Yellowjackets Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Burial

Shauna delivers a brutal beatdown that leaves Lottie unrecognizable on Yellowjackets Season 2 Episode 7, “Burial.”

Yellowjackets feels like one of the only series on television right now that isn’t missing a single beat. Each week the stakes get more drastic, and we get one step closer to experiencing the real, untold horrors of what happened in the wilderness, all while getting extra, fun mini-storylines that impact the bigger picture.

Teen Shauna’s attitude throughout the episode is plausible and anticipated.

After losing her best friend and then months later losing her baby, one of the last things she still associated with Jackie, Shauna is spiraling. And to top it off, she blames Lottie and the others for the baby’s death, unable to see past their circumstances. 

Her fight scene with Lottie is so brutal, raw, and outlandish. It’s devastating to witness. Towards the end, it almost looks like Shauna is going to curl up beside Lottie when she’s finished, but alas, we only get a quick side glance before she jets off, leaving Lottie bloody and swollen to the brink of death.

Nonetheless, it proves the lengths Lottie is willing to go to ensure the ones around her are at peace.

Whether it be the forces of the wilderness or Lottie just hallucinating while off her medication, it’s understandable why the girls are drawn to the power and strength she bears. They need guidance, and Lottie is the prime candidate willing to do what it takes so everyone stays peaceful and safe.

Whatever hesitations they had are out the window. Everyone, besides Shauna, is team Lottie at this point. The rest of the team trying to ensure Lottie survives will undoubtedly be the catalyst of the situation that turns everything into a blood bath.

Serial Killer in the Works

“Burial” also highlights just how psychotic Misty truly is. It feels weird to say because, truthfully, if you’ve been watching the series, it’s clear that she’s nowhere near sane.

While I might feel empathy for her at times, it’s hard not to forget that she’s the reason they were never rescued, she possesses all the indicators of a serial killer, and she’s willingly killed and tortured people.

It’s evident Jessica Roberts was not her first kill as an adult, and I cannot wait until we get to dive more into what it was like for Misty after being rescued from the wilderness.

Misty began acting on her more demented thoughts well before the plane crash as a teen, but in the wilderness, she was able to thrive and hone in on those abilities that make her fit to be a serial killer.

It’s hard not to giggle when Shauna first takes a crack at Misty before unleashing her rage on Lottie. Misty needs much more than a punch, and I hope one day we get to see the girls serve what she deserves.

Tables Turned

Natalie spends the entirety of the episode trying to get the others to embrace the therapy that has helped her overcome some of her traumas.

So, it’s frustrating for the rest of them to dismiss her and act like she shouldn’t have any say because of what she did in the past.

Natalie is fighting so hard for them to confront their feelings because she needs that bond with them and to discuss the things they’ve locked away for decades. It’s one of the barriers holding her from genuinely healing, and nobody takes it seriously.

Natalie’s character growth over the season is truly unique and wonderful. It’s always a special moment when broken characters with no direction finally find a way out of that pattern and are able to heal.

The Breaking Point

Ben’s deep, depressive state throughout the season has been telling of what’s to come for him. So, it’s likely fans watching aren’t surprised when he ponders on the cliff’s ledge. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make it any less sad.

Unlike the girls who have their teammates and individual bonds they’ve formed, Ben has nothing and nobody to truly connect with on a personal level. He has Natalie, but that isn’t enough, and with his hallucinations of Paul happening more and more, he’s looking for a way out.

I don’t think we’ll see his death this season, but it’ll most definitely happen on Season 3.

Steven Krueger does not get talked about enough regarding Yellowjackets, but he’s been delivering raw and emotional performances with his depiction of Ben’s depression. Especially in “Burial” as he chases Paul’s ghost outside, screaming his name before realizing none of it is real.

Stray Thoughts:

• Nora Felder, the music supervisor, and Zak Millman, the music editor, hit the nail on the head with the music for “Burial” from the opening and ending shots.
• Gen and Melissa talking about how Crystal dying wouldn’t be the worst so they could eat her is a big red flashing sign that the civility they all possess will soon be out the window.
• As much as I’d like to say it’s shocking to find that Lottie’s new therapist is only a figment of her imagination, all the signs were there.
• Getting a deep look into how Adult Shauna’s brain works and why she’s so awkward with Callie is a precious moment. It’s a little heartbreaking to hear how she felt as if Callie was always going to die or was never real to begin with. Losing the wilderness baby affected her for life, and she’s now coming to terms with and acknowledging it.

What did you think of this episode of Yellowjackets? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Yellowjackets airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime.

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