There’s Really Only One Reason I Care About Yellowjackets Season 3’s Adult Timeline Now
Yellowjackets is split between the teen timeline set in 1996 and the adult timeline set in 2021, but season 3 has removed every reason to stay invested in the adults (except one). When it first premiered, Yellowjackets’ unique structure following dual timelines was a breath of fresh air. But as the series gets into the back end of its third season, the flaws in that narrative approach are starting to become more apparent. It often feels like watching two completely different shows simultaneously.
Cutting back and forth between two separate timelines often hurts the pacing of the series. If something exciting is happening in one timeline and something dull and contemplative is happening in the other timeline, it can bring the momentum grinding to a halt. Plus, in season 3 in particular, the ‘90s teen timeline has become much more interesting than the ‘20s adult timeline. Yellowjackets season 3 is about to end its run, and as this current batch of episodes reaches its conclusion, I’m left with just one reason to care about the adult timeline.
Misty’s Fate Is Now The Only Character Arc I Care About In Yellowjackets’ Adult Timeline
Everyone Else Has Lost My Interest (Or Died)
I used to be invested in all the Yellowjackets characters, waiting with bated breath to see where each of the survivors would end up, and if their dark past would ever catch up to them. But after season 3, I’ve lost interest in following almost everyone in this ensemble. Shauna has become very unlikable; she was already morally gray, thanks to her violent tendencies (and the fact she stole her dead friend’s boyfriend), but now, she’s just cruel. She’s mean to her own daughter and she’s short with people like Jeff’s business associates for no reason.
At this point, the only character in the adult timeline that I’m still invested in is Misty. She’s still a fascinating character and her ultimate fate is still unclear.
And it’s not just Shauna. Tai hasn’t been herself and she’s set to go off the rails at any minute. Van is dead, so her fate is no longer a mystery. And are we really supposed to care what happens to Melissa? Hilary Swank is a great actor, but Melissa’s story feels so pointless and undercooked. At this point, the only character in the adult timeline that I’m still invested in is Misty. She’s still a fascinating character and her ultimate fate is still unclear.
Yellowjackets Made The Teen Timeline So Much More Interesting Than The Adult Story In Season 3
The Teens Have Gone Full Lord Of The Flies
Initially, Yellowjackets’ adult timeline set up some interesting subplots to run alongside the teens’ survival story in the wilderness. But after three seasons, the 2021 timeline has killed off too many great characters — especially after losing Nat. Meanwhile, the teen timeline has gone full Lord of the Flies with the soccer team setting up their own twisted justice system, and the arrival of some outsiders gave a darkly hilarious perspective on just how far gone they are.
7/10
- Release Date
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November 14, 2021
- Network
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Showtime, Paramount+ with Showtime
- Showrunner
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Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, Jonathan Lisco
- Directors
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Benjamin Semanoff, Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Deepa Mehta, Eduardo Sánchez, Jeffrey W. Byrd, Liz Garbus, Scott Winant, Eva Sørhaug, Jamie Travis
- Writers
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Liz Phang, Sarah L. Thompson, Ameni Rozsa
