‘Yellowjackets’ Star Simone Kessell Unpacks Episode 4’s Shocking Cliffhanger and Why She ‘Felt It Was Premature’

❗️Warning: The following discussion reveals crucial plot points from “Yellowjackets” Season 3, Episode 4, entitled “Twelve Angry Girls and One Intoxicated Travis,” currently available for streaming on Paramount+ in conjunction with Showtime.

❗️Caution: The following discussion discloses significant plot developments from “Yellowjackets” Season 3, Episode 4, titled “Twelve Girls in a Rage and One Tipsy Travis,” now streaming on Paramount+ along with Showtime.

Who killed Lottie Matthews?

In an unexpected twist, the final scene of “Yellowjackets” Episode 4 unfolds in the current timeline, revealing that adult Lottie, portrayed by Simone Kessell, has tragically met her end at the foot of the stairs.

Previously, during Season 3, Lottie (character played by Melanie Lynskey), having just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital, unexpectedly appeared at Shauna’s doorstep with her belongings. With no other place to stay, Shauna felt compelled to let her in. As they had an upcoming dinner engagement, Shauna and Jeff were hesitant to leave Lottie alone with their teenage daughter Callie. To resolve this issue, Shauna asked Misty (Christina Ricci) if she could babysit instead, as Shauna was worried that Lottie might reveal secrets about the events in the wilderness.

Callie and Lottie become close friends, and together they engage in shoplifting. During this time, Lottie presents Callie with Jackie’s (Ella Purnell) heart locket. When Shauna noticed the necklace on Callie, she snatched it off her and kicked Lottie out.

Or, more casually:

Callie and Lottie grow close and start shoplifting together. Lottie slips Callie Jackie’s (Ella Purnell) heart locket during this escapade. When Shauna saw the necklace on Callie, she grabbed it off her and kicked Lottie out.

Reflecting upon my past actions, I found myself practicing an apology in front of a reflective surface – a moment forever etched in my memory, as it was the last time I appeared before meeting an unfortunate end. This revelation came to light when my dear friend Misty stumbled upon clues while perusing the virtual halls of Citizen Detective.

At present, only Shauna appears to be angry with Lottie, as she was recently heard shouting at her to leave her home. The identity of Lottie’s killer is yet to be revealed throughout the rest of the season, but Kessell shared that she was deeply saddened upon discovering the end of her character.

In her interview with EbMaster, Kessell opted for a protein mix of fish, chicken, and a cob salad instead of carbs, as she was about to appear in a revealing dress for the season premiere. She had hoped that her character Lottie would exhibit some traits similar to Randle Patrick McMurphy, played by Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” during this season, following Lottie’s departure to the psychiatric hospital at the end of Season 2. Kessell expressed that such a role would be a dream for any actor and even mentioned she was willing to shave her head for it.

But that was not meant to be.

Following the conclusion of the labor strikes in November 2023, Kessell received word that Lottie would rejoin “Yellowjackets” – however, only for four episodes. His hope to delve into Lottie’s mental health struggles in a psychiatric facility remained unfulfilled as the creative team had different ideas for how her current storyline should unfold.

In this piece, Kessell discusses discovering her destiny, the reasons Lottie felt attracted to Callie, and what lies ahead for her character.

Did they tell you how she was going to die?

Initially, I inquired about it, and they – Jonathan Lisco, Bart Nickerson, and Ashley Lyle – seemed hesitant to disclose the information. I persisted, saying “Please, just share it with me,” as I had no more to risk.

I was deeply saddened since it seemed like Lottie was blossoming at last, only for the storyline to abruptly conclude. I had looked forward to seeing where Season 3 would lead her, but unfortunately, they chose to abandon that plotline. It appears that Lottie’s death now sets the stage for Misty to act as a citizen detective, uncovering how Lottie passed away and investigating what truly transpired – with everyone potentially being suspects.

Going back to Season 1, there was this “Who is Lottie Matthews?” setup, and you felt she was going to be important, and she kind of was. But we get to this season and this episode, and she as an adult has evaporated, and that storyline wasn’t explored. How do you feel about that?

It’s unclear to me what transpired in the writers’ room or why they opted to introduce a new character or stick with the three main girls. To be honest, I’m puzzled. I believe that question should be directed towards Jonathan, Ashley, and Bart. As an actor, one can’t help but ponder if it was something I did, perhaps my acting, or if there was another way to approach the role.

It seemed too early to end the series since I, along with many fans and supporters, were eager to learn more about Lottie’s journey. Therefore, abruptly ending it left an unpleasant feeling.

You had some great moments, particularly the scenes with Callie. What is going on with Lottie and Callie?

Lottie recognizes a familiar quality in Callie which reminds her of the wilderness. She understands that Callie is Shauna’s daughter and recalls the boy’s death in Season 2, leading her to speculate that perhaps Callie might be the Chosen One. There’s something captivating about Callie from Lottie’s perspective, stemming from her heightened, ecstatic mental state.

If I were to characterize Lottie, she displays traits of a personality disorder. In my portrayal of her, I’ve chosen to depict her as being quite childlike. From my experience working with individuals who have personality disorders, I know they can change suddenly. They can switch from agreeing, “Yes, let’s do that,” to “Fuck you!” in an instant, which can be truly alarming when you’re present. One of my relatives has this condition, and it provides a fascinating angle for character development. Initially, I didn’t find it appealing to portray her as detached, lost in her thoughts, or recently discharged from a psychiatric ward. Instead, I decided to take a different approach. I played Lottie as if she was on cloud nine, and Callie serves as a delightful diversion for her, perhaps a way to get back at Shauna. However, I believe that ultimately, Callie reminds Lottie of their shared wilderness experiences in their youth, and she’s drawn to that.

In the present timeline, Lottie gives Callie the heart necklace that was once worn by Jackie, and tells Shauna, “It never meant what you thought it meant.” Was that genuine?

Lottie is evaluating whether Callie might be the special one, while also trying to determine if she’s from that particular location.

I thought the sleepover scenes were so much fun. What was it like to play that out with Misty and Callie?

It turned out to be a enjoyable time. Originally, we had planned to paint our fingernails and toenails, but I have the ugliest toes you could imagine. So I joked, “Maybe if this was a ‘Hobbit’ movie, I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t fancy painting my toenails for the camera.” Christina agreed, saying she didn’t want to either, so we opted for animal face masks instead.

Going back to Lottie’s return, when she shows up at Shauna’s door, did you factor in what happened to her in that time?

I went somewhere, but I’m curious about where she was. It was intriguing because the authors didn’t provide any insights for me. Lottie has been kept in a confinement and hospitalized. I enjoyed visiting her at the entrance: What mysterious items does Lottie usually carry when she opens the door?

How has Lottie changed this season?

She’s distinctly unique. While she retains all the features one would expect, she lacks the aura of authority typically associated with being a spiritual leader. In my portrayal, I chose to make her appear more susceptible and innocent. Her true intentions remain unclear. She has taken up residence, engaging in activities such as cooking, dancing, and even having her hair braided.

Well, that scene when Shauna rages on her, and tells her to get out was interesting. What was it like filming that?

In the making of that particular shot, I found myself wielding a knife. This action wasn’t scripted, but in a spontaneous move, I locked eyes with Melanie while holding the knife. An intense connection occurred between us, and we both seemed to be electrified. She started trembling, and so did I, promptly setting down the knife. I untied my apron and left the set. Following the scene, we were both overwhelmed by emotions as neither of us could explain what had transpired; the scene was incredibly powerful. We seemed to resonate at a different frequency altogether. After the director called cut, Melanie embraced me, and I returned the gesture. Although that specific moment was edited out, it was one of those extraordinary and infrequent acting experiences that are truly special.

What is happening to Shauna? Is she completely unhinged now?

As a movie lover, I’m always struck by Melanie’s exceptional talent for portraying intense emotions. Instead of her usual composed self, she lets loose with raw anger in those scenes – it’s truly captivating to witness. Yet beneath the surface, Melanie remains calm and collected, making these explosive performances even more remarkable.

Is this the last we’ll see of Lottie?

In Episode 10, we learn about the events leading up to Lottie’s death and discover what ultimately happened to her.

What is next for you?

I had the good fortune to collaborate on a gripping John Grisham-esque thriller titled “The Last Frontier,” featuring Jason Clarke. This production is set in the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and will be available on Apple TV+ starting October. In this series, I portray a nurse and a mother navigating complex relationships with my husband, revealing layers of secrets and mysteries that draw you in.

In your downtime, you play pickleball. You’ve gone from the Antler Queen to pickleball queen. How did that happen?

Since Lottie’s passing, I find myself with more free time on my hands. This newfound freedom has led me to immerse myself in pickleball, a sport that offers great opportunities for travel and competition. I’ve grown quite fond of it, and now I can hardly imagine going anywhere without seeking out a court. All you need is a paddle and some shoes, making it incredibly convenient to play wherever you are.

In Vancouver, I’d hop on an e-bike each morning and challenge men at pickleball, often leaving them in my wake. Afterward, I’d head off to film “Yellowjackets.” During my time in Monterey while working on “The Last Frontier,” I joined a racquet club and continued playing. Upon returning to Australia, I was fortunate enough to secure a sponsorship and even won the Australian Open. Now, I play mixed doubles and serve as the captain of a major pickleball league.

This interview was edited and condensed.

2025-02-28 17:17