Ep 20. Shadow Play

In the 20th episode of the fourth season of Pretty Little Liars, entitled "Shadow Play," the show takes a dramatic shift in style and storytelling. The episode is filmed in black and white and presents a film noir vibe, set in the 1940s. The episode retains the series' distinctive plot, although it has a unique twist. The episode is sequenced to resemble a detective story as Spencer imagines herself in the '40s era.

The episode begins with Spencer walking down a dingy cobble-stoned alley alongside dimly lit lampposts, accompanied by the tune of a mournful saxophone. She is dressed beautifully in a trench coat, a fedora, and fishnet hosiery. The black and white effects add an ambiance to the episode, giving it a surreal feel entirely different from the show's normal tone. It is unique, refreshing, and surprising for series viewers.

Spencer's flashbacks start as a voice-over reminiscent of classic noir films. She narrates the story, delving into her grandfather's past and the mysteries of Rosewood. Determined to find out more about her family's history, Spencer takes a deep dive into her grandfather's archives, where she comes across a detective story clearly written by her grandfather. But the story's plot has uncanny parallels with the current situation of the Pretty Little Liars.

As the episode progresses, Spencer starts experiencing hallucinations whereby her best friends are now cast in the roles of the characters in the detective story. Spencer imagines Aria as Vivian Darkbloom, Hanna as Cavanaugh, and Emily as Mrs. Grunwald, all in dramatic costumes suited for the 1940s. Everything in the episode is set in monochrome, adding a fantastic touch to the show's visuals.

In Shadow Play, a key theme is murder-mystery, as Spencer believes there is a connection between the characters in the story and her grandfather's death. Thus, she embarks on a mission to put the puzzle pieces together, following the movies' noir detective tropes, from smoke-filled rooms to cryptic conversations. As the plot progresses, Spencer's visions start to come true, and she finds herself in danger. Little does she know, as a storm of clairvoyance clouds lurks above, so do the secrets of the past.

Apart from the trippy scenes and detective plot, Shadow Play is also an insight into Spencer's character. As obsessed as she is about the mystery surrounding her grandfather, she is also amazed by the '40s era. Throughout the episode, she is seen taking risks, from slipping into a speakeasy to performing in a burlesque club.

Shadow Play is one of Pretty Little Liars' most innovative episodes, and it offers a refreshing change from the show's usual murder mysteries. It is refreshing, surprising and feels like an entirely different show from the rest of the season. It is well done, and everything fits perfectly, from the actors to the plot, the lighting, and the setting. Although the episode does not shed light on what is happening with A, it is a fantastic standalone episode that shows the show running in many different directions.