Yellowjackets season three continues the legacy of its previous two seasons with building on the things viewers loved the most: expanding on the minds and existences of these characters while giving them room to grow, or get worse, as time progresses. While this season opens on a slow note, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. The pace in these opening four episodes sets the stage for multiple intriguing storylines to be expanded on as the show progresses while giving its cast the time to shine with their material.
Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers for Yellowjackets season 3.
Episode one opens with the teen Yellowjackets surviving the winter, opening the door for a fresh storytelling perspective during the summer and the girls being able to survive in an easier environment that mirrors Season 1. We see this shift on screen from the hardships the survivors faced in Season 2 to the survivors happily being able to cope with being in the wilderness - everyone besides for Shauna. Shauna’s realistic stand on struggling to live with the ongoing trauma from the crash puts emphasis on the delirium the rest of the crew is experiencing in the wild.
This narrative continues throughout episode one and sets up an important background to what the adults will face in their timeline. There are bits and pieces sprinkled throughout the first four episodes where we see the adults debate the balance of life in relation to “It” from the wilderness (especially in a plotline with Adult Taissa and Van, but I won’t get into that because of spoilers). Seeing these characters question their morality and legacy frames them in a new light, especially after everything they’re been through.
Speaking of framing people in a new light, one of my favorite things from this season is the decision to highlight side characters within the teen timeline. Seeing some of these characters and their stories being expanded on was an exciting inclusion that adds more depth to the past while letting new and old characters show different sides of themselves. This allows for refreshing perspectives being brought to the table that I hope continues with future episodes.
Another highlight of this season was the incorporation of more horror elements. Audiences get to see this play out in both the adult and teen timeline (in ways that I won’t expand on because of, again, spoilers) that adds onto how the wilderness impacted these individuals regardless of the timeline. Whether this is done through nightmare sequences or being haunted by a presence, the addition of trippiness will intrigue viewers and keep people on their toes.
If you love character-driven stories and explorations of grief, love, and relationship building, then you are going to love this season of Yellowjackets. As I mentioned, this season dives into the psychology of these characters like never before: Teen Lottie openly talks about her mental health, Adult Misty’s storyline (so far) has been grief-ridden, Teen Shauna lets her guard down to an unexpected companion, Adult Taissa and Van’s relationship gets put in the spotlight, and more. This cast takes already intriguing material and runs with it, giving nuanced performances throughout every episode that are determined to leave the audience impressed, intrigued, and wanting more.
Rating: 4.5/5
The first two episodes of Yellowjackets season three are now streaming on Paramount+ with episodes airing every Friday.
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