Pretty Little Liars: Summer School season 2 episode 8 titled Chapter Eighteen: Final Exam aired on June 20, 2024, on Prime Video. The latest episode brought forward the mystery behind the menacing figure, Bloody Rose, who finally turns out to be Mrs. Langsberry.
The Summer School season 2 episode 8 finale follows the downfall of the antagonists and examines the fraying bonds among the Liars. In the latest episode, the curtain is finally pulled back to reveal the enigmatic Bloody Rose and the mastermind 'A,' who turned out to be Wes.
As the episode closes, the identity of these characters not only shocks the protagonists but also redefines their understanding of the dangers surrounding them. The latest season finale of Pretty Little Liars: Summer School left unexpected twists like the mystery of Noa and Shawn, Tabby’s resilience, and the depth of the deceit surrounding her.
Ending of Pretty Little Liars: Summer School season 2 episode 8
The Unmasking of Bloody Rose
The episode's climax reveals Bloody Rose's true identity, which is none other than Mrs. Langsberry, driven by a vengeful spirit for her son, Chip. In episode 8, Faran chooses to rescue Kelly, whom Bloody Rose oddly spared, instead of pursuing the antagonist.
This decision allows Bloody Rose to escape unscathed. Yet, her anonymity was short-lived when she abducted Tabby and brought her to a church for a dramatic showdown. The church setting was eerie, adorned with peculiar paintings, horror-themed masks, and an altar that held Pastor Malachi's corpse.
Upon regaining consciousness in a confessional booth, Tabby confronted Bloody Rose, her acolytes, and an individual donning an "A" mask. This encounter swiftly revealed Bloody Rose's true identity as Mrs. Langsberry, unlike previous confrontations.
Wes: The brain behind the madness
Pretty Little Liars: Summer School finale brings in a dramatic twist, when “A” is unmasked as Wes, the former boss of Tabby and Christian. The revelation also unveils his deeper connections and intentions within the story.
Based on his relationship with Mrs. Langsberry and their shared grief, Wes plays a villain who believes in his twisted justice, revealing how personal tragedies can lead to monstrous acts.
Tabby's fight for survival
Tabby's journey in the episode is emblematic of the classic 'final girl' trope yet subverted in ways that empower her character. She goes from being a victim to a survivor through her refusal to confess made-up sins, her escape from the church, and her final showdown with Wes.
The tragic loss of Dr. Sullivan
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in Pretty Little Liars: Summer School season 2 when Dr. Sullivan meets a tragic end after a violent encounter with Archie, who had escaped from Ravenswood Penitentiary. She was in her office during a suspicious phone call with her editor when Archie arrived.
Knowing that Archie intended to kill her, Dr. Sullivan confronted him without resistance. She pleaded for the truth about her son Sebastian's death but Archie denied it. He then fatally stabbed her in the head. Annabeth Gish, who portrayed Dr. Sullivan, was fully committed to her character's dramatic exit and focused on ensuring the scene was impactful.
The unresolved mystery about her son remains, adding a lingering element of tragedy to her death. Dr. Sullivan's research on the traumatic experiences of the Liars may still be published posthumously, hints at having an upcoming season.
Imogen and Johnny's strained ties
Imogen and Johnny had a positive relationship that became strained in the season finale. During a tense moment, Imogen mistakenly believed she saw dead bodies in an ice cream freezer, which led her to hit Johnny with a wrench and lock him inside the freezer.
This incident severely damaged their relationship. Despite the previous closeness, Johnny could not overlook Imogen's actions, and they eventually broke up.
This relationship ended abruptly due to show executives' constant feedback that Imogen's actions were too severe to forgive without repercussions. Though Imogen may try to fix their relationship, the future is uncertain. Aguirre-Sacasa in an interview with TV Line on June 20, said:
“Their breakup was a very last-minute decision. We kept getting the note of, ‘Would Johnny ever forgive Imogen for hitting him over the head and locking him in the freezer?"
The mystery of Noa and Shawn
Their tumultuous relationship, marked by intense moments and misunderstandings, reflects the complex interpersonal dynamics that Pretty Little Liars handle so adeptly. The unaired scene between them could have added depth to their story arc, leaving fans hoping for its release.
As Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the creator of the show mentioned in the same TV Line interview:
“We shot a scene that actually didn’t make it into the finale just because of the running time and stuff like that,"
Further, he mentions:
"Noa and Shawn unpacking their relationship a little bit. Noa and Shawn unpacking their relationship a little bit. It does feel like their romantic relationship is over, but their friendship is not over. … We’re half-tempted to just release [the scene] ourselves."
Future horrors: The tease of new villains
The Pretty Little Liars: Summer School season 2 episode 8 did not have a conclusive ending. The eerie final scenes introduced potential new threats in the form of masked girls, hinting at future horrors. This setup not only promises more chilling adventures but also keeps the audience guessing about the true extent of the danger looming over Millwood.
By the end of Pretty Little Liars: Summer School season 2 episode 8, viewers are left questioning every character's motives, reflecting on the complex web of relationships and betrayals that define the series. There's substantial speculation about a potential third season.
Currently, Max has not confirmed any details regarding the future of the series. However, the trademark registration of Pretty Little Liars: Scene Stealer by WBD has sparked rumors that this could be the subtitle for the next season, should there be a renewal.
The dramatic conclusion of Pretty Little Liars season 2, marked by Dr. Sullivan's tragic demise and Archie’s menacing return, heavily implies that the story is far from over.
Pretty Little Liars: Summer School season 2 is available for streaming on Prime Video.