"You Can't Escape the Cup, Emily"-Pretty Little Liars 4X23

Pretty Little Liars starts the episode with Spencer running through the woods in a wedding dress and then finally takes a page out of every action/adventure/mystery/thriller series ever by flashing a 48 hours earlier at the end of the scene. Spencer gets left at the altar, in which her future husband tries to kill her? In this town, I think that's a totally reasonable assumption.

48 hours ago, Spencer somehow managed to sneak away from Dean long enough to do a quick run-down with the girls over coffee. Emily and Spencer leave the brew to see Jason get into a car WITH YET ANOTHER HAIRSTYLE and drive away while ignoring them.

This is going to be how we automatically tell what season it is right? Jason's hair?

Ella is back! She shows up at the house and lectures her daughter on drinking all of the mini bar (Aria swears she didn't do it). The we get to see Dean, once again, try to get some of Spencer's pee. She tries to not do this and go see Jason, but Dean really needs Spencer's pee, and I can only assume he held her down and force fed her a pitcher of water. Spencer recounts her lack of Jason-seeing with Emily at school later, and then...Paige shows up. She tries to defend herself, but Emily is not hearing it. Look, I get the trust thing, but Paige is right. The cops may be dumb, but they need to know it's not Ali in that grave. Elsewhere, Travis blows off Hannah for a date. Just bring back Caleb, show.

Ashley Marin hates her life as Mrs. DiLaurentis proceeds to be the worst. But, she does find Ali-sized clothes in Ali's room bought only a few days prior. Somehow Mrs. D knowing about her daughter does not surprise me, because she has that serial killer look down to a T. 90's dreamboat detective shows up to tell Mrs. D her daughter may not be dead. Mrs. D says she is, but the detective tells her they are exhuming the body with or without her permission. Apparently, the coroner did not report a broken bone on the body, which Ali had. Who the fuck is the coroner in this town? I'm assuming that the body was fairly skeletonized after a year, so they really shouldn't be identifying the body by her clothes (which is how they did it right? Someone tell me if I'm wrong). You would use dental records or look for injury history. Does anyone know how to do their job in this town?

Emily finally corners Jason, who basically tells her to GTFO and leave him alone. But first, he shares a flashback where Mrs. D assumes Spencer is bullying Ali and she tells Ali not to put up with it. With a parent like this, no wonder Ali is awful. At the Montgomery household, Aria, pissed at Ezra, yells at her poor mother, the only decent parent on this show, and storms away. Look, I know you're pissed about Ezra, but your mother is one of the few people actively not harassing you. Don't burn any bridges.

Spencer won't sleep in her room because of the dirt, but also because of the serial killer that lives next door. Also, she has no idea what she did that summer. So her mom, once again, insists on not telling her. I would like to take a moment to nominate Mr. and Mrs. Hastings for worst parents ever. Has anyone sat down with you about how to deal with your daughter's illness? I mean, you got her a sober coach, which is great, but you refuse to tell Spencer the one thing that's driving her crazy because it's too tough for you to think about?!?!?! This is only making it worse. Also, Spencer should be pissed that her parents assume she murdered Ali. I get, based on her behavior, that she may have been a suspect. But not even talking to Spencer about it? That's cold. Of course, I'm fairly convinced someone in her family is involved in this whole mess, so I really shouldn't be surprised. Horrible parenting aside, I do think Spencer's mental state is a fascinating addition to the show. Other than the fact that it seems to handle it correctly, or at least with sensitivity, it fits into the theme of the show. The show is heavily influenced by Hitchcock, I mean the coffee shop is called "Rear Window". Hitchcock used psychological horror in his movies-Vertigo in particular is incredibly relevant this season-and A's torture extending to exacerbate an actual illness fits perfectly.

Back to Spencer's inability to sleep. Spencer is sleeping on the couch, so Dean tries to talk to her and Spencer actually opens up a little. He offers to read to her to put her to sleep, and of course he falls asleep on her ass. Its a little adorable. And of course, Mrs. Hastings walks in, assumes the worst, and fires him on the spot. I have seen so many of these 'caught in a compromising situation' situations that at this point I wouldn't assume anything. But once Dean finally gets to do his job other than obsessively monitoring Spencer pee, he is fired. Side note, is it me, or since the start of Elementary have there been twice as many sober companions on television? Just me?

How scandalous

Over at the brew, the girls meet and who shows up but 90's dreamboat detective to threaten them about knowing Ali isn't really dead. I know that we know that the girls know more than they're letting on (yes, I just really typed that sentence) but it is absolutely hilarious that this teenaged detective and his mid-30's partner's think that these girls are basically criminal masterminds. Yes, they deal with a lot of shit, but stop treating them like your friendly, neighborhood serial killers.

Hannah gets wind of the whole clothes conundrum and signs the girls up to model wedding dresses. Because if I'm looking to buy a wedding dress, I definitely want to see it on a teenaged model. Also, Spencer or Mrs. D may kill each other. That might put a damper on the party.Spencer finally finds Jason to discuss where he (and she) has been. Who wants to take a bet on who else in these families have an addiction problem? I mean, we know Ashley likes her wine, but she is not related to Spencer and Jason (Or is she?!?). Dean shows up long enough for to say goodbye to Spencer and to inform her that Jason's rehab center...has been closed for two years. DUN DUN DUN.And of course, Travis is also working the party. A few terse words are exchanged, but he runs over a mailbox for Hannah and makes out with her while she's still in a wedding dress. Honestly, not even the weirdest start to a relationship in this town.


Spencer spies Mrs. D. making an exchange with someone in a black hoodie. The next logical step is to of course, follow him/her. So Spencer makes the fantastic decision to run into the woods after who she assumes to be Allison. 1) Has no one learned to avoid the woods in this town? Or from any movie ever? NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS THERE. 2)I can't decide if the it was entirely intentional, but symbolism of Spencer running through the woods in a wedding dress is great. Really, it operates on multiple levels. On an obvious note, Spencer in white chasing A in black represents Spencer and the Liars as a beacon of truth fighting against the evil of A.On an ironic level, wedding dresses are a symbol of innocence/virginity and we just spent the last few episodes trying to decide if Spencer killed her friend. Also, the show has done a magnificent job of rejecting the concept of innocence associated with a white wedding dress (virgin status or otherwise). The juxtaposition of this history and what we know about the characters makes this choice brilliant.

Anyways, the chase ends with her veil being caught in a bear trap. And I have so many questions about where Rosewood exists topographically. Also, Aria and her mom make up and surprise! Ella and boy whose name I've forgotten are engaged! Which means A is going to strike at her wedding? Glad we've figured out the next season finale. Hannah and Emily figure out the password to an email they found, and send it to Ali. She immediately calls and tells them to come find her in Philly. The three meet up with Spencer, who is rightly having a panic attack after the running and the bear trap, and they tear the dress off her. And what do they find? MOTHER FUCKING PHALANGES. Fuck this show.

This may be the creepiest thing A has ever done

Next week: Everyone finally gets guns. I'm not the biggest fan of gun ownership, but when in Rosewood...Also, apparently Ali tells all. Do I really think this? No. However, if we could get to a place where Ali can come back, that would be fascinating. The girls have created a stronger, healthier friendship since Ali's 'death', and watching her try and re-acclimate into society would be so interesting it would make me ignore any lack of answers they may give. Which means she'll probably die for reals this time.

What are You Watching?

What I'm watching (bold is non-network, italicized is midseason):

Sunday: The Good Wife, Revenge, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland
Monday: Castle, HIMYM, Sleepy Hollow, Lost Girl
Tuesday: S.H.I.E.L.D., Pretty Little Liars, Ravenswood
Wednesday: Modern Family, Nashville, Suburgatory
Thursday: Parks and Recreation, Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Parenthood, Elementary, Community 
Friday: Haven

There are a few midseason shows I'm considering: Crisis and Us & Them, but I'm not sold yet.

What I'm for sure NOT reviewing:
HIMYM, Castle, Modern Family, Suburgtory

I will be reviewing Downton but with the American schedule, not the British schedule that is currently airing. I won't spoil anyone here, but my Tumblr might.

This may change because no one decided to consult my emotional health when creating that Thursday schedule. Or maybe I'll switch to live-blogging for some. Thoughts?

If you see I'm missing something you dearly love to watch, head over to my friend Emily's blog here!

What are you looking forward to? Not looking forward to? Are you willing to help my Thursday night wine/tissue fund? Answer in the comments!

We Created the Beast- Pretty Little Liars 4X12

What the actual fuck. Also, spoilers.

The girls get a mysterious package featuring Magic 8-balls for each of the girls threatening their safety if Hannah's mom is released. So naturally, Ashley Marin is released from jail! Although, what was that business with Travis saying he can't do this in regards to the lineup? Will it be important later? Also, CeCe Drake is Wilden's murderer! So we get a few answers before another package gets sent to all the girls with various creative threats about their safety and Mona's safety. The girls race to find Mona, who has mysteriously disappeared. Toby discovers that Wren has moved to England (with Melissa) and breaks his radio silence to tell Spencer and get over himself. Cause really dude, she was right and remember the last time you left? The mental hospital? Also crazy murderous people are on the loose targeting the girls and their loved ones? Honestly, I'm not surprised they (meaning Spencer) haven't come up with a system where everyone checks in hourly.

Wren and Melissa sitting in a tree, p-l-o-t-t-i-n-g

But in the midst of the murder threats and general scariness there is time for cuddles. Aria and Jake's night is cut short by Jake falling asleep (what are you, 50? No seriously, I have no idea how old you are) and then Aria proceeds to make some spectacularly bad decisions, starting with going to a poetry reading. And then making out with Ezra.

Feels.

Aria, there are so many reasons why this is a bad idea. 1, you have a boyfriend. 2, He's you're teacher. 3, YOU KNOW YOU ARE BEING WATCHED. If I were her, I'd only kiss my teacher in a basement or a bomb shelter with the doors double bolted after checking for drill holes.

The next threatening message comes in the form of magic. Raise you're hand if you were surprised Spencer won a magic competition as a child.

They realize that there is a magic show in, you guessed it, Ravenswood. So the girls head off to Columbia, I mean Ravenswood, to go to a magic show. This should end well.

Magic is fun.

Which it does. With Emily in a box about to be sawed in half. But in a surprising turn of events, A intervenes! But which one? A chase ensues as Hannah pulls Emily out of the box. Aria uses her new found karate skills to take out CeCe, who plays dead until she can sneak away. Even though we've unmasked her as A, she's still creepy. The other A leads Spencer to the official (i.e not on wheels) lair, and the girls go through it as someone creepily watches.

In Hardy Boys world, Toby and Spencer stalk Mona's house. Toby spies Shauna leaving with Jenna's car and follows her to find Mona...knitting? What?

The girls emerge from the lair with a few treasures (Hannah stole a diary) and a whole lot more knowledge and find that the town now exists in 1800s England. What. They run into Ms. Grunwald, who enlightens the girls on some of the minor details of what's going on. Like that Ali is alive.

I wasn't surprised to find out that Ali was alive. The show had been hinting at it too much and it made a lot of sense for her to be alive. But I didn't think they were going to reveal A. For a split second, I thought it was Jake. But no, I couldn't have been more wrong.

It's Ezra.


Actually, this makes a lot of sense. We already know Ezra has a thing for teenage girls, so imagining Ezra having a relationship with Ali (possibly while he was at Holis?) isn't too difficult. Ali thinks she's pregnant, and I could see her either having an abortion or just telling Ezra she had an abortion, he gets angry and stalks and kills her. She uses his attempt to kill her as a way to hide. Ezra thinks she may be alive and cozies up to one of the girls, thinking they are hiding her. He falls in love with Aria, ergo Aria has been messed with the least, and uses CeCe (who he probably knew if he was dating Ali) and Mona to torture the girls. Mona had a reason and CeCe just seems sociopathic. As for Allison, I think she's hiding out in Ravenswood and has been protecting the girls from the A team, as she lead Spencer to the lair and saved them for the burning building.

As for the other sketchy characters? Wren, Shauna, Jenna, Mona and maybe Melissa are somehow involved Ali's "death". Or at least they think they are, probably because Wilden and Garrett are dead. But I haven't worked out all of what they're up to, maybe that will be the mystery for the next portion of the season. I think the Halloween episode will cover Caleb staying in Ravenswood and the party, giving us enough about Ezra to be satisfied for now. The next part of the season will be addressing what/why/who of Jenna, Shauna, Wren, and I have lost track of whoever else is involved in this clusterfuck.

What are your theories? Are you going to watch Ravenswood? Answer below in the comments!

"Are you Pregnant?"-Pretty Little Liars 4X11

As the girls discuss Hannah's mom, I have one very important question: Aria, in what world do people take naps in crawl spaces of basements? The detective comes over and is vaguely threatening, which felt a little out of character to me. She has spent the series trying to convince the girls she is on their side(which is doubtful) but now she's openly mean to them. All while Hannah looks like she's about to have a nervous breakdown.

I feel bad for Hannah because it is a stressful situation and I have no idea how I would deal with it, but I think taking down A would help with a lot of her problems. Her and her mom can focus on the defense, not what crazy thing A is going to pull to make things even worse. At least the random dude was able to absolve her mom. But, his sudden appearance is way to random, and I think the writers are good enough to not wrap up such an important storyline so abruptly. I think we're going to see more about this and hopefully it extends into next season.


I'm so glad Spencer told the other girls about Toby. I know that Toby wanted to keep it a secret and that the girls did push a little bit, but this dumb secret has been a low point on this season. They don't have to know everything about the case, but they do deserve to know why Toby betrayed the girls.

Paige is literally wearing a Boy Scout shirt. Let than sink in for a moment.

I think the writers are going to have Emily and Paige stay together. They could have made a clean break a few episodes ago, but they have let the complicated-ness of the end linger. There is the possibility that they are just portraying a complicated relationship and not wrapping up everything neatly, or that Paige and Emily as a couple play an important part in future A schemes.

Where does Jake go to school? How old is Jake? Given Aria's history with older men, shouldn't we discuss this? I get his whole protectiveness over Aria, but it's important Ezra tells Aria about his son. Aria was directly involved with the finding-out process, she deserves to know.

Can we talk about how the bad dancing? Just fyi, this is coming from a person who considers herself one of the worst dancers ever. Other than Jake and Aria, every other dance made this weird circle around a few poles. Also, why a hoedown? Just, why?



Next Tuesday is the season finale, so prepare yourselves! Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to check the floor in my apartment for drill holes.

"And I'm Pocahontas"-Pretty Little Liars 4X07

Hannah
It was heartbreaking to watch Hannah deal with her mom this entire episode. A has done some terrible things before, but the damaged she has inflicted seems much more real than in previous seasons. Before she was exploiting things the secrets the girls had and now she's making things up.

Emily
Okay Ms. Fields, I get that parents are supposed to take care of their children. But Hannah's dad hasn't proven himself to be parent of the year. Also, shouldn't you be impressed by what a good friend your daughter is being, rather than scold her for comforting her friend? But your daughter did get you suspended from your job. So maybe it evens out.

Okay, I'm going to talk about the elephant in the room. It's A's car addiction. Does that make it the car in the room? Jokes, y'all. In all seriousness, why are cars A's go-to weapon? How does A get all these cars? Hasn't anyone put together the number of murders and number of stolen cars in Rosewood? Are the police even trying?

Aria
Let me get this straight. A boy spreads rumors about a girl and isn't punished even though the majority of the school will corroborate that it started with him, including a teacher. But a boy on medication is suspected of destroying someone's car with out any evidence other than his medication and suddenly it's all zero-tolerance time?? What a terrible, terrible principle. But, this story line made me question who really did it. At first I thought it was Mike, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was Erza or even A. Why not get Mike in trouble along with Ashley Marin?

I'm glad Ezra helped out with the Mike situation, but the writers are totally foreshadowing the reunion of Ezria. Which I don't really care about because I think Ezra is a little creepy and kind of boring. At least Toby has that whole dead-mom drama.

Spencer
I really want Toby to tell the girls why he traded the Lair to A, because I don't like the girls arguing over it. What I do like is that they seem to be able to put the issue aside to help Hannah.

I was utterly impressed that they used gloves in Wilden's apartment. That is something you could get in trouble for, theoretically. Where is it on the Rosewood scale of crimes? Worse or better than holding a shovel?

Toby and Caleb (a.k.a The Hardy Boys)
If Toby and Caleb are the Hardy Boys, who are the girls? The Women's Murder Club? They've certainly been accused of murder enough (ba-dum psshhh).

Whatever they are, Toby and Caleb were adorable together. They threatened a bland-looking blond boy, solved a mystery, and located a plane all in the span of one episode. Murder and mystery solving are all the key elements to friendship, are they not? That's really all television has taught me, if we're being honest.

What are your theories about A? Answer below in the comments!

You're Following a Lead That Came From a Bird-Pretty Little Liars 4X06

Aria
The minute she walked over to the new guy, I knew he was going to become creepy.

I'm glad she stood up for herself because that's probably the most bad-ass thing she's done. And I'm glad the show injected some real world problems into the storyline. It's easy to forget that reality exists when everyone is being murdered or being framed for murder.

 Also, Mike, really?? I'm glad he finally believed Aria, but you are her brother. You are supposed to believe her over your classmate. And he was totally the one who wrecked the car, even thought they made it look like Ezra.


Emily


What is with the A team being freakishly good at musical instruments? Is Melissa going to start playing the trombone suddenly?
And she's in Ravenswood. What. I just...what.

Why does anyone think that A is going to let them show things to the police? At this point, any response to the police should be "don't fucking ask".

Emily Fields, master spy

And, 10,000 points to Emily for giving Connor garbage duty.

Spencer

You know what's really sad? That a show about bullying, threats, murder, and has the word "Liar" in the title portrays some of the healthiest relationships on television (I mean the ones not involving creepy older men)? I thought the apology scene between Emily and Spencer was well done, but it sucks that it came undone with the reveal of who took the lair. I get that the girls are angry at Spencer, but it's not her secret to tell. Hopefully we wrap up his mother's death quickly.


Also, what the fucking fuck was happening at Ravenswood? Everyone was clearly on drugs and then some sort of religious moment that creepily reminded me of Bioshock: Infinite happened and oh my god I really hope that Spencer and Toby did not eat the food because it was probably poison. 

Originally I was kind of meh about the whole Ravenswood thing, but they have sold me on at least watching the first episode. Some spin-offs dedicate and entire episode to the spin-off and ignore the whole show but this provided a good introduction to this town and the tone of the show. I do have a few questions though, like will they keep that filter? I thought it was cool and really added to the drugginess of everyone's behavior, but I think it would get annoying after awhile. Also, how is Caleb supposed to join the show? No matter what, he should avoid the bottles that say "Drink Me".


Hannah
Hannah is really getting the brunt of A's wrath this season. Her mom and her dad are mad at each other for very valid reasons and mad at Hannah for a very valid reason, but A is the one they should be mad at. At first I thought it was going to be something like her mom took the gun to meet with Wilden for protection, but her mom didn't know why the gun was in her purse. I smell an A set-up, because why not.

Other thoughts:

• This exchange:Toby: I'm not driving all the way back to Rosewood with low-blood sugar Spencer. That's worse than no-caffeine Spencer." Spencer: "Wow, your girlfriend sounds awesome.
• Is Grunwald the Big Bad for Ravenswood then?
• Masks are creepy.

A Lannister Always Pays His Debts-Pretty Little Liars 4X05

 I apologize for the lack of updates for the past week. My hard drive crashed and I have to have a new one sent to me. Game of Thrones will start up again either later today or early tomorrow, I have a lot of catching up to do. Anyways! Pretty Little Liars.

Aria

Bees. Why does it always have to be bees. Whether it's the X-Files or Pushing Daisies, why are bees something people always try to harness?

Pushing Daisies. Because this isn't terrifying

C'mon Piper, blow them up! Oh wait, wrong show.

And where has Mike been for the past two years? Hiding in the basement? Prison for grand theft? These are important questions.

Toby

Poor Toby. All the characters on this show have had terrible, terrible things happen to them, but Toby's just seem more terrible. Mostly because they aren't at the hands of A. Your mother commits suicide and your step-sisters molests you? I'm fairly surprised you're not a serial killer. It was heartbreaking to watch him realize her doctor no longer had the mental facilities to remember his mother. I hope Toby finds answers.

Spencer

First off, let's talk about the bad-ass nerdiness of Spencer. Because that guy she talked to, you know he's one of those guys who calls women 'fake geek girls' and the like. So her nerdy take-down was awesome, especially because he called her crazy. There's a great quote about women being perceived as crazy by Tavi Gevinson (who is more awesome than I could ever hope to be, here's her TED talk:) which says: "People expect women to be that easy to understand, and women are mad at themselves for not being that simple- When in actuality, women ARE complicated. Women are multifaceted. Not because women are crazy . But because people are crazy, and women happen to be people". Women's version of crazy is either perceived as women being from another planet OR really simple and all they think about is men.

His reference of women being crazy is based off this really weird perception that women are obsessive over men? And her actually having a crazy episode makes that comment hurt a little more and then she just fucking takes him down.

Not a Hastings. But a Khaleesi.

AND she finally confronted Melissa, who is totally more involve than she is letting on. Because she's Melissa and because she was doing a terrible job of getting rid of the evidence.

Emily
Is this the worst thing A has done to any of the girls? I think it is. I'm glad Emily is exploring other college options because the whole I'm-going-to-Stanford-and-living-with-my-girlfriend thing is a little unrealistic. But I'm not sold on the whole sorority thing for her, or really anyone on this show. Because there are waaaaayyyy too many opportunities for creepy things to happen like the room Spencer found (see below for that bit on insanity).

Exhibit A

And I'm 800% sure that college helper dude was creepy. When she finally told him she was taken, he seemed to accept it well and then he made this face:

This show has programmed me to be suspicious of every male character.

Hannah

Of all of your bad plans, this has been the worst. At least you were arrested for holding something actually dangerous and not a shovel this time? Just looking on the bright side.

Maybe Hannah and her mother can share lawyers. Although, it was totally Melissa.

Creepy Moment of the Week:
The panic room/torture chamber in the sorority.

What. The. Fuck

What are your theories about who was kept in this room? I'm betting that evil twin theory is right.

What are You Doing with My Fries?-Pretty Little Liars 4X02

Aaaaaannnndd we're back!

Mona

I'm incredibly divided on Mona. Part of me want to trust her, and I think that if she really is on our side she will bear the majority of A's wrath (see: strangled in a car), but I think she may still be evil. Nothing is as it seems in Rosewood, so I'm considering all possibilities.

PLL Drinking Game: Take a shot everytime someone is almost run over by a car

Emily

Is anyone else expecting Paige and Emily to break up this season? They are way too happy (because that always works out real well in this show...) and a little out of touch. I mean, they're 18 and talking about moving in together at Stanford? This is one of the moments I'm reminded that they're teenagers. 

Spencer

Poor Spencer. First Radley, then rejected from UPenn? One of her family members is probably already a murderer (*Ahem* Melissa), so telling her family is going to be oh so much fun. I'm glad that she told someone and I'm glad Ezra was able to provide normal teacher support for a student rather than sleeping with them. His advice was right, maybe she should only talk about Allison's death and leave out the stalking/crazy parts of her life. 

Ezra that was the not creepiest thing you have ever done

I was also really impressed with how they're doing Toby/Spencer. I imagined the writers having Toby be shifty and Spencer being suspicious, which happened, but I thought they would drag it out over a few episodes. I'm glad Toby's involvement was revealed and I'm interested in learning more about his mom. If they're bringing this story in, is she connected to A/Allison?

Hannah

Hannah's mom killed Wilden. At least, I'm pretty sure of it. PLL is very good about misdirection, but all roads lead to murder. 

Since when did you become Spencer?

Aria

I'm really glad Aria decided to go get some lessons in self-defense. At this point, all the girls should seek out military-level weapons and combat training because A means serious business. Also, karate instructor is cute. When do we start taking bets on when he turns creepy? 

Other Notes

• I'm pretty sure the writer's start off every season trying to come up with creepy things to insert into the show. Exhibit A(ha!):

C.R.E.E.P.Y

• Other than weird animals, I'm glad we have Ms. DiLaurentis on the show. It allows for flashbacks from someone other than the girls. Seriously, how many things are they going to conveniently forget?
• Also, she totally reminds me of Celia Hodes from Weeds
• When Allison was holding her breath, did anyone else think she was going to make something float? Or break something with her mind? I've heard the spin-off is supernatural, so I thought that Allison was actually a witch.

Pretty Little Liars 3X24- All Things Truly Wicked Start From Innocence

All in all, a great finale. Yes, I knew Toby was alive, so that wasn't a huge reveal, but we got enough answers as to "Who" this whole A thing is and next season can move into the "How's" and "Why's" of it. I'm gonna break this down by character.

Spencer:

"She wanted to break me so she could put me back together, like her own Humpty-Dumpty."

Spencer's complete breakdown this season has been one of my favorite storylines on this show and possibly all of 2013. Which isn't saying much, because it's March, but whatever. I love it. It makes so much sense that Spencer would be the one to lose it. I mean, if I were any of these girls I would have locked myself in a mental institution a long time ago (as Aria points out), but they haven't. And Spencer's intensity makes her the perfect case study in crazy on this show. So when Spencer revealed she was working for A in the last episode, I was slightly worried. If any of the girls would turn, it would be her. But no, she's back to her Spencer investigating ways, which I was glad for.

"Mo" (a.k.a Mona) watches over Toby and Spencer. I love the mis-en-scene in this show.

I'm not entirely sure she should trust Toby, I have far too many questions for him. When did he join the A team? What has he been doing for Mona. Because Spencer did point out a few episodes ago, only Toby could have tried to steam her to death. Maybe he sent Aria a text to go to her place? I don't know, if I were her I would have punched him in the face instead of having all the sexytimes. As much as shirtless Toby is the greatest, Spencer made really good points. How did Toby stand by and watch her fall so hard without any indication he was on their side? 

Hannah:

"Are you thinking shock treatment?"

Great idea by Hannah to make sure A can't hear them. I really love how her character is never dumb, she gets a few funny dumb lines but then has good ideas. Also, the fucking car. In a show of creepy things, the car covered in lake stuff playing the video on repeat is scary.

Really Ezra? Judging Hannah for inappropriate comments?

I really enjoy that this show gives all the girls their turn at being super-sleuth. Spencer is definitely the one who mostly drives the mystery, but there is equal opportunity knowledge seeking. Hannah trying to Veronica Mars her way into an answer about who picked Malcolm up was entertaining, and I loved that Spencer planned for her to receive that text message.

Aria:

"I mean, Radley is looking better every day. I'm actually ready to check-in. "

Okay, I'll admit it. I hate Ezria. They're boring, he's boring and kinda creepy, and their relationship is just too complicated. Now I don't mean all stable couples are boring, I'm a huge fan of a well-written couple that isn't breaking up every few weeks. Look at Caleb and Hannah for example. They have been together for awhile. They face their problems together and are clearly supportive of one another. Ezra and Aria don't have very many problems, other than their forbidden relationship that no one seems to care about other than Aria's parents. Ezra having a child was the biggest problem and Aria is being the most mature about it. Good riddance I say.

Ezra looking sad his girlfriend is more mature than him.

But, I really enjoyed how the hallway scene paralleled the scene in the Pilot at Ali's funeral because I love me a good parallel (see:all of Fringe). Also, of course he's her sub. I really hope he doesn't just stare at her with his deer-in-the-headlights look (you know what I'm talking about. The one where he looks surprised a girl is talking to him).

Emily:

"If you don't know who she is, that means you're still one of us."

Emily had a brilliant plan to figure out if Spencer is still on their side. But other than that, Emily had very little to do in the episode except spy on Jenna-Melissa-Shauna and fawn over Toby. Emily and Toby are best friends, apparently, even though they like haven't spoken since season 1. So yay Toby being alive? Also, Shauna is creepy as fuck and I'm starting to get worried for Paige. 

Mona:

"I'm never gonna know who she was!"

I love that Mona is now a victim instead of a perpetrator. It's going to change the dynamic of the show and the girls in a fresh and interesting way. But I do wonder how much the girls will trust her. Will she be apart of their meet-ups to discuss A or on a need-to-know basis? Will Spencer tackle her again (please, yes)?

Questions:

Who is in the trunk? It's either Jason or....I don't know. And there's a body in the morgue that might be Jason cause it's not Toby. Also, all the girls gasped, so that makes me think it isn't anyone too important to any of them

Melissa-Jenna-Shauna? WTF? Okay, this was done well. Melissa had to be involved in this whole thing somehow, but Jenna shocked me. Her disappearance this season felt more like the actress wanted to leave, so they just had one of the girls mention she left. Also, she's been a suspect for so long that I thought she was completely innocent

Are Jenna and Shauna together? What was this?

Who set the fire? If red coat, or Ali  saved them, who did the fire setting? Because I thought the plan was for red coat to kill all the girls with the fire. Or, was she going to meet them and MJS team decided to set shit on fire? Is this going to become Team A versus Team MJS? And Toby is so going to be blamed for every fire set on this show because of that lighter.