Editor’s note: The following recap contains spoilers for Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 6.
Yellowjackets Season 3 has taken a noticeably slower pace compared to its previous seasons. While there is certainly a lot happening within the narrative, the tempo feels significantly more measured than in earlier episodes. This shift dramatically changes with Episode 6, titled “Thanksgiving (Canada).” Although the previous five episodes have been captivating, they often left viewers wanting more. Episode 6 intensifies the stakes, delving deeply into the intricate storylines and character arcs, providing a rich and tantalizing episode filled with returning faces, unexpected twists, and possibly the most shocking twist of the season.
The Sadeckis Family Escapes to Safety in ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3 Episode 6
Episode 6 opens immediately following the events of Episode 5, with Jeff (Warren Kole) anxiously awaiting Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) as she arrives home after a long day of playing detective alongside Walter (Elijah Wood). Unbeknownst to Jeff, Shauna carries the heavy burden of revealing Lottie’s (Simone Kessell) tragic death to him, alongside her growing suspicions that Lottie may have been murdered. Shauna’s reasoning is compelling: “disgraced cult members don’t just fall down the stairs and die.” In a poignant twist, Callie (Sarah Desjardins) overhears their conversation, visibly shaken by the news. This moment draws us back to the season’s premiere, where Callie discovered a cassette that she believes holds significant ties to Lottie’s death. The cassette, alongside other troubling incidents, raises a chilling realization for Shauna: Someone is attempting to end her life.
In a bid to ensure their safety, the Sadeckis take refuge at a hotel named the Jolly Hitcher. Once settled, Jeff inquires about the severity of the situation, asking whether it mirrors the ominous events detailed in Shauna’s journals. However, Shauna admits that she hasn’t yet listened to the cassette, leaving much uncertainty. Jeff expresses his concern, emphasizing that someone clearly has a vendetta against her, especially since they know her home address. Shauna reassures Jeff that she will protect both him and Callie, feigning dizziness from hunger to escape the room and make a critical phone call to Van (Lauren Ambrose), who is currently enjoying massages with Taissa (Tawny Cypress). Recognizing the urgency, Shauna urges Van to locate a DAT player to listen to the cassette as quickly as possible.
Uncovering the Secrets on the DAT Tape in ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3 Episode 6
Once Van locates the DAT player, she and Taissa meet Shauna at the Jolly Hitcher, anxious to uncover the secrets hidden within the tape. The brief audio clip they manage to hear is chilling, featuring the girls screaming in a feral manner, reminiscent of their past rituals and hunts for wilderness sacrifices. The origin of the tape remains a mystery, but Van asserts that only they or the deceased know its contents—having already dismissed Misty (Christina Ricci) as a potential source. Their speculation is cut short when Shauna discovers Callie’s phone in her bag and realizes that Callie has been recording their entire conversation. In a rush, she deletes the recording, leaving a confused Tai and Van behind as she heads back inside.
Confronting Callie about the recording, Shauna expresses her disapproval, insisting that Callie is too young to be involved in such serious matters. However, Callie counters with a painful reminder that she is the same age Shauna was when they were in the wilderness, striking a nerve with Shauna. In a moment of frustration, she sends Callie away, unaware that Callie has successfully recovered the voice memo from her phone’s recently deleted folder, ensuring she will have access to the conversation’s content regardless.
Distinguishing between Tai’s Identities in ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3
Taissa’s erratic behavior this season culminates in Episode 6, where we see her struggling to cope with the mounting pressures surrounding her. After speaking with Shauna about the DAT tape, Van discovers that Taissa has indulged in extravagant room service orders, including lobster, which feels out of place given the circumstances. Van, concerned for her friend, confronts Taissa, reminding her of Shauna’s emotional breakdown, Lottie’s death, and how their friend is in desperate need of support. Taissa confesses that she feels overwhelmed by the chaos in her life. She’s grappling with the loss of her family, her career collapse, and the burden of Lottie and Nat’s tragic fates, all compounded by the love of her life battling cancer. In a moment of vulnerability, she expresses that she craves comfort during this tumultuous time.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Tai jokes about Shauna’s fear of a DAT tape, questioning who even uses those anymore. However, as Van ponders the oddities of garage bands and intense birdwatchers, a sudden realization dawns on her, prompting her to insist that they leave immediately. Later, we see Van rummaging through boxes in the basement of Tai’s house, searching for the DAT player. Just as she finds it, the electricity flickers, and a phone within the box begins to ring. Van, feeling a mix of confusion and trepidation, answers the call only to hear a distorted voice she recognizes: it’s Tai, pleading for help. Startled, Van turns to see the real Tai descending the stairs, leaving her in a state of fear and uncertainty about what is truly happening.
Later that night, while Taissa sleeps soundly, Van finds herself researching the lifespan of DAT tapes outdoors. Suddenly, Taissa awakens in a panic, breathless and begging Van for help. Yet, just as quickly as the fear appears, Taissa’s expression softens, and she returns to a state of calm, questioning why Van is still awake. It becomes evident to Van that Tai’s true essence is being overshadowed by “Other Tai,” raising the stakes of how to save Tai from herself before it’s too late.
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