Warning: This article contains spoilers for Yellowjackets season 3. The third season of Yellowjackets unveils many pivotal plot points while leaving several intriguing questions unanswered. The finale of season 3 sheds light on crucial mysteries, including the identity of the individual who murdered Lottie Matthews (played by Simone Kessell) and the true nature of Pit Girl and the Antler Queen. Additionally, the episodes explore how the young survivors manage to communicate with the outside world. Earlier narratives also address the fate of Coach Ben Scott (Steven Krueger) and the potential appearance of other characters in the wilderness.
This season delves into newer enigmas, such as the origin of the wilderness “screaming”and the implications behind Akilah’s (Nia Sondaya) vision of dying wildlife. As we look forward to Yellowjackets season 4, a wealth of storytelling remains to explore, particularly the fate of the teenage survivors who are still awaiting rescue. Moreover, the aftermath of characters’ resettlement into society, especially after the loss of Van Palmer (Lauren Ambrose), offers substantial plot avenues to investigate.
10 Who Set Fire to the Cabin?
The Cabin’s Destruction marked Season 2’s Climax
The question of who was responsible for the cabin’s destruction remains one of the enduring mysteries from the wilderness storyline in Yellowjackets. Prior to his demise in season 3, Coach Ben unequivocally expressed his lack of involvement in the fire, leading fans to speculate about the true culprit behind this pivotal event. The loss of their shelter significantly alters the dynamics among the teenage survivors, making it essential for season 4 to address this unanswered question, whether the fire was accidental or intentional.
There is speculation that the “Other” Taissa Turner (Jasmin Savoy Brown) may have been the arsonist, which would account for why the surviving members do not recall committing such an act. If this theory holds true, it would imply that the main Taissa would lack memories of the fire altogether. With so much having transpired since that fateful moment, viewers hope season 4 finally clarifies this lingering mystery before it’s too late.
9 What Is Hannah’s Fate?
Her Survival in the Wilderness Is Uncertain
While it has been implied in the present-day narrative that Hannah Finch (Ashley Sutton) meets her end in the wild, many fans initially believed she would become Pit Girl—a fate that ultimately fell to Mari Ibarra (Alexa Barajas). Currently, Hannah is alive at the end of season 3, but should the Yellowjackets achieve rescue in season 4, her demise in the wilderness appears inevitable.
Moreover, there is a looming possibility that Shauna Shipman (Sophie Nélisse) could be responsible for Hannah’s death, particularly after Hannah deceived her by swapping places with Natalie Scattorcio (Sophie Thatcher). Shauna’s repressed fury could lead to a tragic conclusion for Hannah’s character arc; her absence could create a ripple effect, as she played a crucial role in facilitating contact with the outside world.
8 What About Other Adult Survivors?
New Survivors Keep Emerging
Each season of Yellowjackets has introduced unexpected adult characters, starting with Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), Taissa (Tawny Cypress), Natalie (Juliette Lewis), and Misty Quigley (Christina Ricci). Lottie’s survival was confirmed at the close of season 1, followed by Van in the second season, and finally Melissa (Hilary Swank) this season. As anticipation builds for season 4, fans are left wondering if there are additional adult survivors waiting to be uncovered.
| Characters Confirmed To Survive The Wilderness | Teenage Actor | Adult Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Shauna | Sophie Nélisse | Melanie Lynskey |
| Natalie | Sophie Thatcher | Juliette Lewis |
| Taissa | Jasmin Savoy Brown | Tawny Cypress |
| Misty | Samantha Hanratty | Christina Ricci |
| Lottie | Courtney Eaton | Simone Kessell |
| Van | Liv Hewson | Lauren Ambrose |
| Travis | Kevin Alves | Andrés Soto |
| Melissa | Jenna Burgess | Hilary Swank |
Given the significant loss experienced in the wilderness and the few survivors remaining in the current timeline, possibilities dwindle. One figure could be Akilah, whose status remains ambiguous. She has gradually grown in importance throughout the 1990s storyline, possibly paving the way for her return in the present day. Additionally, Gen (Vanessa Prasad) was presumed dead when Taissa declared both she and Melissa gone; if Melissa is indeed alive, Gen’s survival may also be in question.
7 Does the Wilderness Hold Any True Power?
A Central Enigma That Demands Clarity
The most pressing inquiry within Yellowjackets centers on whether the wilderness possesses actual power. Season 3 presents compelling evidence suggesting the wilderness is devoid of any mystical influence. The “screaming”attributed to the wilderness is revealed to originate from a rare type of frog, while the origins of the Man with No Eyes are traced back to a childhood commercial rather than any supernatural force. The visions experienced by the teenagers stem from various hallucinogenic factors rather than divine intervention.
Nevertheless, as the possibility looms that the Yellowjackets may soon leave the wilderness behind, season 4 represents a critical opportunity to resolve whether the wilderness manifests any real power. Particularly puzzling is the defense of teenage Lottie (Courtney Eaton), who eerily avoids a pit of stakes; this could be interpreted as the wilderness acting in her favor. Additionally, Akilah’s vision and Travis’ sketches of Coach Ben foreshadow events within the narrative, hinting at an intellectual layer yet to be unpacked.
6 What Is the Symbol of the Wilderness?
Numerous Interpretations Await
The enigmatic symbol of the wilderness requires an exploration of its meaning in season 4, regardless of any supernatural implications. Theories have flourished since the first season, suggesting it could represent a map, a protective hieroglyph, or an emblem connected to past occupants of the area before the crash. Season 3 introduces hints that the university attended by Hannah and Edwin had prior exposure to this remote locale, yet the symbol appears absent from their discarded supplies.
5 Why Did Melissa No Longer Identify as One of the Yellowjackets After Rescue?
Her Identity Crisis Rooted in Her Actions
In season 3, Melissa elucidates her feelings of disconnection from the group, sharing that she faked her death. Following the Yellowjackets’ return to civilization, her sense of belonging was lost, possibly due to the tumultuous relationship between youth Melissa (Jenna Burgess) and Shauna, which culminated in violent encounters. The reasons behind Melissa’s estrangement necessitate further exploration in season 4, particularly in light of her budding relationship with Hannah and the trauma after Hannah’s impending death.
4 Who Is the Man Featured in Jackie’s Death Vision?
The Mystery of His Identity Lingers
The enigmatic figure that Jackie Taylor (Ella Purnell) sees in her death vision remains largely unaddressed. This man, unseen in subsequent visions encountered by characters like Natalie and Van, could become a vital piece of the puzzle that season 4 aims to unravel. The return of Jackie through both teenage and adult Shauna’s visions hints at the possibility of clarifying the identity of the man haunting her final moments.
3 What Causes the Plane Crash?
Exploring Potential Causes: Was it Accident or Intentional?
The plane crash serves as the cornerstone of Yellowjackets, yet the factors leading to the incident remain vague. Was it mere pilot negligence, or could there be a deeper sinister motive at play? If the wilderness operates as an active participant, it may bear some responsibility for the crash itself. This would not only provide clarity about the crash but also elevate the narrative regarding the wilderness dynamics.
2 What Did Van Mean When She Stated “Surviving This Was Never the Reward”?
The Need for Deeper Significance
In a poignant moment from season 3, adult Van finds herself conversing with her teenage self aboard an airplane. During this encounter, the teenage Van proclaims, “Surviving this was never the reward,”a statement ripe with implications. While this could relate to Van’s longing for the authentic Taissa, it appears to hint at something more profound concerning the characters’ journeys in the afterlife, and season 4 could delve into how their experiences resonate with their eventual destiny.
1 Who Was Javi’s Mysterious Friend?
A Friend Revealed, Yet Unnamed
After the revelation of Javi Martinez’s (Luciano Leroux) survival in season 2, he speaks little, yet mentions a friend in the wilderness who aided him. Despite Coach Ben discovering Javi’s survival cave, the identity of this friend remains a tightly-held mystery. With both Javi and Coach Ben no longer part of the narrative, the challenge will be to address this enigma in upcoming episodes.
Should the friend be a tangible person or a figment of Javi’s imagination, the character could potentially surface in season 4, offering clarity despite the absence of both boys. Alternatively, if Yellowjackets ventures into the afterlife realm, Javi may shed light on this mystery from beyond.