Episode six of “Yellowjackets” Season 2, “Qui,” makes for one of the most significant “do not miss” episodes of television this year. Now firmly into the back half of the second season, “Qui” takes massive strides in converging plotlines in the present while wreaking utter emotional devastation in the past. More impressive is the way this episode serves as a showcase for powerhouse performances across the ensemble cast.
“Qui” resumes the terrible timing of teen Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) going into labor. The good news is that the complete inexperience, shock, and anxiety over bringing a baby into this world primarily unites the group as they frantically try to help Shauna. The bad news is that they depended on Misty (Samantha Hanratty) to act as a midwife, but the first sign of blood sends her reeling over her accidental murder of Crystal (Nuha Jes Izman). The volume of blood Shauna’s losing worries everyone, giving Lottie (Courtney Eaton) more opportunities to seize control and therefore allowing her influence to grow.
(L-R): Alex Wyndham as Kevyn Tan and Sarah Desjardins as Callie Sadecki in YELLOWJACKETS, “Qui”. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME.
Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) is having a rough go in the present, too, with the cops closing in on her thanks to her hotel ruse failing to throw off her scent. Shauna continues to spiral under pressure, but it’s Callie’s (Sarah Desjardins) time to finally shine. Meanwhile, Van (Lauren Ambrose) and Tai (Tawny Cypress) find themselves embarking on a road trip under Misty’s (Christina Ricci) orders as Nat (Juliette Lewis) grapples with the fallout from the last episode’s revelations.
Revelations aptly sum up episode six. “Qui” puts its characters under extreme duress, giving way to remarkable performances as it doles out personal revelations for many. Lewis brings a quiet intensity as she grapples with Nat’s guilt and sorrow over Travis. Nat’s deepening friendship with Lisa (Nicole Maines) becomes an unwitting but profoundly heartfelt life raft; conversations between the pair give us hope for the frequently down-on-her-luck Nat. Lewis’ tremendous arc in this episode is matched in kind by Nélisse and Lynskey, each delivering potent emotional sucker punches for different reasons. Lynskey’s raw confession stands out, but the younger counterpart of Shauna steals the entire episode.
Shauna giving birth presents many terrifying complications out in the wilderness, far from any medical aid or expertise. How Nélisse deftly navigates the extreme gauntlet that “Qui” throws at Shauna makes for a riveting hour of television that leaves your jaw on the floor and heart shattered.
Warren Kole as Jeff Sadecki in YELLOWJACKETS, “Qui”. Photo Credit: Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME.
It’s arguably the heaviest episode of the series yet. While its impact echoes in Shauna’s present, it’ll be fascinating to see the immediate aftermath and the psychological toll it’ll cause in the already splintering group. For all the devastation that “Que” doles out to its characters, Jeff (Warren Kole) remains our favorite comedic relief Himbo with a heart of gold. Jeff’s streak for charming viewers with his solo car jam sessions brings the necessary levity to help balance the unrelenting emotional reveals.
Episode six hurdles us toward the bigger picture and makes it abundantly clear that everything up until this point has been the calm before a tumultuous, painful storm. It’s one that the Yellowjackets will need to weather together, for better or worse. If this episode is any indication of how the rest of the season will play out, it’s going to hurt—a lot.
Episode 6 of “Yellowjackets” Season 2 is available to stream now for Showtime subscribers and the episode will make its on-air debut on Sunday, May 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
