Yellowjackets: A Review of Season 2, Episode 6
Season 2 of Yellowjackets has been a wild ride so far, with its characters fighting to survive in the wilderness and coming to grips with the trauma of their past. But in the latest episode, “Qui,” the show delivers one of its most intense and heartrending chapters yet. In this review, we’ll break down everything that happens in the episode and explore what it means for the series as a whole.
Who is Shauna?
Shauna, played by Sophie Thatcher, is one of the main characters in Yellowjackets. She is a survivor of a plane crash that left her and her high school soccer team stranded in the wilderness for 19 months. As the series progresses, we learn more about Shauna’s backstory, including the tragic loss of her child during childbirth.
The Two Shaunas
Flashbacks to Health Class
The episode opens with a flashback to Shauna’s high school health class, where she and her friends goof off and pass notes while Coach Ben shows them a birthing video. These scenes establish the character dynamics between Shauna, Jeff, Tai, Van, and Randy, who will all play a role in Shauna’s childbirth later in the episode.
Labor and Delivery
As Shauna goes into labor in the present day, her fellow Yellowjackets do their best to help her through it. But complications arise, including the premature delivery of the placenta and difficulty breastfeeding the baby. As Shauna struggles to cope with the pain and trauma of childbirth, we see flashbacks to her dream-state postpartum experiences and the tragic loss of her child.
The Wilderness Rituals
Meanwhile, the rest of the Yellowjackets engage in improvised wilderness rituals to try and control their fate. Travis spills blood on a bear skull, while Lottie and the girls offer up tokens. These scenes highlight the survivors’ desperation and their attempts to connect with each other and the natural world around them.
Themes and Symbolism
The Placenta
The image of the placenta is a recurring motif in the episode, symbolizing both the miracle and precariousness of life. As the first thing to be delivered during Shauna’s childbirth, it reveals the dangers and uncertainties of childbirth in the wilderness. But it is also a reminder of the miracle of life and the bond between mother and child.
Mother Nature
The episode also explores the brutal and unpredictable power of Mother Nature, as Shauna struggles to give birth without medical assistance or experience. The wilderness setting emphasizes the fragility of human life and the importance of community and connection in the face of adversity.
The Power of Ritual
The wilderness rituals that the Yellowjackets engage in highlight the power of collective action and shared beliefs. Lottie’s charisma and leadership skills help to unite the survivors around a common goal, while the tokens and symbols they offer up represent their hopes and fears.
Conclusion
“Qui” is a stunning episode of Yellowjackets that delves deep into the trauma and vulnerability of childbirth. It is a reminder of how fragile and miraculous life can be, and how important it is to connect with others in times of crisis. As the series continues to explore the aftermath of the plane crash and the survivors’ attempts to rebuild their lives, it promises to be a gripping and emotional journey.
FAQs
1. When did Yellowjackets season 2 premiere?
Yellowjackets season 2 premiered on Showtime on November 14, 2021.
2. How many episodes will there be in Yellowjackets season 2?
Yellowjackets season 2 will have 10 episodes.
3. Who stars in Yellowjackets?
Yellowjackets stars a talented ensemble cast, including Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, and Juliette Lewis.
4. What is Yellowjackets about?
Yellowjackets is a dark drama series that follows the survivors of a plane crash, who are forced to adapt to life in the wilderness as they confront their traumatic past.
5. Is Yellowjackets based on a true story?
Yellowjackets is not based on a true story, but it takes inspiration from real-life stories of survival in extreme situations.
