The Best Plot Twists from La Brea Season 1: Mind-Blowing Revelations You Can't Forget

Season 1 of La Brea had its fair share of jaw-dropping twists that left viewers questioning reality, timelines, and everything in between. As we prepare for the highly anticipated Season 2 premiere, let’s take a look back at the most shocking plot twists from Season 1, all of which set the stage for an even crazier adventure in time. With characters jumping through portals, discovering their true identities, and facing impossible challenges, La Brea keeps you on the edge of your seat. Here’s a rundown of the best twists from the show’s debut season — featuring a few insights from the cast members themselves.

1. The Sinkhole Isn't Just a Hole—It's a Time Portal

In the second episode of La Brea, the survivors of the massive sinkhole quickly realize that they're not just stranded in a dangerous world, but they're stuck in 10,000 BC Los Angeles. This revelation changes everything, as the group grapples with the realization that the sinkhole is a time portal — one that has been operating for hundreds of years, with people occasionally landing in prehistoric LA.

Chike Okonkwo, who plays Ty, shared his excitement over the plot twist, saying, “Seeing a saber-toothed tiger was just so random, and it made for some memorable scenes with Natalie Zea (Eve). It was a great way to show us that the place we’re in is 10,000 BC.”

2. The Mysterious High-Rise in the Wilderness

While the prehistoric setting of 10,000 BC Los Angeles was a shock, the group soon stumbles upon something even more perplexing — a modern high-rise building standing alone in a field. The presence of this bizarre structure leaves many questions unanswered: How did it get there? Who built it, and why? Though the high-rise remains an enigma, it adds to the growing mystery of time travel and raises more questions for the survivors to solve.

Not to mention, there’s a chest full of Civil War-era gold buried in the woods. While this hasn’t played a major role yet, the gold could come back as a pivotal piece in later episodes.

3. Lilly Isn’t Who She Appears to Be

In an early twist, we’re introduced to Lilly (Chloe De Los Santos), a mute girl who communicates solely with her sister, Veronica. But as the season unfolds, we discover that Lilly can actually speak — and Veronica isn’t really her sister. In fact, Veronica and their so-called “father” kidnapped Lilly a year ago, and Lilly’s true desire is to be reunited with her real family.

This twist deepens the emotional stakes, making Lilly’s journey even more compelling as she tries to find her way home.

4. Isaiah Is Actually Young Gavin—The Ultimate Twist

Perhaps the biggest and most mind-bending twist of La Brea Season 1 is the revelation that Isaiah (Diesel La Torraca), the young boy who’s been helping Eve and the others, is actually a young Gavin (Eoin Macken), Eve’s ex-husband.

The shocker comes when we learn that Gavin's visions of the survivors are not just random flashes but actual memories of his time spent with them as Isaiah. The connection between Gavin and Isaiah isn’t just mind-bending—it also explains why Gavin’s memories seemed so vivid, yet disconnected.

This twist had a massive impact on the cast. Actress Zyra Gorecki, who plays Eve, admitted that her first reaction to the twist was sheer disbelief: “I was just sitting there, like, ‘No, what?! This is crazy!’ But my grandma actually guessed it! She called it before I even knew.”

5. Ella Is Actually Lilly—A Mind-Blowing Reveal

In another jaw-dropping revelation, we learn that Ella (Michelle Vergara Moore) — the mysterious woman Gavin found alongside him as a child — is actually Lilly, the kidnapped girl from the sinkhole. This twist further complicates the already tangled relationships and timelines of the characters. In true La Brea fashion, this development adds new layers to the story, especially as Lilly must now go through the 1988 portal to continue her journey.

6. Silas' True Motives—A Time Traveler with a Hidden Agenda

At first glance, Silas (Mark Lee) appeared to be just another survivor in 10,000 BC. But as the season progresses, we learn that Silas is much more than meets the eye. In fact, he’s one of the time-traveling scientists responsible for the sinkhole chaos — alongside Rebecca Aldridge (Ming-Zhu Hii).

Silas’ motives remain shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear that he has a personal stake in the survival of certain characters. He actively tries to prevent Isaiah from reaching the 1988 portal, and his backstory — along with his potential connection to Isaiah’s family — is one of the show’s biggest remaining mysteries.

7. The Unexpected Portal: Bye-Bye Kids

In a twist that surprised both fans and characters alike, Isaiah and Lilly manage to travel through the 1988 portal, but things take an unexpected turn. As the portal begins to close, Josh (Jack Martin) and Riley (Veronica St. Clair) are sucked in as well. It raises the question: Was this portal expanding on its own, or was it manipulated to include them?

Jon Seda, who plays Riley’s father, Sam, called this moment "unexpected," while Jack Martin added, “I was shocked when we got pulled into the portal. I didn’t expect it to happen that way.”

Conclusion: The Mind-Bending Plot Twists That Keep Us Hooked

As La Brea Season 1 proved, the show is full of twists and turns that keep viewers coming back for more. From time portals to secret identities, every episode left us with more questions than answers, and the mysteries surrounding the high-rise, Silas, and Isaiah’s true origins are sure to play a major role in Season 2. With such high stakes, it’s no wonder fans are eagerly anticipating what happens next