Yellowjackets Review: Flight of the Bumblebee (Season 1 Episode 8)

Shauna dives into Adam’s past after a concerned Callie raises her suspicions on Yellowjackets Season 1 Episode 8, “Flight of the Bumblebee.”

With only two episodes left in the first season, the stakes continue to grow for Shauna, Taissa, and Natalie. With the only lead on the blackmailer’s identity being a dead-end, Shauna begins to overthink after finding glitter in her closet.

Could the blackmailer be closer than she thinks?

The mystery around Adam’s real identity is the lingering question that has sprouted over a million different theories from fans. Attempting to dive into the vast amount of fan theories surrounding Adam deserves an entire article on its own.

I would be lying if I said that I hadn’t entertained the running theory that Adam could Javi with a name change. However, after another thorough look throughout the series, that can’t be the case.

After Travis’ death, Shauna, Taissa, Misty, and Natalie have all been around one another; they’ve openly spoken about his death without bringing up Javi. Why is that? Because Javi’s dead.

If Javi were still alive and his older brother hung himself, there would be some nod to him. There’s no mention of Javi whatsoever, not even in passing. If Javi were still alive, there’s no question that one of them would bring him up; es[ecially Natalie. 

Many people want Javi to be alive, a few speculating that he’s the one who kills Travis and drains his bank account, but I’m not convinced. Yellowjackets has proven to be unpredictable and able to bring shock value, but Javi’s death seems more plausible.

The one theory that nobody seems to want to entertain is that Adam is genuinely captivated by Shauna. I mean, c’mon, we all have those men in our lives that drop everything for a woman they’ve known for two days. He could easily be someone who moves too quickly in relationships.

My guard is still up when it comes to Adam, but I have mixed feelings. Part of me feels like Adam isn’t as diabolical as the show is letting him on to be, and another part feels like he could be the trojan horse sent from someone else. 

If Adam were the blackmailer, there would be glitter in Shauna’s bed somewhere, not just in a little pile in the closet. Shauna automatically assumes that it’s Adam when she notices the glitter on the floor and journals missing from the safe. But, there is another person who could be to blame; Jeff.

The money issues Jeff and Shauna are under have been transparent, so where does Jeff get the money to buy her a Saks Fifth Avenue dress? Reunion or not, that’s a pretty penny to pull out of nowhere. My money is on Jeff being the blackmailer, with the possibility of Adam being in on it.

Shauna and Taissa’s past and present parallels on “Flight of the Bumblebee” are everything. The bond that the two hold will forever be intact after the horrific experiences they endured together, and that’s bittersweet. It’s something that neither of the two takes for granted, and honestly, we need more of these soft moments between the two.

Taissa and Shauna’s relationship has stayed strong throughout their time as adults because neither one judges the other. They are aware of the worst parts of each other, but they focus on love rather than judgment. Even if they aren’t in close contact every day, they continue to be supportive outlets for one another, and it’s glorious. My only wish is that they could involve Natalie in the equation.

Natalie only has Misty in her corner, which isn’t saying much. She can’t see Misty as someone to love or trust, even after her acts of kindness, and that’s reasonable.

Obviously, something happens that strains the relationship between them, not that there was one to begin with. Could it be Natalie and the girls learning about Misty’s decision to destroy the flight recorder box? Possibly. After all, she is the sole reason why none of them were rescued within the first week. 

Misty’s not the type of friend one fantasizes about having in typical day-to-day interactions. However, even throughout all her issues, she still proves to be somewhat caring at the end of the day.

It’s hard to sympathize with a character on the verge of becoming a total psychopath, but Misty achieves the feat. In the face of Natalie relapsing, Misty risks all the hard work she’s put into her plan to barge into Natalie’s room and stop her from relapsing. She may have a funny way of showing it, but Misty cares for Natalie’s well-being deep down.

Let’s face facts: Misty may be unhinged, there’s no denying that, but she’s doing it all out of the love for her “friends.” Jessica Roberts kidnapping is only a thing because Misty thought she was the one blackmailing them and didn’t want to see the others hurt. 

Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis’ chemistry is magnetic, consistently making me wish they would pair up more often on screen. Ricci’s acting on “Flight of the Bumblebee” is phenomenal, exhilarating, and emotional. Her portrayal of Misty is tactful, calculated, and the sole reason why there is any empathy for the character. Ricci’s role as Misty is arguably one of the best casting decisions on the show. 

However, the real star of “Flight of the Bumblebee” is Laura Lee. Her inability to sit around and revel in the horrific things happening to them is inspiring. She has the best character arc from beginning to end, and it’s fascinating to see how her enthrallment with religion begins.

Laura Lee is seen participating in the activities of the bible camp in a throwback vision that shows she was a Christian. However, when her life changes to full praise and admiration for the religion is after cracking her head open.

After her diving incident (not sure what you expect when diving in three feet of water) she’s pulled out and saved via lifeguard, but he gives all the glory to God. In her concussion-induced state, she imagines a holy ring around the cross hanging around his neck and takes his words to heart. 

Laura Lee sacrificing herself for the safety of her friends is a noble act that solidifies her as one of the best. She begins her journey as a devout Christian whose whole personality is based on her religion. We see her interact with the team in small moments but have no real one-on-one friendship with anyone until Lottie when they’re in the woods.

Lottie and Laura Lee’s friendship may be based on Laura’s belief that God touches Lottie, but it’s more than that. Laura Lee is the only one to look at Lottie and not think of her as deranged. Lottie isn’t overtly treated in a harmful way, but it’s noticeable that Laura Lee is the only one to sit and spend real time with her.

The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable; the way Laura Lee’s face lights up when she’s looking at Lottie is downright adorable. If she hadn’t met her untimely demise, I’m sure she and Lottie would have become more than friends. 

One thing is for sure; Laura Lee deserves better. Her death marks the first real one to occur during their time stranded and is the marker indicating that it’s all downhill from this point. Any chance of escaping seems unlikely after multiple failed attempts. 

Jane Widdop completely encapsulates the character of Laura Lee, bringing her to life with a multifaceted range that is noticeable over the stretch of the season. Without being given a whole lot of material to work with, Widdop brings depth to the character in a way that makes you believe they’re the only one who could pull the role off. 

With only two episodes left, I’m ready for s*** to hit the fan. I want answers, but I also want the tension and drama to be upped. I’m ready for the teenagers to devolve and begin their descent into animalistic ways. Before the finale ends, I need them to be separated into two clans. 

Other Thoughts:

• Lottie is going to lose her mind when she realizes that God never touched her. In reality, she saw Laura Lee’s demise and had no clue until after it happened.
• Jackie’s outing Shauna to the group is a strategic play on her end. Instead of calling Shauna out, she’s going to guilt-trip her into admitting that she slept with Jeff. But Jackie is a little too comfortable constantly causing issues when there are no adults around to protect her. If she isn’t careful, Shauna might snap on her. Let’s be real, Jackie doesn’t seem like the fighting type. 
• I’m also not sure that I believe Jackie is dead. There have been too many small hints at her surviving the woods, and I have a gut feeling we may see her adult version before the season is over. 
• Ben being hesitant about sharing his sexual preference makes sense considering it’s mid-1996 during the crash. His secret is the only thing stopping Misty from offing him, so it could be bye-bye Ben if Natalie squeals.
• The way Laura Lee maintains eye contact and steps towards Ben without any fear and determination in her eyes is hot. 
• I’m convinced that Taissa did more than just let Biscuit out of the house. 

Favorite Quotes:

• “What’re you gonna do to stop me, Coach?” – Laura Lee. 
• “Then I’ll stay awake, okay? And I won’t let you go anywhere.” – Shauna. 
• “A, I will Venmo you. And B, I couldn’t just sit there and watch you destroy your life.” – Misty. 

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Yellowjackets airs Sundays at 10/9c on Showtime.

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