What's the Difference in the Pretty Little Liars Show Ending and Book Series Ending?
The endings of the Pretty Little Liars TV show and the book series differ significantly in terms of plot resolution and character arcs. To fully understand this difference, let us delve into the specifics of both the TV show ending from Season 7 and the book series ending in Vicious.
TV Show Ending - Season 7
A.D. Reveal: In the series finale, the identity of A.D. is revealed to be Alex Drake, who is Spencer's twin sister. This twist adds a dramatic familial connection that is not present in the books. Character Outcomes: The show provides closure for the main characters, with each of the Liars finding their paths. For example, Aria ends up marrying Ezra, and Spencer learns to cope with her family's complexities. Finale Tone: The finale focuses heavily on the theme of friendship and the importance of the bond between the Liars culminating in a flash-forward that shows them moving on with their lives.Book Series Ending - Vicious
A Reveal: In the books, the identity of A.D. is kept a secret until the very end. The reveal is more gradual and involves multiple events throughout the series. Character Arcs: The books have a different focus on individual character development, with some characters experiencing different fates. For example, the resolution for Alison is more complex, and some relationships differ significantly. Ending Tone: The conclusion of the book series emphasizes the darker themes of betrayal and the impact of past actions on the characters' lives, leaving some questions unanswered and maintaining a more ambiguous tone.Key Differences
There are several key differences between the TV show and book series, summarized below:
Mona: In the show, Mona survives the cliff fall, while in the books, she dies. Toby: In the show, Toby becomes a cop, while in the books, he dies in the first book. Ezra Fitz: He is a main character in the show, but he is just mentioned a few times in the books. Aria: In the books, Aria and Noel Khan end up together, while in the show, she and Ezra end up together. Mike Aria's Brother: He is a main character in the books and ends up marrying Hanna, while in the show, he is just a side character. Alison: In the books, Alison frames the Liars for various crimes, which is not depicted in the show.Final Finale Comparison
For the final finales, the TV show and the book series take contrasting approaches:
In the book series ending in Vicious 16th:
The Girls are Arrested: Emily flees the police and is thought dead but is actually alive and finds the real Alison in hiding with her mother, Jessica. She almost dies when Ali shoots her, but the police arrive in time, rescue her, and arrest Ali. The girls are then released as they've found the actual killer, Ali, and are free. Hanna: A famous model signs a movie called "Burn It Down" based on their lives. Antagonist: Alison: Alison is the antagonist in the books, and her twin sister, Courtney, actually befriends the Liars, leading to Courtney's death by Alison, who is then buried.In the TV show ending:
Alex Drake: Spencer is revealed to have a twin, Alex, who is A.D. Alex kidnaps Spencer with the help of Mary Drake, Spencer's biological mother, and Charlotte DiLaurentis (born Charles Drake). Alex kidnaps Ezra and wants all her loyal friends to die. Eventually, a huge rescue operation takes place where Toby (now a cop) comes to rescue Spencer. Mona: Mona owns a doll shop and reveals that she has Alex and Mary Drake as prisoners.