[This article contains significant spoilers from season two, episode six of Yellowjackets, titled “Thanksgiving (Canada).” ]
Coach’s Fate in Yellowjackets: A Shocking Turn of Events
The latest episode of Yellowjackets brings a pivotal moment for Coach Ben Scott, portrayed by Steven Krueger, as he faces a reckoning in the wilderness. Throughout the series, suspicion has surrounded him since he was implicated in the fire that destroyed the team’s cabin, leaving the teenage girls vulnerable to harsh winter conditions.
Trial and Sentencing in the Wilderness
In a dramatic turn, Ben is captured and put on trial by the remaining survivors in 1996. The verdict is grim: guilty by majority rule. This ruling paves the way for his inevitable decline as the only adult in this brutal wilderness setting. In a heartbreakingly brutal scene, Natalie, the group’s self-proclaimed leader known as the Antler Queen, delivers a mercy killing, stabbing Coach in the heart, a decision that spurs a tumultuous chain of events for the group.
The Cannibalistic Ritual
As if the act of murder wasn’t shocking enough, the survivors resort to cannibalism, preparing Coach’s remains for their next feast. They celebrate this gruesome event with a ritual, complete with Coach’s decapitated head placed ironically on display as they dance around it, only to be interrupted by unexpected visitors—a trio of strangers who encounter this macabre scene and react with disbelief.
Steven Kreuger on Coach’s Final Moments
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kreuger offered insights into his character’s demise, noting how Coach’s death disrupts any possibility of redemption when they are finally rescued. He explained, “Every time they’ve consumed someone else, it came with an element of survival that could be justified. In this instance, there’s no denying they’ve committed murder.”He emphasizes that this pivotal moment illustrates the depths of despair to which the group has sunk, linking it back to themes introduced in the pilot episode.
Behind the Scenes: The Head Creation
Kreuger detailed the intricate process behind creating Coach’s head for the episode. “It felt like an MRI,” he recalled. “I learned to appreciate the talent of the special effects team and was amazed by the realism.” The advanced techniques used in production allowed him to interact with a head that looked shockingly lifelike, despite its unsettling nature.
Insights on Planned Character Arcs
Looking back at his journey throughout Yellowjackets, Kreuger reflected on the gradual build-up to Coach’s tragic end, asserting that the showrunners had given him an early understanding of his character’s fate. He expressed excitement about the story’s trajectory, identifying Coach’s demise as a crucial turning point that will resonate throughout the remainder of the series.
The Psychological Impact of Survival
As the plot thickens, Kreuger also discussed the physical transformation he underwent for the role. He intentionally lost weight to portray the malnourishment affecting the characters in their dire circumstances. The psychological effects were just as significant, shaping how Coach interacted with his younger counterparts, progressively weakening his authority within the group.
The Nature of Violence in the Story
Kreuger reflects on the gravity of the act of cannibalism attempted by the group. “In every previous instance, their actions could be rationalized as acts of survival. This, however, is a clear murder and marks a significant moral descent.” He notes that this moment serves as a catalyst for the seeds of chaos planted throughout the series.
Connections Between Past and Present
As the series progresses, the impact of Nat’s actions—including her direct involvement in Coach’s death—will linger in her future. Kreuger points out the deep ties between characters like Nat and Coach Ben, suggesting that such a traumatic experience can permanently alter one’s psyche.
Confronting the Wilderness: Is it Mystical?
Delving into the deeper themes of the series, Kreuger spoke to the psychological challenges faced by the characters. He suggested that, while fans might look for mystical or supernatural explanations, the reality is grounded in the extreme mental toll of prolonged isolation and survival.
Conclusion: The Future of Coach Ben
As Coach Ben exits the narrative, Kreuger left viewers with tantalizing speculation about his return, whether through flashbacks or metaphysical appearances. “No character is ever truly gone,” he teased, hinting that we might not have seen the last of him.
Catch the latest episodes of Yellowjackets every Friday on Paramount+, with Sunday airings on Showtime.