Ep 13. After the Escape: Temptation to Return

In Escaping Polygamy season 2 episode 13, titled "After the Escape: Temptation to Return," the focus is on the aftermath of leaving a polygamous lifestyle. Many individuals who have left polygamy often struggle with adapting to life on the outside and resisting the temptation to return to the only life they've ever known.

The episode primarily follows the efforts of the three sisters: Andrea, Jessica, and Shanell, who have been successful in escaping the polygamous cult and are now dedicated to helping others do the same. They are contacted by a young woman named Elisa who has also left the cult but is struggling to adjust to life on the outside. Elisa's family is still heavily involved in the cult, and her father has even threatened to kidnap her and bring her back home.

The sisters enlist the help of former member, Janine, who also experienced the temptation to return after leaving. Janine shares her own experience and how she overcame her desire to return to the cult. She talks to Elisa about the importance of building a support system and finding other individuals who have left the cult to help her on her journey.

Meanwhile, Andrea and Jessica work with another young woman, Stephanie, who is trying to leave the cult with her young daughter. Stephanie's husband is still in the cult and is fighting to keep her and their daughter in the lifestyle. The sisters help Stephanie come up with a plan to escape and support her through the process.

Throughout the episode, the sisters emphasize the importance of healing after leaving the cult. They hold a ceremony with other escapees to celebrate their freedom and the beginning of a new life. They also provide resources for therapy and support groups to help those who have left the cult cope with the trauma they experienced and move forward.

However, not all individuals who have left the cult are able to resist the temptation to return. The episode briefly follows the story of a woman named Rachel who left the cult but ultimately returned to her abusive husband because she felt she had no other options. Her story is a reminder of the intense hold that the cult can have on its members and the difficulty in breaking away from the only life they know.

Overall, "After the Escape: Temptation to Return" highlights the challenges that individuals face after leaving the polygamous lifestyle and the importance of building a strong support system to resist the temptation to return. The episode celebrates the freedom that comes with leaving the cult and provides resources for healing and moving on.