Pretty Little Liars has quietly blossomed into a robust small-screen franchise, originating from Sara Shepard’s book series and expanding into multiple spin-offs. While earlier attempts like Ravenswood and Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists faltered, 2022’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin breathed new life into the formula, proving that the allure of the Liars’ universe still captivates audiences. Developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Lindsay Calhoon Bring, the spin-off garnered praise from viewers, leading to its renewal for a second season titled Pretty Little Liars: Summer School by the network Max.

Ravenswood, the first spin-off, debuted amid the original series’ run, offering a spooky twist and focusing on Caleb’s move to Rosewood’s neighboring town. Despite its potential, the show faced cancellation after just 10 episodes. Similarly, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists attempted to carve out a new mystery with Alison and Mona as main characters but met the same fate, ending after its initial 10-episode run. Breaking the single-season curse, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin took a different approach, offering fewer connections to its predecessor and delving into a years-long mystery that unites a disparate group of girls.

As the second season of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin approaches, it’s worth revisiting the brilliance of its first season to understand why this fresh iteration of the franchise resonates with audiences.

 

‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ recap

In Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, a diverse group of girls find themselves in detention together due to being targeted by a hooded figure and receiving mysterious messages from someone named “A.” The group includes Imogen, Tabby, Faran, Noa, and Mouse. Thinking that Karen (played by Mallory Bechtel) was being deceitful, the group decides to get back at her, as she is the popular girl at Millwood High. This plan goes wrong, however, as Karen gets killed by the mysterious hooded figure while trying to seek revenge on the girls.
As the girls’ stories unfold, their connection grows stronger, highlighting that each of them is a fighter and survivor in their own way. Imogen is dealing with the aftermath of witnessing her mother commit suicide, while Tabby is navigating the predatory behavior of the men around her. Faran found out that her mother approved unnecessary back surgery for her, and Noa was recently released from juvenile detention because her mother blamed her for the drugs. Mouse grapples with the aftermath of nearly being abducted as a child, while Karen’s twin, Kelly (Bechtel), overcomes the presence of her abusive father and identical sister.
With their own issues already overwhelming them, the girls’ lives become even more chaotic and dreadful when A shows up. The hints and messages from A guide the girls to uncover details about Angela Waters (Gabriella Pizzolo), a girl who tragically took her own life at a New Year’s Eve event in 1999. Unaware of the connection to them, they are motivated to uncover A’s identity and the reason behind Angela’s actions. This highlights the core elements of the original Pretty Little Liars: hiding secrets from parents and authorities, daringly exploring risky individuals and locations, and distrusting those in their vicinity. Additionally, this updated iteration of A takes on more of a Michael Myers-like role, elevating this spin-off into a genuine horror encounter. The character’s merciless murders and omnipresence establish a creepy vibe that heightens the intensity of the franchise.
Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin bravely addresses more weighty and grown-up subjects. One of the main storylines throughout the season revolves around Imogen and Tabby accepting the reality that they experienced sexual abuse before the beginning of the series. Both individuals undergo trauma in their own unique manners, navigating through comprehension, anger, uncertainty, and sorrow with the constant backing of their loved ones.

Years later, the intricate network of lies spun by the previous generation of deceptive women, the mothers of the girls, returns to haunt them. Archie is revealed to be A, Angela’s twin brother, who is ordered by Marshall Clanton, the principal of the school. The mothers were unaware that Clanton was Angela’s father. Desiring revenge, he began stalking and tormenting their daughters in order to make them suffer for their actions against Angela. During the season, the fresh deceivers discover hints as their moms attempt to prevent them from becoming too engaged. In the last episode, Clanton successfully abducts all of them, intending to kill the four remaining mothers and Imogen.

What did they specifically do to Angela? Marjorie, Noa’s mother (played by Elena Goode and Sarah-Anne Martinez), urged Angela to smoke and then made her accept the blame when caught, while Corey, Faran’s mother (portrayed by Zakiya Young and Kristian Mosley), brought Angela to get matching tattoos but abandoned her at the parlor and didn’t get one herself. The mother of Mouse, Elodie (portrayed by Lea Salonga and Emily Bautista), was romantically involved with Angela in secret, but denied everything once their relationship was exposed. Lastly, Angela was bullied and ultimately rejected by the group after accusing Davie’s boyfriend, Tom, of sexual abuse. Davie, portrayed by Carly Pope and Ava DeMary, was the leader of the group and the mastermind behind the mistreatment. These discoveries indicate that the actions of the girls’ mothers did play a role in Angela’s decision to end her life. In the end, Clanton’s plan fails, and the girls and their mothers survive for another day. Archie and Tom both get sent to jail, but Archie is able to break free by fatally injuring Tom.

Intertwining the narratives of the girls and their mothers effectively demonstrates the potential for growth and transformation in individuals, while also successfully establishing a creepy setting in the run-down town of Millwood. It is truly enjoyable to see these girls come together and form connections during the show, unlike the initial group of deceivers, who were already close-knit and faced challenges to their friendship constantly. These differences appear to be the correct recipe for the franchise’s upcoming success, but in the meantime, we can look forward to the latest season, Summer School, which has already received excellent reviews before its premiere.

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TOPICS: Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin