From Survival Thriller to Supernatural Soap: How Yellowjackets Lost Its Way

Written by: Darnell Swallow

When Yellowjackets premiered, it captivated audiences with its gripping tale of a high school girls’ soccer team stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Season 1 masterfully blended psychological drama with survival horror, drawing inevitable comparisons to Lost. However, as the series progressed into Seasons 2 and 3, it veered off course, succumbing to the very pitfalls that plagued its predecessor.

The Allure of the Premise

The initial premise of Yellowjackets was undeniably compelling. The juxtaposition of past and present timelines allowed viewers to explore the long-term psychological effects of trauma and survival. The show’s strength lay in its grounded portrayal of characters grappling with guilt, loss, and the primal instincts awakened by their dire circumstances.

The Descent into Supernatural Excess

Unfortunately, subsequent seasons leaned heavily into supernatural elements, diluting the raw intensity that made the first season so impactful. Critics have noted that the show’s reliance on unexplained phenomena has muddled its narrative clarity. As one review aptly puts it, “The plot is now so complex that it is hard to keep track” (The Pitt News).

This shift mirrors the trajectory of Lost, which began as a survival drama but gradually became entangled in convoluted mythologies. Yellowjackets seems to have repeated this mistake, introducing supernatural aspects that overshadow character development and strain credulity. As highlighted in Radio Times, the show’s initial ambiguity regarding the supernatural gave way to overt and unnecessary mystical elements.

The Problem with Dual Timelines

The series’ structure, oscillating between the 1990s and present day, initially offered a rich tapestry of storytelling. However, it inadvertently undermines suspense. Knowing which characters survive into adulthood removes the stakes from life-or-death situations in the past timeline. This narrative choice diminishes tension and renders certain plotlines predictable.

Shauna’s Inconsistent Characterization

Shauna’s character arc exemplifies the show’s struggles with consistency. In the wilderness timeline, young Shauna is portrayed as manipulative and vindictive. Yet, her adult counterpart oscillates between a seemingly aloof soccer mom and a cold, calculating individual. This dichotomy lacks coherence, making it difficult for viewers to reconcile the two portrayals.

A Reddit user encapsulates this sentiment: “Shauna was always that manipulative, vindictive person. We just didn’t see it in the beginning” (Reddit). The abruptness of her transformation into the “Antler Queen” further exacerbates this disconnect, leaving audiences questioning the plausibility of her character development (Them).

Note: For a more in-depth analysis of Shauna’s character development, you might find this video insightful:

https://youtu.be/Kj_LXejlGVY?feature=shared

The Absence of Real-World Consequences

In the present-day timeline, the characters’ actions often defy logical consequences. Despite numerous crimes, including murder, law enforcement seems conspicuously absent or ineffectual. This lack of accountability stretches believability and detracts from the show’s realism. As one critic notes, “The lack of follow-up/press/investigation for the whole event is a plot hole” (Reddit).

Repeating Lost’s Mistakes

Yellowjackets had the opportunity to learn from Lost’s missteps but instead mirrored them. Both shows began with strong survival narratives that gradually became bogged down by supernatural elements and unresolved mysteries. The comparison is not lost on fans and critics alike, with some pointing out that Yellowjackets “has more in common than the obvious” with Lost (Medium).

Conclusion

Yellowjackets started as a promising exploration of survival and its psychological toll but has since devolved into a convoluted narrative weighed down by supernatural excess and inconsistent character arcs. The show’s initial success lay in its raw, realistic portrayal of trauma and resilience. By straying from this foundation, it risks alienating its audience and squandering its potential.

In the UK, Yellowjackets is available to stream on Paramount+. Sky customers can also access it for free with Sky Cinema. Additionally, you can find the series on Now TV, Apple TV+, and Prime Video. As of 2025, The first season of Yellowjackets can also be found on other streaming homes. is on Netflix