[Warning: The following narrative reveals crucial plot twists from the fourth episode of Yellowjackets season three titled “12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis.” Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.]
Is she really dead?
Could we be witnessing yet another departure from our familiar Yellowjackets cast members? It seems as though another adult survivor might have met their end in the wilderness, leaving viewers to ponder if this unfortunate trend will continue.
(Spoiler alert!) Yes, confirms the actress who plays her, Simone Kessell.
As a devoted fan, I’ve been following the journey of Lottie, a character brilliantly portrayed by Kessell since her introduction to the adult cast of Showtime’s ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ in season two. However, her storyline took a different turn in season three. With the dissolution of her Sunshine Honey Wellness Community following the dramatic events of last season’s finale, Lottie seems lost and directionless.
The community she built, filled with “purple people” followers, has been under scrutiny from both friends and viewers. Questions have arisen about whether it was a cult or if Lottie genuinely believed in her leadership, or if she was exploiting vulnerable individuals for their money.
In the fourth episode, Lottie (Kessell) is found in New York City following her expulsion from the Sadecki’s house by Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) in the previous one. She exits a bank with an unspecified amount on a check and is seen rehearsing an apology in the mirror of what later turns out to be her own penthouse, adding to the enigma surrounding the show’s most mystical character (who, in the 1996 timeline, was portrayed by Courtney Eaton as a deeply religious teenager fascinated by wilderness mysteries). Shortly afterward, Lottie is discovered lying motionless on the ground, making her death scene a crime scene.
During a chat with THR about the recent chaotic episode of Yellowjackets, co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco explained why Lottie was written off the show. This is yet another significant cast change, following Juliette Lewis’ departure and the demise of her character, Mature Nat.
Lisco stated to THR that Simone Kessell’s exceptional talent had no impact on their decision, as they could have collaborated with her indefinitely. Instead, he explained, “In the writers’ room, we often brainstorm grand ideas and dismiss them, saying ‘This can’t occur, it mustn’t.’ We become so attached to the character and actor that we want to work with, but as the narratives progress, it seems inevitable that ‘This needs to take place.’
He goes on to explain, “This approach will show viewers that our characters’ actions have real consequences and that what happens truly matters. If the deaths don’t unfold in a way that’s intricately connected to the plot, then why are we telling this story? The core premise of their survival relies on them having to face tough choices. They must keep making these decisions, and for this to happen, we need events to occur that are quite heartbreaking. I trust you’ll understand why this is a compelling narrative by the end of the season.
Following Lottie’s tragic death discovered at the foot of some city stairs, THR had a chat with Kessell about her emotions surrounding her unexpected exit, when we can expect to learn more about her fate, and if there are any unanswered questions left for her: “It took me a few months to fully process,” she shares in the following discussion.
***
Simone, Lottie is really dead?
Indeed, my response is heavy-hearted in response to your question. Regrettably, Lottie has passed away. The news still feels raw and new. Playing a character for such an extended period can be likened to painting on a canvas. You invest so much energy into this artwork, watching it grow and transform with each stroke, adding layers of color and light. And then, unexpectedly, the painting comes to an end. It took me several months to process that loss.
Undeniably, I was quite disheartened. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it would happen or not. However, this is the nature of the show – it’s none other than Yellowjackets! Characters do appear and disappear, and I can’t help but feel thankful for the time I got to portray Lottie. She’s such an intricate character, a real blend of Lottie-complexities.
Or:
It’s true, I was very disappointed. Frankly, I wasn’t certain if it would occur or not. But this is the style of the show – it’s indeed Yellowjackets! Actors come and go, and all I can say is that I’m grateful for the chance to play Lottie as long as I did. She’s a fascinating character with layers upon layers, a true Lottie enigma.
In this series, characters don’t completely disappear upon death. Some, such as Jackie (Ella Purnell), reappear as ghostly figures; others, like Adult Nat (Lewis), remain absent. [Note: The creators have confirmed that Lewis will not be returning for season three, while Purnell has made a comeback this season in a spectral form.] Can we expect to see more of you in the upcoming season?
In the final episode of the season, which is episode 10, we discover the fate of Lottie. I find this quite clever. Following episode four, Misty (played by Christina Ricci) embarks on a quest to uncover how Lottie met her demise. It’s in the finale where we learn about her death.
So you don’t haunt anyone on the way there… no “ghost Lottie”?
No, we just see completely what happened and why.
Did you know going into this season that Lottie was going to die?
From the start of the season, I was aware that things might take an unexpected turn for my character on the Apple series titled The Last Frontier, where I was playing a significant role. During a phone conversation with the show’s writers and producers, they informed me about a major plot twist involving Lottie’s death. My initial reaction was one of surprise, as I inquired, “Why would you choose to eliminate Lottie?” I was taken aback, wondering if this decision might diminish Courtney Eaton’s impressive performance or lose the audience’s interest in the character. To this day, I am still unsure about the reasoning behind Lottie’s demise, but it ultimately transpired as planned.
Would you say that her death brings more urgency now that another one of the survivors is dead?
I believe it’s a significant impact on them. It intensifies the unfolding and the distress, and the uncertainty that it could be any of them. It seems as though there might be more characters involved, or perhaps not.
Does the younger group on the show hold celebrations resembling funerals upon a death? Is there something analogous among us in the older cast?
Absolutely, there was no extravagant celebration! It would’ve been marvelous, vibrant, and filled with my eccentric friends, if only it had happened. Instead, nothing of the sort took place, as I chuckle to myself.
I had a conversation with Courtney Eaton about Lottie’s character’s demise. She mentioned that when she first joined the series, there was no adult co-star for her, and then you appeared in season two. Now, once again, Lottie is on her own, which Courtney described as “typical of Lottie.” Your cast participated in a photoshoot at the beginning of season three (as shown above). Given that you knew your character’s fate, did it feel like you and Courtney were bidding farewell to each other during that shoot?
Absolutely! Courtney and I are extremely close friends. Contrary to what some actors may say, this isn’t just lip service – it’s genuinely true. She’s simply delightful, and when the news broke, we were both taken aback. Upon learning about it, I did reach out to her because she embodies her character so perfectly. I felt a sense of responsibility to uphold her portrayal and, in some way, not disappoint her. However, given the nature of our show, Yellowjackets, these feelings are common. But working on that photoshoot with Courtney was truly memorable. I feel a strong sense of guardianship towards her, which is heartening.
Could it be possible for you to shed some light on a few lingering inquiries concerning Lottie: Does she possess psychic abilities, is there a strange bond between her and nature, or has it been mental health issues stemming from trauma all along?
In my opinion, it seems like she’s dealing with more than one issue. It appears to be a mix of mental illness, past traumas, and a pronounced personality disorder, exacerbated by her loss of her community. On a personal level, that situation can be incredibly distressing. This season, I aimed to bring out a childlike quality in her character to make us care for her even more and empathize with her struggles. Lottie is vibrant, full of energy, and has a childlike enthusiasm, which are characteristics often found in people dealing with mental health challenges. I’ve discovered that such individuals can experience extreme highs and lows very quickly. This aspect of her character was intriguing and fun to explore while portraying Lottie on the show.
Did any instance hint at Lottie’s demise? Was there a point where you found it hard to believe that Lottie would be the last one surviving in this place?
Perhaps Lottie was intended to perish at the end of season two, but instead, it turned out to be Natalie (the character played by Juliette Lewis). This twist was heart-wrenching. Another point worth mentioning is that losing the Natalie character was particularly difficult. The departure of Juliette Lewis’s character was a heavy blow, and then it was Lottie’s turn. It seems as if this show is full of unexpected twists, and I’m sure there’s an unseen journey for these characters yet that we aren’t privy to.
If you had a crystal ball, what’s the life you would have liked to see Lottie live?
It’d be fascinating to watch how Lottie might develop a community or reinvent herself. Perhaps she could even venture into real estate. Given her propensity for change, I was eager to see more of her life transitions. Even the prospect of portraying her journey to a mental health facility (as in season two’s finale), had me excited, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Instead, she shared her affection with us and then moved on, leaving us behind.
That would have been interesting to have followed her into the mental health facility.
As a gamer, I can’t help but imagine how fascinating it would be to witness the other side of that character – so powerful and wise, yet vulnerable too. She was a spiritual leader, a guru, who seemed untouchable, but then she found herself seeking shelter at Shauna’s house, giving off an air of helplessness. Yet, in reality, she had a luxurious penthouse in New York all along, hidden beneath her humble exterior.
Oh, that was her penthouse?
Yes.
So maybe she was scamming all of her purple people.
(Laughs) Indeed, Lottie has multiple facets, and I was aware of that. So, I opted to portray her in a manner that resonates with the audience. Interestingly, I haven’t watched that particular episode yet. Whether or not I will, remains to be seen!
A curious query arises: What information did she share with Callie, Sarah Desjardins, during their slumber party, as Callie was eager to learn about their adventures in the wilderness?
From Shauna’s point of view, it might seem puzzling to her, as if her daughter Lottie knows something she doesn’t. It doesn’t appear that Lottie shared much with her, but rather, Shauna was constantly inquiring about Callie’s desires. Shauna wasn’t attempting to manipulate or groom Callie, but rather, she found Callie fascinating and believed she might be the special one from the wilderness. This is where I believe her intentions lie.
Lottie, much like several Reddit users, wonders if Callie might actually be Pit Girl. What makes you believe there’s this enigma surrounding Callie?
It seems to me that she’s related to Shauna, given that she was raised in the wilderness. However, it’s only an assumption on my part; perhaps the creators could provide more insight into her background.
As a viewer looking forward to the upcoming season, what are some unresolved mysteries or points of interest that you’d like the show to address?
After Lottie’s death, I believe that the Antler Queen and their existence are no longer a mystery to me. I can’t speculate further about their survival or what may happen with the young girls if there is a season four. I am eager to see how they navigate society again, which I find fascinating. However, I don’t think I have any more questions or answers regarding this topic.
Were you satisfied by the season finale reveal about what happened to Lottie?
Let’s connect after you’ve seen it. Ask me then!
***
I’m diving into the latest season of “Yellowjackets” right now, streaming the first four episodes on Paramount+! Fresh episodes drop every Friday, but if you prefer linear airing, catch them Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime. Keep up with all the action and insights through THR’s season coverage and interviews. Let’s ride this thrilling journey together!
Read More
- Cookie Run Kingdom: Shadow Milk Cookie Toppings and Beascuits guide
- Broadway Box Office: Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’ Sees Strong Start
- EXCLUSIVE: Mrs star Sanya Malhotra recalls seeing Shah Rukh Khan for 1st time and it’s not on Jawan sets; ‘Mujhey ek mahina…’
- 😂🚀 Cryptocurrency Shenanigans: Pepe Coin’s Wild Ride & Yeti Ouro’s Rise 🏔️💰
- David Taylor Takes You on a Tour of His Aluminum Explorations
- Rick Owens Gives RIMOWA’s Cabin Roller a Bronze Patina
- Australia implements sweeping ban on credit and crypto for online betting
- The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Billboard 200 Projections
- Miami Heat Trades Jimmy Butler To the Golden State Warriors
- Neil Gaiman’s Ex-Wife Amanda Palmer on Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Claims: “I Deny the Allegations”
2025-02-28 18:25