Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Yellowjackets season 3, episode 8, “A Normal, Boring Life.”Yellowjackets season 3 continues a survivor complaint from season 2, and its latest twist makes this criticism worse. From its very first episode, Yellowjackets benefits from having two separate timelines. It uses the present-day narrative to add tension to the ’90s story, and vice versa. At the beginning of the series, the adult timeline gives viewers some idea of who survives the Wilderness. However, it also leaves room for surprises, which Yellowjackets delivers by gradually introducing other characters, like Van and Lottie, as adults.
But while Van is a welcome addition to the present-day story, introducing her so much later than the other survivors is a questionable choice — and it’s one that viewers have criticized, as there’s not enough groundwork laid for this twist. And with Yellowjackets season 3, episode 8 revealing that an eighth person survives the Wilderness, the show is doubling down on this complaint. The introduction of Hilary Swank as Melissa adds to the reasons Yellowjackets‘ adult timeline doesn’t make sense. Although the show needs to surprise us, it’s bizarre that these characters’ rescues aren’t mentioned earlier.
Why Weren’t Van & Melissa’s Rescues Talked About Before Their Introductions?
It’s Odd That The Adult Yellowjackets Never Mention Them
The reveal that Melissa is alive in Yellowjackets’ adult timeline raises the same question as Van’s reappearance in season 2: why are neither of their rescues talked about earlier? Although Van seems to lose touch with the other girls, and Melissa fakes her own death, it’s dubious that no one ever mentions them making it home. In Yellowjackets season 1, the survivors are being blackmailed, and no one even considers Van. It’s also odd that Tai doesn’t reference her, especially considering how close they are in the teen narrative.
Van and Melissa aren’t brought up until Yellowjackets’ carefully placed twists — both of which feel a little too convenient in hindsight.
Melissa’s death fakeout explains why she isn’t a suspect in season 1’s blackmail story, but it’s also odd she isn’t included in any discussions about the teen survivors returning home. Season 1 even honors them at their high school reunion, and there’s clearly news coverage about the group. Plus, the other adult characters talk about their experiences coming home, even if they’re somewhat vague about it. Despite all this, Van and Melissa aren’t brought up until Yellowjackets’ carefully placed twists — both of which feel a little too convenient in hindsight.
Yellowjackets Can’t Have Any Other Surprise Survivals In Store, Right?
Given that Melissa’s return doubles down on an existing complaint, Yellowjackets must avoid any other surprise survivals going forward. The show has used this twist too many times already, and it’s becoming less believable as time goes on. With the adult characters constantly facing exposure, it seems certain that anyone who made it back from the Wilderness would have been mentioned or brought into the fold by now. While shocking turns are important for Yellowjackets, season 3 proves the show must find a more believable way to deliver them.
7/10
- Release Date
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November 14, 2021
- Network
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Showtime, Paramount+ with Showtime
- Showrunner
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Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, Jonathan Lisco
