Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 5 “Did Tai Do That?” dives deep into wilderness justice, shady cash withdrawals, and the least believable cable repair cover since Jim Carrey's underrated classic. With a murder mystery in 2021 and a brutal leg injury in 1997, this episode proves that when Yellowjackets say "TGIF," the F stands for fear.
1997 Timeline: Shauna and Melissa’s Bloody PDA
Coach Ben’s day goes from bad to worse to never being able to enter an ass kicking contest as a one-legged man. Taissa draws the unlucky card and attempts target practice, but can't quite channel her inner Stefan Urquelle.
Thankfully for Ben (briefly), Travis and Lottie interrupt with Akilah’s vision declaring Ben their mystical "bridge home." But Shauna isn't taking chances, and in a move straight outta Misery, convinces Melissa to slice Coach Ben's Achilles tendon, ensuring he won't be running anywhere—ever. The subtle, bloody hand-holding as they walk away marks the weirdest PDA since Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie.
2021 Timeline: Sitcom Murder Mysteries
Lottie's found dead surrounded by candles in a sketchy alley, sparking immediate finger-pointing among the survivors. Misty, feeling betrayed and accused, kicks everyone out in a huff, giving major Stephanie Tanner "How rude!" energy.
Shauna, suspicious and paranoid, teams up with Walter—Misty’s former favorite citizen detective. Their awkward team-up marks a delightful reunion between Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood, making us nostalgic for I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore (hey Netflix, sequel?).
The investigation leads to Lottie’s rich, dementia-stricken dad, who cryptically apologizes about "the accident." Oh, and apparently, Lottie withdrew 50 grand before her untimely demise—was she funding Shauna's entry into a knife-selling MLM? A Wilderness-branded Cutco empire, perhaps?
Meanwhile, Tai’s family reunion with estranged wife Simone and son Sammy quickly spirals into uncomfortable sitcom territory, with Sammy doing his best "you’re not my real mom!" impression. Tai and Van decide to leave town, either fleeing Tai’s alter ego or chasing...something.
By episode’s end:
What’s Next?
Did Tai’s dark alter ego murder Lottie? How is Ben the bridge? And seriously—will Shauna start hosting knife parties like it’s Tupperware 1997?
We break it all down on this episode of the pod, available wherever you get your podcasts... or on a bootleg VHS labeled "Family Matters Urkelbot Special," a Napster download titled "Unreleased Nirvana Demo," or burned onto a CD-R labeled “Totally Not Aqua Mixtape '97.”
New episodes of Yellowjackets drop Fridays at 12:01 AM ET on Showtime/Paramount+, and we’ll be here every week to guide you through the madness.
(And for the reunion no one expected but everyone needed, revisit Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood in I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore.)
Email us your theories and questions at yellowjacketsbuzz@gmail.com.
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