Yellowjackets teases the difference in leadership: Natalie’s morality vs. Shauna’s dark side

by

Despite Natalie and Shauna having limited screen time in “Did Tai Do That?”, their brief interaction highlights a stark contrast in leadership styles. Although they are seldom seen, their scenes consistently reflect their divergent viewpoints on how far they’re prepared to go. While Natalie has maintained a focus on fairness, Shauna is showing signs of adopting more questionable tactics. In this instance, it’s particularly evident in their discussion about the most effective strategy for dealing with Coach Ben Scott.

In a different phrasing: Shauna advocates for punishing Coach Ben severely, suggesting he be set on fire symbolically as retribution for attempting to burn the girls alive. However, Natalie expresses reservations, proposing an alternative of a firing squad, reasoning it’s more humane. The divergent viewpoints between these characters, Natalie and Shauna, regarding consequences and leadership, are compelling aspects of the show Yellowjackets, as they delve into survival, grief, anger, and preserving humanity. Despite enduring harsh conditions in the wilderness, Natalie clings to her humanity, preferring not to take unnecessary lives and aiming to keep the group united. On the other hand, Shauna, who lost her dearest friend and her baby, and assumed leadership by butchering animals or people the group consumed, has experienced an emotional turmoil greater than any of the other survivors. Desiring power and control and possibly feeling she has nothing more to lose, Shauna is embracing her deepest thoughts and encouraging others like Melissa to do the same.

In one of the episode’s final scenes, there’s a strong emphasis on the contrast in their views, as Natalie criticizes Shauna for finding joy in inflicting pain, while Shauna accuses Natalie of being overly virtuous because she hasn’t resorted to the same violent methods. The widening gap in their leadership strategies and reactions to life in the wilderness could lead to increased conflict among the girls, potentially causing them to turn against each other in a struggle for survival. Although Natalie may not continue as the leader throughout season three, the premiere indicates that the group has prospered under her guidance, constructing shelters, playing games, and generally staying united. However, if Shauna takes charge, will this mark a shift towards a more ominous portrayal of the Yellowjackets, with Shauna pushing everyone to embrace their dark sides?

In her maturity, Natalie, who had been saved long ago, found herself spiraling into self-destruction due to the guilt, shock, and sorrow she carried from the atrocities committed by the group in the wilderness. Conversely, Shauna settled into a domestic life but could never fully escape her past, retaining certain dark traits and being tormented by Jackie’s presence even today. The captivating show “Yellowjackets” skillfully maintains the intrigue and intensity of Shauna and Natalie’s relationship, even within brief scenes in season three. Although they may not have interacted extensively in earlier seasons, their contrasting yet parallel conflicts, both aimed at the same objective, contribute significantly to the gripping tension that makes the wilderness storyline in season three one of the show’s highlights.

Read More

2025-03-11 01:54