Paloma Guzman

As the shocking news about Ian (recurring guest star Ryan Merriman) makes the rounds through Rosewood, Aria, Emily, Hanna, Spencer and their families all try to cope with the outcome and some much needed closure. With her home life particularly in turmoil, Spencer stays focused on her family and the surprising support she gets from her parents. Emily, on the other hand, can’t seem to find the closure that others are relishing; rather, she digs her heels in to find any shred of evidence they may have overlooked. Aria looks to find comfort in Ezra, but with their relationship still new to the outside world, the couple struggles to be so public so fast. With everyone sharing a huge sigh of relief, could Emily be right — that the devil they think has been put to rest is nowhere near the evil that still looms out there and is out to get the girls? Meanwhile, Hanna gets a surprising look into Caleb’s (recurring guest star Tyler Blackburn) life after his shady foster mother surfaces.

As Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer try to keep their distance from each other, each girl looks to distractions to help fulfill the “separate time” request from their parents. Aria channels her inner artist and signs up for a pottery class at Hollis College. Not only does the class qualify as “separate time,” but it also gives her an excuse to see Ezra on campus, so there are benefits on both sides — that is, until she finds out Jenna is also taking the class. Emily stays focused on her swimming career and how that could help her stay in Rosewood, but when she doesn’t get the solid commitment from Danby University, she comes up with a way to fudge things to convince her mom to stay. But will goody-two-shoes Emily be able to go through with her sneaky plan? Feeling like the only one who doesn’t have a hobby, Hanna turns to Lucas to see if she can join the yearbook staff to fill her time.

Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer have made a crucial mistake — they told someone about “A” and now they must pay the price. With the clock ticking and “A” calling the shots, the girls are sent on missions to do “A’s” bidding in order to save their trusted confidant. Each mission will ultimately lead to what the four liars want the most, but at a costly price to their loved ones and themselves. Can Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer go through with their given tasks, or will they ignore “A” to save those around them from being hurt? And, ultimately, will this matter when all is said and done? Nothing is ever as it seems in Rosewood, PA.

Rosewood's Founders Festival sets the stage for more secrets. Everyone has something to hide — whether it is a secret romance, or revealing a true identity and true intentions. For Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer, keeping things hidden is second nature, but having to live with those secrets can become a big burden. How long can Aria be with someone when they can't go out in public? Is it a true friendship when Spencer and Toby aren't able to be seen together? How truthful can Emily be when she can't be honest about whom she wants to be with? And how can Hanna move on when secretly she wants to be with the one who broke her heart? With someone like "A" out there to watch their every move, the four girls may not have to worry about keeping things hidden for too much longer.

A month has passed since Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer were arrested and a lot has changed in Rosewood … and with the girls. They are at each others’ throats and no longer are they mighty best friends. Emily has been iced out completely. But what could have divided them so severely? Has “A” finally won the game of divide and conquer? With Emily now truly on her own, is she ripe for “A’s” picking?