TV 106: Pretty Little Liars

To some, its hard to believe one of the best shows this summer would be on ABC Family, but its got more than just your friend wondering what will happen next on this mystery based on the book series by Sara Shepard. Oh, and by the way Sara has already made a cameo on the show as Ms. Shepard the English substitute, so she must be pretty happy about the show too.

Granted, there can't seem to have a show without some amazing males that are more than just eye-candy. This cast most definitely has some characters you just might swoon for.

Newest newcomer is Diego González, fresh off 90210, as Spencer's new love interest Alex Santiago .Of course, this is a story about a rich girl finding someone who works at the country club. Is she just doing it to make her family mad or does she really have feelings for this guy? Diego definitely can make the screen sizzle, and he cooks too.

Of course, there is that complex dude Spencer (Troian Avery Bellisario) had her eye on. Or maybe he had his eye on her while he was engaged to her sister? Julian Morris as Wren Kim. There is something ever so slightly James Franco about his smile, and really, I wouldn't mind if misunderstood Spencer had hooked up with Wren. You never know, it could still happen.

Then there is (Lucy Hale) Aria's secret. Her fling with her English teacher, Ezra aka Ian Harding. Perhaps this storyline has been the most controversial on message boards. Many feel its a bad thing to support such an issue. At the moment, the teacher is out of the picture.

And of course, every show needs an anti-hero with his own secrets. Keegan Allan as misunderstood Toby Cavanaugh. Is he good or bad? Hopefully, the show hasn't completely killed him off, just yet. This is a show full of cliffhangers.

Yet, I feel this is one teen series that perhaps shows more real interaction with their parents than any teen drama out there. And what a wonderful chance for some actors to really grow up. Holly Marie Combs and Chad Lowe play Aria's parents, who are on the brink of divorce. Nia Peeples (on the original FAME) plays Emily's strict yet caring mother.

If that's not enough Bianca Lawson (one of the originals from the Buffy The Vampire series) is heating things up with Emily (Shay Mitchell). Honestly, I have to admit its one of the better lesbian story lines I've seen in a long time. I think most prefer to call this more of a "bisexual" storyline. Definitely, not as fast and furious as from SKINS, but most definitely a delicate subject that I think some viewers can relate too. Naturally, many of us are curious about this unique triangle forming between Tobey/Emily/Mia. But then again there is that major mystery, just who is A?

Its secrets that keeps the tension going between a trio of friends around their so-called dead friend, Alison played by Sasha Pieterse, who still knows all their little secrets, and keeps texting them and others about what she knows. It has a I know what you did last summer feel to it. Yet to some it might be a pre-sequel to Desperate Housewives albeit better written thanks to the folks from Vampire Diaries. The drama might not be exactly like the books, but it certainly brings out the best of the series.

ABC Family - Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars - Official Site