Yellowjackets: Samantha Hanratty Unpacks Misty’s Power Plays, Coach Ben’s Fate, and Season 2 Secrets

The wilderness of Yellowjackets is a brutal crucible, forging and breaking its survivors in equal measure. Among the most enigmatic and darkly compelling figures to emerge from the wreckage is Misty Quigley, brilliantly portrayed by Samantha Hanratty in her teenage years. Misty is a character defined by her relentless pursuit of power and connection, often employing cunning and manipulation to achieve her ends. As the critically acclaimed Showtime series wrapped its first season, audiences were left with more questions than answers, especially regarding the unsettling ritual witnessed in the finale and Misty’s calculated involvement.

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Samantha Hanratty delved deep into Misty’s psyche, offering unparalleled insights into her motivations, her unexpected alliances, and the potential repercussions of her actions. Hanratty shed light on Misty’s strategic participation in the ritual alongside Lottie and Van, revealing that her character’s allegiances are less about embracing a nascent cult and more about securing influence. The conversation also touched upon the dramatic fallout from Coach Ben’s confession and the lingering mysteries surrounding the highly anticipated second season.

Hanratty’s portrayal of Misty has been a standout, capturing the character’s unsettling blend of vulnerability, intelligence, and terrifying resourcefulness. Whether she’s sabotaging a plane’s black box or meticulously caring for an injured teammate, Misty’s actions are always underscored by a desperate desire to belong and be indispensable. This interview provides a crucial glimpse into the mind of the actress who brings this complex character to life, exploring the nuances of Misty’s journey from outcast to a potentially central figure in the escalating wilderness drama.

Misty’s Calculated Alliances: Power in the Wilderness

The season finale of Yellowjackets plunged viewers into a chilling scene where Misty, Lottie, and Van engaged in what appeared to be a dark ritual. For a character often isolated and viewed with suspicion by her peers, Misty’s presence in this nascent faction raised significant questions about her true loyalties. Samantha Hanratty offered her perspective on this pivotal moment, highlighting Misty’s singular drive.

“I think that Misty is attracted to anywhere she can have power,” Hanratty explained. “And I think right now, she doesn’t really have anybody. It seems that everybody is kind of starting to turn their backs on her, and she’s just jumping at any opportunity she can to have any type of power, and why not go to what seems to be the most powerful source this at the moment.” This sheds light on Misty’s pragmatic approach to survival, suggesting that her allegiance is less about genuine belief in supernatural forces and more about strategic positioning within the group’s shifting power dynamics. In the harsh environment of the wilderness, where traditional social structures have crumbled, Misty, the ultimate outsider, is adept at identifying and exploiting new avenues for influence.

The introduction of a possible supernatural element or “dark energy” in the woods has been a simmering plotline, intensifying in the later episodes of season one, particularly influencing Van’s newfound convictions. When asked if Misty genuinely believes in these mystical forces, Hanratty was unequivocal: “I don’t think that she believes it for a second. I think that she is willing though to go all the lengths to let everybody think that she believes in it, but I just don’t think that she does.” This confirmation reinforces Misty’s role as a master manipulator, always several steps ahead of her peers. Her feigned belief is merely another tool in her arsenal, a means to an end in her intricate “plan” that viewers are eager to see unfold in future seasons. This calculated deception underscores Misty’s intelligence and her ability to adapt, even if it means embracing the irrationality of others to gain an advantage.

Unraveling the Antler Queen Mystery and Jackie’s Devastating Demise

The iconic and terrifying figure of the “Antler Queen” in the flash-forward sequences has fueled countless fan theories, with many speculating that Lottie Matthews is destined to wear the antlers. However, Yellowjackets is a show notorious for its misdirection, making any definitive conclusions premature. Hanratty skillfully sidestepped questions about the Antler Queen’s identity, maintaining the show’s air of mystery. “That’s a great question that I can’t wait for it to be answered in the next season,” she teased. Intriguingly, she revealed, “I’ve been told very few things, but I did get told who the Antler Queen was when I filmed the pilot. Now, that could have changed. They change things on us all the time, so that could have changed.” This revelation hints at the dynamic nature of the show’s narrative, where even foundational plot points can evolve, keeping both cast and audience on their toes. The question of whether Lottie and Van’s ritualistic involvement in the past directly links them to the adult survivors in the present remains one of the show’s most compelling hooks.

One character whose fate became tragically clear in the season one finale was Jackie Taylor, the team captain whose death sent shockwaves through the fandom. Many theories posited her survival, perhaps as the mysterious sender of postcards. Hanratty confessed her own surprise at the definitive demise of such a central character. “I knew from the pilot, mainly just because we were all talking about just the auditions and everything. Ella [Purnell] had mentioned, she was like, ‘Yeah, but you know, I’m only doing this season.’ And I was like, ‘Wait, what does that mean? What does that mean for Jackie?'” she recalled. Despite this early hint, the emotional weight of reading the script for Jackie’s death was profound. “I cried during pretty much a good amount of the table read for the last episode. It was just shocking, even just seeing her in the makeup was just like, it was really intense,” Hanratty shared, underscoring the raw emotional impact of this pivotal event on both the characters and the actors.

Jackie’s death marks an irreversible turning point for the entire group. As the de facto leader, her absence creates a vacuum that will inevitably lead to new power struggles and a further descent into savagery. Hanratty believes this event will dramatically alter the group’s dynamics. “I think this whole show there has been so many different people in power at some point. At some point, Misty was in power for an episode. And then you know, at some point, it was Taissa and for Laura Lee’s episode, Laura Lee was in charge. Everybody has kind of had their moment to shine, but Jackie was kind of always still that leader, even when she wasn’t.” The elimination of this constant, albeit often challenged, figure removes a crucial anchor, forcing the survivors to confront a new reality where the rules of civilization are truly unraveling. The anticipation for how this shift will play out in Season 2 is palpable, as Hanratty herself admitted, “I am just so excited to start getting these scripts for season 2. I’m like, come on, send them my way, please. I want to know what’s going to happen because I am just as excited as everybody else.”

The Complexities of Love, Obsession, and Betrayal: Misty and Coach Ben

Misty’s intense, bordering on predatory, infatuation with Coach Ben has been a source of both dark humor and genuine tension throughout the first season. Her protective (and possessive) nature towards him reached a fever pitch, making Ben one of the most vulnerable characters. However, Ben’s confession of his homosexuality delivered a devastating blow to Misty’s hopes. Hanratty offered a nuanced perspective on Misty’s understanding of “love.”

“I think love is the keyword that you used, and I don’t think Misty knows how to properly love,” Hanratty mused. “I hate to use the word normal, but healthier people can kind of differentiate that. I think when you’re a teenager, it’s the kind of the same thing where obsession and love kind of go hand-in-hand. I think Misty’s on the side of more of obsession than love.” This distinction is crucial for understanding Misty’s psychology. For her, love is less about genuine connection and more about control and possession. Ben’s revelation, therefore, isn’t just a rejection; it’s a betrayal that strikes at the core of her desperate need for attachment and validation.

The actress firmly believes that this betrayal will not be easily forgiven. “As far as I’m concerned with season 1, I think that betrayal I don’t think is going to be easily forgiven.” She also entertained an interesting counterpoint raised in another interview: “Is she going to feel kind of at ease because he is gay? Like, okay, well, maybe this isn’t about me type of thing.” However, Hanratty concluded that Misty’s obsessive nature will likely prevent such an easy acceptance. “I don’t know where Misty’s head is going to be at, but I don’t I don’t see her getting over this very easily. Especially because she’s had this obsession with him.” The looming threat for Coach Ben is real, as Hanratty ominously stated, “I’m really curious now where her a) new obsession is going to lie and b) how she’s going to treat Ben from now on because I do think he will be punished. I just don’t know how, and I don’t know when. I’m a little bit scared for him too.” This foreboding outlook from the actress herself underscores the dangerous and unpredictable nature of Misty’s wounded psyche, hinting at potential dark twists for Ben in the upcoming season.

A Troubled Bond: Natalie and Misty in the Present Day

In the present-day timeline, the unlikely partnership between adult Misty and Natalie has captivated audiences. Their dynamic is a fascinating mix of mutual annoyance, grudging respect, and a shared, unspoken trauma that binds them. Despite Natalie’s frequent exasperation with Misty, she consistently turns to her when in dire need, recognizing Misty’s unique capabilities and unwavering, if unsettling, loyalty. Their effortless rapport, particularly evident in their quest to find Travis, suggests a deeper, buried bond that has yet to be fully explored.

Hanratty expressed her own curiosity about the origins of this complex relationship. “The only thing I think I’ve said to Sophie [Thatcher] in the whole show is I whispered ‘I have a secret boyfriend too.’ That’s the only thing I think I’ve really said to her in the scenes. So I felt similarly where I’m like, I wonder where this relationship is going to go and where it started,” she admitted. The actress speculated that Misty’s non-involvement in the Travis storyline during their teen years might have prevented Natalie from completely despising her. “It’s not like she was one of those people, but I mean, I don’t know. I’m curious. I really hope that we can kind of dive more into that relationship.” Hanratty found the adult dynamic between them particularly intriguing, observing, “I think as adults, it’s kind of fun to see them both manipulate each other. Obviously, Natalie goes to Misty when she actually really needs her and knows that she’s burned a lot of bridges and knows that she will kind of always get Misty to help in any way, and Misty’s manipulating just because she wants to be around Natalie.” This insightful observation perfectly encapsulates their co-dependent relationship, born from shared, unspeakable experiences in the wilderness and perpetuated by each woman’s unique form of brokenness.

Anticipating Season 2: New Mysteries and Misty’s Unseen Past

As the highly anticipated second season of Yellowjackets looms, the cast and crew are as eager as the fans for new details. Hanratty confessed to being largely in the dark regarding concrete plans for Season 2, echoing the sentiments of many actors who learn about their show’s future alongside the public. “I literally have not heard from anybody. Obviously, I see stuff like from Ashley [Lyle] on Twitter, but I have not heard from a single person about the show. I mean, if it weren’t for the press, I wouldn’t have even known that we got picked up for another season,” she revealed, highlighting the sometimes-unconventional communication channels in Hollywood. “I am so out of the loop right now, and I’m really hoping to get into the loop because I want to know everything.”

Her curiosity extends to practical details like filming locations and schedules: “I really would love to know when we start filming and where we start filming. If we’re going to move up our lives, I want to know where we’re going. Are we going back to Canada? I don’t know.” Despite the general lack of information, Hanratty did receive a crucial piece of insight regarding Misty’s character arc. “I know a little bit about where Misty is kind of heading, which is cool because I needed to know that for where her mindset was. I’m like, ‘Does she believe in this supernatural stuff going on or not?’ And I got a more of an elaborate answer than I was expecting, so I was pretty excited about that.” This small detail is significant, as it confirms that Misty’s internal world remains a complex and strategic landscape, where her beliefs are carefully constructed for self-preservation and advantage.

Beyond the immediate future, Hanratty expressed a strong desire to explore Misty’s backstory, particularly her upbringing. “I’m going to need season 2 to give us some Misty parents and see exactly where she came from,” she stated emphatically. The actress has even developed her own headcanon to fill in the gaps. “Yes! So I already have that whole backstory plan. I don’t know if we’ll use it, but I have that backstory plan. Her parents are both in the medical field, not really around. That’s why she knows all this stuff. She looks through the medical books all the time.” This theoretical background could explain Misty’s unsettling medical knowledge and her detached, almost clinical approach to violence and injury. The observation about her seemingly nice backyard also led to an intriguing thought: “I’m like, is she adopted? That would be an interesting aspect if she was adopted. I would love to have more Misty backstory. I would be a big fan of that.” Understanding the origins of Misty’s profound need for control and connection, perhaps stemming from a detached or absent home life, could unlock even more layers to this already fascinating and terrifying character.

Samantha Hanratty’s insights into Misty Quigley’s calculating mind, her desperate pursuit of power, and her complex relationships offer a thrilling preview of the dramatic arcs yet to come in Yellowjackets. As the series continues to explore the boundaries of human survival and the psychological toll of trauma, Misty stands as a compelling testament to the darker aspects of adaptation, ensuring that the wilderness, and indeed the show itself, remains as unpredictable as ever.