The seemingly innocuous phone call Misty makes to "Becky" in the opening moments of Yellowjackets offers a chilling glimpse into her past and foreshadows her unsettling behaviors in both the 1996 wilderness and the present day. This seemingly insignificant detail unveils layers of Misty's character, hinting at a history of social isolation and a desperate need for connection, which ultimately shapes her actions following the plane crash.
At a glance:
- Unpack the significance of Misty's "Becky" phone call and its connection to her character.
- Explore how Misty's pre-crash life influenced her actions in the wilderness.
- Understand the implications of Misty's need for significance and control
- Identify the patterns of behavior that define Misty's complex personality.
Misty's "Becky": A Window into Pre-Crash Isolation
That rotary phone scene, a relic of 90s technology, is more than just a nostalgic touch. It's a stark reminder of Misty's life before the crash. The fact that she's calling someone named "Becky" late at night, and the almost desperate tone in her voice, paints a picture of a girl struggling to connect with her peers. It suggests that Misty was likely socially isolated and possibly bullied, laying the groundwork for her later actions.
Consider this: teenagers typically don't use rotary phones in the 90s, and they certainly don't call their friends and address them formally by their names at night. The phone itself is a symbol of a bygone era, indicating someone is either behind in technology, or has no choice but to use outdated tools due to external circumstances.
How Pre-Crash Misty Set the Stage for Wilderness Mayhem
The wilderness transforms all the Yellowjackets, but Misty's transformation is arguably the most dramatic and disturbing. Her pre-existing social awkwardness and desire to be needed are amplified in the survival situation. The crash presents her with an opportunity to reinvent herself and finally gain the acceptance and power she craved.
Here's a breakdown of how her past fuels her present:
- Desire for Significance: Misty likely felt invisible before the crash. In the wilderness, she becomes the essential caretaker, wielding her (questionable) first-aid skills like a badge of honor. This newfound purpose is intoxicating.
- Need for Control: The chaotic environment of the crash site is overwhelming. Misty's attempt to assert control, even through seemingly helpful acts like chopping off Coach Scott's leg, stems from a deep-seated need to manage the situation and feel in control, a far cry from her previous sense of powerlessness.
- Lack of Social Boundaries: Her call to Becky suggests a possible misunderstanding of social cues and boundaries even before the crash. This translates into the wilderness, where she's equally oblivious to the emotional needs of others, often prioritizing her own sense of importance.
As detailed in Juliette Lewis's "Yellowjackets" Journey, Lewis masterfully portrays the adult Natalie, whose trajectory is intrinsically linked to the events in the wilderness, a direct consequence of the actions, both well-intentioned and malevolent, undertaken by characters like Misty. Juliette Lewis's "Yellowjackets" Journey
Misty's Need for Control: More Than Just First Aid
Misty's actions are frequently framed as helpful, but a closer look reveals a darker motivation: control. Whether it's hobbling the plane's black box, or "caring" for Coach Scott, Misty is consistently manipulating situations to ensure she remains indispensable. It's about more than just being needed; it's about having power over others.
Think of it this way: a genuine caregiver focuses on the well-being of the patient. Misty, on the other hand, focuses on how her actions reflect on her. She relishes the praise and the sense of authority, even if it comes at the expense of someone else's comfort or dignity. Her decision to chop off Coach Scott's leg is a prime example: while arguably necessary for survival, the glee with which she approaches the task is deeply unsettling.
Patterns of Behavior: A Chilling Throughline
Misty's behavior in the wilderness isn't an isolated event; it's a continuation of patterns established long before the crash. Examining these patterns helps us understand her actions and anticipate her future moves:
- Obsessive Tendencies: The phone call to Becky suggests a possible pre-existing obsession with social connection. This obsessive nature escalates over the course of the show, especially in her relationships with Ben Scott and Walter.
- Manipulation: From disabling the emergency transponder to interfering in Natalie's life, Misty consistently manipulates people and situations to suit her own needs. This behavior is rooted in her desire to control her environment and maintain her position of power.
- Lack of Empathy: While she claims to care about others, Misty often displays a profound lack of empathy. She struggles to understand and respond to the emotional needs of those around her, often prioritizing her own feelings and desires.
Practical Playbook: How to Spot a "Misty" in Real Life (And What to Do)
While hopefully you won't encounter anyone chopping off limbs in your life, recognizing "Misty-like" behaviors can help you navigate complex social situations. Here's a quick guide:
- Identify the "Helper" Who Benefits Most: Does the person offering assistance seem more interested in the praise than the outcome?
- Watch for Boundary Violations: Are they consistently overstepping boundaries or invading personal space?
- Listen for a Lack of Empathy: Do they struggle to understand or validate the feelings of others?
- Gauge Their Need for Control: Do they try to manipulate situations to their advantage?
What to do:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Be firm and direct about your limits.
- Don't Rely on Them Exclusively: Seek help from multiple sources, not just one individual.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of interactions and actions, especially those that seem questionable.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About Misty
Q: Was Misty always a villain?
A: It's not a question of villainy, but of character development. Misty's pre-crash experiences shaped her into a person with significant social and emotional challenges. The wilderness simply amplified these traits, leading to disturbing consequences. She's more of a nuanced, complex character than a simple antagonist.
Q: Is Misty's behavior believable?
A: Absolutely. While extreme, Misty's actions are rooted in recognizable psychological patterns. Her need for control, her lack of empathy, and her obsessive tendencies are all traits that can be found in varying degrees in real life.
Q: Will Misty ever face consequences for her actions?
A: That's one of the central questions of the show. Given the show's exploration of trauma and survival, it's likely that Misty will eventually be forced to confront the impact of her choices, though the specifics of that reckoning remain to be seen.
Actionable Close: Understanding & Anticipating Misty
The "Becky" phone call is more than just a fleeting scene; it's a key to understanding Misty Quigley. By recognizing the roots of her behavior in her pre-crash experiences, we can better understand her actions in the wilderness and anticipate her future moves. Understanding Misty doesn't excuse her actions, but it does provide a deeper appreciation for the complexities of her character and the broader themes of trauma, survival, and the human need for connection.
