Aria and Jason’s connection in Pretty Little Liars is a source of debate among fans. They share a charged moment, bordering on romantic, in Season 3, Episode 13, “This Is a Dark Ride,” but their relationship does not progress into a fully-fledged romance.
The Murky Waters of Aria and Jason’s Connection
The dynamic between Aria Montgomery and Jason DiLaurentis is complex, fraught with intrigue, and often uncomfortable. While they never officially become a couple in Pretty Little Liars, the show writers introduced a palpable tension and flirtation that left many viewers speculating about what could have been, or, more accurately, what shouldn’t have been. Their interaction during the Halloween train episode is the peak of their on-screen chemistry, fueled by shared secrets and vulnerabilities. The encounter is loaded with implications, even though it stops short of a full-blown relationship.
That Fateful Halloween Night
“This Is a Dark Ride” sees the Liars trapped on a haunted train, and Jason finds himself helping Aria navigate the terrifying situation. Under duress, they share a moment of vulnerability and attraction. It’s important to note the circumstances: the isolation, the fear, and the close proximity likely contributed to the heightened emotions. Their almost-kiss is interrupted, leaving the audience to wonder what would have happened had they been alone for longer.
The Fallout and Lingering Implications
The immediate aftermath of the train incident is shrouded in ambiguity. Aria is already deeply involved with Ezra, making any potential relationship with Jason ethically and emotionally problematic. The show never explicitly revisits the budding romance, but the incident serves to add another layer of complexity to Aria’s character and her already complicated love life. Moreover, it highlights the somewhat questionable age dynamics that sometimes permeated Pretty Little Liars.
Why the Almost-Romance Didn’t Blossom
Several factors contributed to the lack of further development between Aria and Jason.
Ezra’s Shadow
Aria’s unwavering dedication to Ezra Fitz was the most significant obstacle. Their relationship, despite its controversial beginnings, was the central love story for Aria throughout the series. Introducing a serious competitor like Jason would have dramatically altered the show’s established dynamic and potentially alienated a large portion of the audience rooting for “Ezria.”
The Age Gap and Ethics
Jason, significantly older than Aria, presented ethical concerns that the show arguably danced around rather than confronted. While the age differences between characters were a recurring theme in Pretty Little Liars, a committed relationship between Aria and Jason would have been perceived as a step too far by many viewers, particularly given the show’s target audience.
Storyline Priorities
The overarching mystery surrounding “A” and the various villains took precedence over romantic entanglements. While relationships were crucial to the show, they often served as tools for character development or plot progression. A full-fledged romance between Aria and Jason simply didn’t fit into the writers’ broader narrative plans. Their almost-relationship served its purpose in creating tension and adding another layer of intrigue.
Unpacking the Fan Reactions
The almost-romance between Aria and Jason remains a point of contention amongst fans. Some believe it added an interesting dimension to both characters, while others found it unsettling and unnecessary. The ambiguity surrounding their feelings and the lack of closure have only fueled the debate.
Pro-Jason Perspectives
Some viewers felt that Jason represented a mature and stable alternative to Ezra, who was often perceived as manipulative and controlling. They argued that Jason’s genuine concern for Aria’s well-being made him a more suitable partner.
Anti-Jason Perspectives
Conversely, many fans found the idea of Aria and Jason together distasteful. They viewed Jason as too old for Aria and felt that their connection lacked the genuine spark that defined her relationship with Ezra. The ethical concerns surrounding the age gap were also a major factor in their disapproval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Aria and Jason’s relationship in Pretty Little Liars:
1. Did Aria and Jason ever officially date in Pretty Little Liars?
No, Aria and Jason never officially dated in Pretty Little Liars. Their relationship remained largely unaddressed after their tense moment on the Halloween train.
2. What episode does Jason kiss Aria?
There isn’t a clear “kiss” in the traditional sense. Their closest encounter occurs in Season 3, Episode 13, “This Is a Dark Ride,” but it’s an almost-kiss, interrupted before it fully develops.
3. What was the context of Aria and Jason’s almost-kiss?
The event takes place on a Halloween-themed train ride. The setting is dark, chaotic, and frightening. Both Aria and Jason are in vulnerable states, contributing to the heightened emotions between them.
4. Did Ezra ever find out about Aria and Jason’s moment on the train?
The show never explicitly shows Ezra becoming aware of the incident on the train. However, the tension between Aria and Ezra ebbs and flows throughout the series, often fueled by secrets and unspoken feelings. It’s plausible he suspected something.
5. Why did the writers introduce the attraction between Aria and Jason?
The writers likely intended to create tension, explore Aria’s vulnerability, and further complicate her already complex love life. It also served to highlight the blurred ethical lines that often characterized the relationships in Pretty Little Liars.
6. Was there a romantic connection between Aria and Jason in the books?
No, there is no romantic connection between Aria and Jason in the Pretty Little Liars book series. The show often deviated from the source material in significant ways, including relationship dynamics.
7. How did Jason feel about Aria?
Jason’s feelings towards Aria are never definitively stated, but his actions suggest a certain level of attraction and concern. He seems to genuinely want to protect her and offers her support during difficult times. However, whether this amounts to romantic love remains ambiguous.
8. Did the actors who played Aria and Jason (Lucy Hale and Drew Van Acker) have any input on their characters’ relationship?
It’s unlikely that the actors had significant input on the overall direction of their characters’ relationships. The writers and showrunners generally held the creative control. However, actors can influence their characters’ portrayals through their performances.
9. What was the general fan reaction to the possibility of Aria and Jason getting together?
Fan reactions were mixed, with some viewers finding the idea intriguing and others finding it inappropriate due to the age gap and Aria’s established relationship with Ezra.
10. Did Aria ever express regret about her moment with Jason?
Aria never explicitly states regret about the almost-kiss. However, she remains committed to Ezra, suggesting that she did not wish to pursue a relationship with Jason. Her loyalty to Ezra appears to outweigh any lingering feelings for Jason.
11. How did Jason’s family dynamics influence his relationship with Aria?
Jason’s family history, particularly his complicated relationship with his parents and his sister Alison, certainly colored his interactions with everyone. His rebellious nature and desire for genuine connection may have drawn him to Aria, who was also navigating complex family relationships.
12. Beyond the almost-kiss, are there other instances where Aria and Jason share a notable connection?
While the train scene is the most prominent, there are several other instances where Aria and Jason interact. They are often in the same social circles and share mutual friends. These interactions, though generally brief, subtly hint at an underlying connection that never fully materializes.