Warning: Spoilers for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 10, “Full Circle”are included in this article.
Pivotal Moments from Yellowjackets Season 3 Finale
In a deeply impactful scene from the Yellowjackets Season 3 finale, actress Ashley Sutton discusses the defining relationship between her character, Hannah Finch, and Natalie Scattorcio, portrayed by Sophie Thatcher. Following the shocking climax of episode 9, where Hannah kills the wilderness guide Kodiak (played by Joel McHale), her apparent allegiance to the authoritarian Shauna Shipman (Sophie Nélisse) raises questions about her true loyalties. Yet the finale clarifies her dedication to Natalie as they both collaborate toward their escape from the treacherous wilderness.
Hannah’s True Allegiance
In an interview with ScreenRant, Sutton emphasizes that Hannah has always aligned with Natalie. She explains that the brutal decision to kill Kodiak was a reactionary move aimed at preserving both their lives, as revealing his knowledge of the knife’s origins would endanger them both. Sutton articulates that Hannah’s committed declaration to Natalie is her most authentic moment in the series, as it portrays her willingness to sacrifice personal safety for their shared goal.
I think Hannah was always Team Natalie. She’s Team Go; she’s not Team Stay in any way. Killing Kodiak is just such an in-the-moment decision she has to make to survive because if Kodiak says Hannah got the knife, then Hannah got the knife from Natalie. The two of them are going to go down in Shauna’s book, so she makes the decision. She kills Kodi because she needs to save herself in that moment. “I need to make it through the night to the next morning.”
From the way that she has been watching them, she sees how much of a dictator Shauna is. So, in order to play the game, she has to get on Shauna’s good side, and then she can start maneuvering everything. That’s why, during the hunt, she goes to find Natalie to be like, “I promise you that I’m on your side. Please trust me.”
That moment with Sophie, where she flips me around on the tree, is my favorite scene I filmed because I feel like it was the most truthful. Hannah really gets to be so real and so raw. And in that moment, I was Ashley and was just thinking that Hannah would sacrifice anything to get any of them home. She really, truly will do anything at this point because what’s happening in the camp is so crazy.
Sophie [Thatcher] and I did that scene a couple of times. Bart, the director and also one of the showrunners, gave me some notes to help me get to a different place because I feel like it is such a different place for Hannah. We’ve seen her so vulnerable and almost in tears at every other point in time, but this time when she’s saying all of the things that are happening to her, it’s not sad; it’s just matter of fact.
But after Bart called cut on the very last take, Sophie and I just looked at each other and started bawling because we felt so much heart and empathy in that moment for Natalie and Hannah. It felt so heavy and beautiful to witness how they’re both saving everybody, or trying to save everybody in some way. It was really beautiful to get to experience.
Implications for Yellowjackets’ Future
Hannah’s Courage and Its Consequences
Hannah’s altruistic actions may offer a glimmer of hope for her and Natalie’s survival, suggesting a turning point for the group. However, in the present timeline of Yellowjackets, it is foreseen that Hannah does not survive, with indications pointing towards her potential fate at the hands of Shauna in Season 4. Regrettably, despite her valiant efforts, Hannah’s tragic end means she may never reunite with her daughter.
Reflections on Sutton’s Insights
A Haunting Loss for Natalie
Sutton’s reflections shed light on the profound bond that Hannah and Natalie share, characterized by an unwavering trust that remains unbroken even in perilous circumstances. With the knowledge that Hannah’s fate is sealed, it not only amplifies Natalie’s guilt but also intensifies the psychological burden she carries into adulthood, portrayed by Juliette Lewis. The looming potential of Hannah’s demise further compounds Natalie’s existing trauma, setting the stage for an emotionally charged narrative in Yellowjackets Season 4.