Pretty Little Liars – New Guys, New Lies

By: Alex Steele

So a quick recap of last week – Caleb (Tyler Blackburn) and Spencer (Troian Bellisario) finally addressed that sexual tension we’ve all been wondering about for weeks after Hanna (Ashley Benson) gave the green light (can anyone say AWKWARD?). Ezra (Ian Harding) continued to unravel, Aria (Lucy Hale) took over the responsibility of writing his book, Emily (Shay Mitchell) is selling her eggs (but is that all there is to it?) and Hanna, well Hanna was seemingly the only one trying to hold everyone and everything together. Oh and it is official, there is a new “A” on the scene, but like good ol’ times the identity is still unknown.

Now on to this week’s episode, “New Guys, New Lies” – a title that could definitely be re-worked into “Same Guys, Different Girls, New Lies” – but nonetheless the opening scene of post-coital Spencer and Caleb changed the game (Welcome #Spaleb). The music that accompanies this scene was perfectly placed, highlighting what I only perceive as happiness on Spencer’s part. Delirious, still in the “did that really happen” haze, she slips into Caleb’s shirt and starts to brew the morning coffee. But wait, something is missing. That’s right, the phone. She hasn’t checked it in hours. Spencer’s phone has been blowing up, “A” or “A 2.O” has returned. Cue the mystery, the suspense

As the opening credits finish, we greet a hurried Spencer entering Radley to meet the other Liars. The “Sorry, I was up all night with the campaign” line totally saved her butt (Yeah, right. Hanna knows what’s up). As the girl’s begin to debrief, theory upon theory are thrown around. All are still very much certain that Sarah, however possible, is involved in the current plot to terrorise them and frame them for Charlotte’s murder. Emily delivers a punchy one-liner in regards to Sarah (Bravo, writers) stating, “Bitch wasn’t stockholmed.” Hanna, being as impulsive and as brazen as always, texts A2.O asking if they know the masked villain – they do.

(Side note: Emily has since found out that Ali is out of town with her Dad at some winery/cheese farm experiencing the Amish life).

As they grapple with the information that they know A2.O, a news segment with Lorenzo (Travis Winfrey) identifies the murder weapon – a 9 iron golf club. Hmm, who plays golf? Cue the investigation for the week. Aria’s dad arrives at Radley shortly after this information comes to light – maybe he is having an affair? Just another little tid-bit to keep the ever-searching-for-answers Aria concerned. And with the new information at hand, Aria now feels even more determined to find the truth regarding Ezra. However, at The Brew she discovers that he has gone away, left town, disappeared – something Sabrina attributes to possible depression. Aria is relentless (Lucy Hale is doing a brilliant job of portraying the franticness) and eventually ropes in Emily to cause a diversion (just a casual flirt with Sabrina) so she can break into Ezra’s loft and inspect his golf clubs.

Caleb and Spencer have the awkward, morning after talk – “Was it ok? Are you happy about it? Do I need to get my own place?” And it is obvious, regardless of how complicated this now makes things (Caleb is headed to see Toby), that the chemistry and feelings are mutual; just don’t get between Spencer and her caffeine. Cut to Emily and Hanna, a conversation full of questions for Hanna regarding her wedding and why after a year there still is no date. She admits lying to Jordan for the first time in regards to the security footage is weighing on her, that until she comes clean she won’t feel right moving forward. Hanna Marin is probably the liar who has experienced some solid character growth in this five year jump. She states that around Jordan (David Coussins) she feels grounded, something that never occurred for her in Rosewood. Emily on the other hand doesn’t react quite so well to the news of Spencer and Caleb, talk about some serious shade. Toby (whose girlfriend Yvonne is the daughter of the candidate running again Spencer’s Mom, keeping up?) has a similar reaction when Caleb finally admits to his feelings for Spencer. Keegan Allen does a great job of displaying subtle hurt and sadness at this admission, with Tyler Blackburn performing a perfect fumble. Genius. They hug and part ways, but it is obvious that a line has been crossed. Every member of the original Liar gang (boys included) have history – undeniable, unforgettable history with feelings that run deep. It is obvious these are still at play in this scene.

Cut to Spencer, opening the file that contains all the dirt on her mother’s opponent. As she turns to the section focusing on Yvonne (Kara Royster) we discover that Toby plans to propose, he has bought the engagement ring. There is no doubt that Spencer is harbouring unresolved feelings for Toby, who wouldn’t? Snapping her back to reality is the realisation of a black car, sitting opposite her, watching her? Subsequently, when her attention lands on the vehicle it speeds away.

As Emily gets her flirt on with Sabrina, Aria steals the key and makes her way to the loft. The whole set of golf clubs are there, phew! But Aria can’t help herself and as she listens to his voicemail uncovers a cryptic message from her father. Aria won’t be able to stop now. Rudely interrupting Emily and Sabrina (a budding new relationship I hope continues), Aria is losing control. With the new information about her Dad and Ezra – possibly involved together – Aria has a flashback to an argument between her parents. Her dad stating that it will be over his dead body before Charlotte is ever released. Can anyone say motive?

(Another note: Say hello to the creepy mailman standing outside your front window, can I help you?)

Aria tries calling her Dad (Chad Lowe) demanding that they speak as soon as possible. He cuts her off and says it isn’t a good time. We then cut to a scene of him in a car, when he says “She knows,” but who is he talking to? In the meantime, Hanna is coming clean to Jordan (somehow I feel he’s too good to be true), who graciously offers the services of his family to help her out of the situation. This is another scene that really offers us an insight into the evolution of Hanna, and the lessons she has learnt in the five years post-A. She has come full circle and is able to acknowledge her lies and the remorse she feels (bravo, Ashley Benson). However, when all is said and done it doesn’t really matter because Hanna is no longer a suspect. Why? Because the back-up security drive has gone missing/been stolen.

After receiving a personalised taunt from A2.O about Toby, he and Spencer finally have a conversation. The dialogue is general, no real display of feelings are portrayed. Tension between the two comes to a head though when Toby recognises the ease of being friends with someone when they aren’t around – that Spencer leaving made it easier. Talk about complicated. Talk about drama. This love triangle (or square) doesn’t seem to be as pre-teen as five years ago, maybe for once the Liars and Co. are taking the high road. Maturity even?

The last ten minutes of the episode is cut together quickly – we have Sabrina and Emily fighting, Ashley Marin (Laura Leighton) holding the “missing” back-up security drive, Caleb and Spencer uncovering an unlocked storage locker with “A” attire, Hanna playing P.I. trying to uncover footage of Ezra and Aria’s Dad and obvious #Haleb connection. As the episode closes, Aria receives a call from her Dad – “Aria, I know you’re with your friends, but I need to see you. Now.” Cue the same creepy looking mailman (now doorman) walking through the shot as follow him out to a black car; gets in and unmasks. But who is it?

Other key points:

• Aria and Ezra, I predict, will continue down the rabbit hole together in a fit of craziness
• Spaleb vs. Spoby vs. Haleb is definitely the duel of the season