Note: Lots of Riverdale spoilers in this episode (from 07:11-10:13) We’re very happy to be back in more ridiculous territory as we learn just how harrowing Jason’s life has been. We also discuss Toby getting territorial over his new boyfriend, what swimming represents in PLL, the girls different arcs dealing with trauma and Caleb’s dad arc. We also go on many tangents about CW shows and the 2005 horror movie Hide and Seek. Episode 79 content warnings: gaslighting, torture, kidnapping, serial kil...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 80
About halfway through the episode, Brenton spoils the A reveal for himself on a random wikipedia entry. Watch him cause himself immense psychic damage in real time. For those watching along, we cover up any potential spoilers so you don't end up like Brenton. Before then we discuss the escalation of A, the girls escaping, Toby's new boyfriend and the half baked plan of Caleb and Fitz. After we recover ourselves from spoilers, we discuss the girls' arcs recovering from trauma and guesses on what ...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Massive tone shift on this episode as the show takes a dark turn into gritty serial killer territory. We discuss our reactions to the episode, our worries for the change in tone and mystery setup, Mona being built different, bot’s clubhouse investigations & new theories on A’s identity. Episode 77 content warnings: torture, kidnapping, serial killers, true crime, abuse, policing, death Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner versio...
Jan 30, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Alison’s on trial! We watched two fantastic episodes and are excited to dig into Ali’s poor legal defense, the town finding out about Ashley and Jason, the Liar’s making extremely bad decisions, how much a little boy Mike is and guesses on what happens next. Episode 76 content warnings: blood, grooming, abuse, gaslighting, policing, death Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 song "Mystery Sax" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.co...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Things may be breaking extremely bad for the liars, but at least Spencer had a nice getaway in London. We discuss the Hasting’s continued lies, A menacing abroad, Spencer's flirtations, continuing to ask what is up with Talia, the end of Spoby and Ezria? Hanna getting locked up & trying to parse through which of Ali’s lies are public knowledge. Episode 75 content warnings: blood, grooming, abuse, gaslighting, policing, death Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kev...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 76
We get big time reveals this week! We cheer for the intricate plan laid out here and the rare plot focus on Mike. We also try to parse what exactly is going on with Talia, Toby's continued policing, church gossip and the show pulling Andrew off the bench. Episode 74 content warnings: self harm, blood, grooming, abuse, gaslighting, policing, death Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 song "Mystery Sax" Kevin MacLeod (incomp...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 75
We ring in 2024 discussing Fitz’s self reflection and relationship wheel spinning, Caleb being upgraded to regular spy partner, Toby’s continued character assassination, the new characters in Rosewood & Mikes sour candy drop. Brenton also finally finished Unbelievable (PLL book 4) and runs through his thoughts. Episode 73 content warnings: grooming, abuse, gaslighting, policing, infidelity, death Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory co...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Lots of setup this week but everybody is wondering what's in the barrel?? We discuss Toby being an annoying cop, Spencer and Caleb's team up (and one of us gets scared this might make a ship), new characters Talia and Johnny and the Ashley's ridiculous affair. Episode 72 content warnings: grooming, murder, body horror, death, gaslighting, policing Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 song "Mystery Sax" Kevin MacLeod (incom...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 73
It's holiday special time and much to Brenton's dismay, it's not a complete retelling of a Christmas Carol focusing on Ali and Mona (although the bits we do get are great). We discuss the lesser of the holiday specials, Mona's amazing ghost form, the focus on fan service and Ali getting arrested. Episode 71 content warnings: murder, death, gaslighting, bullying, grooming Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 song "Mystery S...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 72
So uh, what just happened? We got a really really big reveal? And then a gutting twist? We’re overflowing with riches here and we are incredibly excited to dig in. And boy is there a lot to get into. Episode 70 content warnings: murder, death, gaslighting, bullying, mental health Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 song "Mystery Sax" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licens...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 71
We make an absolutely startling discovery at the top of this episode. We also discuss some other less important details like Ali's secret plans and shifty behavior, Caleb's trust in Hanna, the horrible men in Aria's life and the great potential if the show actually had Mona and Hanna team up. Episode 69 content warnings: grooming, sexual assault, gaslighting, bullying, mental health Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 son...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 70
We're very excited to be back watching PLL again. We shake off the rust and remind ourselves of the wild happenings in season 5, Haleb's dark turn, timeline shenanigans, not believing Hanna(!), Alison's sneaky moves, terribly thought our plans and spying on Melissa. Episode 68 content warnings: grooming, sexual assault, gaslighting, racism, bullying, mental health Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Brenton Theory corner version 2 song "Mystery Sax" Kev...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 23 min
This episode covers chapters 20-the end. We actually get some real exciting stuff here! We discuss our love of book Lucas, Spencer's forgetful bad time, Emily' immense character growth and Aria's teacher boyfriend getting arrested. First though we go over the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, their proposed deal and our return to PLL the show. Watch PLL season 5 episodes 7 & 8 for next time! Episode 67 content warnings: grooming, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, fatphobia, bullying, mental hea...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 68
This episode covers chapters 1-19. We're finally starting to get some character progression, but the glacial pace is starting to wear on us. We discuss why half of the characters could be removed from the book, Emily's horrible horrible time, Spencer's time in therapy, and our enjoyment of Aria's adventures. Next reading: Chapter 20-the end of the book. Episode 66 content warnings: grooming, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, fatphobia, bullying Send your podcast or show questions to our inbox ...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 67
This episode covers chapters 18-the end of the book. We reached the end of Pretty Little Liars book 2 and we’re still waiting for the plot to get going. We discuss the slow pacing, incomplete characters arcs, the ranking of the terrible parents, Melissa's all time girlbossing, Emily's mental illness and the uncomfortable reveals about Toby's past. For future episodes, let us know what type of summaries you'd prefer! Next reading: Chapters 1-19. Episode 65 content warnings: suicide, sexual assaul...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 66
This episode covers chapters 1-18 We start the second Pretty Little Liars book with an extra ADHD episode. Our scattered brains cover the girls annoying separation and stand-alone stories, the varied horribleness of their parents, Michelangelo’s no good very bad time, and Arias changing philosophical leanings. We also give a quick strike update to congratulate the WGA and wish SAG-AFTRA best of luck with their negotiations. Next reading: finish the book! Episode 64 content warnings: grooming, di...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 65
This episode covers chapters 17-end of the book. We've finished the first book and find ourselves surprised by how interesting Emily is compared to the adaptation. We discuss each of the characters arcs and how some of them are underserved. We run through the open ending and minimal plot of the first book and our expectations for the next one. Next reading: Chapters 1-18. Episode 63 content warnings: self-harm, grooming, disordered eating, fatphobia, bullying Pretty Little Liars season theme son...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 64
This episode covers chapters 6-16. We continue on our adventures in high school and finding that there's not a whole lot of plot happening. Nevertheless there's still plenty to talk about as we discuss high school cultural cache, Aria's big presentation, the fatphobia surrounding Hanna and the gross men in Spencer's life. Next reading: Chapters 17-the end. Episode 62 content warnings: grooming, disordered eating, fatphobia, bullying Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 63
We're back covering the first five chapters of the PLL book! Enjoy an extended segment of us comparing book versions and all the weird references they edited out. Then we dive into all the changes that were made in the TV adaption and all the things we're liking so far in the book. Next reading: Chapters 6-16 Episode 61 content warnings: grooming, disordered eating, fatphobia, homophobia, gaslighting Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Follow us on blue...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 62
In solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike, we're going to pause our coverage of PLL the tv show and instead switch to covering the book series. Coverage for that will begin in a couple weeks and we'll share more details on chapters discussed ahead of that initial episode. For the time being, enjoy us talking about the changes and ramble a bit about the books. Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kevin MacLeod. Follow us on bluesky @dead-ends.bsky.social Send your podcast...
Aug 01, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 61
PLL reaches episode 100 and we find it kind of strange that the story centers on Alison. We discuss the drawbacks of having a new 5th perspective, her going back to school and the lack of interesting storylines with defanged Ali. We also run through Caleb’s big return, the murky situation with new A, the beginnings of Emison and the Hastings shady secrets. Episode 59 content warnings: stalking, bullying, mental health, emotional abuse, gaslighting, murder Pretty Little Liars season theme song "S...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 60
We’ve gotten a couple of mediocre episodes but that doesn’t stop us from digging into all things Mona and Hanna this week. We discuss Hanna’s soul searching, Mona’s affection for her, their summer of friendship and what secrets Mona actually knows. We’re also caught in the Ezria whirlpool again, the Hastings keep getting sketchier, everyone continues to blame Jason and Aria really needs to start covering her tracks. Episode 58 content warnings: stalking, bullying, grooming, mental health, emotio...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 59
We can’t believe that this wasn’t part of a two-parter to close season 4, the action of the opener season 5 seems essential! We discuss the consequences of meeting up with Alison, Cece’s action bonafides, Melissa’s secret info and new club, and Shanas abrupt end. We also shake our heads at the big lie that sets up the new status quo in Rosewood. Episode 57 content warnings: stalking, bullying, grooming, mental health, emotional abuse, gaslighting, murder Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Se...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 58
We finally know what happened the night Alison disappeared and we weren’t that far off in our guesses. We are of course left with more questions than answers and we discuss the return of Noel, Cece and Melissa, the changing sides of the characters, Jessica's horrible fate, the Hasting's secret, and shooting on the roof. Episode 56 content warnings: stalking, bullying, grooming, mental health, emotional abuse, gaslighting, murder Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Tiki Island by Kev...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Brenton finds himself strangely fixated on Arias getaway, the lack of dramatic stakes and the nice new boy and wonders if maybe she’s the most self destructive of the Liars. We also discuss Emily going attack mode, the shows depiction of OCD and Spencer’s trauma, Fitz’s A theories, and whether Mona tells the truth. Finally we wrap things up with a new tier list and season 4 finale predictions. Episode 55 content warnings: stalking, bullying, grooming, mental health, emotional abuse, gaslighting ...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 56
We get the biggest reveal so far on one of the goofiest sets we've ever seen proving that Pretty Little Liars is truly an amazing show. We discuss the Fitz reveal, how long the showrunners had planned this and his over the top surveillance equipment. We also cover Aria's exciting and extremely complicated couple of episodes, Spencer's slide into addiction and the reactions of her friends and family and poor Paige who just can't catch a break. Episode 54 content warnings: stalking, bullying, groo...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 55
As PLL takes a step into Spencer's noir themed dream, we find ourselves wowed by the production but a little let down by the episode. We discuss the spot on production design, the lack of range for the characters and the influences making up the episode's homages. Before that, we run through an excellent episode where Fitz truly shows his manipulative colors. Episode 53 content warnings: stalking, bullying, grooming, mental health, emotional abuse, gaslighting Pretty Little Liars season theme so...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 54
A has gone to incredible lengths before, but nothing quite as triggering for Brenton. Luckily we have plenty of other things to be excited about including Mona’s new relationship, Emily’s righteous fury, Hannah’s new hobby, Spencer’s new secret, & a big big reveal. We also spend an extended period of time arguing over whether Mona should be forgiven. Episode 52 content warnings: stalking, bullying, grooming, mental health, dental procedures Pretty Little Liars season theme song "Secret of Ti...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 53
We're finally back! Where have we been? It's complicated... but we're excited to finally be back in Rosewood. We discuss Fitz's new turn, his motivations, how long it'll last and hilarious spying vantage points. We also run down Haleb's complications, Spencer talking down to Hannah, the friend group doppelgangers, the situation with Ali and pour one out for inevitable demise of Jake. As a bonus, we get lost in a tangent on Star Wars, Vampire Diaries and Lost. Episode 51 content warnings: stalkin...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 52
We get lost in the weeds in all the unanswered questions and lore surrounding the pact. We discuss and debate how the pact actually works, what familial ties each character has and the nebulous involvement of side characters like Tess. We also discuss how ancillary Hanna is and the show's failures in creating exciting romance plots. Most importantly though, this episode means we're done with Ravenswood! Thank you to everyone who stayed with us on our mini journey, especially Emily who is thankfu...
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 51
