Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Did Tai Do That?

Yellowjackets Season 3 Episode 5, “Did Tai Do That?” finds Ben’s fate in the hands of the teens while Misty investigates a potential murder in the present timeline. Lottie’s death at least offers direction for Misty and Shauna, but it leaves Taissa and Van pretty directionless from a narrative perspective. Overall, it’s a bit weaker than last week’s fare, with the teen timeline really fueling the story. 

Did Tai Do That?

The ’90s timeline has always felt stronger than the present one. Perhaps that’s because there’s a definitive end point; we know the survivors inevitably get rescued. That makes the plot more focused.

Of course, that’s not to say the present timeline doesn’t sing from time to time. However, much of that is largely down to the compelling performances of its incredible actors, including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Christina Ricci. “Did Tai Do That?” is missing the hilarious Warren Kole, who provides much of the comedic relief in the present timeline. Admittedly, that portion of the narrative stumbles somewhat because of his absence. 

That said, the adult storyline feels more lighthearted and levity-fueled than usual despite the gravity of Lottie’s potential murder. Misty drives this next phase of the seasonal narrative, and Christina Ricci really shines here. Ricci has always been a comedic force of nature on Yellowjackets, but she stretches her funny wings more than usual in “Did Tai Do That?” She also boasts great chemistry with both Lynskey and Elijah Wood, whose Walter still feels like something of an enigma. 

Sure, the present plot gets a few laughs from me, and that scene between Shauna and Mr. Matthews is quite sweet, but it still feels meandering in spite of Lottie’s death catalyzing the story. Shauna’s supposed tormentor is seemingly forgotten. Additionally, we don’t really have any answers or leads besides the bank receipt Misty finds in Lottie’s coat pocket. 

Crime and Punishment, as Dictated by the Yellowjackets 

The ’90s timeline is a different affair. It’s tense, atmospheric, and high-stakes — especially for one Ben Scott. Steven Krueger delivers the best performance of the episode. How he exhibits the five stages of grief, sometimes all at once, is masterful. Ben grapples with his death sentence, accepts it, is numb to it, bargains against it, and thrashes about in anger because of it. He calls the girls monsters as Tai trains her rifle on him, and you know what? We’d be hard-pressed to disagree with him here. 

Of course, Akilah’s vision of him acting as “the bridge” that takes the teens home saves his life (for now). This move to keep him alive calls into question whether he’ll actually emerge as a survivor. His survival seems highly unlikely, but how he goes remains to be seen and certainly sparks narrative intrigue. 

Seeking Answers in Caves

Akilah, Travis, and Lottie return to the caves for answers from the Wilderness. There are fascinating — and devastating — parallels between these scenes and Travis’ death in the present timeline. Travis supposedly told Lottie he wanted to go to the edge of consciousness to confront the Wilderness, just like Akilah does in the caves. And, less similarly, like Travis did on the mushrooms under Lottie’s instruction. 

Travis scolds Lottie for going too far with Akilah when he thinks the latter might be dead. Could this indicate that Travis’ death isn’t due to a faulty button? Perhaps Lottie assumed Travis would come back as Akilah did in the caves. Regardless, this part of the story might shed more light or provide extra context into Travis’ death. 

Tai and Van also seek answers as the former prepares to execute Ben. Van proposes that Tai summon Other Tai. This is the first time we’ve entertained the possibility that Other Tai can be accessed outside of sleepwalking. After a couple failed attempts, Other Tai emerges as Tai pulls the trigger. 

Other Tai in 2021 

This plot development — that Other Tai can show up during waking hours — provides fodder for present-day Tai. Adult Tai visits Sammy (and his dog, who’s thankfully alive) in the park. However, Sammy and his pup are terrified of Tai, so Simone takes them home.

This begs the question: How long has Other Tai been in the driver’s seat in the present timeline? There have been moments aplenty to indicate that Other Tai has been around in the present more than our Tai this season. It would explain her attitude after Lottie’s death and her insistence on bringing the Wilderness to civilization to “heal” Van. 

Where Do We Go From Here?

Yellowjackets Season 3 has been the weakest of the three seasons thus far. That said, the ’90s timeline still intrigues, and the present timeline could easily pick up steam as Misty and Shauna continue investigating Lottie’s death. We know this season has the highest body count, so here’s hoping the back half of Season 3 really kicks into high gear in terms of action and answers. 

When this show is on fire, it’s blazing … just like the cabin at the end of Season 2. It’s time to find that spark again before the Wilderness snuffs it out for good. 

Stray Observations: 

• Is Travis using Pantene Pro-V in the Wilderness? Those luscious locks are giving ’90s heartthrob. He’s definitely on that Wilderness workout regimen, too (which is just tripping on mushrooms and dissociation due to trauma and grief). 
• Misty’s line about letting someone like Walter bathe Caligula killed me, as did her line in the ’90s timeline about Ben being her first boyfriend and first amputation. Misty Quigley is iconic. 
• I’m curious about Shauna’s definition of murder. She claims she didn’t “technically” kill Adam Martin, but, um, she did? She knew at that point that Jeff was the blackmailer. Her trauma response — fight — kicked in upon discovering that Adam had researched her and the other Yellowjackets. So, while she felt she was in danger, it wasn’t because of the blackmail. 
• I definitely said, “Did Tai Do That?” like Steve Urkel in my head. I have a feeling that was the intention when naming this episode. Of course, Teen Van references him, too. 
• Poor Sammy probably clocked he was interacting with Other Tai as early as Season 1. After all, she was the lady outside his window at night. 
• Ben demanding the girls must look him in the eyes while they kill him is reminiscent of Nat telling Shauna the same thing during the hunt in Season 2. These two really were soul friends. Ugh. 

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

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Yellowjackets drops new episodes every Friday on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and airs on the network on Sundays at 8 pm EST/PST. 

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