Heartbreaking Death of Coach Scott: 'Yellowjackets' Stars Reveal Why It Was Inevitable!

ATTENTION: The following narrative reveals key plot points from “Yellowjackets” Season 3, Episode 6, entitled “Canadian Thanksgiving,” currently available for streaming on Paramount+ and Showtime.

Goodbye, Coach.

It turns out that Coach Ben Scott (Steven Krueger), who narrowly escaped death in last week’s “Yellowjackets” episode, did not survive his time in the wilderness after all, as revealed by Akilah (Nia Sondaya) to the group following her experience with cave fumes and a vision, where she stated, “He is our bridge home.

In the sixth episode of Season 3, the storyline set in the 1990s opens with a series of scenes showing Natalie (played by Sophie Thatcher) delivering meals to Coach Scott who is held captive in an animal enclosure. During these visits, he suggests various methods for her to end his life, such as bringing him a knife so she can maintain cleanliness or using the gun because it would be swift and painless. However, Natalie disregards his requests, instead encouraging him to eat instead.

Natalie assures them, ‘I won’t be the one to snuff out the possibility of returning home for you all,'” she explains.

At one point, Ben admits to Natalie that he likely set fire to the cabin (apparently as a way to upset her). “I grabbed the matches, I rolled up some scraps of fabric, and I stuffed them into gaps in the cabin walls. It was unbelievably simple,” he says. However, Natalie remains skeptical about his claim.

Over time, Ben’s health worsens significantly, and it’s discovered that he’s been deliberately refusing food and throwing it away. Desperate to keep him alive, the remaining group, excluding Natalie and Akilah, hold Ben down while they force-feed him using a tube connected to a funnel. “Why can’t you just let me fucking die?” Ben angrily demands of Natalie in his frustration.

Sophie Thatcher shares with EbMaster that their behavior towards him was entirely their choice, not a matter of life or death. What’s particularly poignant is the change in morals among the girls, and there’s something even more heartbreaking about how they handle him and force-feed him, long before any tragedy occurs.

Under the cover of darkness, Natalie, holding a knife, stealthily advances towards the animal enclosure where Travis (Kevin Alves) is posted as sentry. Realizing her purpose, he initially barricades her way, but eventually steps aside, whispering that he’ll “watch over things.

Ben is suddenly awoken by the presence of Natalie standing near him in his tent. The sight of a knife in her hand alarms him, so he moves towards her, whispering “Please.” As tears run down her face, she points the knife at his throat. She seems unsure, but then Ben takes hold of her arm and pulls her closer to himself. He manages to say “Thank you” before she lifts the knife. Natalie stabs Ben in the chest with it, and as she silently weeps, he takes his last breath.

During individual conversations with EbMaster, both Steven Krueger and Thatcher shared insights about filming Coach Scott’s demise, explained why this particular sequence was crucial, and speculated on the identity or cause of the cabin fire.

When did you learn Coach Scott was going to die this season? How did you react?

Steven Krueger: To be honest, it was incredibly early. It was quite unusual because usually, actors who are being written off a series find out very close to the filming, perhaps an episode or two before. However, this time was different. I’m really thankful to our showrunners for giving us advance notice: they did the same for everyone who was going to meet their end this season. They contacted us months ahead of the shooting and said, “Just a heads up – this is the storyline we’re planning.” In essence, they gave us plenty of time to prepare.

It’s never enjoyable when your character is written off a show by death, but I must admit, I had a hunch it might happen; I discussed it extensively with the showrunners right from the start. I’ve collaborated closely with Ashley [Lyle] and Bart [Nickerson] for quite some time, which has led to a deep bond between us. From the outset, this was part of the plan for Coach Ben, as his demise in Season 3 triggers a series of events that ultimately lead to all the mysteries we’re eager to solve. To be frank, I was more concerned with the storyline itself. I asked, “Is it a good death? What are your ideas?” As soon as they started sharing their thoughts, I knew this was perfect for the character. I thought, “This is fantastic. This is amazing. This is exactly what the character deserves. I believe this will be an emotionally moving journey for this season.

I’m usually clueless about what’s happening, and I prefer to wait and see as each episode unfolds. However, there were whispers circulating. I wasn’t sure if it would be Misty or Natalie, but the idea of Natalie taking on this role is particularly poignant because they share a bond dating back to Season 1. There’s an inherent trust between them that I don’t think exists among any other characters. It seems like Natalie and Ben are the true outsiders in this group.

anticipating that the situation would be incredibly emotional, I found myself filled with apprehension and self-imposed expectations, as every opportunity on the show is precious and one aims to make each moment shine without overstepping boundaries. It’s a delicate equilibrium. The initial season, with all those solo scenes, felt like an entirely different production, given that I was mostly paired with Travis. Consequently, it was invigorating to finally share a one-on-one scene with Steven, offering a fresh perspective.

How did you two prepare for Coach Scott’s death scene, and how long did it take to film?

Krueger: I truly believe the emotions portrayed were authentic. Sophie Thatcher and I developed a strong bond as actors from our very first scene together in Season 1. We found common ground in our passion for acting, and I think we share similar approaches to it. It was almost fate. Therefore, I felt it fitting that Natalie, rather than someone else, dealt the final blow in Coach Ben’s departure.

As I recall, filming that particular scene was quite demanding. They filmed it from numerous perspectives, possibly because they weren’t entirely certain about the final outcome. Given that it took place at night, everyone was drained by the end of the day. It seems that under such conditions, feelings often surge forth. It’s usually when you’re genuinely emotionally and physically depleted, like there’s no more energy left to hide behind. We both experienced this, and I thought it turned out incredibly well. We just kept rehearsing until they were content and had enough footage to work with.

Thatcher: I enjoy the parts of the show where there’s less dialogue immensely. My affection for Steven is profound, and the entire cast shares this deep admiration for him. He plays such a crucial role that seeing him was almost surreal. Tapping into emotional depth was effortless in his presence. Not only had Steven lost weight for the role, but his preparation was evident. Witnessing him in this state and observing his dedication left me feeling inspired, instantly drawing me further into the experience.

Sophie, there are so many emotions across your face during that moment, especially in your eyes. As an actor, what was the most challenging part of that scene?

As I delved into the role, I found that my character was filled with numerous shifts due to the intense emotions she had to grapple with. She’s battling her fear and her own moral compass, which made for a highly perplexing mental state. Navigating this maze of conflicting emotions was challenging, but I believe I managed it effectively. A pivotal moment came when she brandished the knife, and for a fleeting instant, it seemed she wouldn’t go through with it. However, he drew her closer, and in that moment, I had to convey the transition where I understood, “Ah, she will indeed carry out her actions.” Portraying this transformation authentically was crucial, while still maintaining a tender, almost beautiful dynamic, ensuring it wasn’t shrouded entirely in darkness. It felt like a cathartic release. The technical aspect of mapping out these intricate moments brought its own set of challenges, but filming within the confined and intimate space of the tent made it all worthwhile. The camera was so close that it felt as if no one else was there, which added an extra layer of beauty to the experience. Despite being conscious of the crew’s presence, this close-knit setting in the tent was a unique and captivating part of the process.>

What happened when the director yelled, “Cut!” after the final take of that scene?

Krueger was certain we both were emotionally drained at that moment. It wasn’t solely because the story arc had concluded and Coach Ben’s character was leaving, but also because the episode itself was incredibly taxing. This was around the time when the season became particularly challenging and intense. The hot summer days in Vancouver made everyone feel exhausted. As soon as the day ended, feelings gushed out. Interestingly, it wasn’t my final day on set yet. I had to return to shoot a few minor scenes that didn’t require major performances, but were scattered throughout. I recall having multiple farewells on the show, each with speeches and goodbyes. The following week, I was back, which felt strange. And then, a week later, I returned again for one more task. Multiple goodbyes – always an interesting experience.

As a follower, I couldn’t help but shed tears during that pivotal moment for Steven. It was intense, overwhelming even, but deep down, I knew that he would return to the show because, well, nobody truly departs from this series. Sure, they might seem to pass away, but it’s always a temporary goodbye. This knowledge offered me some comfort, yet the surreal nature of the scene left me feeling somewhat disoriented.

When I’m required to let go and expose my vulnerability on camera, it can be both rewarding and draining. Afterward, I might feel contentment or find myself in an emptiness. That day, I was filled with confusion. Strangely enough, I felt a strange connection with Natalie during that scene, as if we were sharing the same emotional journey.>

In Episode 5, Coach Scott is saved at the last minute because Akilah says he’s the bridge to them getting home. And in this episode, even though it’s showing that, I believe, several days have passed, he‘s killed. How did you feel about that format for this storyline?

Krueger openly admits he hasn’t watched the series yet, preferring to view episodes as they are released. However, from what he understands, it seems that the time jump in Episode 6 spans several weeks, if not months. He is intrigued to see how this was executed and how scenes were seamlessly transitioned. The changing colors of the leaves on trees and the construction of a more substantial shelter suggest the passage of time, creating an evolution. Krueger finds this approach fascinating because it propels the storyline towards the final months when the survivors are eventually rescued. He had initially been concerned about how long the wilderness survival narrative would continue, but now he is curious to see how much story can still be told before their rescue.

In terms of the stage setup and my costume and attire, they were gradually deteriorating and becoming dirty. The makeup they applied to my face only served to make me appear more gaunt, more weary, and more battered. Although I haven’t seen the final product, during filming, it felt authentic and I believed it was a clever way of depicting the passage of time, ultimately portraying: “I’ve taken enough blows. For a brief moment, I may have held onto hope, but no. After all these months, it’s come to an end.

Thatcher finds the show’s rapid changes in pace effective because they create a profound impact. The stark contrast between hope and despair is particularly gut-wrenching since we empathize with the character’s journey, only to realize his fate is dire. It’s tragic because he seems better off dead under the circumstances. There’s an added layer of sadness as it mirrors Juliette Lewis’s character, Natalie, who also experiences a loss of innocence and part of herself. This moment could be seen as a significant turning point for Natalie, and perhaps her only choice given Javi’s suffering, which she perceives as granting him peace and liberation.

Steven, from a technical standpoint, what was it like going through all those different transitions of dying? I’m guessing your severed head was a prop, and not just you underneath the table with your head popping out.

The item was an exceptionally detailed prosthetic prop, telling a story in its own right. I had to undergo the entire process of scanning my head for it. Frankly, it wasn’t enjoyable. To my surprise, they said, “Here’s your head, it’s complete. Would you like to see it?” I agreed out of curiosity and was then asked to hold it and snap a photo. When I looked at the image, I felt a strange, metaphysical sensation, finding it unsettling. I had to put it down quickly and say, “I don’t really enjoy looking at this” because it appeared so lifelike. I still have pictures on my phone that I occasionally glance at, marveling at the incredible craftsmanship.

Each time I read the script, I thought they were going to create something like Coach Ben’s likeness. However, when I received the call sheet, they informed me that I would be lying on the table naked instead. Although it took me by surprise, every day spent on set, even after intense scenes, was a joy because I adore these people so much.

Do you believe Coach Scott truly had to die in order for those people to appear at the end? He was so close!

It seems to me that if he’s still alive, not much would unfold. His death, however, was a crucial factor leading them towards their current path. I believe the girls wouldn’t have responded in the same intense, aggressive manner if he were alive. Their immediate, violent response was due to the realization that they had been found out and something terrible had occurred. This situation could look very incriminating. If he were still alive, even if badly injured, I don’t think this sequence of events would have transpired. In my opinion, this moment is a significant turning point in the larger storyline.

Thatcher: I think it’s fantastic since you get so immersed in their worlds that you forget about the world outside. This surprise is also shared by the audience, and I believe this immersion into their experiences makes us forget about the external world, which perfectly reflects their situation. This creates a remarkable shift in tone, and I appreciate how it’s presented with a dark, comical, and absurd touch. But I must say, I really enjoyed it! The way that moment was handled was impressive, as it manages to convey a serious message while maintaining an air of surrealism. That single line, “What the fuck?!” is simple but powerful, demonstrating excellent execution.

A lot of your co-stars have said in the past that the cast throws death parties. Steven, did you get a death party, and what did you guys do?

Krueger: Indeed, I attended. It’s a longstanding custom. People wear black attire. It’s somewhat like a small potluck gathering; everyone prepares something to share during the event. Courtney Eaton and Sophie Nélisse were particularly gracious hosts, they even created miniature funeral memoirs as a thoughtful touch, similar to those given at a funeral, complete with pictures. I was touched and kept a few as keepsakes. It’s a delightful occasion that not only honors the work we’ve accomplished, but also celebrates the personal connections we’ve formed over the years. As a cast, we come from different backgrounds and ages, yet this show has managed to unite us into a tight-knit group. We celebrate both the characters and our unique bond, which often extends late into the night as these gatherings often do.

Thatcher: I wasn’t present this season as I was frequently traveling back to L.A., due to my cat and boyfriend being there. This made me feel incredibly guilty, especially since the first season involved a lot of shared moments, including the ‘death party’, where we would all get quite tipsy. It was hard for me not to be part of that.

Speaking of mementos, were you able to take anything that belonged to Coach Scott, like his crutches?

Krueger: They wouldn’t let me keep the crutches; instead, they said they would send them to me later on. After a performance, I usually search for something to hold onto. I wasn’t keen on the head; someone had suggested it before, and I replied, “I don’t think so.” It seemed that it cost around $25,000, so I didn’t think they would let me have it. However, I am certain I will get the crutches eventually, as they are what I truly want. Alternatively, I might keep the blue sock I wore throughout the entire season, since they needed to remove my leg in it. That’s quite amusing too.

The viewers are still left with the question of whether or not Coach Scott did burn down the cabin. Do you know who, or what, burned down the cabin?

Krueger: I’m not entirely certain if we’ll discover who set fire to the cabin, or if it was even set ablaze at all. However, I have two perspectives on this matter. One is from my role as an actor and the thoughts that guided me throughout the season. In a personal sense, I believe Ben was responsible for the cabin burning down. This was part of his strategy. The twist being, he wasn’t aiming to harm them but rather saw their descent into madness and internal conflicts, which he thought were leading them towards a dangerous path. He set the fire as a means to jolt them back to reality and bring them together again as a united team. This was a risky move, but it was what I was imagining from my character’s perspective because I found that scenario more intriguing than simply wondering if he did or didn’t do it, if I were just a spectator watching this unfold objectively.

I find myself pondering over who might have set fire to the aged, dry wooden cabin. The thought is somewhat gratifying, but logically speaking, it seems plausible that everyone was asleep when a stray spark ignited somewhere. Yet, it’s fascinating to consider the mental state of these characters, isn’t it? Instead of questioning their own actions, such as leaving numerous open flames burning in a wooden cabin, they instantly jumped to the conclusion that someone did this deliberately against them.

Thatcher: I find it peculiar, but Natalie seems the most rational and down-to-earth among us all. During the trial, listening to her, I couldn’t agree more – it could have been any number of things. We had numerous discussions, and I’m not sure even the writers themselves fully grasped what happened. Frankly, I prefer not knowing because then it feels like a random, unexpected event – a freak accident, if you will. And that uncertainty makes the situation more intriguing, as it pushes everyone to suspect one another.

There’s a fan theory going around that “Other” Tai (Jasmin Savoy Brown) is the one who burned down the cabin, and that’s why Van (Liv Hewson) has that vision of herself in the burning cabin — because she’s keeping this secret about Tai, and it’s haunting her. What do you think of that theory?

Krueger: To be honest, I find that theory quite intriguing. Whether or not the writers will disclose the truth behind it remains to be seen, but it’s a really insightful observation. Fans of this show are incredibly clever, coming up with theories like that. I can’t help but admire their creativity and think, “That’s impressive. I appreciate it.

Thatcher: That’s terrific! I couldn’t come up with another idea, and this one seems more intriguing than simply a random accident. Fans can be quite intelligent.

Steven, what’s next for you?

Krueger: I’ve been so engrossed in my current project. I’m wrapping up post-production on a short film titled “Leaving the Light,” which I directed and executive produced for the first time. Directing was an entirely new experience that I thoroughly enjoyed, so I want to give it my full attention until it’s completed over the next few weeks. Once that’s done, I’ll be ready to dive back into acting roles and explore new opportunities. When this project is wrapped up, I’m open to taking on my next job!

These interviews have been edited and condensed.

2025-03-14 16:19

Heartbreaking Death of Coach Scott: ‘Yellowjackets’ Stars Reveal Why It Was Inevitable!