I Spy For Slasher Fans

By: Myriam Akbar 

In the summer of 2022, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin was released on HBO Max. Based on the book series Pretty Little Liars and early 2000s show, the project was the bloodiest in the franchise. Having been a fan since the publishing of the first novel in 2006, I was shocked to see it find its way into the slasher genre. ABC Family initially wanted the original series to be a teenage, slasher version of Desperate Housewives. Author Sara Shepard, had been working with a similar concept for her novels and that’s how the show came to life. While it had many aspects of a classic slasher film (group of teenagers, violence, masked killers, stalking etc.), it never went full-on slasher in terms of gore, stakes, and on screen kills. Although there were deaths and the main characters were targeted for years, they all remained alive after seven seasons. Think of it as I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) versus Hatchet (2006) or Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003). I’d say this is mostly due to the focus on neighborhood gossip, family drama, romance, and girlhood. I’m a fan of the entire package and revisit the original series often, but want to recommend the new series for slasher fans specifically. With this project, you can expect: blood, terrifying villains, slashing, chase scenes, and my favorite part – horror references galore! 

Original Sin utilizes a nearby setting, the iconic villain named “A,” similar plot lines and character types of the early 2000s version. Believed to be a reboot because of title and difference in premise, many were surprised to see both shows intertwine by the end of the second season. Although none of the main characters return, it revists characters and subject matter from the previous work. However, it does not necessarily continue the original story. So I’d call it a spin-off with elements of a requel. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after the second season: PLL: Summer School. This was disappointing news to hear but I still think people should give the show a watch if they’re fans of the horror genre. I was personally stunned by the amount of horror fanatics who didn’t watch the series. I’m not saying that out of bias, but because I can’t see them not enjoy the experience of basically playing Slasher I-Spy. Aside from the use of classic and possibly overdone tropes, it pays homage to a ton of films from various decades. 

Tabby is an essential character when it comes to the horror aspect of the series. She’s an aspiring filmmaker, who also works at the town’s theater. She’s beyond passionate about the genre; obsessed might be the better word – which I can relate to. She refers to horror films every chance she gets, but mostly in situations when it applies. Of course this wouldn’t work in just any show. However, in the case that a group of teenage girls are being stalked by a masked killer seeking revenge against them because their mothers were bullies – it works. For me, that is. Some viewers found the horror references to be an overkill and came off as unnatural. This is valid and makes sense for someone who either doesn’t watch much of the genre or hasn’t seen the original series. Although the placements felt cheesy at times, it overall made sense to me because a main character from the original series displayed similar behavior. Spencer was also an essential character, critical to the plot and themes. Part of her know-it-all personality included stating random facts, correcting the vocabulary of other characters, quoting political figures etc. Even relying on her analysis of Basic Instinct (1992) to build a suspect list. I think the writers did a clever job of incorporating her resourceful nature into a main character for the new series. In the end, both are responsible for solving mysteries, rescuing their friends from danger, catching killers etc. 

Circling back to ISpy – while you can expect classic slasher plot tropes, prepare yourself for visual imagery that also feels familiar. In season 1, the title cards use a Halloween (1978) style and there’s a scene that looks just like Laurie looking at Michael from the classroom window. There’s some Valentine (2001) styled non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, and revenge motives. One that many didn’t catch but I highlighted on my blog, was the blood-written “A” on a bathtub wall like IT (1990). Most viewers believed it was just a darker approach to the original series’ “A” signature, but there’s themes of suicide and awareness of a villain’s return attached to it. Other examples to look out for include: a bloody high school dance like Carrie, cinematography mimicking Suspiria, visual imagery similar to The Shining, and many more. 

Similar to the first, season two pays homage to the horror genre through classic tropes, references, and imagery. Not surprising with a subtitle like Summer School, the setting is campy like Friday the 13th (1980) but there’s also some plot similarities that I can’t spoil because it’s part of the finale’s reveal. The writers borrowed from the Scream Franchise in many ways – from sketchy significant others, to obsessive cinema nerds. They also incorporated religious horror themes from Children of the Corn (1984). The season’s truly something out of a 90's slasher but still refreshing, having similar aspects to 2024’s Long Legs. 

Two pieces of negative criticism that I came across (that is worth mentioning to set you up with expectations) is that the main cast members were not skilled actors and that dialogue was cheesy and juvenile. In my honest opinion, some were better than others but I also felt that many actors (including and aside from the main cast) are gaining experience and have potential to grow in their careers. I would be overjoyed to see any of the Little Liars in a horror film and with a fun sub-genre like Slasher their performances didn't bother me at all. I agree about the dialogue for the most part because I felt like I was watching a Disney Channel horror film at times; however, I wouldn't say that the acting and dialogue was a high point for the original series either. Both have some exceptional talent; for example: Mallory Bechtel and Troian Bellisario. Also, the characters are supposed to be young so I kept that in mind while watching.

The downside to a series that aims to entertain and pay homage, is that many will find the plot twists or villain motives to be underwhelming. That criticism is absolutely valid if you’re looking for an elaborate and thrilling experience. The plot themes and villain reveals are not astonishing or revolutionary, but I feel the task of transforming an existing work into a modern slasher was executed cleverly. It does more than transcend the dark nature of the original series. It takes the premise (a group of secretive teen girls being targeted by an anonymous villain called “A”) and focuses on how this new generation of “Little Liars” strive to break generational curses (being a bully and living a dishonest life). Both shows explore womanhood, revenge, and redemption but Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Summer School push these thematic concerns further. 

If you want to see fragments of your favorite slasher films in a series, are a fan of a good chase scene, or just looking for a show to binge – check it out on Max as soon as you get the chance. 

Sources: https://ew.com/tv/making-of-pretty-little-liars-original-sin/

PHOTO SOURCES: IMDB.com, LATimes.com, PrettyLittleLiars.Fandom.com, ScreenRant.com, BuzzFeed.com