The sudden death of Natalie Scatorccio in the Yellowjackets Season 2 finale left many fans devastated and wondering, “Why Natalie? And why now?” Beyond the immediate shock, viewers also questioned Juliette Lewis's departure from the show.
At a glance:
- Understand the in-universe reasons behind Natalie's unexpected demise.
- Explore the circumstances leading to Misty's fatal mistake.
- Delve into the narrative purpose of Natalie's death within the larger Yellowjackets story.
- Discover why Juliette Lewis might have chosen to leave the series.
- Consider the long-term impact of Natalie's death on the surviving Yellowjackets.
The Unraveling: How Natalie's Compassion Led to Her Downfall
Natalie, always the protector, met her end in a tragic twist of fate. The season built towards a chaotic climax at Lottie's wellness retreat, driven by the belief that the "Wilderness" demanded a sacrifice. The Yellowjackets, steeped in trauma and superstition, reluctantly engaged in a ritualistic drawing of cards, intending to stall for time while getting Lottie professional help.
However, Van, facing her own mortality from terminal cancer and clinging to any hope of survival, thwarted the plan. When Shauna drew the Queen of Hearts, the group devolved into a terrifying hunt that harkened back to their time in the wilderness. In the ensuing chaos, Lisa, a member of Lottie’s community who had formed a connection with Natalie, pointed a gun, fearing for her life. Misty, in a misguided attempt to protect Natalie from Lisa, lunged with a syringe filled with phenobarbital, a powerful sedative. Natalie, ever the shield, stepped in front of Lisa and became the accidental victim.
Misty's Fatal Mistake: Accident or Subconscious Desire?
The question of whether Misty intentionally killed Natalie has been a major point of discussion among fans. Christina Ricci, who plays adult Misty, insists it was a "complete mistake," suggesting Misty’s actions were impulsive and driven by her overwhelming need to keep her friends close. As she stated in an interview with Variety, it was "another characteristically immature, impulsive, selfish choice where she was going to kill the person who was going to hurt her friend."
However, the complexity of their relationship leaves room for interpretation. Misty's intense, often obsessive, devotion to Natalie has always been a defining characteristic. The fear of losing that connection, coupled with Misty's proven capacity for extreme behavior, makes the scenario murkier. Consider Misty’s past actions: she destroyed the plane's black box, hindering rescue efforts. She held a journalist captive. The idea that a subconscious desire to maintain her bond with Natalie, even through drastic means, may have played a role is not entirely unfounded. Ultimately, however, all available information suggests a terrible, impulsive mistake fueled by Misty’s deep, albeit warped, affection.
Sacrifice or Self-Sacrifice: Deciphering Natalie's Final Act
Natalie's death can be viewed through multiple lenses: a tragic accident, a consequence of the group's trauma, and even a form of self-sacrifice. Throughout her life, Natalie struggled with guilt over Travis's death and a deep-seated feeling of unworthiness. She consistently prioritized the well-being of others, often at her own expense.
In her final moments, Natalie instinctively protected Lisa, recognizing a kindred spirit—a young woman grappling with similar demons. This act of selflessness aligns with her established character arc. While ostensibly saving Lisa from Misty, she also arguably saved Misty from herself, preventing her from committing an act she would have undoubtedly regretted. In a way, Natalie took the "sacrifice" upon herself, perhaps seeing it as a form of atonement.
Foreshadowing: Hints of Natalie's Demise
The Yellowjackets writers subtly foreshadowed Natalie's fate throughout the series. One of the most striking examples is a hallucination Natalie experiences in Season 1, where she sees Misty standing alone, bathed in neon light. This same shot reappears in the Season 2 finale after Natalie's body is taken away, solidifying Misty's connection to her friend's death.
Director Karyn Kusama has acknowledged this connection, suggesting that Misty was "always going to be kind of an angel of death" for Natalie. The show consistently highlights the intertwined destinies of these two characters, emphasizing how their complex friendship ultimately leads to tragedy. Even younger Natalie began acting more like older Natalie in Yellowjackets Season 3.
Why Juliette Left: Narrative Choices and Real-World Decisions
While the in-universe explanation for Natalie's death is clear, the question remains: why did Juliette Lewis leave Yellowjackets? While neither Lewis nor the showrunners have explicitly stated the reasons, several factors likely contributed to the decision.
- Narrative Necessity: The writers may have felt that Natalie's story had reached a natural conclusion. Her death serves as a catalyst for the remaining characters, forcing them to confront their past traumas and grapple with the consequences of their actions.
- Creative Freedom: Juliette Lewis may have sought new creative opportunities. As an accomplished actress with a diverse career, she may have desired to explore different roles and projects. Indeed, Lewis moved on from Yellowjackets to film the movie The Thicket.
- Schedule Conflicts: The demanding filming schedule of a television series can sometimes conflict with other commitments. It's possible that Lewis had other projects lined up that made it difficult for her to continue with Yellowjackets.
Regardless of the specific reasons, the decision to kill off Natalie was a bold narrative choice that undoubtedly impacted the show's trajectory.
The Ripple Effect: The Impact of Natalie's Death on the Surviving Yellowjackets
Natalie's death has profound implications for the remaining Yellowjackets. Misty is consumed by guilt and grief, forced to confront the consequences of her actions. Shauna, already burdened by her own secrets and traumas, must now grapple with the loss of a close friend and the knowledge that she inadvertently played a role in Natalie's death. Taissa and Lottie are also deeply affected, as Natalie's presence served as a link to their shared past and a reminder of the events they desperately tried to bury. Even Van, who survived so many near-death encounters, including terminal cancer, is affected. She wanted Natalie to sacrifice someone that could save her.
Furthermore, Natalie's death raises questions about the influence of the "Wilderness." Did the supernatural force play a role in orchestrating her demise? Was she simply a casualty of circumstance? The remaining Yellowjackets must confront these uncertainties while navigating the complexities of their relationships and the lingering trauma of their past.
Practical Playbook: Coping with Loss and Trauma After Yellowjackets
While we can't offer a real-world phenobarbital antidote, here’s how to approach the show's themes of loss and trauma:
- Acknowledge the Grief: Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with Natalie's death, whether it's sadness, anger, or confusion. Don't suppress these feelings; acknowledge their validity.
- Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your reactions to the show. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you process the events and gain a new perspective.
- Identify Triggers: Be aware of the aspects of the show that might be particularly triggering for you, such as scenes of violence, trauma, or grief. Take breaks when needed and practice self-care.
- Separate Fiction from Reality: Remember that Yellowjackets is a fictional story, and the characters' experiences are not necessarily reflective of real-life situations. Avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of the show to the point where it impacts your mental health.
- Focus on Hope and Resilience: Despite the darkness and trauma depicted in Yellowjackets, the show also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Focus on the characters' ability to survive and adapt, and draw inspiration from their strength.
Quick Answers: Common Fan Questions About Natalie's Departure
- Was Natalie's death planned from the beginning? It's unclear if the writers had always intended to kill off Natalie, but the foreshadowing suggests it was a possibility they considered early on.
- Will Juliette Lewis return in flashbacks? It's possible that Lewis could appear in future flashbacks, but no official announcements have been made.
- Did Misty intentionally kill Natalie? Christina Ricci insists it was a mistake, but the ambiguity of their relationship leaves room for interpretation.
- How will Natalie's death impact the remaining Yellowjackets? Her death will undoubtedly have a profound impact, forcing them to confront their past traumas and grapple with the consequences of their actions.
- Will the show explain more about why Natalie left Lottie's compound? Yes, it is likely that future seasons will address how and why she left.
Actionable Close: Grieving a Character Loss and Finding Meaning
The death of Natalie Scatorccio in Yellowjackets was undoubtedly a shocking and heartbreaking event. While the in-universe reasons for her demise may provide some closure, the departure of Juliette Lewis leaves a void in the show. By understanding the narrative purpose of Natalie's death, the circumstances surrounding Misty's fatal mistake, and the potential reasons for Lewis's departure, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the Yellowjackets story. More broadly, one can explore The truth behind Natalie's death.
Ultimately, Natalie Scatorccio's legacy extends beyond her tragic end. She was a flawed but ultimately heroic character who consistently prioritized the well-being of others. Her death serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of trauma and the importance of human connection in the face of adversity.
