HOLLYWOOD—It was the penultimate episode of “Pretty Little Liars” before the highly anticipated finale next week where audiences will finally learn the identity of “A.” In episode 24, ‘I’m A Good Girl, I Am’ the verdict was handed down to Alison DiLaurentis in the death of Mona Vanderwaal and the jury found her GUILTY. But let’s go back a bit; the surprise witness called to testify at Ali’s trial was Mona’s BFF, Leslie Stone, who made a return throwing Ali and the liars under the bus.

Ali revealed that she was to meet Cyrus at the playground the day Mona was murdered, but he never showed; she freaked when she suspected someone in a red jacket watching her. That person turned out to be a student at Rosewood High by the name of Kendra. Aria flipped when Mike revealed he was prepared to testify in court if he had to. The siblings later received a package from “A” with a tongue. If Mike spilled the beans, he’d lose his tongue. Toby laid into Lt. Tanner about treating him like an intern to make coffee runs.

I must say I was surprised to see Ella Montgomery back in the mix; she’s been gone for quite some time, and returns every time things get heated. Desperate to save her brother, Aria asked Ezra to hide Mike at his cabin, which ruffled feathers with Caleb. He wanted Mike to speak the truth to rescue Hanna who has lost all her fight.

I fear Aria is giving way too much information to Andrew, as she revealed Mike was heading up to the cabin to get out of town. Aria was furious with her mom who was unwilling to assist in her quest to refute all claims against Ali and Hanna. Why do I have the feeling that Ella might be harboring a major secret she doesn’t want revealed?

In the laundry room, Hanna and Ali injured themselves to create a ruse to pass information about the anagram that Mona left in her bedroom for the liars to find. Caleb and Ezra were frantic during their quest to locate Mike and protect him from “A’s” clutches, but found arrows being shot at them. Mike found himself ambushed by “A” who pepper sprayed him and knocked him unconscious before tying him up.

Toby was not happy with Lt. Tanner and her vendetta against the liars, and vowed to Spencer that he would quit his job before allowing her to leave him. In court, Ali’s attorney delivered riveting evidence showcasing that it was impossible for Ali to murder Mona because of a fracture to her arm that she suffered as a child. The prosecution had ammunition that was not accurate, but Ali failed to refute it.

Caleb lashed at the complete level of stupidity that the Rosewood Police Department has displayed, even after revealing that Mike had been kidnapped and attacked. When Toby arrived to chat with his boss, he realized Tanner had planned to nail Spencer, Emily and Aria for ‘assisting’ Ali.

Jeez, I can’t wait to see the looks on the Rosewood PD when they realize they’ve been duped. These cops couldn’t solve a crime if they wanted to. Another red flag was thrown in Andrew’s direction when Aria learned about skills that he has kept hidden, I have a feeling he is apart of the “A” team.

The final moments of the episode may have delivered a crucial clue to “A’s” identity for the audience. Not only were they seen playing with a prison truck full of dolls representing the liars, but they took one doll, which clearly represented Mona and locked her away in a castle. The next image we see is that of roses and what looks like a man’s suit. Wait, is “A” a guy; I’m starting to think so!

Next week looks to be the biggest revelAtion in “Pretty Little Liars” as we’ll learn the identity of the person who has made the liars lives a living hell since the start of the series. Until the must-see series finale next Tuesday “PLL” fans!