What Happens To Natalie In Yellowjackets? Misty Kills Her Accidentally
The shock of Yellowjackets Season 2's finale reverberated through the fanbase – the formidable Natalie Scatorccio met her end, not in the wilderness, but in a moment of tragic irony. But what happens to Natalie in Yellowjackets is more than just a plot twist; it's the culmination of a complex friendship, a desperate attempt to protect, and the ever-present shadow of trauma that haunts the Yellowjackets survivors. Misty Quigley, in a misguided act, becomes the agent of Natalie's demise, leading to a devastating chain of events.
At a glance:
- Natalie's death is a direct result of Misty's impulsive action, intended to protect another character.
- The circumstances surrounding her death stem from the Yellowjackets' present-day ritual gone wrong.
- Natalie's final act was one of self-sacrifice, saving Lisa from potential harm.
- Misty's reaction confirms the death was unintentional, adding to the tragedy.
- Natalie’s death highlights the lasting psychological impact of the wilderness experience.
- The event sets the stage for complex emotional fallout and potential conflicts in future seasons.
Queen of Hearts: A Ritual Gone Horribly Wrong
The present-day timeline in Yellowjackets Season 2 sees Natalie entangled in Lottie Matthews's spiritual community, a place where she seeks answers but finds herself further mired in the trauma of the past. The finale features a darkly symbolic "Queen of Hearts" ritual, a twisted callback to their desperate survival tactics in the wilderness. The intention is for the "chosen" one, indicated by drawing the Queen of Hearts card, to be sacrificed, appeasing whatever force they believe lingers from their time in the woods. It's a desperate, flawed attempt to grapple with their shared trauma.
Initially, Shauna draws the Queen, sparking chaos. Callie shows up with a gun to save her mom. But that's not when Natalie's time comes.
Misty's Intervention: Protection or Destruction?
The situation escalates when Lisa, a member of Lottie’s community who has formed a bond with Natalie, pulls a gun, threatening Natalie. In a split-second decision, driven by her intense (and often misguided) loyalty, Misty attempts to subdue Lisa. She lunges with a syringe filled with phenobarbital, a powerful sedative.
Why Phenobarbital?
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate, historically used to treat seizures, anxiety, and insomnia. However, in high doses, it can be lethal, suppressing the central nervous system and leading to respiratory failure.
The Fatal Mistake: Natalie's Sacrifice
Natalie, ever the protector, sees Misty's intentions and, recognizing the potential danger Lisa faces, steps in front of her. This selfless act has devastating consequences: Misty accidentally injects Natalie with the phenobarbital. While Misty intended to incapacitate Lisa, her impulsive decision resulted in the death of her long-time friend. As Yellowjackets: Natalie's death explained, the event showcases the tragic outcome of good intentions gone awry.
Aftermath: Grief, Guilt, and Foreshadowing
The immediate aftermath is one of shock and horror. Misty is clearly devastated by what she has done, indicating that the act was far from intentional. Christina Ricci, who plays adult Misty, confirmed that the scene was a "complete mistake" for Misty, admitting that "she made an impulsive choice."
Adding to the tragedy is that Natalie's demise was foreshadowed as early as Season 1. A hallucination showed Misty standing alone, bathed in neon light – a vision that eerily mirrored the scene after Natalie's body is taken away. This suggests Misty was "always going to be kind of an angel of death" for Natalie.
Unpacking the Complexity of Misty and Natalie's Relationship
Misty and Natalie's relationship is one of the most compelling dynamics in Yellowjackets. Rooted in shared trauma, loyalty, and a desperate need for connection, it's also deeply flawed. Misty's often-clingy and obsessive behavior clashes with Natalie's independent and often self-destructive tendencies. Despite their differences, a genuine bond exists between them.
The Complicated Layers of Their Friendship:
| Feature | Misty | Natalie |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Seeks acceptance and validation; Craves connection and loyalty | Desires independence; Struggles with addiction and trauma |
| Key Trait | Impulsive, manipulative, but also deeply loyal | Protective, self-destructive, fiercely independent |
| Relationship to Trauma | Uses control and manipulation to cope | Self-medicates and isolates to avoid pain |
| Impact on Other | Often creates chaos and unintended consequences | Tries to protect others, often at her own expense |
| Natalie's death underscores the tragic nature of their relationship. Misty's actions, however misguided, were driven by a desire to protect Natalie's friend, Lisa. It’s a twisted expression of her dedication, ultimately leading to the very outcome she sought to prevent. |
A Heroic End: Natalie’s Final Act of Valor
Despite the tragic circumstances, Natalie's death can be viewed as a final act of heroism. Throughout her life, she consistently prioritized protecting others over her own well-being. In the Season 2 finale, she saw a reflection of herself in Lisa – a young woman struggling with her own demons. By sacrificing herself, Natalie saved Lisa from potential harm and a life sentence of guilt.
In her final moments, Natalie experiences a vision – a glimpse of Javi and Lottie in the wilderness. This suggests that she never truly escaped the guilt and trauma of her past, particularly the circumstances surrounding Javi’s death. Her sacrifice, in a way, allows her to find peace.
Natalie’s Death: What next for the Yellowjackets?
Natalie's death has significant ramifications for the remaining Yellowjackets. Beyond the immediate grief and emotional fallout, it raises several key questions:
- Will Misty face consequences for her actions? While Natalie's death may be initially framed as an overdose, the truth will likely surface, potentially fracturing the group.
- How will the other survivors cope with the loss? Natalie was a central figure in their lives, and her absence will undoubtedly leave a void, potentially triggering old wounds and resentments.
- Will the wilderness continue to exert its influence? Natalie's death reinforces the idea that the trauma of the wilderness is not confined to the past, but continues to shape their present.
- Will the group fall apart? With Natalie's death being the catalyst for getting the group back together, it is likely that the group will dissolve once again.
Practical Playbook: Coping with Loss and Trauma as Portrayed in Yellowjackets
While the Yellowjackets are in a fictional scenario and their coping mechanisms are at times extreme, there are aspects viewers can learn from and perhaps apply to their own lives when dealing with loss and trauma:
- Acknowledge and Validate Emotions: Each of the Yellowjackets process trauma differently. Some, like Lottie, turned to spirituality; others, like Shauna, suppressed their feelings. Acknowledging and validating the range of emotions experienced after a traumatic event is crucial for healing. This might involve journaling, talking to a therapist, or expressing feelings through creative outlets.
- Seek Professional Support: The show highlights the importance of mental health. When the Yellowjackets realized Lottie needed help, they initially called for a psych team. Seeking professional support from therapists or counselors can provide tools and strategies for coping with trauma and grief.
- Lean on Support Systems: The Yellowjackets, despite their conflicts, rely on each other for support, however twisted at times. Building and maintaining strong support systems – family, friends, support groups – can provide a sense of community and understanding during difficult times.
- Establish Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Different characters in Yellowjackets resort to harmful coping mechanisms like addiction (Natalie) and manipulation (Misty). Establishing healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness, creative expression, or spending time in nature can aid in managing stress and trauma.
- Practice Self-Compassion: The Yellowjackets are often very hard on themselves, blaming themselves for the events in the wilderness. Practicing self-compassion -- treating oneself with kindness and understanding -- can help in healing from trauma and grief.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About Natalie's Death
- Was Natalie's death intentional? No. All evidence points to it being an accident caused by Misty's impulsive action.
- Could Natalie have survived the phenobarbital injection? It is unlikely. Phenobarbital, at high doses, is a lethal drug.
- Why did Natalie step in front of Lisa? To protect Lisa from potential harm, demonstrating her consistent self-sacrificing nature.
- How will Natalie's death affect Misty? Profoundly. Misty is overcome with grief and her identity is wrapped up in the survival of the group.
Actionable Close: Processing the Impact
Natalie's death in Yellowjackets is a stark reminder of the lasting consequences of trauma and the complexities of human relationships. While her death was a tragic accident, it serves as a catalyst for the remaining survivors to confront their past and navigate the present. The character's storyline underscores the idea that actions have consequences. The true aftermath of Natalie's story may not fully be revealed until season 3 of Yellowjackets. To delve deeper into the web of events that led to this point, explore Unraveling Natalie's tragic end for additional context.
