Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Yellowjackets season 3, episode 10, “Full Circle.” In the highly anticipated season finale of Yellowjackets, the narrative finally unveils the circumstances surrounding the girls’ rescue during the 1990s timeline. This rescue is orchestrated amidst the chaotic search for the pilot’s “Pit Girl.”As season 3 unfolds, the characters seem closer than ever to escaping the grip of the Wilderness. However, internal conflicts arise as some girls, like Shauna, resist the idea of returning home, complicating their journey to safety. But by the finale, they discover a glimmer of hope.
The preceding episode, season 3, episode 9, sets the stage for this pivotal moment as it features Van’s efforts to repair the broken satellite phone, initially damaged by Hannah and Kodiak in earlier episodes. Concurrently, Misty begins to realize the significance of Van’s actions and decides to contribute by utilizing parts from the plane’s transponder, previously destroyed in season 1. Yet, uncertainty looms over whether rescue will indeed take place as episode 10 kicks off. Shauna’s determination to keep the camp members accounted for adds to the tension. However, during their latest hunt, the girls make a surprising breakthrough that connects them to the outside world for the first time since their tragic crash.
Natalie’s Breakthrough: Using Hannah’s Satellite Phone for Rescue
Natalie Reaches Out in the Final Moments
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As hinted in episode 9, Hannah’s satellite phone ultimately becomes the key to the girls’ potential escape from the Wilderness after a grueling 19 months. In a pivotal moment at the end of season 3, Natalie climbs to a high cliff, utilizing the phone to try and make contact with the outside world. After several attempts, she successfully reaches a man who can hear her.
Although the girls remain in the Wilderness as the season closes, Natalie’s confirmation that the man can hear her signals that their rescue is on the horizon. Future developments in Yellowjackets season 4 will likely expand upon this moment. Notably, Natalie’s pivotal role in the rescue narrative ties into the adult timeline, where Tai and the others attribute their survival to her. This connection provides context to Tai’s financial support for Natalie’s rehabilitation process, reinforcing the importance of her character throughout the series.
Exploring Natalie and Hannah’s Ingenious Plan During the Hunt
Crafting the Plan to Deceive Shauna
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Even though Natalie ultimately initiates the rescue effort, the successful execution relies on the collaboration of the teens who are eager to return home. To manipulate the situation, they devise a strategy to force another hunting excursion. Akilah’s decision to kill her animals during the season finale demonstrates this as she anticipates Lottie will advocate for a sacrifice to the Wilderness, inciting a new hunt. This creates the opportunity to distract Shauna, Tai, and Lottie, enabling Natalie to repair Hannah’s satellite phone and reach out for help.
In an expertly crafted plan, Hannah and Natalie exchange clothing to prevent Shauna from noticing Natalie’s absence. When Hannah discovers Natalie with the phone, she joins forces in this crucial endeavor. This clever swap allows Natalie to trek to a secluded, elevated location and connect with the outside world. Shauna, believing she is preparing a feast with Hannah, remains unaware of the deception until it is too late. Her eventual fury at being misled adds another layer of tension, suggesting potential confrontations down the line.
The Dark Future: Three More Deaths Loom Before Rescue
The Inevitable Fate of Hannah, Gen, and Akilah
While Natalie’s efforts ignite hope for rescue, the narrative foreshadows at least three additional deaths before the young Yellowjackets reach safety. Hannah’s demise appears imminent, as the adult timeline in season 3 showcases the survivors confronting the reality of her death tied to the events surrounding Edwin’s murder. The mention of her daughter, Alex, raises further tension, hinting at the psychological aftermath of their ordeal.
Moreover, Gen and Akilah are noticeably absent from the adult timeline, with confirmation of Gen’s death coming from the survivors themselves. Unless new adult characters are introduced as survivors, both Gen and Akilah are likely destined for doom, either before their rescue or shortly after. While other minor characters, such as Robin, remain in the shadows, the unpredictability of survival looms large. Ghost Jackie’s ominous suggestion that the ramifications of their past decisions extend beyond the Wilderness hints at continued struggles, potentially leading to further tragic outcomes. Without a doubt, the Wilderness’s hold is far from over in the ’90s storyline.