Unveiling the Shocking Mystery Behind Misty's Destructive Act in Yellowjackets

In the Yellowjackets season 2 finale, viewers are left with the burning question of why Misty destroyed the flight recorder. As the story unfolds, we gain a deeper understanding of the impact the plane crash and subsequent events have on the girls, especially Misty. While season 2 provides answers to many lingering questions, the mystery of Misty's actions weighs heavily on the audience. The second episode of season 1 picks up right after the crash, and it is evident that Misty is remarkably composed amidst the chaos. She boldly amputates Ben's leg with a plane ax, seamlessly tends to the wound, and claims her Red Cross babysitting training as the source of her medical expertise. The girls rely on Misty's abilities for survival, but her decision to destroy the black box raises curiosity.

Misty Liked Being Important To The Team

Misty's destructive actions stem from her deep-seated need to feel necessary. Although officially labeled as the team's assistant, she willingly takes on any task, considering herself as a reliable go-to person. However, early on in the episode, we catch a glimpse of her insecurities when she is subjected to bullying over the phone, leaving her feeling unwanted. By the end of "F-Sharp," Misty unintentionally overhears a conversation where Van and Laura Lee discuss how crucial she has been for the group's survival until now.

Encountering the flight recorder, known as the Yellowjackets black box, Misty chooses not to showcase her value by presenting it to the team. Instead, she deliberately obliterates the black box against a rock and dismantles its internal components. Misty's craving to feel indispensable in order to maintain control leads her down a path of destruction, ultimately resulting in the team's confinement for 19 long months. From the very start, it is evident that Misty possesses an underlying instability, even before her unveiling as the first girl in the infamous tribal ceremony. Her relentless desire to be needed follows her into adulthood, where she continues to exhibit manipulative tendencies.

The Black Box Played A Part In Crystal's Death

After maturing, she pursues a career as a nurse and delves into cold cases as an amateur investigator, crossing paths with Walter, portrayed by Elijah Wood. On a date with an unsuspecting man eager to escape her clutches, she displays her deceptive tactics with flair. Upon divulging to Natalie her knowledge of Travis' whereabouts, Natalie promptly flees, leaving Misty behind. However, undeterred, Misty decides to trail Natalie to her motel, tampering with Natalie's car to make it inoperable. To mend the situation, she surprises Natalie with two cups of coffee and suggests embarking on a spontaneous road trip. Natalie's observation that Misty remains unchanged proves to be remarkably accurate, shedding light on the motive behind Misty's destruction of the flight recorder.

The memory of Misty breaking the Yellowjackets black box was almost forgotten until the query of "why did Misty destroy the flight recorder?" resurfaced in season 2, episode 5. During this season, teenage Misty bonds with Crystal (Nuha Jes Izman), finding solace in their shared eccentricities and love for musical performances. Their companionship blossoms rapidly, but it greatly bothers the others around them. When Misty joins Crystal in the dreaded task of emptying the team toilet, a moment of vulnerability emerges, leading Misty to confide in Crystal about her act of smashing the Yellowjackets black box. Tragically, this revelation ultimately causes Crystal's demise.

Misty Destroying The Black Box Plays Into Her Adult Personality

: Despite Misty's threats and ultimately pushing Crystal off a cliff to her demise, it becomes clear that Misty's actions were driven by a desperate need to maintain her influential position within the group. This extreme behavior sheds light on Misty's peculiar demeanor as an adult, possibly validating Walter's assertion that she possesses psychopathic tendencies. With Crystal now eliminated, it is unlikely that the remaining survivors will discover Misty's role in destroying the black box, unless Misty unintentionally exposes herself.

As the lingering question of why Misty destroyed the flight recorder continues to resonate with viewers, the parallel timelines of the Yellowjackets shed light on her adult behavior, providing insight into her teenage character and making her decision somewhat more comprehensible—albeit not justifiable. Misty's incessant craving to be needed remains an integral part of her personality even in adulthood. Aptly and terrifyingly, she assumes the role of a caregiver in an elderly care facility, constantly oscillating between caring for her charges and inflicting harm upon them. Whether it involves withholding medication or frightening children on Halloween by causing her patients to experience cardiac arrest, Misty derives pleasure from her dominion over others, relishing in her power and control.

In her adult friendships, particularly with Natalie, Misty strongly believes that she knows what is best for everyone, including her friends. She consistently involves herself in their personal matters whenever she deems it necessary. Misty has taken extreme measures, such as removing the wiring in Natalie's car, kidnapping and murdering Jessica Roberts, infiltrating Lottie's cult to "rescue" Natalie, and persistently stalking this specific survivor from the Yellowjackets group, all driven by her distorted perception of the greater good. Although Misty had destroyed the black box during her teenage years, her harshest realization occurs in the finale of Yellowjackets season 2, where she unintentionally causes Natalie's death due to her excessive interference in an attempt to protect the gang from Lisa.