Pretty Little Liars – Hush Hush Sweet Liars

By: Alex Steele

Twisted, dramatic and (at times) hard to keep up with, are all words and terms I would use to describe the final instalment of Season 6 for “Pretty Little Liars.” Uncovering even more leads and with a plan so well-orchestrated, the audience was given a glimmer of hope that “Uber A” would finally be caught. Don’t hold your breath, though, as the Liars did not catch the big, bad “AMOJI,” (cleverly coined nickname by Caleb) but we sure did find out who may be behind this elaborate scheme. Continue reading for all things #Haleb, #Ezria and #Spoby reunion, as well as delusional Ali and saviour Emily.

Meeting the Liar team exactly where we left them last week, they are seen pacing backwards and forwards still questioning Hanna’s (Ashley Benson) choice to admit to the murder of Charlotte. Hanna’s phone goes off and “A” has responded to the admission of guilt with a simple threat – “If you’re lying, I’ll shoot all of you.” Everyone beware. Not only that, but “A” reminds them no police and that tomorrow will be Hanna’s last day. This opening scene doesn’t leave much to the imagination as the unresolved feelings between Caleb (Tyler Blackburn) and Hanna are evident, making this entire situation more dangerous.

Ali (Sasha Pieterse) has returned home from the hospital, still nursing the leftover concussion suffered at the hands of another “A” attack. With Elliot (Huw Collins) still at her side, they reminisce about Charlotte before Ali encourages Elliot to go to his conference. “I’ll be fine,” she says. You spoke to soon Ali because as the episode progresses, she experiences hallucinations of her dead mother and Detective Wilden (Bryce Johnson). Emily (Shay Mitchell) is called upon to babysit/keep Ali company (flashback to old Emison times) and is sure that it is just response to the painkillers she is on. But as they continue, Ali becomes increasingly paranoid and retreats to the only place she feels safe – the church.

Ezra (Ian Harding) and Aria (Lucy Hale) are putting the finishing touches on their book. but as a despondent Ezra sits, Aria senses things just aren’t right. In the following scene (in which Ian Harding is absolutely flawless) we get a deeper look at the history and feelings he holds for Nicole. It is fantastic to see Ezra have such a deep response to someone other than Aria and his tears and hitched breathing leave you speechless. The helplessness he obviously felt over the situation with Nicole comes through and Aria does her best to be there for him. This reunion, out of all the other pairings, seems to hold the most weight. Both parties are hurting and traumatised from their respected histories, but somehow find common ground every damn time. With a simple hand touch, the electricity is obvious. To add to the emotion, the publishing company loved the book – like book tour and interviews kind of love. With all the excitement and pride they both feel in having achieved this feat, the emotion of the situation overtakes them. They share an intimate moment that, no doubt, should not have been shared sooner or later than right now. Ian and Lucy do such justice to these characters with an undeniable chemistry. Here’s to more Ezria in Season 7!

Spencer (Troian Bellesario) and Toby (Keegan Allen) are tasked with uncovering what Sara Harvey is guarding/hiding in the basement of the Radley. As you can see, this week’s episode gave us the reunion of all original couples. Could this be a foreshadowing or a clue that when the series finishes next year that all original couples may find happiness? Ha! Who am I kidding? It is Rosewood after all. Either way, Spencer and Toby shared quite a few moments this week where their history told the story. The conversation in French was the absolute cutest and Toby’s new glasses, how could Spencer resist? However, regardless of their history, the two remain very separate from one another; Spencer incredibly loyal to Caleb (even going as far to tell him “I love you” this week) and Toby is undoubtedly committed to Yvonne, even with his desire to help Spencer. The two, along with Mona (Janel Parrish), uncover a dusty file in the hidden basement of the Radley. The file contains information regarding a patient, Mary Drake. Surprise! She happens to be the sister of Jessica DiLaurentis (twin sister). Mary had a child named Charles and after being committed to Radley for being unable to care of him, the child was adopted by her sister. Keeping up? Talk about a twist! Who would have thought the “Pretty Little Liars” team could create another mystery that leaves our world spinning?

As Emily is left trying to locate a terrified Ali, the other Liars assemble to put the elaborate plan into action. Caleb and Hanna are trying to get the hide-out all secure before the scheduled meet with “A.” With the too real nature of what may happen, the two take stock. Throughout the last season arc, Hanna has been unquestionably stoic, determined and brazen in her plight to stop this new tormentor once and for all. But in the quiet moments before the storm, she falters. Not only that, having Caleb there supporting her just like old times obviously sparked a little bit of reminiscent guilt. We are given a number of flashbacks that illustrate the end of Haleb – Hanna was having trouble making time for them as a couple, constantly putting her job above anything else and Caleb was at his wits end. With one last argument and a very real threat that he won’t be there when she got back, Hanna leaves anyway. These flashbacks are beautifully cut with the present day, where we see Hanna talking about the regret she has as things may have been different if she never left. And then it happens – We discover that Hanna, at the very last minute, changed her mind. She turned around and ran back to their apartment, but not fast enough to see Caleb before he left. As Caleb learns this news, that Hanna did actually want to make them work, the deep feelings the two still hold for one another come flooding back. “I never stopped loving you,” confesses Hanna. And with this admission from Hanna, Caleb now finds himself in a very tough position. They share a kiss, but are interrupted by Ezra when it is time to enact the plan. Is next season going to see Haleb vs. Spaleb? I’m fairly sure that the dual between Hanna and Spencer could become quite heated.

In the closing moments of the finale, Veronica Hastings is announced as the new State Senator. Yeah! I, for one, am so happy with the ending of this story arc. As the celebrations begin, Spencer receives the call from the rest of the Liars – Hanna is missing. She’s disappeared. Gone. The entire team assemble, just as Caleb, Ezra and Aria discover a manhole hidden under the floorboards. Caleb is hysterical and feels incredibly guilty. It doesn’t help that Mona follows Spencer and Toby. This heated exchange gives us an insight into what may start the demise of Spaleb. Elsewhere, Detective Wilden is lurking around Ali’s house before we get what we’ve been waiting for – the BIG “AMOJI” reveal! As a mask falls to the ground, the camera moves up to reveal none other than Elliot! Yes, it is innocent as pie Dr. Rollins. But that’s not all, as the camera focuses on him, out from behind him walks Mrs. DiLaurentis (Andrea Parker). But it’s not – it is her long, lost twin sister Mary Drake. WHAT THE? We then learn that Elliot had fallen in love with Charlotte and this elaborate plan had been executed to gain control of Carisimi Group. But do we really believe that is all they are after? That getting what they want is that simple? The episode closes with a dark figure dragging a motionless bloodied Hanna around the top of the church clock tower. With a closing like that, and a reveal quite out of the blue, Season 7 (the shows last) definitely will be one to watch.

Other key points:

• Ali admits herself to the psychiatric ward after admitting to Emily she needs help. Do we blame her? This torment has been going on for nearly seven years and she needs a break.
• Caleb didn’t say “I love you” back to Spencer; however, he had no trouble checking out her “perfect” butt. (These two have loads of chemistry, but Caleb and Hanna have history. I can’t pick a team so please don’t make me!)
• Emily still doesn’t have a storyline or a significant other.