Review: Yellowjackets, “Qui” | Season 2, Episode 6
A graphic and emotional climax refocuses the narrative on its strongest character
Since the pilot, Shauna Shipman has been the closest character this ensemble has to a protagonist. Her tumultuous friendship with Jackie provided the overarching structure for the first season’s wilderness story, and in season two she was the first character to resort to cannibalism, a moment the whole series was building toward. Still, at times Shauna has drifted from focus, especially in recent episodes. If I had to say what this season was “about” on a character level, I’d say it’s the push and pull between Lottie’s spiritual teachings and Natalie’s skepticism, with various characters moving between sides, including Lottie and Nat themselves.
I’ve had a lot of issues with that central focus, especially because besides a few effective moments (like Nat and Lottie’s post-hunt reconciliation), the show has struggled to make it emotionally involving without addressing the supernatural question head-on. So it’s refreshing to take some time with Shauna in both timeline…