Season 3 of Pretty Little Liars has finally returned! Since the Halloween special, the Liars, along with many fans, have been left with many questions about the events leading up to the night Garrett killed Alison. It is no surprise, with the hint from the title, that last night’s episode focused around Mona. “She’s Better Now” did not disappoint, as it answered our questions, gave more clues, and of course, revealed and left unanswered a hundred more questions.
Let’s begin the recap with Cray-Cray (aka Mona) sneaking up to her supposedly “best friend’s” room in the middle of the night. I know I shouldn’t put anything past crazies in this show; Mona breaking and entering shouldn’t surprise me. Yet I am still a bit taken aback, and even more surprised that the girls do not close their blinds during the middle of the night, lock their doors, or even carry pepper spray! Cray-Cray tells Hannah her parents are forcing her to return to school, and that she needs Hannah’s help to stop them. She claims she is not the same person as she once was and begs Hannah to see her for who she is now; which is still crazy. Poor Hannah, one of the main reasons I love her character happens to also be her main weakness: she is a supportive friend and it seems Mona has lately used this against her.
Hannah’s grandmother comes back; I had forgotten how much I liked her. Throughout the episode, she tries to help Hannah with her Mona situation. The release of Mona’s sob story video does not convince the grandmother that Mona has good intentions. It seems to me this might lead Hannah to believe that Mona still wants vengeance on Hannah and the girls.
Speaking of vengeance, is it wrong that I wanted Meredith to get out of the picture (not hurt)? Yet, I was happy that Mona or one of the A’s answered my prayers (I need to stop watching Revenge). Aria could not catch a break throughout this episode. All the girls wanted to investigate further into Garrett’s claim that Bryon Montgomery was having an argument with Alison the night he pretended to kill Alison in front of Jenna. Of course this upsets her; however, Aria brings herself to ask her dad if he ever liked Alison. Bryon seems jumpy to me at this point; he answers, “I like all your friends.” Let me just say, I lost respect for Bryon from the moment he decided to continue speaking to the home wrecker. I lost respect even more for Byron when he accuses Aria and her friends of hurting Meredith – she is your daughter! Believe her for once! Flashback Moment: The reason for this outburst is because it turns out Alison blackmailed Bryon, claiming she would tell his wife about the affair in exchange for money- twice! Bryon continues to yell at Aria and says he knows what her friends are capable of. I was hoping Aria would stand up for herself to her dad, but she stays quiet.
Unfortunately, Aria’s troubles continue when she receives a baby present, from none other than A. The baby present comes with a note asking when Aria will let it slip to Ezra about his son. I feel sorry for Aria – the baby mama begged Aria not to say a word, and she is trying to respect her wishes. However, I have a feeling Ezra will blame Aria for not saying anything sooner. P.S., I still don’t trust Ezra. I can’t tell if he will turn out to be another A, like Toby, or if he has his own plans.
Now that I mentioned Toby, I have to write about how creepy he is getting. First, who was the person on the skateboard he was trying to run over? He almost caused an accident, selfish tool! Secondly, whenever Spencer brings up the topic of Mona getting close to Jason, he gets angry. Before it seemed as though he was trying to protect Spencer, but now it seems as if he wants her to back off. Third, I was a bit scared for Spencer when they were in the hot tub together. Upon reflection, I believe the only reason Toby suggested having a hot tub moment was in order for another A to be able to sneak around. Toby, don’t you know by now that Spencer is too smart for you?! For a second, his eyes seemed crazy, as he couldn’t wait to strangle her. Careful Spencer, we don’t need another rendition of Fear (the Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon version). Lastly, who honestly believed he walked down to the basement because he was looking for Spencer? Fool, we know you have something to do with that weird janitor keeping watch over Alison’s diary.
I wish there were something to write about Emily, but she didn’t have much of a story line. I will say I am happy hot dad returned (anyone else?). As much as I hate feeling locked up, I understand why he put up the security measures for his family. I also enjoyed the bonding moment they had about his understanding of losing loved ones.
As I begin to wrap up this recap, there were plenty of details throughout this episode that I have questions about.
1. What did Mona whisper into Lucas’s ear after the brain prank? Why is Lucas limping? Did he actually try to throw Aria off the train? If he did, I don’t think he would tell Hannah that Mona has been sneaking off. For some reason, his line about not being able to say anything else to Hannah leads me to believe he is being blackmailed.
2. Why did Jason lie to Spencer about not getting closer to Mona? Why did he have a wound? Was he responsible for what happened to Meredith?
3. What role does the janitor have in all of this? Why is he the gatekeeper of all of Mona’s belongings?
4. What else does it say in Alison’s diary? I wish the girls had stolen it.
I’m sure most of you have more questions and theories. All I can say is that Pretty Little Liars continues to get juicer with each new episode. Remember ladies and gents, secrets are not our friends, but they do make for entertaining drama. Catch Pretty Little Liars on Tuesdays at 8 on ABC Family!