WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin season 1.Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin has already received critical acclaim, and a higher score on Rotten Tomatoes than the original Freeform series Pretty Little Liars, since the original has an 81% freshness rating, and the current sequel is rated 94% fresh. Although the sequel has yet to be renewed at HBO Max, many fans are already drawing comparisons between the new show and the original series.

While the original series and its subsequent sequels have been developed by I. Marlene King, and are inspired by Sara Shepard's books, the new horror-like sequel created by Riverdale showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and his partner from The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Lindsay Calhoon Bring, features an original plot, compelling characters, and realistic storylines, that will introduce even more fans to the Pretty Little Liars universe.

Stronger Backstory

Pretty Little Liars Original Sin Flashback of Davie, Sidney, and Marjorie.

After Alison DiLaurentis went missing, her prior history as a bully didn't gain her much sympathy, and it seemed like the main villain, 'A' could have easily been Ali since she knew all of her friends' secrets. But the longer the series went on, the roster of villains, including their backstories and questionable motives, continued to change, making the series hard to follow.

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From the beginning of the pilot on HBO Max, it was clear that the main villain in this series is motivated by the death of Angela Waters, and is determined to hold The Y2K Survivors Club accountable for their actions, which were gradually revealed throughout the season, building a strong case for A's revenge and determination to prevent history from repeating itself.

Brand-New Friendships

Zaria, Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Malia Pyles, and Maia Reficco in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin season 1's finale

The friendship between Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer prior to Alison's disappearance was superficial at best since they were all manipulated by Alison. They formed a friendship out of fear of being judged if they didn't do whatever Ali wanted, including blinding Jenna, and keeping quiet about it. The Liars grew deeper connections while Ali was away, but it took time to build healthy relationships.

In Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, the teenage girls are basically strangers, aside from attending the same school. It's not until after 'A' gruesomely frames each of them, and lands them in detention, Breakfast Club-style, that they start to form a bond over a common enemy. But when they're given a chance to turn on each other, they decide to stay together and build a friendship based on honesty and trust.

Well-Rounded Characters

Split Image of Faran, Imogen, Tabby, Noa, and Mouse on Pretty Little Liars Original Sin.

Aside from Emily's swimming, and Spencer's short-lived time playing field hockey, most of the main characters on Pretty Little Liars didn't have a lot of personal interests, and usually became wrapped up in their love lives or the weekly drama from 'A.' Although they had distinct senses of style, the depth of their characters should have been explored more.

The new generation of Liars ironically calls themselves, "The Losers Club," but Noa, Faran, Mouse, Tabby, and Imogen aren't defined by who they date, but by what they set out to accomplish, in order to have a better life. As they work through traumas and pursue their passions, the audience is able to relate to the PLL characters, and the obstacles they face.

Age-Appropriate Relationships

Split Image of Aria and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars, and Shawn and Noa from Pretty Little Liars Original Sin.

One of the biggest criticisms of the original Pretty Little Liars series is its plethora of inappropriate romantic relationships (via Marie Claire). While most fans remember that Aria dated her teacher Ezra, many forget how many adults (including a doctor and several cops) were romantically involved with high school students. The power dynamics and consent laws make it hard to re-watch the Freeform series.

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So far, all the consensual love interests on Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin are age-appropriate. While Sheriff Beasley abused his power with a teenage boy, and Wes tried to make a move on Tabby multiple times, neither of those situations came from a supposed place of love, and the perpetrators were held accountable for their actions.

More Important Parents

Sidney Hawthorne smiling on Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Although Aria, Emily, Hanna, Spencer, and Alison's parents appeared in Pretty Little Liars, their secrets were only revealed whenever it seemed convenient for the writers to add a new twist. When their moms got locked in the basement, and no one noticed, it proved that the parents weren't integral to the main plot, even if their PLL storylines were more entertaining.

The entire premise of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin stems from the moms and their time in high school. If they had not mistreated Angela Waters, 'A' wouldn't have gone to Millwood High to "Punish The Guilty."

Better Story Progression

An image of Mona holding a tape in Pretty Little Liars

In the first couple of seasons of Pretty Little Liars, A's motivation was obvious: a neglected nerd seeks revenge on popular girls. But as the seasons went on, the stunts 'A' pulled became so outlandish and invasive, it seemed unfathomable that one person or even a team of people would want to destroy the lives of five young women, especially if they didn't know them well.

As the sequel introduced the mothers and their daughters, it was clear that history was repeating itself. This time, 'A' orchestrated the friendship of "The Losers Club" and sent gifts to The Y2K Survivors Club, but only some moms had learned from past mistakes, while others hurt their daughters just like they hurt Angela Waters. While parts of the season finale were shocking, the main story made sense.

More Sensitive Towards Deep Issues

Pretty Little Liars Original Sin Imogen is crying, and Mouse is consoling her.

Aside from tragic losses of characters like Maya and Mr. Fields, the original Pretty Little Liars rarely addressed issues teenagers face in real life. Although the show touched on Hanna's eating disorder, and Spencer's dependence on pills, their personal issues were often mocked and the concept of seeking help was stigmatized since doctors and therapists in Rosewood were often corrupted by 'A.'

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The death of Davie Adams was a deeply upsetting tragedy that opened up a conversation about mental health and bullying. As the characters in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin revealed their traumatic experiences, they turned to their friends and a trusted adult, like a parent, school nurse, or teacher, for support. By featuring real-world dangers and the importance of a strong support system, the sequel showed more sympathy than its predecessor.

More Tangible 'A'

A on Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Behind the anonymity of a screen, a piece of paper, or a black hoodie, not much was known about 'A' in Pretty Little Liars. At any given time, it could be one person, an anonymous leader ordering around minions, or a red herring. Since anyone could have been 'A,' the writers would frequently change the villain, even if it led to a slew of continuity errors in Pretty Little Liars.

While the mysterious texts and handwritten notes were an homage to the original show, the main difference in the sequel was that 'A' wanted to be seen in his leather mask. He would stomp around Millwood, stand in front of windows, or chase "The Losers Club" through buildings. A's height, stature, gait, and even his voice were known, which narrowed the pool of suspects.

Realistic Additional Villains

Pretty Little Liars Sydney and Jenna look like twins.

Pretty Little Liars was always known for having a roster of 'A' suspects, but also a constant rotation of nefarious characters. From sleazy cops to intimidating classmates and shady siblings, the additional villains on Pretty Little Liars sometimes made sense, but usually felt unnecessary.

Since Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin leans more into the horror genre, the real villains could be anyone who knows the main characters. Queen Bee Karen Beasley was the perfect common enemy, but assigning additional foes to each of the main girls made their realities especially gruesome, and the disturbing motives behind the villains' actions were creepily convincing.

More Inclusive

Pretty Little Liars Original Sin Mouse and Elodie talking.

Emily Fields carried a show that otherwise killed off people of color, and mostly provided lesbian characters for her to date. By changing the entire backstory of an existing character, Pretty Little Liars leaned into a toxic narrative that trans people try to "fool" others, and cause harm. While the 'A' reveal was shocking, the horrible disservice to the trans community was appalling.

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin features a diverse cast of brave characters, with unique stories to tell. When bullies like Karen project racist, homophobic, or demeaning comments, or Tabby's teacher goes along with a whitewashed curriculum, the main characters call out injustice. The loving relationship between Mouse's moms, and Mouse's sweet connection with Ash (who happens to be trans), creates positive LGBTQ+ representation that is a welcome addition to the Pretty Little Liars universe.

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