(S01E01) "Friends share secrets. That's what keeps us close." - Alison

What a fun show! 'Pretty Little Liars' is like 'Desperate Housewives,' 'Gossip Girl' and maybe even a little 'Vampire Diaries' all rolled into one. I'm not sure if there are supernatural forces at work, but either the girls have entered an alternate universe, or that was Alison's ghost that Spencer saw through the window. At any rate, my prediction that it would be a great show is certainly coming true. Let's talk about it after the jump.

Our own Joel Keller thinks it will be a hit with teen girls, and that's also proving to be true if my daughter texting back and forth with her friends while watching the show is any indication. I think moms will love it, too. I was hooked from that beginning scene with the five girls in an outbuilding during a storm. Alison disappears, and Spencer thinks she heard her scream. Jump ahead a year, and the girls and their families are still trying to regroup after the tragedy.

I love that not only do we have Alison's mysterious disappearance (and what was that beverage they were drinking that night?), but also plenty of other secrets within the community of Rosewood. Let's break it down:

Byron: His secret seems pretty obvious. His daughter Aria caught him kissing a young-ish girl whom we later learned -- via Alison's message -- was a student. But did you notice that Ella seemed a little skeptical when she and Byron were talking? The wife always knows something's up. But what a horrible thing he's doing by asking Aria to keep the secret. A daughter shouldn't be burdened with that, and it makes me wonder about Byron's character.

Aria: First of all, she reminds me of Selena Gomez. And second, she's got a secret romantic entanglement of her own: that cute English teacher, Mr. Fitz. Is it really awful that I cheered quietly to myself when he grabbed her and kissed her at the end? I know a teacher shouldn't be making out with a student, but ... it doesn't hurt that he reminds me of Tom Welling.

Hanna: The shoplifter! And that's not the first time she's done it either, but it's the first time the cops cuffed her at her door and hauled her downtown. I just knew when we saw her mom through the doorway, talking to the cop -- with her sexy legs in full view -- that something would be happening. And sure enough ... that was him at the end, right? Or was I just hallucinating that her mom came in the door of their house making out with the cop and then they went upstairs as a horrified Hanna looked on? I guess her mom was right when she said she'd "take care of it," but still!

Emily: Is she a lesbian? Is that what the super-awkward kiss with Maya was all about? We know Emily's never smoked weed before, and she seems fairly conservative overall. Not that that means anything. Hmmm...

Spencer: She's already making eyes at Melissa's boyfriend, Wren. Apparently, she's done this before. I totally think she should have moved into the barn-converted-into-a-loft, though. Something tells me she'll end up in there with Wren eventually.

So we know there's a killer at large in Rosewood, since Alison's body was found ... or was it? Maybe that's not her in the casket! What do you think is up with the Jenna thing, though? When her name came up, the girls said, "We made a promise." Why is she blind? Who's sending those messages to the girls?!

For the record, here they are:

"Aria -- Maybe he fools around with students all of the time. A lot of teachers do. Just ask your dad." - A

"Hey, Em. I've been replaced! You've found another friend to kiss!" - A

"Poor Spencer. Always wants Melissa's boyfriends. But remember, if you kiss I tell." - A

"Be careful, Hanna. I hear prison food makes you fat." - A

"I'm still here, bitches, and I know everything." - A

Ok, spill, people! What'd you think of 'Pretty Little Liars'? I absolutely can't wait for next week's episode. Check out the full episode below!



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