The latest episode of Yellowjackets has fans buzzing, but not necessarily in a good way. The show, which follows a group of teens stranded in the wilderness in the ’90s and their adult counterparts in 2021, took a shocking turn in its most recent installment. In the 2021 timeline, Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) continued to grapple with the haunting aftermath of Jackie’s (Ella Purnell) death, while Tai (Tawny Cypress) and Van (Lauren Ambrose) questioned whether the wilderness had a plan for their lives.
However, the past storyline, typically full of high stakes, took a jaw-dropping turn in the final moments of the episode. Misty (Christina Ricci) discovered Lottie (Simone Kessell) lying dead at the bottom of a staircase. The camera lingered on her lifeless body, leaving no doubt: Lottie was truly gone.
This twist has left fans divided. One X user wrote, “I get they want to make bold moves, but killing Lottie so early in the season feels… dumb?” Others expressed frustration, criticizing the writing and even threatening to quit the show. Simone Kessell, who portrayed Lottie, also seemed unsure about the decision. In an interview with Variety, she called Lottie’s death “premature,” adding, “I was heartbroken because it felt like it was over just as Lottie was coming into her own. I was excited for Season 3 to explore her story further, but they decided otherwise.”
Kessell’s comments highlight the potential fallout from Lottie’s death. The event will undoubtedly spark an investigation led by Misty, with a long list of suspects: Tai, Shauna, Walter, and perhaps even a mysterious stalker. However, in making this choice, Yellowjackets may have shot itself in the foot.
Yellowjackets Failed Lottie Matthews
Fans have long felt that the show’s writers didn’t fully utilize Lottie’s character. The Season 1 finale set her up as a villain, with the audience expecting her to evolve into the infamous “Antler Queen.” Her premonitions and leadership in the wilderness suggested a dark and compelling trajectory. However, Season 2 pivoted dramatically, portraying Lottie as a sympathetic wellness guru rather than a morally complex leader. This shift diluted the tension and intrigue built in Season 1, leaving many fans disappointed.
Yellowjackets Didn’t Tell Lottie’s Full Story
Lottie’s death feels especially frustrating because the show recently made a similar misstep by abruptly killing off Natalie (Juliette Lewis) in the Season 2 finale. Rumors suggested Lewis wanted out of the series, but Kessell has made it clear she believed Lottie had more story to tell. Her death now leaves unresolved plotlines, such as her fascination with Shauna’s daughter, Callie (Sarah Desjardins), and her potential return to her darker, more ominous roots.
A Step Back From Season 1’s Spark
Season 3 of Yellowjackets seems to be trying to recapture the magic of Season 1 by revisiting familiar territory: secrets, mysteries, and a shadowy force threatening the survivors. While the season has its moments, Lottie’s untimely death feels like a significant misstep. It’s a reminder that bold narrative choices can sometimes backfire, especially when they cut short a character’s potential.
Overall, Yellowjackets remains a compelling watch, but Lottie’s death casts a shadow over the season. Fans will have to wait and see if the show can recover from this narrative stumble.
Yellowjackets streams on Paramount+ with Showtime.
