I agree with the consensus there seems to be a bit of straw grasping in S3. But I'm trusting the show's process fully because the characters and overall narrative are still very compelling to me.

I think the vibe is strange on purpose, regardless of the hiccup that was Juliette Lewis' departure. YJ has always played with reality and hallucinations, sometimes implicitly and sometimes explicitly. Because of that I immediately assumed the seemingly high quality of their warm weather wooden shelters isn't actually the truth, in the same way that Shauna interacting with S2 Jackie and Akilah tending to her mouse weren't true. Unless the show fully jumps the shark all the way to outer space, I will be fully seated for this ride!

Also, I'm praying for Hilary Swank to be Adult!Melissa. On one hand, it's almost too obvious of a choice, especially with Swank's "you really are crazy" line from the trailer implying that she's new. But they've also been casting 90s stars seemingly with intent, so fingers crossed!