The TV Chick

Last night’s episode of Pretty Little Liars, aptly named “My Name is Trouble,” showcased the girl’s deviant ways, A’s torturous ways (is this a surprise anymore?), and creepy, creepy Jenna. I know I don’t often comment about the way a show was shot, but because of my field of work, I have an eye for that kind of thing. “My Name Is Trouble” was shot beautifully. There was a specific candle scene that I will talk about later that was just amazing. I love it when an episode is so visually stimulating (and yes this includes shirtless Toby and sexy Jason DiLaurentis along with the actual camera shots!).

The episode starts with the girls in the movie theater discussing Ian when a guy in a hoodie runs after them. But, it’s all Spencer’s dream! AHH! At the Marin household, Han’s dad (yes, I call her Han now, just deal with it) is staying in Rosewood for a while. I am interested to see where this goes. And Aria is starting a class at Hollis, obviously to get closer to Ezra. Hmm, probably not the best idea.

At school, Toby shows up to fill out paperwork. He’s starting a new job for Jason DiLaurentis. Oh boy. There’s a cabinet maker who wants to hire him but he needs his own car so he needs money. Han is bored because she can’t hang out with any of her friends, so she reunites with Lucas (in a friendship sort of way). Lucas tells Han that Caleb is staying at his house, and reluctantly agrees to hang out with her. Where is Caleb these days, by the way? I’d like another shirtless Caleb scene!

At Hollis, Aria and Ezra can hold hands in public. Love this. But of course, someone is always watching. Jackie (remember, Ezra’s ex?) looks on as they kiss. Oh man. And of course, Creepy Jenna is in Aria’s pottery class! So creepy! Speaking of creepy, Spencer has an encounter with Jason (who is sweaty and good looking) where he says he’s the only one living in the house. Later, Spencer is home alone and scared of Jason. His flowing hair and beautiful muscles wouldn’t harm you, Spence! (Haha, they might…) Then, it’s flashback time! Ali is upset and wants to come over when Jason is partying. She starts crying and sees her reflection in the window. This was a beautiful scene (and foreshadowing perhaps if you’ve read the books?) A little later, Spencer asks Melissa to sleep in the house with her. She asks if Melissa would protect her over someone who’s not her (i.e. Ian). Spencer tells her this story about how she helped her when they were young and Melissa doesn’t even remember. Ugh. What a mean sister!

Meanwhile, at Casa de Ezra, Aria and Ezra chatting about Jenna. He thinks they should make things right with each other. If you only knew, Ezra. If you only knew. At the Hastings household, Spencer finds the engagement ring Melissa lost behind the toaster. Something tells me she’s not just going to return it.

Outside of school the next day, Emily, Han and Aria are all sitting in the car talking. Emily faked a letter from the recruiter with a scholarship guarantee. Aria tries to tell her it’s very wrong but Han thinks she should send it. Oh Emily, don’t go over to the dark side! Shortly after, there’s some shirtless Toby (mmm) action on the construction site. I heard it was trending on Twitter. I understand why. Jason tells Toby he never thought he was guilty. Jason thinks Melissa is approaching, but it’s Spencer. Apparently, Melissa has come over a bunch. Jason throws away some garbage bags and there’s bloody gauze. He claims he cut himself but um, creepy.

After school at yearbook (Han really has nothing else to do!), Han totally puts in a good word with the girl Lucas likes. She claims that she wanted to date him to make him look good. Aw, Han. She quotes her mom when she tells Lucas that people change and grow. Aw. I love this. So sincere. In one episode, she can be so nice and so devious. More on that later, though. Speaking of devious, Spencer pawns off Melissa’s wedding ring for cash but claims she’ll bring back the money. Oh Spence. Not you, too! Spencer buys the truck for Toby and surprises him at Jason’s house. He tells her he loves her. She wanted to say it first. Make out time. Aw yay. I really love them together. But this whole lying thing with Spencer is not so great. She’s always been the voice of reason and now she’s pawning off rings to her boyfriend. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Melissa kind of deserves it for all her secrets, but when Toby finds out, she is going to look very bad.

At the Fields household, Emily and her mom have a heart to heart about her sexuality. Aw. Emily decides to do the right thing and tears up the fake letter. Good decision Em! At the Marin house, Han’s mom and dad are enjoying each other’s company and then Han deletes the nice text message from her dad’s fiancee. Oh Han, have you changed? Have you grown? I get it, but come on! She can be so sweet at one moment and then attempt to be a relationship ruiner in another moment.

In creepy-ville that Rosewood calls pottery class at Hollis, Aria makes up a fake name so Jenna won’t know she’s there. Aria has to help Jenna after class with her candle holder/project. This is so creepy! There is a crazy cool shot of a candle lighting and burning. Jenna asks Aria what she sees, because she well, cannot see the pottery creation she made. Jenna gets all emotional. She talks about how she wanted the light to dance like it does under water. It actually does, and when Aria spins the candle holder, the light bounces off the wall in such a great way. This scene was so beautiful and so haunting at the same time. Then of course, the beautiful moment is ruined when Jenna figures out it’s Aria. GASP. She freaks out and tells Aria to blow out the candle! I was legitimately afraid that this might end with someone getting hurt.

Later, Emily’s mom comes in her room with a Hollis latter. Apparently the fake letter was sent somehow even though she ripped it up. Emily goes through her garbage and finds a note from A saying she needs to keep her in Rosewood. Oh man! Crazy! Then, Melissa goes on the move and the girls follow her. She’s talking to someone in a car. She was talking to Wren. He gives her a bag with something in it (painkillers?) This whole thing has to have some sort of explanation. Was he giving her anti-depressants? Is Melissa really in touch with Ian? Why is Ian still hiding? So many questions! At the end of the episode, someone (not Spencer) buys the wedding ring. Is it A? Ugh.

This episode set up some very interesting things. For example, Melissa is obviously hiding a lot of things. Who are her real friends? Where are Spencer’s parents throughout this whole thing? I know they are technically away on vacation but it just seems like a bad time. What does the future hold for Aria and Ezra? Things are looking very good for now, but given that look on Jackie’s face, I have a feeling she won’t be keeping that kiss to herself. What are the bumps in the road going to be? And Spencer has gone down a dangerous path. How will she get the ring back? Is Toby going to find out about her pawning ways? And seriously, what is up with Jason? He definitely has a shady past. Overall, I really enjoyed this episode and I can’t wait to see more. I want to know who A is!! Can we find out soon, please?!

Pretty Little Liars airs Tuesday nights at 8 pm on ABC Family.