Pretty Little Liars has a reputation for having a ridiculous number of fake-outs and OMG moments as the characters perpetually struggle to find out who the ever-mysterious "A" is. You know, "A"? AKA the person/group who's spent the last few years stalking them/making their lives mental catacombs of betrayal? *That* guy/girl.
The show has gotten so convoluted that Lucy Hale, who plays the long-lashed and saucy Aria Montgomery, jokes "I'm equally as confused and I'm on the show."
Hale had joined co-stars Shay Mitchell and Sasha Pieterse (as well as executive producers I. Marlene King, Charlie Craig, Joseph Dougherty, and Oliver Goldstick) at the Pretty Little Liars TCA press day on Tuesday, and told journalists about what fans can expect when the show returns in April to air its final 10 episodes.
PLL has already experienced one time jump. Expect the last few episodes to have yet another:
"There will be a one year time jump before it ends," warns King.
We already know college-age Alison (played by Sasha Pieterse) is a teacher. That will come up again, and soon.
"It comes into play during the last 10…the deeper you get into 10, the deeper it becomes," Dougherty says cryptically.
The series knows the importance of its fans.
"If you see an overwhelming trend—like a couple people really love, or a couple people really don't love—we have taken that into account as we move the story forward," says King. Because of that, "these last 10 episodes are really a love letter to the fans. We know what they want and I hope they know we gave it all to them."
Every question you have about the show will be answered (except one).
"Every single answer except how the moms got out of the basement," will be answered, says Mitchell—jokingly referring to one of the most confusing moments for those loyal to the series: when three characters are locked seemingly for eternity in an underground holding cell during a season finale.
Just about every supporting character is back.
"We ended up getting every single…everybody worked really hard to bring themselves back," says King, while Goldstick interjects, "Unless they dead."
Looks like all the characters end up with their true loves.
"I'm a hopeless romantic...and I think our fans, as much as they've enjoyed the mystery of the show, they've enjoyed the romance as well," says King. "The couples who are meant to be together will find their ways back together."
Alison started out as the mean-girl villain of the series. But she does get redemption.
"I think she really does evolve," Goldstick says. "There's so much more insight into her family in these last 10 episodes. You'll learn much more about the DiLaurentis'. Alison's behavior, if not forgivable, is certainly comprehensible."
We know what's in the mysterious black box from the recent teaser.
"It's a board game that is created by A, and he forces the PLLs to play this game in the final 10 episodes," says King. "And the stakes are incredibly high."
Wait. *He* forces them to play it?
"She and he…there's no really no words to say 'A,'" says King. (Ahem, backtracking alert.)
The Liars are ready to sing for their safety.
"We'll get a musical number in the last 10 episodes," says Goldstick. "I've always wanted one. This is an incredible group of talented actors and singing happens to be one of them."
The show once received negative push back for its decision to reveal that a character was transgender. The producers acknowledge this blowback.
"You don't want anybody to feel bad about watching this show, in any way shape or form," says King. "Creatively, we still stand by our choice and we think it was a very well thought-out plan. Everybody, on our show, whatever your sexual preference is, is good and bad at times. Especially over these next few episodes, we humanize everyone...We always felt like that was very forward-thinking on our part and we hope that, someday, others will as well."
Don't discard hope for a reunion special or series down the road.
"We'll find a way to bring these characters and this world back together at some point in time," says King.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
8 Architectural Destinations Design Lovers Must VisitFrom Barcelona’s dreamy marvels to Tokyo’s blend of tradition and modernity.
-
Here's How Chic New Yorkers are Styling These Pretty Zara DressesStep outside the sundress cliché.
-
I’m Ditching My Sneakers for These Summer Shoe Trends30 pairs for the ultimate new-season shoe refresh from Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.
-
Don't Miss the Premiere of True-Crime Series 'The Bakersfield 3'Here's what to expect.
-
How Victoria Justice Learned to Use Her Voice on the Set of 'Victorious'The former Nickelodeon star recalls what it was like to speak up to adults on set as a child.
-
Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones Tease an Announcement: "We've Got Some News to Share"The former 'Normal People' costars and IRL best friends seem to have a new project in the works.
-
The Woman Who Inspired Martha in 'Baby Reindeer' Calls the Series "a Work of Fiction" In a YouTube InterviewA woman has come forward as the alleged inspiration behind Martha in the hit Netflix series.
-
The Best 'Friends' Episodes of All TimeCould these BE any better?
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We KnowCue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s \201cAlmost Paradise."
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' CameoThat's some type of commitment.
