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The following interview contains spoilers from the sixth episode of Yellowjackets Season 3, titled “Thanksgiving (Canada).”
The latest episode of Yellowjackets Season 3 has left audiences reeling following the intense and tragic fate of Coach Ben Scott, portrayed by Steven Krueger. In “Thanksgiving (Canada),” Ben, who has endured considerable turmoil, finds himself in a dire situation as he pleads with the Yellowjackets to end his suffering. After Akilah (Keeya King) experiences a vision suggesting Ben could lead them to safety, they restrain him and seriously injure him, creating a grim sense of urgency. In a heart-wrenching moment, Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) visits Ben to fulfill a promise, ultimately taking his life.
An ensuing ritual feast prepared by the Yellowjackets takes a dramatic turn when they encounter the first living beings since their crash in the Canadian wilderness.
In an interview with Gold Derby, Krueger delves into the harrowing circumstances surrounding Ben’s torture and death, explores how Ben’s sexual orientation influenced his character, and reflects on the shocking conclusion of this episode.
Reflecting on Ben’s Nearly Fatal Encounter
Looking back on last week’s events, Krueger expressed his astonishment at the progression of Ben’s narrative arc, stating, “Oh, my God, what is this? What is this life that I’m living?” He remarked that it might have been better for Ben had he been shot, highlighting the dark trajectory the show has taken this season. “This has been a fever dream,” he noted, indicating how intense and relentless the unfolding story has become, culminating in substantial psychological and emotional challenges for Ben and the entire teen ensemble.
The actor conveyed an awareness of audience reactions to the brutal behavior of the characters, pointing out the juxtaposition between their early violent actions and the current moral deterioration marked by actual murder. He emphasized that this particular incident sets off a chain reaction, signifying a critical turning point in the series.
Natalie’s Route to Ben’s Demise
Krueger emphasized the necessity of Natalie being the one to kill Ben. He viewed their bond, formed early in the series, as a critical factor. Despite their ups and downs, he believed their connection ran deep, making her the fit for such a pivotal moment. He described the act as both merciful and loving, filled with a sense of compassion rather than hatred, which lends a bittersweet closure to Ben’s character.
The Challenge of Portraying Torture
Discussing the intense emotional and physical toll of playing Ben, Krueger admitted that this role has been his toughest to date. He noted that he had to focus on each episode individually rather than trying to grasp the entirety of the character’s journey. He found it necessary to remain fully present in the moment during filming, opting not to read ahead in the scripts, which heightened his experience of portraying such a tortured character.
Preserving Morality Amidst Chaos
Krueger reflected on Ben’s steadfast moral compass against the backdrop of increasing chaos among the girls. He conveyed that for Ben, who likely sensed his own demise was imminent, the focus shifted from mere survival to preparing the girls for the world outside. He aimed to impart wisdom and maintain some semblance of humanity, which he hoped would influence the girls positively.
The Yellowjackets’ Descent into Accusation
The motivations behind the Yellowjackets’ fierce pursuit of Ben were explored, with Krueger stressing the psychological transformations the group underwent amidst their harrowing circumstances. He pointed out that the girls, still teenagers without fully developed reasoning, acted out of a mix of anger and grief, particularly referencing Shauna’s trauma. He suggested that their harsh choices echoed deeper human experiences and societal reflections.
The Impact of Ben’s Sexuality
Krueger noted that Ben’s sexuality significantly shaped his character, providing a lens through which he could explore themes of identity and societal masks. He indicated that Ben’s struggles were reflective of broader implications of living authentically and encouraged the younger characters to embrace their true selves. This theme of authenticity versus facade pervaded Krueger’s portrayal of Ben.
The Cliffhanger’s Significance
Concluding the discussion, Krueger expressed his excitement over the cliffhanger ending, where the Yellowjackets are discovered by outsiders. He believes this moment will catalyze a wave of revelations in the series, changing the dynamics of the story. He hinted at the audience’s anticipation for answers, noting how critical this discovery is for the characters’ fates and the narrative’s progression in the season’s latter half.
Source
www.goldderby.com