The second season of Yellowjackets commences with an extensive sequence showcasing the emerging antagonist, Lottie, who in her adult years is a cult leader. The montage is accompanied by Sharon Van Etten's song "Seventeen," which perfectly complements the eerie coming-of-age tale. The first season was remarkable due to its clever artistic choices, and based on the premiere episode, the second season seems to be another brilliant blend of murder, chaos, enigma, and nostalgia.
In the previous season's finale, we discovered that Lottie was responsible for sending the puzzling postcards to her fellow survivors, and she most likely murdered Travis while also arranging for Natalie's kidnapping. We now learn that she was transformed by her time in the woods to such an extent that her parents subjected her to electroshock therapy to restore her to "normal" after she returned home in 1998. As an adult, she has amassed a following who blindly do her bidding, even if it involves committing crimes.
In the previous season, the show accomplished an incredible feat by managing numerous distinctive storylines and relationships in two timelines, all of which were compelling, albeit often in a twisted or perverse way. Making Lottie the focal point for both timelines seems like a natural progression for the story. It will be intriguing to see more of Courtney Eaton's character this season, and Simone Kessel's inclusion in the cast is an exciting addition.
Natalie's storylines appear to be the most intertwined with Lottie's thus far. In 1996, Natalie observes Travis being drawn towards Lottie after Javi's disappearance when Lottie reveals him hallucinatory visions of "hope." Meanwhile, in the present, adult Nat manages to escape from her captivity in Lottie's compound, only to encounter her old friend leading a group of cultists clad in bed sheets who apparently bury their own kind alive. She also receives a message from the deceased Travis, which, on paper, appears completely absurd. Nevertheless, the show's peculiarity and excellence make it work in reality.
Shauna’s storyline appears to be more intricate and humorously sinister this season as they focus on covering up Adam’s murder for the foreseeable future. One noticeable change in the season 2 premiere is Jeff's character development from a supporting role to a leading role, allowing viewers to see events from his perspective. Jeff's newfound catharsis from jamming to Papa Roach's “Last Resort” in the car highlights how he copes with the recent turn of events. Melanie Lynskey and Warren Kole's onscreen chemistry has intensified, and Adam’s presence will undoubtedly affect their relationship dynamic in compelling ways. Meanwhile, with Callie now aware of her parents' actions, the impending drama is sure to be thrilling.
In 1996, Shauna is dealing with a different kind of turmoil. She talks to her deceased best friend every day, and the episode concludes with her committing the show's first instance of cannibalism (chronologically). Cannibalism has been a significant topic throughout the series, but the scene is still jarring, especially considering the characters involved.
As the second season of Yellowjackets begins, the show is proving to be as captivating as ever, with intriguing developments in the main storylines. One particularly interesting development is the emergence of Adult Lottie's nature-based cult, which appears to indicate a shift away from the urban environment of the present-day narrative and back to the wilderness where the survivors must finally confront their traumatic experiences. Lottie urges her followers to embrace their primal, elemental nature, claiming that there is nothing more painful than concealing it. It remains to be seen whether she can persuade her former teammates to embrace their true selves and unlock their innermost primal instincts as the season progresses.
