The question of 'how did natalie die in yellowjackets' has been haunting fans since the shocking Season 2 finale. Natalie Scatorccio, a core member of the Yellowjackets, met a tragic end not in the wilderness, but in the seemingly safer confines of present-day society. What made her death so impactful, and what does it mean for the future of the show? Let's dive in.
At a Glance:
- Natalie died by accidentally being injected with phenobarbital meant for Lisa.
- Misty was the one who administered the injection, leading to the fatal overdose.
- Natalie's death was ruled an accidental overdose, protecting Misty from legal repercussions.
- Her final vision hints at the lasting trauma and guilt from her wilderness experience.
- The series will likely continue to explore the consequences of the group's past, even without Natalie.
The Shocking End of Natalie Scatorccio
Natalie's death wasn't a drawn-out affair. It unfolded rapidly in the chaotic climax of the second season. The Yellowjackets' attempt to appease the "Wilderness" at Lottie's compound took a dark turn when a card draw initiated a deadly game of sacrifice. Just as Misty was about to subdue Lisa with a syringe, Natalie intervened, taking the injection herself. It was a selfless act, but one that sealed her fate. Her death begs the question: Natalies Fate in Yellowjackets and how it impacts the other women.
Unpacking the Circumstances of Natalie's Demise
To truly understand Natalie's death, we need to look at the events leading up to it. The adult Yellowjackets, haunted by their past, find themselves drawn back to the darkness they thought they'd left behind. Lottie's attempt to re-establish the wilderness rituals triggers a chain of events that spirals out of control.
Here's a breakdown:
- The Reunion at Lottie's: The group gathers, ostensibly for healing, but old tensions and the influence of the Wilderness resurface.
- The Card Draw: A misguided attempt to appease the "Wilderness" leads to a dangerous game of chance to decide a sacrifice.
- Shauna Draws the Queen: Shauna is initially chosen as the sacrifice, escalating the tension.
- Lisa's Intervention: Lisa, armed and determined to protect Lottie, arrives, adding another layer of chaos.
- Misty's Mistake: Misty attempts to neutralize Lisa with a syringe containing phenobarbital, but Natalie steps in the way and is injected.
Misty's Role: Accident or Inevitable Outcome?
Misty's actions are at the heart of Natalie's death. Was it a tragic accident, or was Misty's volatile nature simply a catalyst for an inevitable outcome? Misty's unwavering loyalty and often misguided attempts to "help" have always been a source of conflict within the group. This time, her actions had fatal consequences.
What the Finale Vision Meant for Natalie
In her final moments, Natalie experiences a vision: herself with Javi and young Lottie, seemingly at peace. This vision can be interpreted in several ways.
- Unresolved Guilt: The presence of Javi suggests Natalie's lingering guilt over his death in the wilderness.
- A Search for Peace: The vision could represent Natalie's longing for peace and an escape from the trauma that has haunted her.
- Acceptance of Fate: Perhaps Natalie's vision signifies an acceptance of her fate and a release from the burden of her past.
The Wilderness: A Real Entity or Shared Delusion?
A central theme in Yellowjackets is the ambiguity surrounding the "Wilderness." Is it a real entity with supernatural powers, or is it a manifestation of the group's shared trauma and psychological breakdown?
The series provides hints that lean in both directions:
- Supernatural Events: Instances like Jackie's funeral pyre spontaneously catching fire, the symbol appearing in unexpected places, and various characters experiencing hallucinations suggest a supernatural influence.
- Psychological Trauma: The extreme conditions in the wilderness, coupled with the group's descent into cannibalism, could easily explain their altered states of mind and shared hallucinations.
Whether supernatural or psychological, the "Wilderness" has a profound and lasting impact on the Yellowjackets, shaping their actions and relationships long after they leave the woods.
The Impact of Natalie's Death on the Show
Natalie's death is a major turning point in Yellowjackets. Here's how does her exit affect the show's trajectory:
- Consequences of the Past: Natalie's death underscores the idea that the Yellowjackets can never truly escape their past. Their experiences in the wilderness continue to shape their present lives, often with devastating consequences.
- Shifting Dynamics: Without Natalie, the dynamics within the group will undoubtedly shift. Other characters will need to step up and fill the void she leaves behind.
- Exploring Grief and Guilt: The remaining Yellowjackets will grapple with the grief and guilt surrounding Natalie's death, potentially leading to new conflicts and revelations.
- The Future: While Natalie's death is definite, Juliette Lewis stated she would like to focus on filmmaking and was happy to depart the show.
Other Casualities in Yellowjackets
While Natalie's death is the most recent and impactful, other characters have met their demise in the Yellowjackets universe. Their deaths, both in the past and present, contribute to the overall themes of trauma, survival, and the lasting consequences of violence.
- Javi: Javi's death in the wilderness, when he slipped through a crack in the ice, haunts Natalie and serves as a constant reminder of their desperate circumstances.
- Jackie: Jackie's death from exposure after being cast out of the cabin marks a significant turning point in the group's descent into savagery.
- Kevyn Tan: Detective Kevyn Tan is poisoned by Walter with hot cocoa because he was working with Misty. He is later killed after Walter shoots into the trunk.
What's Next for the Yellowjackets?
Even with Natalie gone, Yellowjackets has plenty of mysteries left to unravel. Expect these plotlines to continue:
- The Wilderness: The true nature of the "Wilderness" and its influence on the Yellowjackets remains a central mystery.
- The Remaining Survivors: Shauna, Taissa, Lottie, and Misty will continue to grapple with their past traumas and the consequences of their actions.
- New Threats: The group may face new threats, both internal and external, as they try to navigate their complicated lives.
Common Questions About Natalie's Death
Let's tackle some frequently asked questions about Natalie's death in Yellowjackets.
Was Natalie's death accidental, or was Misty trying to kill her?
While Misty administered the injection, it appears to be an accident. She was aiming for Lisa, not Natalie. However, Misty's recklessness and prior actions make her culpability a complex issue.
Why did the show kill off Natalie?
The showrunners have stated that Natalie's death was necessary to demonstrate the lasting consequences of the group's experiences in the wilderness. It also serves as a catalyst for further exploration of trauma and guilt among the remaining survivors. Juliette Lewis claimed that her creative DNA and timing was right so she could depart the show.
Will Natalie appear in future episodes?
While Natalie is dead in the present timeline, it's possible she could appear in visions or flashbacks, as the show frequently revisits the past.
Natalie's fate is sealed, but her presence might still be felt.
What about the future of the show?
Season 4 will focus on Coach Ben vs all the girls and how the group will survive in the coldness of the winter after hallucinating that the forest had burned. It will surely continue exploring the supernatural aspects of the Wilderness.
Moving Forward: Accepting the Past, Shaping the Future
Natalie's death is a painful reminder that the Yellowjackets can never truly escape the wilderness. While her physical presence may be gone, her impact on the group will continue to resonate, shaping their choices and driving the narrative forward. The series will now delve deeper into unresolved trauma, guilt, and the enduring power of the "Wilderness," as the remaining survivors navigate their complicated present while haunted by their shared past.
