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'Yellowjackets' Episode 3 Review: Horror takes a backseat in suspenseful chapter

Some may find that the tempo's slowed down a bit, but the dip in gore is only natural considering it has elements of a psychological thriller as well

Spoilers for 'Yellowjackets' Episode 3 'The Dollhouse'

Much of the focus moves away from the horror in Episode 3 of 'Yellowjackets' and that comes as the major surprise. After two episodes that spent ample time on world-building, the Eva Sorhaug directed episode focuses on Taissa Turner (Jasmin Savoy Brown and Tawny Cypress). In the past, she's found to be a natural leader much to Jackie's (Ella Purnell) chagrin and in the present, she's working on maintaining her solid-looking political career.

The other two major storylines in the episode are the complicated relationship between Natalie (Juliette Lewis) and Travis (Kevin Alves and Andres Soto). This, coupled with Shauna's (Melina Lynskey) extra-marital affair forms the key plotlines. Not just do these move away from the gory past that's been shown throughout episodes one and two, but it sheds light on the psyche of these characters. There's still a lot to be explained from the Nat-Travis relationship and by the end of the episode, his death is a mystery that will surely have an explanation going forward.

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Shauna's husband, Jeff Sadecki's affair comes to light when she follows him heading into a plush hotel, only to run into Adam (Peter Gadiot) again. Things get a tad steamy and they eventually hook up. It's pretty much a revenge sex relationship of sorts at this point for Shauna, but with her violent killing tendencies, things look bleak for Jeff.

Taissa's past and present coincide in the form of her strained relationship with the people around her. Her son Sammy displays violent behavior and that becomes worrisome. Her political career takes a bit of a beating when a rival pulls off a shady stunt online. In the past, her actions, still pretty unclear, come with consequences, and Taissa appears to not have realized it. The postcard that arrived for all the survivors just seems to signal the beginning of the end for the character.

Despite the lack of horror, 'Yellowjackets' manages to hold the attention. The even screentime suggests that the series will look to flesh out the different layers of these actors in-depth over the course of the season and it begins with Taissa. Her disturbing childhood and the traumatic teen years have had their effect, and both the actors, playing the teen and adult versions, nail it when bringing out those emotions. The same can be said to Lynskey's Shauna who puts on the innocent mother act without raising suspicions.

Some may find that the tempo's slowed down a bit, but the dip in gore is only natural considering it has elements of a psychological thriller as well. 'Yellowjackets' asks for undivided attention and rewards it with gripping content.

'Yellowjackets' airs Sundays at 10 pm ET on Showtime.