Warning: Spoilers ahead for Yellowjackets season 3, episode 8!

Yellowjackets' two timelines. While the teen version has been dealing with the recent struggles involving Coach Scott's death and how the outsiders have impacted the camp, adult Taissa is focused on her life with Van. Sadly, their life together is turned upside down yet again after Yellowjackets' latest twist regarding Van's cancer.

Shortly after revealing that Van's cancer had stopped spreading, she ended up back in the hospital a few episodes later. Van is not in good shape based on new details in Yellowjackets season 3, episode 8, though Tai isn't giving up. It's been a roller coaster for the couple in season 3, but it's hard not to be distracted by how different Taissa has been acting. Even Sammy could tell something is wrong with Tai, fueling the theory that Yellowjackets' "Other" Tai has taken over the character.

Yellowjackets Season 3, Episode 8 Confirms "Other" Tai Has Been In Control All Season

Tai's Alter Ego Has Taken Over In Season 3

Yellowjackets season 3's "A Normal, Boring Life" sadly reveals that Van really is dying, with a doctor suggesting that she go into hospice care. Tai is understandably upset and defensive since she doesn't want to accept Van's grim fate. With Misty in tow, Tai finds a patient in bad shape and nearly suffocates them with a pillow, thinking the sacrifice would allow Van to live longer in exchange. She can't go through with the murder, but before the episode ends, Yellowjackets season 3 confirms that "Other" Tai is the one calling the shots, and she likely has been all season.

After nearly killing another patient, Tai goes to visit Van by sneaking into her room. Tai then hears someone trying to enter the room, and it turns out to be the real version of Taissa begging to see Van. "Other" Tai claims she's "the only one who can help [Van]," adding that real Tai "won't do what needs to be done," meaning she won't sacrifice others to save the love of her life. Considering how different Tai has seemed in Yellowjackets' adult timeline this season, something that Van also noticed, it makes more sense knowing another force has overtaken the character.

Why "Other" Tai Won't Let The Real Tai Come Back Out

The Real Tai Is Still Trying To Break Through

While "Other" Tai might have the power, it's clear that the real version of the character is fighting back at times, explaining why she couldn't go through with killing the other patient. Granted, "Other" Tai is strong enough to prevent the real Tai from fully retaking control over the mind and body. Just like being locked out of Van's room, the real Tai is being locked away but refuses to fully give up. At times, it seems like the real Tai has tried to reveal that the alter ego was taking over, such as Tai's screaming in Yellowjackets season 3, episode 6, or that odd phone call to Van.

"Other" Tai even says "you never did believe" when talking to the real Tai, as if this is the punishment for ignoring what "it" needs.

The more the real version of the character denies what "it" wants or avoids what's really going on, the more the "Other" Tai became motivated to take over. "Other" Tai even says "you never did believe" when talking to real Tai, as if this is the punishment for ignoring what "it" needs. Real Tai's "let me in" cries certainly have a double-meaning, but it doesn't seem like "Other" Tai will give up any power by letting the real Tai potentially come back and ruin whatever she has in store for Van and potential sacrifices.

How Long Has "Other" Tai Been In Control Of Her?

Has "Other" Tai Been In Control Since Season 2's Finale?

With "Other" Tai's confirmation in Yellowjackets season 3, the question now turns to how long the alternate version of the character has been in control. It's possible that the "Other" version started to take control during the ritual ceremony in Yellowjackets season 2's ending. Another option would have been in season 3's premiere when Van and Taissa's dine and dash ended up leading to the waiter's death. This may have opened the door for "Other" Tai to break through, especially when Van's fate started to hang in the balance.

Though Yellowjackets has confirmed the theory that "Other" Tai has been present throughout season 3 in the adult timeline, there's evidence that something similar is happening in the '90s timeline. Teen Taissa has also experienced instances when her other self has taken over. In fact, we think Tai may have burned down the Yellowjackets' cabin while in her alter ego state. Refusing to leave the camp at the chance of a rescue seems very unlike the real Taissa, but with the presence of the Man with No Eyes in the heated scene between the survivors, it's clear that "Other" Tai has even more experience being in the driver's seat.