Warning: Spoilers ahead for season 2 of Yellowjackets.
Although all the characters in Yellowjackets possess some peculiarity, there remains a lingering curiosity surrounding Sammy's aberrant behavior in season 1 and his absence in season 2. In the series premiere, "Pilot," Sammy, Taissa, and Taissa's spouse, Simone, are initially depicted as a contented family. However, by the second episode, "F Sharp," it becomes evident that something is amiss with Sammy. In this episode, Sammy (portrayed by Aiden Stoxx) unveils a collection of unsettling illustrations that he has affixed to his window.
Sammy Is Enacting Taissa’s Trauma
When questioned by Taissa (played by Tawny Cypress) about his actions, Sammy clarifies that he is purposely avoiding "the lady in the tree" who observes him during the night. Although it is later discovered that Taissa is the one appearing as the lady in the tree, Sammy reacts aggressively towards another child who insults his mother. While some of Sammy's behavior can be attributed to Taissa revealing her sleepwalking alter-ego to him, there are instances that hint at something being awry. Sammy's unsettling actions, potentially linked to Taissa's experiences in the wilderness and the mysterious Man With No Eyes, introduce an additional layer of complexity. Here are all the theories regarding Sammy's mysterious condition in Yellowjackets.
Throughout its two seasons, Yellowjackets has provided limited insight into the enigmatic character of Sammy. Details regarding his family background, aside from his mother's political aspirations, his sleepwalking alter-ego, and his intriguing past, have been neglected. It remains uncertain how much Sammy himself is aware of his mother's complex issues. Whether he was adopted by Taissa and Simone (Rukiya Bernard), born from a previous relationship, or the result of surrogacy, is shrouded in ambiguity. With the scarcity of information that could shed light on the reasons behind Sammy's peculiar behavior, the narrative centered around Taissa does offer some partial explanation.
Sammy's drawings are disturbing, but as the viewer delves deeper into Taissa's personal story, they become even more unsettling. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that many of the figures in the drawings have their eyes blacked out, with some even having unusual lines surrounding them. In one image, there is a series of eyes. This indicates a tangible connection between Taissa's childhood trauma and the experiences of her son, Sammy. Considering the dark and realistic nature of Yellowjackets, it would make sense for Taissa to somehow pass on her sleepwalking trauma to the character of Sammy Yellowjackets.
What sets Sammy apart in Yellowjackets is his potential inheritance of the Man With No Eyes, which is Taissa's own sleepwalking apparition. He begins to act out her trauma, and has already recognized Taissa's alter-ego, even referring to her as "the bad one." While some of his odd behavior can be attributed to Taissa's sleepwalking, his drawings specifically suggest that he may be haunted in a similar way, beyond just his mother watching him from a tree. Although he could have potentially overheard Taissa discussing the Man With No Eyes and some version of what occurred in the wilderness with Simone, Taissa has generally been cautious in her behavior, making this scenario less likely.
Simone Is Causing Sammy’s Behavior
If Sammy's issues in Yellowjackets are not tied to Taissa's sleepwalking problem, they may be connected to Simone instead. Simone might have unknowingly shared the details of Taissa's traumatic experiences with Sammy, as she is shown to be very protective of him in Yellowjackets season 2. The evidence, such as Sammy's drawings being taped high on the window and his doll, Manny, being retrieved from a high cabinet, initially suggested that an adult was involved. However, it is later revealed that the adult responsible is Taissa herself, who sleepwalks and engages in destructive behavior, blaming her son for her actions while she is awake. Therefore, it is unlikely that Simone had any motivation to contribute to Sammy's issues. Their relationship was stable and caring until Taissa's alter-ego emerged and Simone discovered her secret altar in the basement. Although there may be a connection between Simone and Sammy's situation, it is highly improbable that Simone intentionally shared Taissa's past with him.
Yellowjackets Is Taking A Supernatural Turn For Sammy
The introduction of the wilderness and the antler queen spirit in Yellowjackets paves the way for a possible supernatural explanation for Sammy's problems. The show puts emphasis on the strange symbols and rituals performed by the survivors, and the recurring presence of the Man With No Eyes suggests the possibility of hauntings and possessions. When young Taissa sees the Man With No Eyes, it could be attributed to her imagination, but it makes more sense if there is a supernatural element involved, especially considering the connection to Sammy. The presence of the Man With No Eyes, who leads Taissa to the symbol trees, could explain how Sammy is able to depict such images with those figures watching over his bed. If Yellowjackets explores the concept of possession, it could also provide insight into Sammy's peculiar behavior.
Did Yellowjackets Season 2 Explain What's Wrong With Sammy?
The narrative of Yellowjackets could benefit from incorporating a supernatural element, aligning with the trajectory set in season 2. Throughout the series, there has been a recurring question regarding how the Yellowjackets truly managed to survive in the wilderness. While the revelation of resorting to cannibalism offered an answer, it lacked a satisfying sense of mystery. However, considering that their rituals and survival were influenced by a supernatural force connected to the enigmatic Man With No Eyes, the antler queen, and the persistent presence of the wilderness that followed the survivors home, it would be understandable for Sammy to now be haunted by these spirits as well.
Regrettably, the second season of Yellowjackets failed to provide an explanation for Sammy's mysterious condition. The storyline revolving around Taissa's family unit suffered a significant setback when Simone stumbled upon Taissa's secret basement altar in the season 1 finale. Following this discovery, Taissa has been residing alone in their residence, preparing for her political journey to the Senate, while Simone has taken Sammy to an undisclosed location. In Yellowjackets season 2, Sammy only made two brief appearances, with the first happening in reality, while the second encounter turned out to be a figment of Taissa's imagination.
In the Yellowjackets season 2 premiere, Taissa manages to briefly talk to Sammy before he is taken away by Simone. However, in a surprising twist in episode 2 of season 2 titled "Edible Complex," Taissa envisions Sammy returning home from school to her house, only for Simone to later arrive and receive a call from the school proving that Sammy had been there the whole time. This incident further highlights Taissa's mental instability. Subsequently, Sammy is not seen again throughout season 2 as Taissa's storyline shifts towards her reunion with adult Van. We hope that season 3 will provide more explanation regarding Sammy's condition in the show Yellowjackets.