DVD Corner

Yellowjackets Season 2 Blu-ray Review

“Yellowjackets” takes a dip in quality in season 2.

In the 9 episode second season of “Yellowjackets,” the story continues to jump back and forth between 1996 and the present day. In the past, the high school girls soccer team are still trying to survive in the wild. In this timeline, stories involve a pregnant Shauna talks to the dead Jackie, Taissa’s sleepwalking (which also occurs in the present), cannibalism, strange forest mysticism, the hunt for food, Javi’s disappearance, a murder, death, and Ben turning against the girls (who he believes have lost it). In the present day, the main focus is on the wellness commune run by Lottie. All roads lead to this location in the end for the now adult characters. Elsewhere in this timeline there are plots about  Natalie being kidnapped by the commune, Shauna’s murder cover-up, Misty meeting the Citizen Detective (Walter), the introduction of the adult Van, the police investigating Shauna, a ritual, and a major death. 

The debut season of Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” garnered acclaim across the board from critics and audiences alike. Naturally, expectations for the second season were high, but would it live up to the promise of the first season? While there are some major events that have at long last occurred (ala the cannibalism), “Yellowjackets” continues to suffer from being a slow-burn show with an emphasis on slow.

It’s hard not to think about “Lost” in the second season as “Yellowjackets” is falling victim to many of that sci-fi show’s shortcomings. The bounce around from the past to the present is proving to be ineffective. The past has always been the most compelling story whereas the present has yet to really establish itself as being essential. The introduction of new characters in the present and the prolonged investigation into Shauna’s murder really drags from a story perspective. It also gives less time for more key elements like the forest and mysticism (not to mention elements people actually want to see). On top of that, the present storyline has become inundated with lame plot conveniences and puzzling character actions (especially in the finale) that feel entirely forced for the sake of drama. 

Perhaps the biggest issue is that, much like “Lost,” the mysterious mysteries are piling up and becoming more vague. Are the writers lost themselves? Is there an endgame here? Are they making it up as they go? Why are the writers holding out on tackling what is up with the forest if there is indeed anything happening? There’s a lot of questions and the writers are sure taking their sweet time addressing them.

As with season 1, the acting is really what keeps the show afloat. Christina Ricci is at the top of her game here as Misty. She’s showing a range we haven’t seen before. Lauren Ambrose is the best new addition this season as the adult Val. She brings a much needed boost to the present characterization. Steven Krueger has a lot more to do this season as Ben and is perhaps the only character left worth rooting for. Rising star Sophie Thatcher continues to shine as the young Natalie. Sophie Nelisse really shows just how warped Shauna has become. She has a lot to work with this season. Of course, Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, Ella Purnell and many others turn in memorable performances as well.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen 1080p. How does it look? This is the best way to watch this series from a visual quality standpoint.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track does the job.

Extras:
* “Behind The Buzz”-Quick segments for all 9 episodes that feature interviews, episode clips, and character and story discussions.
* “No Return” cover by Alanis Morissette- A brief  combination interview with Alanis mixed with behind-the-scenes footage of the recording.
* “Creating Yellowjackets”- A look at the various departments that make the series come to life.

October 8, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Uncategorized