The Weight of Optimism and the Reality of Suffering
The concept of optimism in survival scenarios often comes with a harsh price, and in this case, it is tied to Ben’s unbearable suffering. As the group tries to hold onto hope for a better future, they are forced to confront the grim reality of Ben’s deteriorating condition. The question lingers: Can they genuinely look forward to a future while Ben wastes away in agony? What does their optimism mean if it is built on his pain? The group’s initial attempts to keep him alive, including Misty’s primitive feeding tube, are fraught with cruelty. The sound of Ben’s gagging as they force sustenance into his body is a stark reminder of the brutality of their situation. It becomes clear that keeping him alive is no longer an act of kindness but a prolonging of his torment.
A Mercy Killing: The Emotional Toll and Aftermath
In a wrenching moment, Natalie decides to take matters into her own hands, resolving to end Ben’s suffering. This act of mercy is deeply emotional, with Sophie Thatcher’s portrayal of Natalie capturing the complexity of the moment. Her wide, almost petrified eyes convey the weight of her decision, and when she closes them, it’s as if she is steeling herself for the unimaginable. Ben’s whispered “thank you” serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between them, and the tenderness in the scene is amplified by the haunting soundtrack, “Be There” by Low.
The aftermath of Ben’s death is chaotic. Misty, unable to comprehend Natalie’s actions as an act of goodwill, breaks down and shares a desperate, non-consensual kiss with Ben’s lifeless body. This moment highlights the fractured mental states of the group, as grief and confusion collide. The power dynamics within the group shift dramatically, with Natalie abdicating her leadership, and Lottie quickly coronating Shauna as the new queen. Shauna’s reign is marked by cruelty, as she orders a feast to honor Ben, forcing Natalie to carve up his body. This acts as a turning point, pushing the group further into savagery and away from the pretense of a functional society.
The Psychological Impact of Ben’s Death
The act of eating Ben’s flesh is a pivotal moment in the series, symbolizing the group’s descent into primal behavior. As they howl into the night, it becomes clear that the facade of civilization they had maintained is crumbling. Ben’s death serves as a catalyst for their regression, revealing the true extent of their psychological unraveling. The group’s actions are no longer driven by reason but by raw, animalistic instincts, further blurring the lines between humanity and savagery.
The Arrival of New Characters and Uncertain Futures
The arrival of mysterious new characters adds another layer of tension to the story. Their presence raises questions about the validity of Akilah’s visions, particularly her cryptic imagery of a stop-motion bear with three eyes. While the meaning remains unclear, it hints at a deeper, possibly supernatural force at play. The newcomers’ presence also raises concerns about their survival, as the group’s history suggests that outsiders rarely fare well in their dangerous world.
Reflections on Love, Loss, and Absurdity
Amid the chaos, there are moments of tenderness and absurdity that remind us of the humanity still present in these characters. Mari’s quiet acceptance of Natalie’s decision to end Ben’s life shows a rare moment of understanding and maturity, as she recognizes the necessity of the act. Meanwhile, Misty’s humming of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” while snacking on her crush adds a touch of dark humor, a hallmark of Yellowjackets’ tonal complexity. These moments, however small, provide a glimmer of the lives these characters once knew before the wilderness consumed them.
In the end, the episode leaves viewers with more questions than answers. The reappearance of Lottie’s cult follower, Lisa, and Misty’s ongoing investigation into the group’s mysterious dynamics hint at unresolved conflicts and looming dangers. As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that survival comes at a steep cost, and the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred. The Yellowjackets’ story is one of resilience, but also of the devastating toll that survival takes on the human psyche.