Yes, Mona Vanderwaal appears to die in Season 5 Episode 12 of Pretty Little Liars, titled “Taking This One to the Grave.” While her death is initially presented as unequivocal, the series is known for its twists and turns, leading many viewers to question the finality of Mona’s fate.
Understanding Mona’s “Death” Scene
The episode depicts a brutal attack on Mona by “A” in Mona’s own home. The sequence features a struggle, the shattering of furniture, and ultimately, a lifeless Mona being shoved into a trunk by a masked figure. The Liars, upon discovering the scene, are understandably distraught, and a funeral is held. The initial evidence and reactions within the show strongly suggest that Mona is, indeed, dead.
However, Pretty Little Liars has a long history of faking deaths and resurrections. Characters like Alison DiLaurentis and even Ezra Fitz have been believed dead only to return later. This inherent unreliability makes it understandable why viewers remain skeptical about Mona’s true fate, especially considering her intelligence and strategic mind. She was, after all, the original “A.” Could she have orchestrated her own demise?
Evidence Suggesting Mona’s Death Was Real
While the possibility of a ruse always lingers in Rosewood, several factors pointed toward the genuine nature of Mona’s death, at least initially.
- Graphic Depiction: The violence of the attack was unusually explicit for Pretty Little Liars, suggesting a more permanent outcome.
- Grief of the Liars: The Liars, particularly Hanna, displayed profound grief, lending an air of authenticity to the tragedy. Their reaction was not simply dealing with a problem; it was mourning the loss of a friend (however complicated their friendship was).
- Investigation Focus: The investigation shifted significantly, focusing on finding Mona’s killer and bringing them to justice. The narrative momentum seemed to indicate closure on Mona’s story.
The Twist: Mona’s Resurrection
Despite the initial belief in her death, Mona did not permanently die in Season 5 Episode 12. Later episodes reveal that Mona had, in fact, faked her death with the help of Alison’s twin sister, CeCe Drake (also known as “A”).
Mona realized she was being targeted and, understanding “A’s” methods, cleverly manipulated the situation to her advantage. She carefully staged her “death” to gather information and ultimately expose the true antagonist.
Mona was taken to CeCe’s Dollhouse, and forced to pretend to be Alison.
The revelation of Mona’s survival was a major turning point in the series, highlighting her resourcefulness and her continued role in the convoluted drama of Rosewood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mona’s “Death”
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding Mona Vanderwaal’s supposed demise in Season 5 Episode 12, providing clarity and context to this pivotal moment in Pretty Little Liars:
H3 Why did so many people initially believe Mona was truly dead?
The show presented convincing evidence. The violent attack, the Liars’ emotional responses, and the subsequent police investigation all contributed to the widespread belief that Mona was dead. Furthermore, the show had established a precedent for dramatic character deaths, making it seem plausible.
H3 What clues hinted that Mona might still be alive, even after Season 5 Episode 12?
Subtle clues, such as Mona’s exceptional intelligence and past deceptions, planted seeds of doubt. Fans also noticed inconsistencies in the crime scene that suggested a carefully orchestrated performance rather than a genuine murder. Additionally, the show’s history of resurrected characters fueled skepticism.
H3 How did Mona manage to fake her death so convincingly?
Mona, being incredibly intelligent, understood “A’s” patterns and behaviors. She likely anticipated the attack and meticulously planned her escape. She likely used strategic planning and potentially employed props and accomplices (like CeCe) to create the illusion of a violent death.
H3 What role did CeCe Drake (Charlotte DiLaurentis) play in Mona’s faked death?
CeCe Drake, or Charlotte DiLaurentis, was instrumental in Mona’s survival. CeCe provided the means to “hide” Mona by kidnapping her and imprisoning her in her dollhouse, making the whole plan work in the first place. It is revealed that CeCe helped Mona to get locked away in CeCe’s dollhouse to get revenge on the Liars.
H3 Where was Mona during the period when everyone thought she was dead?
Mona was being held captive in CeCe Drake’s infamous Dollhouse, where she and the Liars were subjected to psychological torture and manipulation. The Dollhouse became a symbol of CeCe’s twisted game and the extent of her control over the Liars’ lives.
H3 How did the Liars react when they discovered Mona was alive?
The Liars’ reaction was complex. They were initially relieved and overjoyed to find her alive but quickly became wary, given Mona’s history of deception and involvement in the “A” game. They struggled to trust her completely, but ultimately, they needed her help to uncover the truth.
H3 Did Mona ever regret faking her death?
Mona likely experienced mixed feelings. While she may have regretted the pain and fear it caused her friends, she likely justified her actions as necessary for survival and for exposing the real enemy. The decision was likely a calculated risk she believed was worth taking.
H3 How did Mona’s relationship with the Liars change after her “resurrection”?
Mona’s relationship with the Liars remained complicated. While they became closer allies in their fight against “A,” the trust was still fragile. The shared trauma of the Dollhouse experience, however, forged a stronger bond between them.
H3 Why didn’t Mona immediately reveal herself to the Liars after faking her death?
Mona likely felt it was too risky. Revealing herself prematurely could have jeopardized her plan and potentially put her and the Liars in even greater danger. She needed to gather more information and ensure her safety before making her presence known.
H3 What was the ultimate purpose of Mona faking her death?
The ultimate purpose was to lure out “A,” expose their identity, and end the torment the Liars had been enduring for years. Mona believed that by faking her death, she could gain a strategic advantage and uncover the truth that had eluded them for so long.
H3 Was Mona considered a hero or a villain after the events of Season 5?
Mona’s character is deliberately ambiguous. While she often acts in morally questionable ways, her ultimate goal is usually to protect herself and her friends. Whether she’s a hero or a villain is a matter of perspective and depends on how her actions are interpreted within the complex narrative of Pretty Little Liars.
H3 How did Mona’s faked death impact the overall plot of Pretty Little Liars?
Mona’s faked death served as a major catalyst for the subsequent events in the series. It introduced the Dollhouse storyline, deepened the mystery surrounding “A’s” identity, and significantly altered the relationships between the characters. It revitalized the show’s momentum and kept viewers engaged with its twists and turns. It also showed how deeply entwined Mona was into the whole “A” storyline and its intricacies. She was an integral piece that brought it all to life in the way that the storyline needed her to. Her mind, her actions, and her intelligence played a significant role in unraveling the mystery that was the core of the show.