Trapped in the Wilderness and in the Workplace.

[rogueslayer452]

There are currently two shows that, while I haven't watched, have been interested in for some time thanks to the exposure through fandom.

Yellowjackets intrigues me because the basic premise is interesting, but only the 1996 timeline with the teen girls being stranded in the wilderness. Although fans differ on their opinions of the direction the show has taken now in its third season, I really like the idea of the exploration of not just having to adapt to the harsh conditions of nature, but also the psychological effects of isolation, going on pure survival instinct almost primal in a way, and the absolute horror of doing things one normally wouldn't do to endure and survive. Of course the show has more elements to it than just that, though I have a feeling that once I do start watching the show eventually that it'll be different than the version I've created for it in my mind since I've based most of it from the complied clips and fan discussions/theories I've seen and the like.

Severance, a science fiction psychological thriller, only caught my attention recently. I saw rumblings about it during its first season, was mildly curious about the visuals, and then the second season premiered and everything I've been seeing from fandom has got me very fascinated. As someone who enjoys a good bizarre mindfuck of this particular genre, this is very much right up my alley. Because Dichen Lachman is in the show, some have called it an alternate or expanded version of Dollhouse, which I can actually see and it's probably why it has captured my interest the way it has.

Both shows captured my interest in different ways, and I'll probably get around to properly watching them at some point eventually. For now I'll just be getting my information through fandom osmosis, from the liveblogging and fan theories and discussions.

Comments

[verdande_mi]

I have not seen Yellowjackets, but I am interested for the same reasons as you! I will probably check it out. I did debate it a short time ago, but I ended up with starting a re-watch of Lost instead.

Season 1 of Severance was amazing. I knew very little going in, only short things from tumblr with no context, but I was hooked from the first episodes.I can't wait to watch season 2. I have not started season 2 since I want to wait until all episodes are out and I think the season final will be available tomorrow. I know what I will fill my weekend with!

[rogueslayer452]

I feel like most who have heard about Yellowjackets got intrigued by it because of the teen girls in the wilderness part and all that happens during that storyline. There is just something fascinating about that concept alone that I think captures a lot of people's attention.

I had little context for Severance when the first season was airing, I just saw the visuals and the anachronisms which got me a bit curious as to what it was about, but then season two happened and I've been seeing nonstop theorizing and looking further into it I'm just so intrigued by the very concept. Now that season two has finished airing it'll be something to plan to get into before the third season, whenever that films/ends up airing.

[queenslayerbee]

I love Severance and part of why I started watching was Dichen Lachman LOL, though at first I feared I'd constantly compare it to Dollhouse, to the show's detriment (that happened with Westworld, for example). But although the comparisons are obvious and I could probably write a lot about it (especially if I follow up on my plan to rewatch Dollhouse this year), I *never* think about Dollhouse while I'm actually watching Severance. The shows stand on each own for me, which is a good things.

Re: Yellowjackets. I loved season 1, though I ended up quitting the show late in season 2. I think, after the first season, they're... not quite sure about what to do with the present storyline. The flashbacks, the past story in the wilderness, was still the most solid part of the show by the time I left, and the one where the mysteries and character arcs seemed largely better planned and more impactful.

[rogueslayer452]

Glad that I'm not alone then with those reasons of being curious and into it, heh. Truly, it does look like such a trip, Severance. I know the second season just finished airing, and reading so many of the fan discussions and theories and thoughts has been wild. I have enough context of some things, but not everything, but knowing how much of a mindfuck it'll be it will be interesting once I finally end up properly getting into the show.

Yeah, I've heard mixed feelings regarding the present day timeline with the adult versions of the characters. It seems the general consensus is that the flashbacks in the wilderness timeline are better and more solid because that's where most of the interesting characters moments are, whereas the present day with them as adults doesn't really hit the same. It's a shame because I think they have a stellar adult cast. Personally, I would've preferred the show to focus mainly on the teens in the wilderness with little bits of their eventual post-rescue and the immediate aftermath of how well (or not) they readjusted to society.

But again, I haven't seen the show in its entirety so I'll withhold my judgment of the narrative cohesion until then. But mostly, yeah, I am personally drawn more to the wilderness storyline since it does seem to be the strongest element of the show.

[blakmagjick]

Yellowjackets S1 is definitely the best of the bunch IMO, I'm a little behind on S3 currently. I keep watching for the stuff that happened in the past.

I haven't watched Severance yet, but it's been on my radar for a bit. Hopefully get to it soon.

Currently watching Wheel of Time, just started S2.

[rogueslayer452]

I've heard various things, but that seems like the general consensus agrees that the first season was the best, and the flashbacks continue to be the most intriguing storyline for the rest of the show. I cannot judge since I have only seen minimal things from clips and gifs and whatnot, but it has made me curious nonetheless.

Season two of Severance just finished, so hopefully this can mean some time to finally get into it before the third season.

[tinny]

I've heard of both, but Yellowjackets is a bit too brutal for me, I think? I never tried it.

I did start Severance this month, and so far I like it, because I, too, enjoy dystopian bureaucracy fiction.

[haebin]

Oh, both of the shows are on to my-watch-list!

[silverusagi]

It is kind of funny/weird that Dichen Lachman has been in two shows about erasing memories and starting with blank slate people.