The one thing about this episode that I found most surprising is that with the stakes higher than ever before, the Liars have finally started to come clean to people outside the inner circle about the idea of a mystery villain bent on revenge. Caleb, in particular, has always teetered the line between being ‘in the know’ and just knowing enough to satisfy Hanna’s relationship honesty quota. Besides his obvious hacker abilities, which have come in handy over the years, common sense would dictate that having a guy on your side isn’t the worst plan ever. I’m all for female equality, but the Liars tend to get themselves into physically compromising situations on a regular basis. Even though Caleb did almost get himself fried in the kiln that one time, having a little extra muscle around would definitely go in the pro column as far as I’m concerned.
And the list isn’t limited to Caleb. Out of all the adults in the Liars’ arsenal, it seems that the one who would understand the most would be Ashley Marin (Laura Leighton), who not surprisingly now has a vague understanding of the situation. She may be slightly in denial about it, but at least she knows enough of the miscellaneous pieces of the puzzle to be able to start to connect the dots. Most importantly, she believes in her daughter enough to realize that there’s an outside force at work.
Fans have seen the reemergence of a particularly unremarkable character, Andrew (Brandon Jones), start to draw some screen time – and more alarming, suspicion. The only time this character has appeared on the show previously has been as a means to an end. Viewers might recall him supplying Spencer with some prescription meds during one of her less spectacular character arcs a while back, but other than that, he’s always been easily forgettable. Most recently, he’s claimed to role as Aria’s (Lucy Hale) all-too-eager tutor. Tonight, however, there was a definite sense of him acquiring a very A-like demeanor. Either that, or he’s quite literally taken to stalking Aria. Whichever, the writers are clearly trying to get viewers to pay attention.
Ali’s trial has thus far been fairly subdued, even with Jason’s testimony briefly heating things up, but it’s only a matter of time before secrets start to pour out as Pretty Little Liars is bringing the ugly truth back in fashion.
