This week, Lyle explains why he can’t stop watching Pretty Little Liars.

As some of you might remember from previous columns, I’ve recently moved to Los Angeles.  While out with my sister at Chataeu Marmont, I saw Ashley Benson of Pretty Little Liars.  Afterwards, my sister wouldn’t stop talking about how much she loved the show.  Granted, I usually don’t trust my sister’s television instincts, but she really seemed quite fond of the program.

A few days later, scrolling through Netflix, I stumbled upon the first season of Pretty Little Liars.  I figured I needed a new show to watch, and since watching the first season of Dawson’s Creek was giving me serious ‘90s nostalgia, I thought a popular show about young pretty girls might revive me.

So, not to totally geek out, but I’m kind of oddly obsessed with this show now.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a total cheese fest, guilty pleasure, secret show type of situation, but I can’t deny it, I freaking love it.  Of course, as a teen drama, there are bound to be issues.  Like the fact that these girls come from middle class families, yet they’re all wearing ridiculous designer duds (to school no less), and sure, the whole “A” situation and constant emergence of new suspects can seem rather dizzying at times, but all in all, the shows pulls me in for a variety of reasons.

First of all, I happen to love the cast.  The four lead girls are just so damn pretty, and most of them can deliver a line, which as many of you fans of teen television might be aware of, isn’t always the case.  Shay Mitchell, who plays Emily, might be the most beautiful girl, like ever. Yes, Emily is kind of whiney, but wouldn’t you be too if a secret stalker was spiking your pain ointment with Human Growth Hormone?

Lucy Hale, who is marketed as the lead of the show, probably due to her having the most recognizable name of the bunch, provides good comic relief at moments, and again, happens to be stunning.  Troian Bellisario, who plays Spencer Hastings, is probably the strongest actress of the four.  Yeah, her real name is annoying to recite, but her character seems to me to be the most fun to play.  Oh, and a side note, she was totally in Billboard Dad, starring the Olsen Twins back in the ’90s.  If you haven’t seen that movie, you haven’t lived.  Or you’re just sane, unlike me…

Ashley Benson is, you guessed it, quite pretty as well.  She strikes me as the least talented actress of the four, but still, most of the time I enjoy her performances.  Sometimes though, it feels like she’s given the obligatory dumb blonde one-liners that seem forced or as if the words don’t fit into her mouth.  Also, her boyfriend on the show reminds me of either Mulan or one of the Wolfpack members in Twilight.

Aside from the four leads, I have to just completely fan boy out.  Holly Marie Combs plays Lucy Hale’s mother, Ella Montgomery.  As one of the biggest Charmed fans ever to exist, I pretty much die of joy every time I see her.  The only problem is, every time I see her chasing after one of her kids, I expect her to flick her fingers and freeze time, or chant a little spell.  Oh, how I miss Piper Halliwell.

Aside from casting, I get wrapped up in the addictive nature of the show.  It really pulls you in, and actually has a few goods scares in each episode!  Like, actual scares.  I mean, of course its not American Horror Story, but for being on ABC Family, I have to give them some props.

Let me just make something clear.  In no way am I saying that this show deserves Emmy consideration, or that it’s my favorite show of all time.  What I am saying, however, is that it’s truly a fun watch, and has you wanting more with each cliffhanger.  C’mon, I know each time you viewers out there see the creepy black glove messing with a girl’s belongings, you get antsy.  Shit, it certainly creeps me out.

If you have yet to watch it, you really should.  It’s the perfect show to watch when you’re bored and alone, and I say alone because it’s totally embarrassing to admit to watching it.  One might wonder why I decided to write a column on it, but that’s because I have no shame and want other people to watch it.  So, vámanos.  Go!  I promise, the worst that will happen is you’ll get to stare at some pretty girls and some veteran TV actors.  And maybe get a little scared.

xoxo,

-A