Old Wounds

The fourth episode of Yellowjackets Season 2, titled "Old Wounds," directed by Scott Winant and written by Liz Phang and Julia Bicknell, represents a dense and multifaceted chapter that deepens the ongoing exploration of survival trauma, fractured relationships, and the supernatural undertones threading through the series. Set against the brutal backdrop of the Canadian wilderness in 1996 alongside the tension-filled adult timeline in 1998, this episode skillfully advances key plotlines and character arcs, weaving together psychological dread, emotional tumult, and thematic complexity to both unsettle and engage the audience.

The 1996 timeline situates the audience roughly two months into the girls' desperate fight for survival amid physical hardship and psychological breakdowns. One of the pivotal story arcs is the escalating rivalry and distrust between Nat and Lottie, which crystallizes the central dynamic of division within the group. The episode features a tense confrontation underscored by the harsh conditions and unresolved grief, notably marked by Nat's discovery of a bloody scrap of clothing linked to Javi, a character believed to be dead by some and alive by others. This reveal upends group assumptions and propels a rift framing "Team Nat" against "Team Lottie," adding layered conflict that echoes larger questions about belief, loyalty, and survival ethics. Lottie's mysticism gains more credibility here, as her spiritual insights drive the group deeper into mysterious rituals and alliances, strengthening the show's ongoing blend of psychological horror with occult and supernatural motifs.

A standout moment in the wilderness storyline is the brutal hunting sequence where teen Lottie confronts and kills a bear, an intense and visceral scene symbolizing both the physical and metaphorical battles for dominance and survival. The bear's "blessing" becomes a macabre ritual, enhancing the atmosphere of primal urgency and eerie spirituality permeating this timeline. The episode balances raw survival horror with moments of fragile human connection, such as the brief reconciliations and poignant recognition of shared trauma, which prevent the narrative from lapsing solely into bleakness.

In parallel, the adult timeline unfolds in 1998, characterized by movement and fractured relationships. Several characters embark on road trips or journeys that underscore themes of escape, confrontation, and reinvention. Notably, Nat's deepening relationship with Lisa offers a new emotional anchor, portraying a complex intergenerational connection that provides hope and distraction amid the survivors' lingering darkness. Their interactions, including the protective acts Nat undertakes toward Lisa, reveal layers of guilt, redemption, and the desire to break cycles of control and abuse represented by Lisa's oppressive mother. This subplot enriches the narrative with nuanced social commentary on empowerment and solidarity.

Meanwhile, Taissa's storyline escalates dramatically as her terrifying sleepwalking episodes and fugue states intensify, culminating in a disturbing scene where she breaks into Jessica Roberts' office and pulls files related to her past and other survivors, such as Van. This sequence, portrayed in a haunting, dreamlike manner, encapsulates Taissa's mental unraveling while deepening the mystery of "The Bad One," a spectral or psychological force central to her arc. The episode bookends with adult Taissa's exhausted arrival at a nearly abandoned video store where she encounters Van, an emotionally charged reunion signaling potential narrative breakthroughs.

Director Scott Winant's approach is marked by a careful pacing that balances scenes of stark wilderness brutality with quieter, tension-filled emotional moments. His direction uses shadow and muted earthy tones in the wilderness, contrasting with colder, dimly lit interiors of the adult world, which visually underscores the emotional isolation and trauma carried by the survivors. The cinematography by Shasta Spahn employs intimate close-ups and haunting wide shots that deepen the psychological and atmospheric weight of the episode, while Kevin D. Ross's editing supports the deliberate narrative layering, guiding viewers smoothly between timelines without sacrificing tension.

The cast delivers uniformly strong performances, with Courtney Eaton as Lottie embodying a compelling mix of vulnerability, mysticism, and steely determination, elevating her role as a catalyst in the growing group conflicts. Juliette Lewis as Nat continues to imbue her character with a sharp-edged cynicism and underlying desperation, particularly in moments of confrontation and protective tenderness toward Lisa. Sophie Nélisse's depiction of Shauna remains poignant, though this episode shifts more focus toward Nat, Lottie, and Taissa's arcs. Lauren Ambrose as adult Van brings quiet intensity and complexity to her scenes, subtly conveying feelings of regret, caution, and unresolved affection. Tawny Cypress's Taissa anchors the psychological tension of the episode through her portrayal of mental fragmentation, especially in her eerie sleepwalking sequences.

Among the episode's most memorable scenes is the bear hunting ritual, a visceral moment blending survival pragmatism with eerie spiritual symbolism, which extends the series' motif of nature's menace and the intertwining of human and animalistic impulses. Additionally, the tension-filled exchanges between Nat and Lottie not only heighten interpersonal drama but also serve as a microcosm of the wider survival and trust issues at play. The final encounter between Taissa and Van in the video store promises significant narrative developments, charged with emotional anticipation and the weight of shared histories.

Thematically, "Old Wounds" delves deeply into motifs of divided loyalties, the collision of faith and skepticism, and the fracturing of identity under duress. The episode posits survival not merely as a physical trial but as a psychological and spiritual crucible that reshapes relationships, belief systems, and self-understanding. Its exploration of trauma, mythmaking, and the blurry lines between reality and hallucination or supernatural influence situates Yellowjackets within contemporary television's broader dialogue on mental health, female agency, and the enduring impact of adolescent crises across a lifetime.

The episode resonates with survival dramas that intertwine psychological horror and coming-of-age trauma, drawing parallels to works like Lord of the Flies and Carrie yet uniquely foregrounding a female perspective enriched by mystical and cultic references. The dual timelines recall narrative structures from shows like Lost and Mare of Easttown, blending mystery and drama to explore memory and fractured identity. The ritualistic and symbolic elements engage with gothic and horror traditions, while the social and familial themes reflect current conversations on autonomy, control, and resilience.

Despite its strengths, some critics have noted that "Old Wounds" functions largely as a transitional episode, prioritizing character and thematic setup over immediate plot progression or dramatic reveals. This pacing may cause moments of narrative inertia for viewers seeking more direct answers or action. However, the layering of psychological and symbolic detail rewards patient audiences invested in the series' long-term mysteries and character complexities.

"Old Wounds" is an atmospherically charged installment of Yellowjackets Season 2 that skillfully advances the series' intricate exploration of survival trauma, fractured loyalties, and supernatural undertones. Its strong performances, evocative direction, and thematic depth elevate the ongoing narrative, providing a compelling examination of the human psyche under extreme conditions and the wounds-both literal and figurative-that shape identity across time. By entwining visceral survival horror with psychological complexity and social commentary, the episode challenges viewers to reflect on the enduring power of belief, memory, and the scars left by past horrors.

The biggest problem with the weekly trickle of episodes is that these ones that mainly serve to set things up for the rest of the season get frustrating. I've rated it a 7 when it probably deserves something a little higher but it really felt like a long sequence that happens before a commercial and leaves you eager to see how things play out but leaves you unsatisfied for a week while you wait for the next bit of story.

The current score of 8.8 is definitely over rated but I think that's because the early bird ratings are inflated by those who were long awaiting the last scene - I prefer to keep my reviews spoiler free so I won't reveal what happens here but those who have watched the episode will know right away what I mean. I'd expect the score to drop down somewhere around 7 or 8 eventually.

The episode in general was rather heavy on the slow moving adult storyline and while we got some nice revelations on the crash site teen story, the good parts were short lived and when things were starting to finally ramp up, the episode was over. Really looking forward to the next ones as I've got a feeling things are about to pick up and get very interesting and pacing about to pick up!