Final Thoughts From the Pretty Little Liars Episode "Tick-Tock, Bitches"

Based on how this episode ended, it sure looks as though Alison's husband (Huw Collins) is the one who kidnapped Hanna and has been tormenting the girls.

If he is, it's not something that would be overly surprising. After all, he was in a relationship with Charlotte and would have likely learned most of her tricks. But, if that is the case, I also can't help but feel disappointed.

Half the fun of this series (and pretty much the only reason I started watching it with my wife in the first place) is the mystery behind who the bad guy is. This season, so far, is eliminating that mystery. If Mary Drake is the main bad guy and Elliott is Uber A, then I am concerned the episodes will become boring.

Yes, she helped in the plot to commit Alison to a mental hospital. But, at least based on this episode, I suspect she may have a good side to her too.

Her conversation with Spencer (Troian Bellisario) was a bit awkward but also harmless, as was her conversation with Toby (Keegan Allen) at the police station. In other words, she didn't give off an evil vibe.

In fact, I think her encounter with Hanna will result in the latter being returned to her friends. She seemed almost surprised to see Hanna and I wonder if maybe Elliott (if it was Elliott who kidnapped her) is taking things to that extreme without her knowledge.

While Caleb (Tyler Blackburn) is right to be guilty and upset over Hanna's disappearance, I think he might be on the verge of a mental breakdown. And, I know it's only a matter of time before that has a pretty nasty effect on the rest of the group.

In particular, I wonder how long it will take Spencer to figure out Caleb and Hanna are potentially an item again. It would be different if she and Toby were showing some sparks again too. But, so far, that ex-relationship seems to be still cold and, at minimum, she is being faithful to her new boyfriend. Caleb, obviously, can't say the same thing.

Emily (Shay Mitchell) took Alison's drug-aided confession as an admission of Charlotte's murder. But, she never really said she killed her sister and could easily be feeling guilty about the dozens of other things she had a hand in.

Yes, there was that red hoodie. But, if I've learned anything from this series, it's evidence can easily be planted, especially since everyone seems to have access to everyone else's homes.

Personally, my working theory is Elliott killed Charlotte and, using his master of disguise skills, dressed up to look like Alison. If he is Uber-A, it is solely as a ploy to find out what the PLLs know and get them to turn evidence that will point the police in the wrong direction.

I think I'll reserve judgment until I see another episode or two and have a better feeling about where this season is heading. However, if we aren't being mislead and we already know who Uber-A is and who Charlotte's killer is, eliminating the thrill of a real mystery, then I can't help but be concerned about this season being a disappointing one.

My Grade: C