Was that really an episode of Pretty Little Liars? Because it felt like a completely different show. It was emotional, intense, and surprising, just to name a few of my feelings while watching. But I’m hesitant to say anything more upfront, so I’m going to head into the review.

The mid-season finale, “Over My Dead Body,” was what we call a game-changer. Since the series started, ‘A’ has blackmailed the girls and gotten them to do his/her bidding time and again. Well, just as the liars decide they’ve had enough, ‘A’ blackmails them with the biggest thing of all – a life.

Pretty Little Liars (s02e12): Over My Dead Body

When I say this week’s episode is a game-changer, I don’t mean because we find out who killed Alison. Or who we think killed Alison. We’ve known all season Garrett is sleazy and not such an upstanding cop as he pretends to be. And despite Jenna appearing to be just a creepy blind girl lurking around every corner, there seemed to be more going on in their relationship than just innocent dating.

So it’s not too surprising that the two of them together killed Alison. But color me shocked that Jenna really did get her revenge on Ali and the rest of the girls after everything. Still, this doesn’t mean we’ve found out A’s identity. And the only clue we get this week is ‘A’ being called ‘pretty eyes’ while being served coffee. Damn it, that could be anyone.

Also, kudos to the show for a few things this week. First, they hit all the right creepy notes by using talking dolls, the idea of being buried alive, and trapped in a garage with car exhaust. Second, this episode was also emotionally perfect in that each of the girls got a chance to shine. Especially Aria and Spencer, who showed range and gutted me with their crying scenes.

Aria: I made a terrible mistake. I need you.

Aria’s task from ‘A’ to blackmail Jackie away from Ezra and Hollis should have been easy. Only Aria doesn’t realize Jackie has stronger leverage because she knows about Aria’s relationship with Ezra. More than anything else in this episode, I want to know what Ezra did after Ella accused him of being with Spencer and if Aria really called Ezra from jail. As an Ezria shipper, I thought it was so sweet how he told Ella that he’s in love with her. And I really hope it was him Aria sobbed too on the phone, but you never know on this show.

Spencer: I found a way to survive my secrets, but everyone I care about gets hurt.

Spencer’s fight with Toby and then running away to cry was also heartbreaking. They’ve been one of the only couples with no problems, so it was sad to see ‘A’ finally tear them apart. It’s also hard for me right now because I like Wren, but I’m upset Spencer let him kiss her. It was realistic, but I don’t have to like it.

Spencer: It’s brilliant, actually. A is being our ultimate frenemy, forcing us to get what we want but knowing that when we do…
Hanna: All hell breaks loose.

Hanna’s task to break up the wedding was kind of anticlimactic. We knew it’d happen, but it was just a matter of when. I hope the relationship with her father can be repaired. And it’s nice that Kate won’t be her step-sister, huh?

Alison: Two can only keep a secret if one of them is dead.

Emily’s task was the most surprising. The show has continuously teased us with the idea Alison might be alive. So did Emily really see Alison, who was apparently her first love, or was she dreaming? I don’t know if I should get my hopes up, but I wonder if the writers are actually going somewhere with Emily being targeted and her journey this season.

In the closing seconds we find out Dr. Sullivan has been alive and helping ‘A’ the whole episode, ““I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do.” So the game-changer becomes where will the show go from here with everything we’ve learned and all the surprises let out of the bag. Is it January yet?

Notes:

Mike is thankfully absent this week. What was the point of his story again?

It’s getting more and more obvious Jason is Spencer’s half-brother.