In a gripping finale that ties up many loose ends, the third season of Yellowjackets culminates in revelations that are as shocking as they are anticipated. The episode titled "Full Circle" answers critical questions about the series, including the identities of the Antler Queen and Pit Girl, and the circumstances surrounding the murder of Lottie.
As the finale opens, tensions are high following the death of Van (Lauren Ambrose), who was killed by Melissa (Hilary Swank) in the penultimate episode. Taissa (Tawny Cypress) is seen saying a final goodbye to her partner in a haunting scene where she not only mourns Van but also consumes her heart, a grisly act that echoes Travis's (Kevin Alves) earlier cannibalistic ritual with Javi's (Luciano Leroux) heart in Season 2.
Taissa's grief morphs into vengeance as she vows to remember everything about their time together in the wilderness. "I’m done forgetting Van. Starting now, I’m gonna remember. All of it. All of you. All of me," she declares, setting the stage for her darker transformation.
Meanwhile, the episode delves into the mystery surrounding Lottie's (Simone Kessell) death. A flashback reveals that Callie (Sarah Desjardins) is the one who inadvertently caused Lottie's demise. After confronting Lottie about a stolen tape, a heated argument leads to Callie shoving Lottie down the stairs, resulting in her death. This shocking twist not only highlights Callie's troubled relationship with her mother, Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), but also serves as a pivotal moment that intertwines the past and present narratives.
As the story unfolds, Shauna discovers that her family has abandoned her, prompting her to confront Misty (Christina Ricci) about the whereabouts of Jeff (Warren Kole) and Callie. Misty reveals the painful truth: Callie killed Lottie, which sends Shauna into a spiral of despair and anger. This revelation marks a turning point for Shauna, who begins to confront her own dark past and the consequences of her actions.
In the wilderness timeline, the group decides to conduct another hunt, believing it necessary to appease the wilderness. The stakes are high as they draw cards to determine who will be sacrificed. Tai (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Van attempt to rig the game to protect themselves, but ultimately, it is Mari (Alexa Barajas) who draws the Queen of Hearts and becomes the target.
As Mari flees, she sheds her clothing in an attempt to evade her pursuers, but tragically, she falls into a pit, fulfilling the ominous prophecy of her identity as Pit Girl. This moment brings the series full circle, echoing the haunting opening scene of Season 1.
In the midst of this chaos, Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) seizes the opportunity to use the repaired satellite phone, a device that had been a symbol of hope throughout the season. Climbing to the top of a mountain, she finally makes contact with the outside world, signaling a potential rescue for the Yellowjackets. "Can anyone hear me?" she screams into the phone, and a voice responds, igniting a flicker of hope for the stranded girls.
However, the finale leaves viewers with lingering questions about the dynamics within the group. Shauna's leadership is increasingly challenged as her paranoia grows. Misty and Tai form an alliance against her, fearing that if they do not act, Shauna will be the last Yellowjacket standing. Tai's assertion that Shauna thrived on their darkest moments raises concerns about the group's future and the potential for further conflict.
As the episode progresses, Shauna's internal struggle intensifies. She reflects on her past, writing in her journal, "I was a warrior. I was a fucking queen. I let all of it slip away from me. It’s time to start taking it back." This poignant moment hints at her desire to reclaim her power and embrace the darker aspects of her identity.
As the season concludes, the narrative threads intertwine, revealing the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The finale does not shy away from the brutality of their circumstances, showcasing the lengths to which they will go to survive.
With the introduction of new alliances and the potential for rescue, the stage is set for a thrilling fourth season. The questions surrounding the wilderness, the true nature of the characters, and the consequences of their actions remain at the forefront, leaving fans eager for more.
The finale of Yellowjackets Season 3 not only answers pressing questions but also opens up new avenues for exploration, ensuring that the story of these complex characters continues to captivate audiences.
