Yellowjackets took it easy in its first two opening episodes for season three. But, what it lacks in intense mystery or graphic gore, it makes up for in the sense of chaotic sense of self-aware comedy. Yellowjackets did not turn into a sitcom in between seasons two and three, but it did take some of the emphasis off of the tone of devastation that was heavily used in season two as the teen timeline in season three sees the arrival of summer while the adults deal with the aftermath of Natalie's death. Season three's opening episodes are pressing lightly on the gas, but it is only a matter of time before it is speeding down the highway.
In the adult timeline, which is traditionally calmer than the teen timeline, the early episodes do a decent job of bringing the main cast in close quarters, as Shauna, Lottie, Taissa, Van, and Misty all interact within the first two episodes, between Natalie's funeral and Lottie's arrival to Shauna's home. But, while season three sets the seeds for chaos, it has more fun playing into Callie's role of now being more aware of what the survivors went through, having gotten a taste at Lottie's compound. Callie's actions at school increase the entertainment of closing the gap between Shauna and Callie's estranged relationship as they finally find themselves bonding over their shared murderous secrets. Shauna's disregarding Callie's actions because she finds them hilarious works to show more insight into what this bonding moment could mean for Shauna and Callie moving forward. Taissa and Van's dine and dash shows the lighter side of the long-time exes finding their way back to each other.
The teen timeline, on the other hand, is setting the stage for what could potentially be a massive power struggle between Natalie and Shauna. It starts off with the dichotomy between Shauna and Van. While Van presents a comical "Previously on Yellowjackets..." segment meant to bring a more light-hearted approach to the tragedies, horrors, and miracles that the survivors have endured, it is a much more serious topic for Shauna, who thinks back on the same events knowing that they meant the deaths of her best friend Jackie and her child. Still, it is a significantly different tone from season two, as season three's early opening shows games, excitement, and fun, even with the bubbling resentment, rage, and grief. The tone change is a welcome one, as the allowance of a brighter outside world allows for the sense that this group is no longer carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders as they slowly make their way through a miserable winter.
Filled with a great sense of upcoming tension and danger, season three's premiere episodes, in both timelines, are all about setting up and laying the foundation for what is to come. New relationships are formed. Some rivalries are on the verge of coming to a head. But, if the previous two seasons are anything to take notes from, it is to get strapped in for the ride because this season is far from over, and Yellowjackets is not known for pulling punches in its most desperate moments.