee shop, Shauna grills Misty about her behavior during the sleepover. Misty claims it was all part of a strategy to keep Lottie from exposing vital secrets, but her jittery attitude contradicts this. When Shauna plans to depart, claiming she has lots of chores, Misty’s phone mysteriously displays a canceled work meeting, giving her an excuse to assist. Despite Shauna trying to deter her by mentioning trivial errands such as searching for an apology gift basket for Jeff (Warren Kole)’s prospective clients and scheduling a podiatrist appointment, Misty remains resolute, suggesting solutions and agreeing to wait in reception. The scene concludes with Shauna looking defeated as she fails to persuade Misty to go away.

A Sacrifice and a Gift

In a turn of events, Taissa (Tawny Cypress) is engrossed in an online article about the late waiter when Van (Lauren Ambrose) shows up, still grappling with her startling health update. Simultaneously, they admit they have things to confess, leading to a light-hearted “you first” exchange. Eventually, Van discloses her oncologist’s optimistic report about her cancer potentially halting its growth and possibly going into remission. Although Van attempts to play down the positive news by referring to forthcoming tests and potential inaccuracies, Taissa reacts with genuine excitement, which results in a mix of shared tears and laughter. The festive atmosphere is short-lived when Taissa breaks the news about the waiter’s demise, causing them both to ponder a chilling theory: the waiter’s death and Natalie’s sacrifice might have contributed to Van’s unexpected recovery. Despite Van’s attempts to brush off these ideas, Taissa sets an eerie tone by igniting a candle and reciting, “We can hear the Wilderness, and it hears us,” leaving Van unsettled by this ominous interpretation of her fortunate turnaround.

Decisions

In the lair of Coach Ben, Mari, who was restrained, faces him with a knife in his hand. Despite her pleas about her hurt knee, he insists she stands. The air grows thick with tension as Ben hesitates over his next action, eventually deciding to release Mari by cutting the restraints. However, his act of kindness is met with treachery when, during her escape, Mari knocks away his crutch, causing him to trip and fall, hitting his head.

Worst Friend Ever

In this very moment, I find myself alongside Misty and Shauna in a heart-stopping predicament, ensconced within Shauna’s minivan with an ominous reality: the brakes have failed us. As Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” blares in the background, a cacophony of chaos, Shauna skillfully navigates the vehicle through a bustling park, barely missing a playground teeming with children. With a hill and the emergency brake, she eventually halts our runaway journey. As soon as we’re safe, Shauna lashes out at Misty, hurling accusations of sabotage and leaving a mysterious phone in a public bathroom. Misty passionately refutes these claims, reminding her that we both could have met our end in this ordeal. The argument intensifies when Shauna recounts every unsettling action attributed to Misty, from holding hostages to carrying syringes filled with dangerous substances. After being branded “crazy” and a “psychopath,” an enraged Misty is unceremoniously ejected from the minivan, finally acknowledging Shauna as a friend beyond compare in her worst sense before storming off, livid at being accused of acts she maintains her innocence for.

Don’t Be Boring

Previously, Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) was discovered near a stream, engrossed in her journal. At this point, Melissa (Jenna Burgess) made an appearance to discuss their recent kiss. Initially guarded, Shauna softened slightly and allowed Melissa to remain. However, the command “don’t be dull” hints at her ongoing manipulation of Melissa’s emotions. Their potential romantic exchange was cut short by Misty’s (Samantha Hanratty) announcement that Mari was coming back to the campground.

Let the Hunt Begin

The camp bursts with joy upon Mari’s return, yet the atmosphere soon changes when Shauna arrives, aggressively probing about Mari’s absence. Under duress, Mari discloses her injured knee and falling into a hole, but when Shauna insists on knowing more details about escaping with an injury, Mari shares that Coach Ben had survived and taken her captive. Van (Liv Hewson) quickly voices her belief that Coach has gone mad, while Gen (Vanessa Prasad) shows worry for Mari’s ordeal. Shauna promptly demands the way to Ben’s hideout, ignoring Natalie’s (Sophie Thatcher) efforts to dissuade her based on Ben’s previous actions of trying to burn them in a cabin. When Mari offers assistance in locating him, Shauna starts readying for the pursuit, inviting others to join.

Non-Believers

As Akhila (Nia Sondaya) readies herself to join the search group, Lottie (Courtney Eaton) tries to talk her out of it, arguing that the Coach Ben matter is just a diversion from their main goal: connecting with nature and uncovering its intentions. Akhila’s obvious irritation results in a nonchalant reply, causing Lottie to wonder aloud about Akhila’s persistent skepticism “given everything that transpired.” Without saying a word, Akhila departs, leaving Travis (Kevin Alves) watching the scene unfold from afar.

What a Beautiful Necklace!

Currently, Cass Elliot’s “Make Your Own Kind of Music” plays in the kitchen as Lottie and Callie harmonize while cooking and enjoying a glass of wine together. Shauna enters, prompting Lottie to explain that they are preparing a special dinner as a token of appreciation for the family’s kindness. However, this peaceful moment is disrupted when Shauna spots Callie wearing Jackie’s (Ella Purnell) necklace, which was also worn by the mysterious girl in the show’s initial episode. Upon discovering that Lottie had given Callie the necklace, a heated argument ensues, with Shauna demanding an explanation for how Lottie still possessed it. Lottie’s vague response about feeling compelled to give Callie the necklace and her belief that Shauna misunderstands its significance only fuels the tension. In a fit of anger, Shauna orders Lottie to depart immediately, labeling her as insane and forcefully removing the necklace from Callie’s neck. Once Lottie and Callie exit the kitchen, Shauna becomes enraged and vents her frustration by destroying the dinner preparations and hurling pots and ingredients across the room.

Want Some Ice Cream?

In Taissa’s house, we see Taissa and Van enjoying a comfortable scene on the sofa, munching chips as they watch a VHS tape of Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Taissa recalls fondly her affection for the show, admitting she tuned in every time it was broadcast. However, Van’s comment paints a different picture of her childhood, confessing that she often had to rouse her intoxicated mother and drag her off to work instead of watching the show. Taissa responds sympathetically, acknowledging how strong and beautiful Van has become despite her challenging upbringing. The emotional bond between them grows stronger as Taissa expresses her gratitude for having more time with Van, following her cancer remission.

In the midst of their sweet moment, a VHS ad for Ozzie’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor unexpectedly popped up, and it was downright chilling to see the Man with No Eyes enjoying an ice cream cone, his cartoon eyes bouncing out of the usual void where his own should be. My heart skipped a beat as I exclaimed my confusion to Van, questioning if she too witnessed this unsettling sight. Trying to calm me down, Van affirmed seeing the man but seemed unfazed by the fear I was grappling with. Suddenly, a wave of recognition washed over me as I connected the dots – this very commercial from my childhood could be the genesis of my recurring Man with No Eyes visions, which had started after my grandmother’s passing.

When the parlor’s location pops up as Rte. 9 Piscataway, Taissa quickly pulls out her phone to see if it’s still around. Finding out that the store has shut down permanently, she decides to visit the spot anyway, disregarding Van’s sensible question about what she might achieve at a closed location. The scene concludes with Taissa talking excitedly about the importance of this find, while Van looks on, torn between whether or not to join Taissa on this potentially risky journey.

Let It Burn

In a fury fueled by Shauna’s accusations, Misty enters her home and heads towards the fireplace mantle. There, she picks up a cherished photo depicting herself, Shauna, Taissa, and Natalie in their maturity. Her actions are precise as she forcefully smashes the frame’s glass, extracting the photo from the scattered shards. Without pause, she ignites the photograph. Rather than watching it dissolve, she exits the living room, abandoning a remnant of their friendship. The camera remains fixed on the burning photograph, capturing how each flicker of fire gradually obliterates another fragment of their shared past until nothing remains but embers.

Unusual Kindness

Earlier in their journey, Mari guided the Yellowjackets through the forest as dusk turned into night. They navigated using torches and lanterns, moving in a straight line against the darkness. Suddenly, Mari halted, causing Taissa (Jasmin Savoy Brown) to grumble about the hold-up. However, Mari remained calm and clarified that she wasn’t lost but needed time to recall the proper route to Ben’s hideout. In an uncharacteristic display of empathy, Shauna stepped forward, urging Mari to take as much time as necessary to regain her bearings. This surprising act of kindness from Shauna bolstered Mari’s resolve, and she resumed leading the group further into the wilderness.

Breaking and Entering

Presently, Taissa and Van park outside an old, dilapidated ice cream shop. Taissa tries the door but finds it locked. Despite Van’s objections, she locates a crowbar and forces open the door, hinting at their past misdeeds. When asked why she’s breaking into the place, Taissa admits she doesn’t know what she’s searching for, suggesting her desperation. Inside, they hear an animal growl and scream, revealing a gruesome sight: a coyote with a rabbit in its jaws. Taissa questions the coyote about its intentions, to which Van eerily replies, “It wants more.

In the Belly of the Beast

After much effort, Mari guides the group towards Coach Ben’s hidden subterranean hideout. As Shauna steps forward to enter, Misty abruptly interjects with uncertainty in her tone. With a firm gesture, Natalie addresses the whole group, suggesting they weigh their decision about venturing into the cave. She assures them that turning back to camp is always an option. Akhila’s assertion that they should go inside is abruptly halted by a deafening squawk echoing around – the same noise that spoiled their Summer Solstice gathering. This sudden sound startles Gen, causing her to reflexively discharge her weapon towards the treetops out of fright. In an attempt to regain control over the escalating tension, Natalie takes charge and deploys several survivors as guards at the cave entrance.

Exploring the cave, the team encounters tight, zigzagging tunnels that eventually branch off. One tunnel seems impassable due to fallen rocks, a situation Mari claims didn’t exist during her imprisonment. This revelation triggers curiosity among the group: did the cave collapse on its own or was it intentionally blocked by Coach Ben? Instead of arguing about it, Natalie takes charge and decides to divide their team. She assigns Shauna to guide one group along the unobstructed tunnel while she herself remains to remove the rocks and discover what’s hidden beyond.

Alone in the Dark

As Shauna, Van, and Akhila delve further into the labyrinthine cave network, they face progressively hazardous surroundings. Persistent drips from overhead saturate the ground, making it slippery underfoot. Despite the worsening conditions, Shauna persists in leading the group onward. The passageways steadily narrow, causing Van to express worries about proceeding any further and recommending a retreat. Shauna, however, brushes off these concerns, resolute on moving forward. Matters take a turn for the worse when water penetrates Shauna’s lamp, severely diminishing their already scant visibility.

Stepping out of the labyrinthine halls and into a cavernous rocky expanse, I found myself still clutching my flickering lantern. Yet, it pulsed erratically, as if responding to some unseen gas in the air. This peculiar performance of light prompted Akhila’s suggestion for an immediate retreat. Turning towards Shauna for her concurrence, I was left stunned when she had vanished into the shadows. Matters took a turn for the worse when I looked back to consult with Akhila – she too, had vanished without a whisper. Alone now, my calls for my lost comrades echoed through the cave until the chilling moment when water trickled from above, snuffing out my lantern and plunging me into inescapable darkness.

Unsettling Dreams

Van makes her way cautiously through the blackness when she suddenly comes across something unanticipated: a wooden door strangely embedded within the stone of the cave’s walls. Overcome by curiosity and fear, she musters the courage to open it, only to find herself in a surprisingly snug cabin, equipped with a rocking chair facing a comforting fireplace. Sinking into the chair, she soaks up the warmth, as sunlight floods the room through windows, an unlikely occurrence considering her subterranean surroundings.

In the meantime, Akhila experiences a hallucination leading her through brightly lit woodlands full of bushes bearing tasty berries. Guided by the sound of bleating, she stumbles upon an unusual scene: animals like chickens and sheep enclosed within fenced areas with white picket fences. A voice cautions her to be careful as “the sheep bite.” Ignoring this warning, Akhila insists that sheep don’t bite. However, the mysterious figure giving advice turns out to be an alpaca. The alpaca issues a foreboding warning that “everything with teeth bites” and “everything will defend itself.” As the chilling screams that have been tormenting the girls resume, the alpaca tells Akhila that “they” are summoning her.

Shauna peacefully floats on a lake’s surface as the sun gently warms her, when a child’s voice calls out “Mommy.” She turns her gaze towards a young boy waving from the shore. Regardless of her frantic efforts to swim towards him, she remains stationary, unable to bridge the gap while the boy continues his playful wave.

The tranquil setting of Van’s cabin suddenly morphs into a terrifying ordeal when a stray ember sets the carpet ablaze from the fireplace. Her desperate bid to escape is thwarted as her rocking chair mysteriously transforms into an airplane seat, complete with a restrictive seatbelt that confines her. The ghostly apparitions of her deceased teammates appear, gripping her, but she manages to free herself. However, the cabin fills with flames and the only exit door locks, trapping her within.

Meanwhile, Akhila witnesses in shock as the alpaca’s cryptic words repeat – “It can be simple, or it can be challenging, but either way, it will get what it wants” – while she grapples with vines that rise from the ground to ensnare her. Simultaneously, an unseen force drags Shauna into the depths of the lake.

As Akhila steps through a door illuminated by an intense light, she encounters Van and Shauna standing beside her. Astonished, they all awaken in a classroom, discovering they’re wearing their Yellowjackets uniforms. Engaged in a discussion about whose dream this is, they spot Lottie as their teacher, who scribbles a chilling message on the blackboard: “Among all ways to part with someone, death proves the most merciful.” The mystery intensifies when the Man Without Eyes emerges, pushing a cart while gazing into their classroom.

In the bizarre unfolding of events, I step in with Jackie joining the mix, fiddling with a stiff band meant for a bracelet. Struggling to get it to snap, she kindly passes it on to Akhila who manages to secure it on her wrist effortlessly. Out of curiosity, Van asks for a try next, but the band clamps down hard on her arm, causing discomfort. Despite Jackie’s dismissal of the issue, our teacher Lottie cautions us about messing with dangerous items. Uncomfortable, Van drops the band, and Jackie picks it up again to place it around Shauna’s neck. Instantly, the band tightens, pinching Shauna’s throat, causing blood to trickle out. In a panic, Lottie implores Akhila for help, asserting that if Shauna perishes, we all face the same fate.

Shauna and Akhila stir from their sleep in the cave, unsure of Van’s location. Suddenly, Coach Ben appears, covered in protective fabric, rescuing Van from a poisonous gas area while explaining the situation. After catching his breath, Natalie steps out of the shadows, pointing a gun at Ben, regretfully telling him he must return to camp with them. The song “The Cold” by The Cure sets a chilling mood as the credits start to play.

[Credits Roll]

Were you captivated by this week’s episode of “Yellowjackets”? What does the gas-induced hallucination symbolize? And lastly, do you think we might be uncovering the mystery behind the Man Without Eyes? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

2025-02-21 12:13

Shocking Twists Unveiled in Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 3: You Won’t Believe What Happens!