La Brea’s 8 Biggest Character Deaths (& How They Die)

Premiering in 2021, La Brea quickly became known for unexpectedly killing off main characters as part of its story. The show follows a group of people after a giant sinkhole appears in Los Angeles, blending survival challenges with science fiction and time travel. Centered around the Harris family’s struggle to survive in a dangerous, prehistoric world – both as a unit and individually – La Brea features a large ensemble cast and consistently creates a sense of impending danger.

Throughout its three seasons, La Brea successfully built tension and kept viewers invested by consistently putting its characters in danger. The show became known for its emotionally powerful scenes where the fate of major characters was uncertain. While not every death had the same impact, La Brea effectively used character deaths to drive the plot forward, particularly as the series progressed. This willingness to kill off characters in surprising ways became a hallmark of the show and significantly altered the story’s direction.

Caroline Clark

Though Caroline Clark (Melissa Neal) was only featured in the second season of La Brea, her character revealed surprisingly important details about the show’s overall story. As the series explored the secrets of the Lazarus Project, Caroline became a key part of understanding the mysteries. She was one of the few people who could explain the science behind the sinkholes and time anomalies, and it became clear she had a complex history with the work she and her husband, James Mallet (Jonno Roberts), were involved in.

In the second season of La Brea, we learn that Caroline and James are actually the biological parents of Gavin Harris, and they’ve traveled from the future. Their story significantly expands the show’s overall mythology. When Caroline dies, killed by Kiera, it highlights a troubling truth about the Lazarus Project: while it aims to help, it’s filled with people who have created a chaotic situation across time and can’t seem to fix it.

Taamet

In the second season of La Brea, a new villain named Taamet (played by Martin Sensmeier) appears as part of a group called the Exiles. This introduces a more primal, prehistoric threat to the show, shifting away from the antagonists connected to the Lazarus Project. Taamet is dangerous because his motives are unclear and he actively works against the Harris family. He brings a style of conflict rooted in tribal warfare, making him a unique and formidable enemy in La Brea.

As a huge fan of La Brea, I’ve noticed how high the stakes always are, and Taamet’s near-death experience really drove that home. After Scott attacked him with a dagger, leaving him seriously wounded, Taamet finally confessed something huge to Gavin and Dr. Velez: Kiera was the one who sent him to raid the area, and she was looking for a specific book. It’s moments like these that really show how far back the conspiracies go, tying the prehistoric stuff to the present day.

Marybeth Hayes

Marybeth Hayes (Karina Logue) was one of the first people trapped in the sinkhole, and her death was particularly heartbreaking in La Brea. She began the story as a former police officer searching for her son, Lucas (Josh McKenzie). Marybeth quickly proved to be a valuable member of the group, using her strong instincts and practical approach to help them survive. She was a steady, emotionally stable character who helped keep everyone focused during the initial chaos.

In the first season of La Brea, Marybeth is a stable and sensible presence amidst the chaos of the sinkhole. However, she struggles with the challenges of interacting with prehistoric people who are just as lost and confused as those from the present day. She is attacked by a member of Silas’ group, resulting in a serious wound that ultimately leads to her death.

James Mallet

James Mallet’s death on La Brea was surprisingly complex. From the start of season 2, as the head of the Lazarus Project, he was presented as a villain. He firmly believed in his actions, even if they were questionable, while his wife, Caroline, often worried about where his decisions were leading them. He was driven by scientific progress, but didn’t give much thought to the ethical implications of his work.

Gavin is struggling to come to terms with a major shift in his understanding of who he is, but his problems with Mallet are even more difficult. After a fight, Mallet is fatally shot and, as he’s dying, tells Gavin about his half-sister, Helena (Emily Wiseman), for whom he clearly cares.

Rebecca Aldridge

Dr. Rebecca Aldridge (Ming-Zhu Hii) is a brilliant character and one of the first to shed light on the mystery of the sinkholes in La Brea. She quickly establishes herself as incredibly knowledgeable, understanding the sinkholes and the challenges faced by survivors better than anyone else. Sadly, this very knowledge ultimately leads to her downfall.

Early in the second season of La Brea, Aldridge reconnects with Gavin and appears ready to share important details. However, when a dense fog descends, chaos erupts. A chain of unfortunate events puts Aldridge in danger, and she’s tragically attacked and killed by a pack of wolves. Her death is a significant loss for the show, as she held crucial information that’s now gone.

Levi Delgado

As a big fan of La Brea, Levi Delgado’s death really hit hard. Nicholas Gonzalez played him so well, and it felt like he was almost going to make it through with the others, becoming a true hero in the process. Throughout the series, I became totally invested in the complicated relationship between Levi, Gavin, and Eve – it was a central part of what made the show so compelling. Honestly, Levi was always putting himself at risk to protect everyone else, and that selflessness ultimately cemented his role as a tragic hero – a really memorable character, even though his fate was heartbreaking.

In the next-to-last episode of La Brea, Levi risks his life to protect Gavin and his daughter, Izzy. Despite the tension that often exists between Levi, Gavin, and Eve, he immediately steps in front of a bullet meant for them. Sadly, Levi is fatally wounded and dies in Gavin’s arms, bringing a tragic end to their complex connection.

Ella Jones

Ella Jones, played as a child by Lilly Castillo and as an adult by Michelle Vergara Moore, is a complex character in La Brea. Her story mirrors the show’s central time-travel mystery, as she plays a key role across different points in the timeline. Ella isn’t just part of the show’s story; she embodies the emotional toll that time travel takes on individuals, making her crucial to the show’s overall themes.

Ella’s death at the end of La Brea season 2 was a shock to many viewers. She died suddenly after being stung by wasps. Her dangerous situation reflected the overall themes of the show, but the unexpectedness of her death was difficult to watch.

Gavin Harris

Gavin is central to the emotional heart of La Brea and plays a key role in developing the show’s overall story. Because his personal journey is so important to the series, it was challenging to write his near-death experience. His story, already focused on themes of sacrifice and survival, made the event feel believable, and he offers a unique perspective on the show’s time travel elements.

The season 2 finale of La Brea saw Gavin seriously injured while rescuing Eve from a large lizard, seemingly leaving little chance for survival. But thanks to the show’s time travel element, Eve and Izzy were able to manipulate time, preventing his fatal injury and ultimately saving Gavin’s life, setting the story back on its original path.

2026-05-08 02:51