Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 9, titled “How the Story Ends.”
The mystery of Lottie Matthews’ death in Yellowjackets has taken an unexpected turn in Season 3. After a series of shocking developments, my initial suspicion of Other Tai as Lottie’s killer has shifted. The harsh reality of the adult survivors’ lives, especially highlighted in Episode 4, reveals Lottie’s tragic demise in the present timeline, indicating that the Wilderness is exerting its toll on each of its inhabitants, one by one.
In a shocking plot twist, it is revealed that Melissa kills Van in Season 3, Episode 9, undermining any notion that the Wilderness could save Lauren Ambrose’s character. This event has led me to reconsider my theories regarding Lottie’s death. Initially, I believed Other Tai may have been behind it since she had a chance encounter with Lottie prior to her demise and subsequently misled the other Yellowjackets. However, with Van’s death complicating matters, it now seems more plausible that either Walter or Melissa could be responsible for Lottie’s tragic end.
Suspects in Lottie’s Death: Walter & Melissa
The Suspicion Surrounding Walter and Melissa
While Shauna initially seemed an obvious choice for Lottie’s killer, I now dismiss Other Tai as a suspect as well. Following the events of “How the Story Ends,”the evidence increasingly points towards either Walter or Melissa being involved in Lottie’s unexpected death. Misty’s unusual reaction to Walter’s phone adds to his enigmatic nature, and his ongoing involvement in the adult timeline raises eyebrows. Although his motives are still under wraps, lying about Shauna’s DNA—if he were behind Lottie’s fate—would make strategic sense.
Moreover, Melissa presents a wildcard as we approach the Season 3 finale. Her apparent motivations to kill Van could tie back to an allegiance to the Wilderness, suggesting she may also be linked to Lottie’s demise. While she seems genuinely shocked by Lottie’s death, a deeper desperation to preserve her normalcy and grapple with the burdens of their teenage years hints at a more complicated character. Thus, her potential involvement in Lottie’s killing cannot be easily dismissed.
Why Other Tai Likely Isn’t Lottie’s Killer
Evaluating the Mystery of the Wilderness
My belief that Other Tai could be Lottie’s murderer has waned, mainly because taking Lottie’s life should have spared Van’s — according to the Wilderness’s logic portrayed throughout the series. Yellowjackets continues to blur the lines between supernatural elements and trauma-driven hallucinations, but the narrative increasingly suggests that the Wilderness operates with distinct rules. Van’s unexpected recovery from cancer appears tightly interwoven with the survivors’ recent actions, hinting at a larger, entrapping force at play.
In this vein, the Wilderness seems to reward those who embrace their darkest impulses—suggesting that if Tai had indeed sacrificed someone, it should have provided Van with more time or even preserved her life. The fact that Van dies while the Wilderness influences Melissa raises further questions about Lottie’s death and shifts blame away from Other Tai towards Walter and Melissa, who now emerge as primary suspects.
Exploring the Motives of Walter and Melissa
The Possibility of an Alliance
Image via Paramount+
While both Walter and Melissa exhibit suspicious behavior capable of lethal consequences, their motives require deeper exploration. A compelling theory circulating on Reddit suggests Walter desires a harrowing experience to bond with Misty, especially following her statement about his inability to grasp her connection to the Yellowjackets. His eagerness to engage in the investigation raises red flags, particularly given his apparent disdain for the other survivors.
Melissa may harbor resentment concerning past events in the teenage timeline, potentially conspiring with Walter for revenge. Additionally, the prevailing theory that Walter and Melissa are siblings adds yet another layer to their motivations. If they are indeed working in tandem to execute a plot against the surviving women, it could indicate a more profound conspiracy lurking beneath the surface.
Finally, Melissa’s last words to Van hint at a deeper connection to the Wilderness than previously acknowledged. If she is actively making sacrifices for her own reasons—possibly to protect her loved ones or to maintain the facade of a normal life—her true motivations remain uncertain. As the series progresses, we look forward to uncovering more about her character and the unfolding mysteries.
Source: Reddit