Hanna Marin officially ends her relationship with Jordan Hobart in Pretty Little Liars, Season 7, Episode 5, “Along Comes Mary.” This decision stems from a complex web of feelings, including Hanna’s lingering emotions for Caleb Rivers and the pressures of her burgeoning fashion career.
The Anatomy of a Breakup: Unpacking “Along Comes Mary”
The breakup between Hanna and Jordan, while anticipated by many viewers rooting for a Hanna and Caleb reunion, wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was the culmination of simmering tensions and unresolved feelings that had been building throughout the season. “Along Comes Mary” provides a critical turning point, showcasing Hanna’s growing realization that her heart truly belonged elsewhere.
Hanna’s relationship with Jordan, initially presented as a sophisticated and stable partnership, began to crack under the weight of her past and her undeniable connection with Caleb. While Jordan represented a future of security and success, he couldn’t compete with the deep-rooted history and intense emotions Hanna shared with Caleb.
The episode highlights Hanna’s internal conflict. She struggles to reconcile her desire for a comfortable life with the inescapable pull of her feelings for Caleb. This internal battle is further complicated by the ongoing drama with “A.D.” and the constant threat to her and her friends’ safety.
Ultimately, Hanna realizes that she can no longer continue a relationship built on anything less than complete honesty and genuine affection. She understands that staying with Jordan would be unfair to both of them, leading her to make the difficult but necessary decision to end things. The scene itself is relatively brief and understated, emphasizing the quiet acceptance of their incompatibility rather than a dramatic confrontation.
Key Factors Contributing to the Breakup
Several factors converged in “Along Comes Mary” to precipitate the end of Hanna and Jordan’s relationship:
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Resurgence of Hanna’s Feelings for Caleb: The rekindled connection between Hanna and Caleb was a major catalyst. Their shared history, combined with the intense circumstances surrounding the “A.D.” threat, brought them closer together and reignited their romantic feelings.
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Hanna’s Career Ambitions: Hanna’s burgeoning career in the fashion industry created a strain on the relationship. Her demanding schedule and intense focus on her work left less time and energy for Jordan, further highlighting their differing priorities.
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The Strain of “A.D.”: The constant threat posed by “A.D.” created immense stress and anxiety for Hanna. Jordan, while supportive, couldn’t fully understand or share the burden of this ongoing trauma, creating a divide between them.
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Jordan’s Lack of Understanding: Jordan, despite his best intentions, struggled to comprehend the complexities of Hanna’s past and the deep bonds she shared with her friends. This lack of understanding ultimately contributed to their growing distance.
Understanding Hanna’s Choice
Hanna’s decision to break up with Jordan was not simply about choosing Caleb over him. It was about choosing authenticity and following her heart. While Jordan offered stability and security, he couldn’t provide the emotional connection and understanding that Hanna craved. The episode underscores the importance of honesty and genuine affection in a successful relationship. Hanna realized that continuing a relationship based on anything less would be detrimental to her own happiness and unfair to Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hanna and Jordan’s Breakup
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Hanna and Jordan’s breakup:
H3: Did Hanna cheat on Jordan with Caleb?
No, Hanna did not explicitly cheat on Jordan. While her feelings for Caleb resurfaced while she was engaged to Jordan, the breakup occurred before any romantic involvement between Hanna and Caleb resumed. Their connection was emotional and implied, but not physically acted upon until after the engagement was ended.
H3: Was Jordan a bad guy? Why did fans dislike him?
Jordan wasn’t inherently a “bad guy.” He was portrayed as a successful, kind, and supportive partner. However, many fans disliked him because they were invested in the Hanna and Caleb relationship. Jordan was perceived as an obstacle to their reunion, which automatically made him an unpopular character. Additionally, some felt he didn’t truly understand Hanna’s complexities or her deep connection with her friends.
H3: Did Jordan try to win Hanna back after the breakup?
The show doesn’t explicitly depict Jordan actively trying to win Hanna back after the breakup in a significant way. He respects her decision and doesn’t engage in dramatic attempts to rekindle the relationship. The focus shifts to Hanna’s journey and her eventual reunion with Caleb.
H3: What happened to Jordan after the breakup?
After the breakup, Jordan’s character disappears from the show. His story arc concludes with the end of his relationship with Hanna. The narrative prioritizes the main characters and their ongoing struggles with “A.D.” and their personal relationships.
H3: Was Hanna truly happy with Jordan?
While Hanna initially appeared to be content with Jordan, the show gradually revealed that she was suppressing her true feelings. She appreciated the stability and security he offered, but she wasn’t truly happy or fulfilled in the relationship. The lingering feelings for Caleb ultimately exposed this underlying dissatisfaction.
H3: How did Caleb react to Hanna breaking up with Jordan?
Caleb’s reaction to Hanna breaking up with Jordan is subtle but evident. He’s relieved and hopeful about the possibility of rekindling their relationship, but he also remains cautious and respectful of Hanna’s feelings and choices. He doesn’t pressure her and allows her to come to him on her own terms.
H3: Did “A.D.” play a role in Hanna and Jordan’s breakup?
Indirectly, yes. The stress and paranoia caused by “A.D.” significantly impacted Hanna’s emotional state and her ability to maintain a healthy relationship. The constant threat and danger she faced created a distance between her and Jordan, as he couldn’t fully comprehend or share the burden of her experiences.
H3: What did the other Liars think of Hanna’s relationship with Jordan?
The other Liars were supportive of Hanna’s relationship with Jordan, at least initially. They recognized that he provided her with stability and a sense of normalcy. However, they also knew about Hanna’s deep feelings for Caleb and subtly questioned whether she was truly happy with Jordan.
H3: Was Hanna using Jordan for his money or status?
The show doesn’t explicitly portray Hanna as using Jordan for his money or status. While she appreciated the comfort and security he offered, her primary motivation for being with him seemed to be a desire for stability and a sense of normalcy after years of turmoil and uncertainty.
H3: Did the engagement affect Hanna’s fashion career?
While not directly depicted, the engagement likely added pressure to Hanna’s burgeoning fashion career. She might have felt the need to live up to Jordan’s expectations and societal norms associated with being engaged to a successful businessman. This could have added stress and complicated her career ambitions.
H3: Could Hanna and Jordan have worked if Caleb wasn’t in the picture?
It’s debatable whether Hanna and Jordan could have worked out if Caleb wasn’t in the picture. While Caleb’s presence was a major catalyst for the breakup, there were underlying issues of incompatibility and differing priorities that might have eventually led to their separation regardless. Jordan’s inability to fully understand Hanna’s past and her deep connection with her friends would have likely remained a persistent challenge.
H3: Where can I watch “Along Comes Mary”?
“Along Comes Mary” (Season 7, Episode 5) can be streamed on platforms that offer the “Pretty Little Liars” series, such as HBO Max (now Max), Hulu (with Live TV), or purchased on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Availability may vary depending on your region.