When things turn dangerous for the girls, it’s clear that they can trust no one.
Sixteen episodes into the third season, “Misery Loves Company” finally arrives with Spencer’s discovery of Toby’s betrayal. Although this reveal was highly publicized in the week prior to the airing, the revelation was still heart wrenching. The audience found out at the last finale that Toby is part of the A team — a group of people blackmailing the girls and bent on ruining their lives, but until now, the girls have only known that Mona was part of the A team. Suspicious of everyone, Hana is worried that Caleb is keeping secrets from her while Aria is scared to confront the fact that her dad visited Ali the night of her death. When Byron goes to a conference, Meredith steps in to take care of a suddenly sick Aria. As always, nothing is as it seems. When things turn dangerous for the girls, it’s clear that they can trust no one.
Pretty Little Liars (the show) is loosely based on Sara Shepard’s novel series, with the same characters but several plot changes. “Misery Loves Company” is creator/producer/writer Marlene King’s first episode to direct. King writes regularly for Pretty Little Liars, and is a writer of six other titles, including Just My Luck starring Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine.
I love how this episode does not leave the audience wanting for more drama and suspense. With Meredith drugging Aria, A attacking Hanna, Ali appearing to Aria, and of course- Spencer’s confrontation with Toby, “Misery Loves Company” is full of plot reveals and suspense. Byron’s flashback was reassuring of his innocence, putting both our minds and Aria’s at rest. Although many secrets come to light, we are left with more questions than ever: Is Ali alive? Was Toby really just playing Spencer the whole time? What plan were Mona and Toby talking about? With all these loose ends, the audience is left anticipating next week’s episode even more than usual.
Although I love the end scene where Spencer finally catches Toby, I wish they would have had more conversation. I know the brief nature of the conversation is intended to build suspense, but I was left frustrated at the lack of reaction; one slap is not enough! The very end scene is also puzzling; Mona sits drinking Spencer’s wine in Toby’s apartment with a smile on her lips while a mystery member plays the piano in the background. Poor Spencer is heartbroken, sobbing at the door, and the audience is left frustrated that A has won yet again.
This show is for people who enjoy teen dramas and suspense. Although it may sound like a show for young people, the plot gets intensely suspenseful and scary at times. Young women are most likely the target audience, but my best friend’s mom is one of the most devoted fans I know. The book series capitalizes on the teen girl following element, but the show makes the issues more developed and engrossing for an older audience as well. Warning: once you start this series, you will be glued to the episodes until you are thoroughly caught up!
This review originally appeared on TV Geek Army.