SPOILER ALERT: Stop reading now if you wish to remain in the dark about a key development on Pretty Little Liars Season 5 Episode 12.

Because ABC Family was not kidding for once. This episode deserved to be dubbed a “Fatal Finale.”

Mona Vanderwaal is dead.

The heretofore evil character, believed at one point in the past to be A, was brutally murdered at her home by a mysterious (blonde?) assailant.

Before she died, however, Mona got through to Aria to tell her that Alison lured Bethany to Rosewood in the first place. Yes, our suspicions about Ali and her role in her own disappearance are stronger than ever.

The hour involved the girls joining Team Mona prior to this stunning murder, while Alison convinced all of Mona’s cronies to go to her side.

After discovering that Spencer is now the main suspect in Bethany Young’s murder, Team Mona took one last trip to Radley Sanitarium, where it all started.

The operation (with Hanna on computer duty?!?) was going along smoothly until Detective Holbrook showed up with many questions for Aria.

Meanwhile, Mona and Spencer learned that Mrs. DiLaurentis was having an affair with Bethany’s father (whoa!) and that Alison definitely knew Bethany. 

This was a major find, but it was one the gals couldn’t celebrate for long – because Toby got into a car accident!

At the cage the next day, Paige revealed that Alison was building army… and Spencer was arrested for Bethany’s murder!

In couples’ news, Paige and Emily kissed and decorated the Christmas tree; while Aria and Ezra made pies.

BUT MONA IS DEAD!!! That’s the main takeaway here. Go watch Pretty Little Liars online via TV Fanatic if you need to catch up and sound off: Will you miss Mona?

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