The gang convenes at Spencer’s house and pools their brain power to find Charlotte’s killer in 24 hours. The first step? Everyone writes down their theories and puts it in a bowl like they’re playing charades. Jesus Christ, kids. Most of them wrote down Ali, which a vote for Spencer and Mona, and one abstaining vote (who you KNOW is Emily). They set about finding a motive, and a means for Ali.
Meanwhile, we cut to a barn in the middle of the woods where Hanna is being held captive. She’s scared, alone, and missing her pants. We’ve all been there, girl.
Aria flashes back to the night of the murder, when she saw Charlotte going into the church. But maybe she really saw Ali in a red sweater? Emily refuses to believe that Ali killed Charlotte, since she stayed in Rosewood to be with her, but Spencer thinks that perhaps Charlotte snapped and Ali was forced to kill her in self-defense. They all decide that if they find the bloody red jacket, it will somehow prove Ali’s guilt.
They decide to split up and sleuth on their own. Caleb, Mona, Spencer, and Toby head to the motel, where they spy on Mary unpacking a van. When she drives off, Caleb goes to follow her, leaving Spencer and Toby at the resort to investigate. Toby picks the lock, impressing Spencer with his cop skills, and they search the cabin. They find books in different languages on different subjects, from cyber bullying to construction to medicine. Spencer can read them all because she’s become a polyglot thanks to a new app. I became a cat collector thanks to my new app, but whatever, yours is cool too Spence.
Emily goes to Wellby to questions Ali, and runs into Rollins, who tells her that Ali has suffered a complete psychotic break brought on by a “lethal dose of guilt.” Ali thrashes around on a bed until she is restrained and sedated. I love “lethal dose of guilt” by the way. I think it’s the new adrenalized hyper-reality. If any psych students are reading this recap, please tell me if this is a thing or not.