Warning: Spoilers are present for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 9, titled “How the Story Ends.” A recent episode in Yellowjackets has unveiled more layers to the already heartbreaking fate of the characters involved. Set 25 years post-rescue, the adult survivors of the plane crash are struggling with their past, leading to increasing fatalities among the group. The mysterious death of Travis Martinez (Andrés Soto)—the first of the adult survivors to perish—set the tone for a grim trajectory, compounded by Natalie Scattorcio’s (Juliette Lewis) tragic demise at the conclusion of Season 2.
Before long, tragedy struck again as Lottie Matthews’ (Simone Kessell) lifeless body was uncovered in Season 3, Episode 4, igniting an investigation led by Misty Quigley (Christina Ricci) into the circumstances surrounding her death. With this unresolved mystery still lingering, a new layer of sorrow emerges as Melissa (Hilary Swank) fatally stabs Van Palmer (Lauren Ambrose), despite their harrowing past encounters in the wilderness.
Van Offers Support During a Crisis In the Wilderness Timeline
Van Aids Melissa Amidst Trauma
Image via Paramount+
The tension escalates when teenage Melissa (Jenna Burgess) and Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) clash, culminating in Shauna pointing a gun at Melissa. Although Shauna fires, she only grazes Melissa’s jacket, yet the shocking experience leads Melissa to wet her pants in front of her peers. In a moment of compassion, Van (Liv Hewson) steps in to shield Melissa from further humiliation, using fabric to cover her and guiding her away to change.
The ordeal leaves Melissa engulfed in feelings of fear and isolation. Even though Van and Melissa are not particularly close, Van displays remarkable empathy by stepping in when it counts. This vital act of kindness is a memory that could linger for Melissa, especially as the Yellowjackets try to suppress their traumatic wilderness experiences.
Despite Past Kindness, Melissa Ultimately Takes Van’s Life
The Tragedy of Van’s Death Intensifies
The circumstances surrounding Van’s death in the gripping finale of Episode 9 are profoundly tragic. Seeing Van provide support to Melissa earlier in the episode magnifies the heartbreak. Due to the intense emotional repression they have experienced, it’s possible that Melissa has forgotten Van’s act of kindness amidst her own fear and humiliation. Yet, Melissa’s later comments toward Van suggest a flicker of remembrance.
Despite her own turmoil, Van is inherently compassionate and often puts others before herself. This resonates when she expresses hesitation about taking a life, while Melissa reflects that Van is not the type of person who would do harm. This acknowledgment indicates that Melissa may indeed recall Van’s support, yet the cycle of violence leads to the heartbreaking conclusion where Melissa ultimately kills her.
The juxtaposition of Van’s nurturing character against the violent act committed by Melissa deepens the tragedy within the storyline, illustrating how intertwined their pasts are, and how their childhood experiences foster both camaraderie and conflict. Yellowjackets masterfully reveals this complexity, compelling viewers to navigate the emotional landscape of loyalty, remembrance, and treachery.