‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3 Review: A Frustrating Opening Lays the Foundation for Further Mystery

Episodes Watched: 4 out of 10. 

This review contains spoilers for Yellowjackets Seasons 1 & 2.

Since Season 1 debuted on Showtime in 2019, ‘Yellowjackets’ has been lauded for its inventive storytelling and fresh ideas, encapsulating audiences in a tale of isolation and desperation. With each season the survivors rapidly lose more of their remaining sanity and humanity, resorting to attempted murder in the guise of ‘hunts’, and then indulging in cannibalistic tendencies. Each of the cast has grown into their roles tremendously and Season 3 ironically showcases how some have outgrown ‘Yellowjackets’, with their other projects gaining a respected limelight. Promising the usual dance between supernatural and super paranoia, the new instalment teases suspicious mysteries and imbalances of power in the wilderness. But given the outcome of the future storyline, how much more does the past have to offer? 

Teetering between the present day and wilderness narratives has been largely well juggled throughout the Paramount+ release, albeit with some growing pains in the latter half of Season 2. Resulting in impatience amongst fans, a narrative stagnation and a somewhat lacklustre ending. Off the back of this, Season 3 begins by establishing the introduction of Spring for the crash survivors and a 3-month time jump in the present timeline. Whilst the jump is welcome, it does raise questions as to how they survived a harsh winter following the burning down of their wooden paradise. Admittedly, this successfully results in avoiding revisiting pre-existing issues, instead choosing to focus upon a power struggle orchestrated by the maddening Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) and a growing discontent within the group following the wilderness’ nomination of Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) as the Antler Queen, the group’s leader. 

With Season 3 being highly anticipated, the expectations of fans are high. Unfortunately, the opening 2 episodes suggest these expectations may need tempered. Upon the opening episode there are numerous criticisms that culminate into a somewhat problematic issue for long term viewership. 

To begin, the wilderness lacks a visual depth that was provided by the arctic look of the prior season. The reality of their situation no longer feels harsh, nor adrenaline inducing, instead delivered with a warm colour palette that ironically makes their situation feel overly comfortable. In fairness, this is clearly a deliberate creative choice to showcase their newfound success during the dry warmer seasons, able to build huts and relax in the warmth of spring, having given up on the idea of being rescued. But unfortunately, the terrifying threat of Baltic snowstorms and blizzards isn’t replaced, leaving the wilderness scenes lacking a captivating substance. Even somewhat taking a backseat to the present-day storyline, of which in previous seasons the roles were arguably reversed. 

Infact, the first 2 episodes generally move at an incredibly slow pace with tidbits of excitement, almost uncertain as to which narrative direction it wants to take. Those who delve into the lore of the wilderness, contesting the likelihood of paranoia or something more sinister, will be disappointed with the lack of what makes ‘Yellowjackets’ so blazingly unique. Perhaps it’s simply becoming used to the theatrics imposed, but similarly, it feels as if the writer’s room has become wrapped up in their own creative shackles, unable to commit to the previous free-flowing conspiracies that are innate to the series. Thankfully, this missing momentum is rapidly established in episodes 3-4 through enigmatic debates and mind-bending dream sequences that tease something darker. 

Throughout Season 1 and 2, the present-day storyline wasn’t as favourable as their younger counterparts, but this could soon change. Following the aftermath of Season 2 and Natalie’s (Juliette Lewis) death, Misty (Christina Ricci) is in a phase of self-destructive mourning, whilst the rest of the gang attempt to move on with their lives. Initially, the modern-day setting focuses heavily on Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) and Callie’s (Sarah Desjardins) ever-difficult mother-daughter relationship, especially as it now involves a murder coverup, another murder coverup and typical teenage angst. This plotline somewhat overstays it’s welcome but serves as a necessary foundation for the re-introduction of Lottie (Simone Kessell), who Cassie is adamantly drawn to in search of answers to what really happened in the wilderness. 

Choppy editing and an incessantly mistimed flickering between past and present do it’s very best to de-rail an enticing narrative, one that hits the Yellowjackets with the harsh consequences of their reality. Despite an online call for the return of modern television to yearly releases, perhaps Season 3 could’ve been dealt with some more post-production love, showcasing a somewhat rushed execution. That being said, the electrifying performances of all cast delivers a harrowing realism and depth to the series that is unmatched, encouraging audiences to stay tuned when they may otherwise show disinterest. Dialogue feels as natural as it could given the show’s premise, and character struggles feel embarassingly human, providing a surprising relatability despite their unusual circumstances. 

Just like past seasons, the third instalment possess an underlying mystery that seeps into the cracks of the main plot line. Within the first 4 episodes the presence of such is eerily minor but packs a powerful punch, certain to dismember expectations and thrust terror and uncertainty into the face of the audience. It’s no question that by the credits of the season finale, season 3 will have delivered a coherent and inventively gripping tale that covers new ground, whilst simultaneously introducing life-threatening stakes for modern-day characters. In past and present there are numerous questions that are left unanswered; Are the wilderness’ torturous games real? Who burnt down the cabin? Whose deadly fate is next? This new season teases the answering of such questions, yet isn’t afraid to conjure new ones too. 

Overall, the first 4 episodes of Season 3 are a mixed bag that steadily get better. Intent on covering already established relationships doesn’t do the show any favours initially, but by the end of the fourth episode it becomes transparent that the best is yet to come. Season 3 can be heavily praised for dynamic sequences that snatch audiences out of unsuspecting comfort, instantly forcing them back into the unpredictable horrors that are certain to leave viewers on the edges of their seat. Whilst unfair to negatively judge a whole 10-episode season based upon 4, it’s clear the opening handful are a necessary sacrifice to lay the foundation of the remaining 6. Given past success, lovers of the Yellowjacket hive should be quietly confident of what Season 3 has to offer. 

Yellowjackets Season 3, Episodes 1 & 2 release on Paramount+ February 14.

Review by James Crooks