The “A” train was on supersonic speed on ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars Halloween episode.
From the get go with Mona’s (Janel Parrish) creepy song and declaration of love for the spooky holiday (“I love Halloween. All the dressing up, being other people, tricks and treats, treats that turn into tricks, it’s better than Christmas, more makeup”), the episode threw punch after punch until a hand rose and the credits rolled.
Note: Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen PLL’s Halloween episode, “This Is a Dark Ride.”
As we suspected, the Rosewood resident who perished was former Officer Garret Reynolds (Yani Gellman). But not before he creeped us out with that spooky baby face costume and spilled the beans to Spencer (Troian Bellisario) about what really went down the night Allison (Sasha Pieterse) died.
Garret informed Spencer that while he didn’t kill Ali, he let Jenna (Tammin Sursok) believe that he did. That video we saw from Ali’s room on the night of her murder wasn’t the whole story. Garret had taken Jenna out of the room that day and found Ali in the backyard. After an almost physical fight between the two girls, Garrett hit the now infamous field hockey stick against the tree.
When Pieterse told us that we were going to be surprised by the new “A” team suspect, we had absolutely no idea it would be BYRON (Chad Lowe)! He had teased to us at the episode’s premiere that his appearance would set up the rest of the season and boy was he right. I’m still reeling from the revelation.
Byron’s daughter, Aria (Lucy Hale), finally got her due from “A” as she was the main target on the ghost train.
After being drugged, she awoke in a wooden box with her mouth and hands duck taped next to a dead Garrett. Talk about creepy!
Eventually, the girls were able to find and save her moments before the box was almost pushed off the back of the train. Of course, she doesn’t believe Garrett’s story about her dad, but really why would he lie about that? While I don’t think Byron killed Ali (at least I hope not), there was definitely something shady going on between him and his daughter’s friend; an affair perhaps?
All I can say is it’s about time one of the parents is heavily involved in the plot, even if it could mean they’re on the bad side of things.
After Aria was found and the cops questioned everyone, the girls realized they had been playing “A’s” game all along by getting Garret off the hook. And then a fight between Toby (Keegan Allen) and Noel (Brant Dougherty) knocked over the ice chest and Ali’s body was recovered.
Observations/Questions:
- I think it’s safe to assume, well actually in Rosewood it’s never safe to assume, but Mona had to have been on the train helping to enact this plan. After all, we did see the mask on her floor at the end of the episode? Also, we heard two voices when Aria’s box was being pushed… Mona and Toby?
- Who was the little ghost girl talking to Ms. Marin (Laura Leighton)? My first thought was a young Ali but why and how did she appear to her?
Buzz Moments:
OMG: When Aria turned around to find a dead Garret in the same box as her, I’m not ashamed to admit I gasped and covered my mouth! But then Ali’s body was found in the ice on the train and I couldn’t help but shiver.
Thank you, TV gods.: Jason (Drew Van Acker) is back! Where was he? And what was he doing? Those are questions for Season 3B to answer!
Awk-ward: While it was great to have Adam Lambert on the show, how weird was the exchange between Lambert and Aria? Necessary for him to be there, but unnecessary for anything else.
Hotness: Hanna and Caleb (Tyler Blackburn) making out in costume and on the train. Definitely the hottest moment on the episode.
Fab-u-lous: While everyone looked amazing in their Halloween costumes, I’d have to give top prize to Mitchell’s Emily as Barbarella. She looked gorgeous and fun with her big hair and boots!
Can. Not. Wait.: For the girls to find out that Toby is on the “A” team! It will be heartwrenching to watch as Allen told us at the premiere, but also amazing for them to see his true colors. Also, whose hand is that coming out of the ground at the end!? And why? And How? I can’t wait until January to find out!
Celebuzz (1-10): 10. This episode was a non-stop action ride that spilled tons of secrets, endangered the lives of the Liars, and was just entertaining and super fun to watch. I loved it all.
The second half of Season 3 of Pretty Little Liars begins Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 8 PM on ABC Family.
Check back to Celebuzz tomorrow to find out what’s to come in Season 3B. For now, tell us your theories, questions and observations from the Halloween episode in the comments below!
Watch our interviews with the cast at the PLL Halloween premiere below.
