‘Yellowjackets’: Why Jackie and Shauna Remain the Best LGBTQ Relationship in the Series

Introducing the hauntingly captivating theme of Yellowjackets—a series that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of genres, including mystery and thriller, all set against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness. Following a high school soccer team stranded in the wild during the ’90s and their lives as adults in the 2020s, the show is preparing for its much-anticipated third season, set to premiere on Valentine’s Day. Amid the myriad storylines, one that stands out in the fandom is the exploration of queer relationships, particularly the ship known as Jackieshauna.

The Enduring Allure of Jackieshauna

The first season of Yellowjackets presents the highs and lows faced by the team, introducing viewers to Shauna Shipman (portrayed by Sophie Nélisse and Melanie Lynskey) and Jackie Taylor (played by Ella Purnell).Their relationship straddles a complex line, marked by secrets and unfulfilled desires. Notably, Shauna finds herself embroiled in an affair with Jackie’s boyfriend, complicating her feelings further as she discovers she is pregnant.

This tumultuous dynamic encapsulates the struggles of two individuals seemingly incapable of openly acknowledging their true emotions for each other. Shauna grapples with her hidden yearning for Jackie while simultaneously attempting to conform to societal expectations, leading her to seek solace in a relationship with Jeff. Conversely, Jackie’s longing for Shauna is palpable, yet she maintains emotional distance, shielding herself from the vulnerability that comes with deep friendship.

Throughout the season, the strain of their circumstances exacerbates the fractures in their relationship. Rather than supporting each other, Shauna and Jackie find themselves drifting apart, culminating in a heart-wrenching tragedy. This loss haunts Shauna, leaving her unable to process her grief and find closure following Jackie’s untimely death.

It’s no wonder that a significant portion of the fandom has enthusiastically embraced Jackieshauna, refusing to let go of the intense emotional narrative woven into their connection. The themes of longing and heartbreak resonate deeply, particularly among viewers familiar with the complexities of queer relationships.

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The relationship between Shauna and Jackie succinctly illustrates the common predicament of harboring romantic feelings for a close friend, compounded by societal pressures of the era. The subtle yet powerful expressions of their bond serve as a poignant reflection of the struggles faced by many young women in navigating their identities.

Moreover, it is not merely the underlying tension that elevates this pairing to such popularity among fans. The series is replete with intimate moments—shared glances, embraces, and Jackie’s poignant gesture of gifting her necklace to Shauna—that illustrate their profound connection. Shauna’s hallucinations of Jackie and the emotional aftermath of Jackie’s death amplify the depth of their relationship, further enticing fans to cling to this interpretation.

While Jackieshauna may not be as overtly canonical as other relationships within the show, like Taivan, the rich subtext and compelling homoerotic undertones merit its recognition among the best queer pairings in the series. With the new season on the horizon, fans eagerly speculate about the developments that might unfold.

You can catch Yellowjackets streaming on Showtime, Paramount+, or Crave in Canada, while it’s available on Sky and Now in the U. K.

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