‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2 Episode 6 Review - The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For

Warning: Contains Spoilers for ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2 Episode 6

Yellowjackets Season 2 Episode 6, "Qui," is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. As the episode opens, the Yellowjackets are attending a biology class on pregnancy and childbirth. Misty is assigned to assist Shauna, who is pregnant, but the fear in Misty's eyes, and the hesitation in her movements, show the audience that the prospect of childbirth is something that terrifies all the girls.

In the present day, Misty successfully infiltrates Lottie's wellness center, and the tension in the episode continues to build. As Shauna is being investigated for Adam's death, she is interviewed by Matt Saracusa at the police station. The pressure of the interview is palpable, and Shauna's performance is an example of the show's exceptional acting.
The episode's themes of motherhood, grief, and loss are present in every scene, as Misty establishes herself in Lottie's cult, and Taissa discovers that the other Taissa has done something that has split her and Van apart. The episode's title, "Qui," meaning "who" or "what" in Latin, becomes more relevant as the plot progresses, and the characters struggle to understand the events around them.

The unplanned reunion of the Yellowjackets is a highlight of the episode, with the tension between the characters palpable as they confront their past traumas. We see glimpses of Shauna and the baby throughout the episode, and there is an emotional moment when she finally gets the baby to feed.

However, in the final moments, Shauna discovers that the baby didn't make it, and everything we saw previously was just a fever dream. The heart-wrenching scene that follows shows Shauna clutching the lifeless form of her child to her chest, repeatedly asking the others why they can't hear her baby crying. The pregnancy felt like the one thing that was holding the group together, and with that now gone, it's clear that a shift is coming.

The use of imagery in this scene is particularly poignant. The wilderness setting, with the trees towering over Shauna, creates a sense of isolation and hopelessness. The lifeless form of the baby, nestled in Shauna's arms, is a symbol of her loss, and the repetition of her question creates a haunting rhythm that stays with the audience long after the episode ends.

The episode's structure is a testament to the show's storytelling prowess. The present-day scenes, with Misty and Lottie, build the tension, while the flashback scenes, with the biology class and Shauna's childbirth, provide context for the emotional turmoil the characters are experiencing.

The exceptional performances by the actors are the icing on the cake. Sophie Nélisse, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Shauna. Her portrayal of a mother who has lost her child is heartbreaking and raw, and the pain in her eyes is palpable. Simone Kessell, as Lottie, adds to the enigmatic tension of the episode, with her composed demeanor creating an air of mystery around her character.

In conclusion, Yellowjackets Season 2 Episode 6, "Qui," is a must-watch for fans of the show. The episode's exploration of motherhood, grief, and loss, combined with its exceptional acting and storytelling, make it a standout in the season. The trauma that the survivors faced in the wilderness continues to haunt them, and their attempts to cope with it are becoming increasingly desperate. The reunion of the survivors hints at an explosive season finale, and fans of the show will be eagerly anticipating what's to come.

Final Score - [9.5/10]