Season 3, Episode 5: “Did Tai Do That?”
The title of this week’s episode, “Did Tai Do That?” is undeniably playful, evoking the iconic ’90s sitcom Family Matters and Steve Urkel’s memorable catchphrase. However, the lightheartedness of the title contrasts sharply with the dark events of the episode, which sees the Yellowjackets grappling with the weight of morality, trauma, and death. The reference to Steve Urkel is said in the voice of Teen Van, who suggests that Tai should channel her “shadow self” to carry out the grim task of killing Coach Ben. The idea is that Tai, like Steve Urkel transforming into his suave alter ego Stefan Urquelle, could embrace a version of herself that is capable of committing such an act without guilt.
The episode oscillates between the eerie, tense atmosphere of the past and the quirky, almost comedic tone of the present. This jarring shift reflects the Yellowjackets’ evolving relationship with death. As teenagers in the wilderness, they are deeply tormented by the thought of taking a life, even one as controversial as Coach Ben’s. As adults, however, they’ve become desensitized to death, treating it as a mere obstacle or puzzle to solve. In the present, the news of Lottie’s mysterious death barely registers as a moment of sorrow; instead, it’s just another enigma to uncover.
Misty, ever the amateur detective, wastes no time diving into the mystery of Lottie’s demise. She visits the morgue, inspects Lottie’s body, and gathers her former teammates to announce her investigation. Meanwhile, Shauna’s reaction is more guarded, her suspicions immediately landing on Misty. The tension between the two escalates when Misty, offended by Shauna’s accusations, storms out of her own house. Walter, who’s been following Shauna in a hilariously poorly disguised attempt at subtlety, suggests they team up to uncover the truth.
The trio’s investigation takes them to Lottie’s father’s penthouse, where they adopt a series of absurd disguises. Walter and Shauna pose as internet service providers, while Misty plays the role of a needy neighbor. Their antics are more akin to a charming, lighthearted caper than a gruesome murder investigation. The dynamic between Misty and Walter is particularly sharp, with their banter hinting at a deeper chemistry. However, the episode ends without delivering any major revelations about Lottie’s death, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
In the wilderness, the Yellowjackets are grappling with the decision to kill Coach Ben. Tai, who has been tasked with firing the fatal shot, is visibly struggling with the weight of the responsibility. Despite her earlier ferocity in prosecuting Ben during his trial, she falters when faced with the reality of taking his life. Van, ever the pragmatist, suggests that Tai could embrace her “shadow self” to complete the task, even going so far as to propose that she engage in intimate acts to bring out this darker version of herself. The dynamic between Tai and Van in the past is a stark contrast to their relationship in the present, where Tai seems more in touch with her wilderness self.
The episode takes a dramatic turn when Tai finally pulls the trigger, but just as all hope seems lost for Ben, Travis intervenes at the last moment. The group has come to believe that Ben is their ticket to survival, and thus, they cannot let him die. However, this doesn’t mean Ben is spared any suffering. Shauna and Melissa take it upon themselves to ensure he can’t escape again, with Shauna urging Melissa to embrace her darker impulses and slash Ben’s ankle. The act is brutal, and while Ben is left alive, his free will is all but taken from him.
As the episode comes to a close, the contrast between the past and present is striking. In the wilderness, the Yellowjackets are still grappling with the moral implications of their actions, their decisions weighed down by guilt and uncertainty. In the present, they’ve become hardened, their encounters with death numbing them to its gravity. Shauna’s brief moment of tenderness when she consoles Lottie’s father is a poignant reminder of the humanity they once had, a humanity that the wilderness and time have slowly stripped away.
Ultimately, “Did Tai Do That?” is an episode of contrasts—light and dark, humor and horror, guilt and indifference. It leaves viewers with a lot to unpack, from the evolving dynamics of the Yellowjackets to the lingering questions about Lottie’s death and the enduring impact of their time in the wilderness. The final scene, set to a haunting P.J. Harvey track, is a fitting end to an episode that masterfully balances tone and themes, leaving audiences eager for more.
And then there are the smaller details that add texture to the episode. For instance, Walter’s vanity license plate, “NOTWLTR,” is a clever touch that speaks to his character’s vanity and sense of humor. Similarly, the brief appearance of Tai’s ex-wife and son reminds viewers of the unfinished threads in her life, even if the scene feels a bit underdeveloped. Misty’s goodbye to Coach Ben is another standout moment, with Sammi Hanratty delivering a performance that tugs at the heartstrings. These little touches, along with the episode’s intricate storytelling and character development, make “Did Tai Do That?” a compelling addition to the Yellowjackets saga.
