La Brea: A Harris Reunion In “The Great Escape”

The Harris family has been some form of separated since before the events of the pilot episode. However, “The Great Escape” makes strides to reunite them, at least physically. While the family may still be emotionally miles apart, Gavin’s desire to save Eve from the Exiles leads them back together.

However, it may not be as simple as a reunion. They still have piles of issues to work through, which is noticeable once the initial relief and shock of seeing each other again has worn off. In addition, Eve and Levi had seemingly just had a reunion, and Gavin’s return to their lives complicates all three of their dynamics.

While Levi still considers himself and Gavin to have each other’s backs, Gavin is less convinced, given their mutual interest in a romantic reconciliation with Eve. Gavin wants to return to being a family, and Eve, understandably, can not just jump back to when things were good, as it had been so long since that was the case.

However, that does not mean Eve does not see a change in Gavin, referencing that he is different than when they last saw each other and more similar to the man she had fallen in love with.

But, as emotional and complicated as Eve’s reunion with Gavin might be, the real kicker does not come until “The Great Escape” is in its final moments. Gavin tries to warn Eve about Izzy, but while Eve is initially worried about Izzy, she is in for a more emotional surprise when Gavin reveals that Izzy is also in the clearing.

Eve and Izzy’s reunion may not be more than a passionate hug, but it says so much for the duo who had been separated for so long. No words are needed, and the relief and love within that moment speak for themselves. However, Josh’s absence is still noticeable.

Izzy spends plenty of time missing and worrying about Josh. While he may be safe from the dangers of the sinkhole, being lost in 1988 is still worse as the family remains divided.

“The Great Escape” ensures that the audience and characters do not need to wait too long for most of the Harris family to reunite, even if a vital part is still missing. However, even though Eve, Gavin, and Izzy are together physically, life has still occurred in the time they have been separated, opening the door for more complex dynamics or conflicts that may continue to risk the possibility of it taking longer to reconnect emotionally.