The Season 2 finale of Yellowjackets, aptly titled “Storytelling,” culminated in the horrific death of Natalie Scatorccio, a sacrifice seemingly demanded by the supernatural forces at play in both the wilderness and the adult Yellowjackets’ present lives. This death, triggered by Misty’s accidental overdose and Lottie’s perceived need for a ritualistic offering, leaves the team irrevocably fractured and bracing for a return to the brutal survival tactics of their past.
A Sacrifice and its Aftermath: The Heart of “Storytelling”
The episode opens with the immediate fallout from the previous episode’s “Doomcoming” 2.0 – a regression into tribalism and near-cannibalistic frenzy. Lottie’s farm has become a battleground of ideologies: those who believe in the wilderness’s power and those who desperately cling to rationality. Misty’s unintentional drugging of the mushrooms pushes the conflict to a fever pitch.
The Ritual Goes Horribly Wrong
Driven by the escalating tension and Lottie’s increasingly erratic behavior, a decision is made to choose a new leader through a drawing of cards. Natalie, having drawn the queen of hearts, finds herself the designated offering to the wilderness, mirroring her role as a leader and protector. However, before the ritual can be carried out, Misty attempts to intervene, injecting Lottie with a syringe containing what she believes is a sedative. The syringe, tragically, is filled with a lethal dose of Phenobarbital due to Walter’s deliberate sabotage. Natalie, attempting to protect Lottie, lunges in front of the needle and is killed instantly.
This shocking death underscores the destructive nature of the Yellowjackets’ trauma and the corrosive effects of the wilderness on their sanity. The intended sacrifice becomes a senseless accident, highlighting the thin line between belief and delusion, survival and self-destruction.
Consequences in the Past and Present
The consequences of Natalie’s death reverberate through both timelines. In the past, the Yellowjackets are plunged into a new phase of desperation, the ritualistic hunt likely to continue in their struggle for survival. The adult Yellowjackets, meanwhile, are left grappling with guilt, grief, and the terrifying realization that the darkness they thought they left behind in the wilderness has followed them into their present lives. Walter, now aware of his actions, reveals his twisted loyalty to Misty, offering to help cover up the crime. This alliance, however, feels precarious, hinting at future conflict.
Unpacking the Ending: Key Developments and Lingering Questions
“Storytelling” leaves viewers with a multitude of questions and sets the stage for a potentially even darker Season 3. The episode expertly weaves together the supernatural and psychological aspects of the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.
The Fate of Lottie Matthews
Lottie, responsible for orchestrating the events that led to Natalie’s death (even if unintentionally), is now completely unraveled. She is taken back to the mental institution she frequented, seemingly accepting her fate as a woman consumed by the wilderness’s influence. However, the question remains: is Lottie truly unstable, or is she acting as a conduit for a genuine supernatural force?
Shauna and Jeff’s Unconventional Marriage
Despite the murder cover-up and constant lies, Shauna and Jeff’s marriage remains strangely intact. They even seem to have found a twisted form of intimacy in their shared secrets and acts of desperation. This resilience, however, is likely to be tested as the investigation into Adam Martin’s death continues to loom over them.
Taissa’s Split Personality and the Symbols
Taissa’s sleepwalking and alter ego continue to be a source of concern. The episode offers no definitive explanation for her behavior, leaving open the possibility of either a psychological disorder or a genuine connection to the supernatural. The recurring symbols, appearing in both the wilderness and the adult timeline, further complicate the narrative and suggest a deeper, interconnected mystery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Season 2 finale of Yellowjackets:
1. Why did Natalie sacrifice herself?
Natalie didn’t explicitly sacrifice herself willingly. She was chosen as the “offering” through a card draw instigated by Lottie. When Misty attempted to sedate Lottie with a lethal dose of Phenobarbital (unbeknownst to her), Natalie jumped in front of the needle to protect Lottie, leading to her accidental death.
2. Was Walter deliberately trying to kill Lottie?
Yes. Walter, driven by his obsessive devotion to Misty, deliberately sabotaged the syringe by filling it with Phenobarbital. His intention was to protect Misty from facing legal consequences.
3. What will happen to Misty now that Walter has confessed to tampering with the syringe?
Misty’s fate is uncertain. While Walter’s confession offers a degree of protection, she is still complicit in the events that led to Natalie’s death. Her future likely depends on the success of Walter’s cover-up and the thoroughness of the authorities’ investigation.
4. Will Lottie be held responsible for Natalie’s death?
Lottie’s legal responsibility is questionable, given her fragile mental state and the accidental nature of Natalie’s death. However, she bears a significant moral responsibility for creating the environment that led to the tragedy. She is currently back in a mental institution.
5. What does Natalie’s death mean for the rest of the Yellowjackets?
Natalie’s death serves as a catalyst, likely pushing the remaining Yellowjackets back into survival mode. The adult timeline will undoubtedly be marked by increased paranoia, distrust, and potentially, a return to the ruthless tactics they employed in the wilderness.
6. What is the significance of the symbols that keep appearing?
The significance of the symbols remains ambiguous. They could represent a genuine supernatural force, a manifestation of the Yellowjackets’ collective trauma, or a combination of both. Their recurring presence underscores the pervasive influence of the wilderness on their lives.
7. Is the wilderness truly supernatural, or is it all psychological?
The show intentionally blurs the line between the supernatural and psychological. There is evidence to support both interpretations, and the ambiguity is a crucial element of the series’ intrigue. It’s up to the viewer to decide what they believe.
8. What will happen to the Adam Martin case?
The Adam Martin case is still unresolved. While Jeff confessed to blackmail to protect Shauna, the police still suspect Shauna’s involvement in Adam’s murder. The investigation is likely to resurface in Season 3, potentially exposing Shauna and Jeff’s secrets.
9. How will Taissa’s split personality affect the other Yellowjackets?
Taissa’s split personality poses a significant threat to the other Yellowjackets. Her unpredictable behavior and potential connection to the supernatural could lead to further conflict and danger.
10. What is the meaning of the episode’s title, “Storytelling”?
The title “Storytelling” refers to the Yellowjackets’ attempts to control their narrative and shape their own reality. Each character is trying to construct a story that justifies their actions and protects them from the consequences of their past. It also highlights the unreliability of memory and the subjective nature of truth.
11. Will cannibalism return in Season 3?
Given the trajectory of the show and the dwindling resources in the wilderness, it is highly probable that cannibalism will return in Season 3. The desperation and hunger of the remaining Yellowjackets are likely to push them to the brink once again.
12. When will Season 3 of Yellowjackets be released?
While an official release date hasn’t been announced, Yellowjackets Season 3 is anticipated to air sometime in 2024, likely in the Spring or Summer, depending on production timelines and potential delays. Fans eagerly await the next chapter of this chilling and captivating series.