The first “A” is officially revealed in Season 2, Episode 25, “Unmasked”. This episode culminates a season-long mystery, finally pointing the finger at Mona Vanderwaal as the original tormentor of Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer.
The Road to “Unmasked”: Building Tension and Red Herrings
Pretty Little Liars masterfully built suspense around the identity of “A” for two seasons. The show artfully employed a plethora of red herrings, making virtually every character a suspect at some point. From initial theories surrounding Alison herself to suspicion falling on seemingly innocent bystanders, the writers expertly kept viewers guessing.
The narrative arc leading up to “Unmasked” was a rollercoaster of cryptic messages, near misses, and escalating threats. The Liars were constantly on edge, trying to decipher “A’s” motives and predict their next move. This environment of paranoia and uncertainty fueled the show’s popularity and kept audiences hooked on the weekly twists and turns.
“Unmasked”: The Reveal and Its Aftermath
The episode itself is meticulously crafted, starting with a masquerade ball where the Liars plan to trap “A.” The tension is palpable as they navigate the crowded room, constantly looking over their shoulders and trying to identify their tormentor. As the night progresses, clues begin to point definitively toward Mona.
The climax of the episode sees the Liars confronting Mona, who readily admits to being “A.” This confession is followed by flashbacks that reveal Mona’s motives, her descent into madness driven by jealousy of Alison’s popularity and the perceived betrayal by the Liars.
The aftermath of the reveal is far from resolution. While Mona is seemingly apprehended and committed to Radley Sanitarium, the “A” game is far from over. The show immediately introduces new mysteries and hints at a larger network of individuals involved in tormenting the Liars, setting the stage for subsequent seasons. The Mona reveal simply opened a new chapter in the ongoing saga, solidifying the show’s core theme of secrets, lies, and the constant threat lurking beneath the surface of Rosewood.
The Significance of the Mona Reveal
The Mona reveal was a pivotal moment in Pretty Little Liars. It not only answered a central question that had plagued viewers for two seasons but also redefined the show’s narrative structure.
- It Established the Pattern: The reveal set a precedent for future “A” reveals, demonstrating the show’s willingness to shake up the status quo and introduce new layers of complexity to the central mystery.
- It Explored the Psychology of “A”: By delving into Mona’s motivations, the show humanized the antagonist and explored the psychological factors that led her to become “A.” This added depth to the character and made the reveal more impactful.
- It Opened the Door for Future Antagonists: The reveal paved the way for the introduction of new “A” figures, ensuring that the show’s central conflict remained fresh and engaging throughout its run.
The reveal of Mona as the original “A” wasn’t just a plot twist; it was a strategic move that transformed Pretty Little Liars from a simple mystery into a complex exploration of secrets, lies, and the dark side of human nature.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the First “A” Reveal
H3: 1. Was Mona the Only “A” in Season 1 and 2?
Yes, Mona was the sole “A” throughout Season 1 and Season 2, leading up to her unmasking in “Unmasked.” While other characters assisted her and contributed to the overall torment, Mona was the mastermind behind the operations.
H3: 2. What were Mona’s primary motivations for becoming “A”?
Mona’s motivations stemmed from a deep-seated resentment and jealousy toward Alison and the Liars. She felt excluded and betrayed by them, believing they had abandoned her for Alison’s popularity and manipulative behavior. This feeling of being an outcast, coupled with her underlying psychological issues, fueled her desire for revenge and control, leading her to adopt the persona of “A.”
H3: 3. Did Alison’s “death” contribute to Mona becoming “A”?
Indirectly, yes. Alison’s disappearance created a power vacuum in Rosewood, which Mona saw as an opportunity. She blamed the Liars for Alison’s disappearance (at least initially believing she was dead) and sought to punish them for what she perceived as their complicity.
H3: 4. How did Mona gather information to torment the Liars?
Mona was exceptionally intelligent and resourceful. She utilized her access to technology, including hacking skills, to gather information. She also observed the Liars closely, eavesdropping on conversations and using her insider knowledge of Rosewood to her advantage. Further, she employed tactics of manipulation and intimidation to glean information from others.
H3: 5. What happened to Mona after she was revealed as “A”?
After being unmasked, Mona was committed to Radley Sanitarium, a psychiatric hospital. However, her stay at Radley was far from the end of her involvement in the “A” game. She continued to be a significant player, often providing information and assistance to the Liars, albeit with ulterior motives and a constant air of suspicion.
H3: 6. Was Mona acting alone, or did she have accomplices?
While Mona was the primary “A” during Season 1 and 2, she occasionally enlisted the help of others. Lucas Gottesman, for example, assisted her with certain tasks, often coerced or manipulated into doing her bidding. However, Mona remained the central figure, pulling the strings and orchestrating the overall plan.
H3: 7. How did the Liars react to Mona’s reveal?
The Liars were shocked and devastated by the reveal. They had considered Mona a friend, and the betrayal cut deep. They struggled to understand her motives and come to terms with the fact that someone so close to them could have been responsible for so much pain and suffering. Each of the Liars reacted in their own way, ranging from anger and fear to a desire for understanding and closure.
H3: 8. Did the police immediately believe the Liars about Mona being “A”?
Initially, the police were skeptical. They lacked concrete evidence to definitively prove Mona’s involvement. It took time and persistence from the Liars to convince the authorities of her guilt and build a case against her. The police’s initial reluctance added to the Liars’ frustration and sense of isolation.
H3: 9. How did the reveal affect Mona’s relationship with Mike Montgomery?
Mona’s relationship with Mike Montgomery was significantly damaged by the reveal. Mike was initially horrified by Mona’s actions and struggled to reconcile the girl he thought he knew with the “A” that had tormented his sister and her friends. Their relationship went through several ups and downs throughout the series.
H3: 10. Was the reveal of Mona as “A” planned from the beginning of the show?
While the writers had a general idea of the “A” storyline, the specific identity of Mona as the original “A” was not necessarily set in stone from the very beginning. The writers adapted the storyline based on audience reactions, character development, and their own creative vision.
H3: 11. Did the “A” game change after Mona was unmasked?
Yes, the “A” game evolved significantly after Mona’s unmasking. The threats became more sophisticated and dangerous, and the scope of the “A” network expanded. The introduction of new “A” figures and storylines kept the show fresh and unpredictable.
H3: 12. How does Mona’s character evolve throughout the rest of the series?
Mona’s character undergoes a complex and multifaceted evolution throughout the remaining seasons of Pretty Little Liars. She transitions from villain to anti-hero, often switching allegiances and blurring the lines between good and evil. She becomes an integral part of the Liars’ team, using her intelligence and skills to help them uncover the truth and defeat subsequent “A” figures, while always remaining a source of suspicion and intrigue. Her ultimate motivations and loyalties are constantly questioned, making her one of the most compelling and unpredictable characters on the show.