Alex Drake is the infamous “A.D.,” the ultimate antagonist in the final season of Pretty Little Liars. Revealed in the series finale, Alex is Spencer Hastings’ identical twin sister from England, a shocking twist that answered the show’s long-running mystery. Alex’s existence was completely unknown to Spencer and everyone else in Rosewood.
Alex Drake: A.D. and Spencer’s Double
Alex, fueled by a desire for revenge and a yearning for the life Spencer had, masterminded a complex game of torment against the Liars. She meticulously impersonated Spencer, even fooling those closest to her. Those seemingly out-of-character moments for Spencer throughout the season? That was Alex. Remember the “one last kiss” with Toby? Alex again. Her manipulative tactics and cruel games kept the Liars, and viewers, on the edge of their seats.
Unmasking A.D.: Jenna’s Crucial Role
Surprisingly, it was Jenna, a long-time adversary of the Liars, who first suspected something was amiss with “Spencer.” Sensing a shift in Spencer’s behavior, Jenna alerted Toby, leading him and the other Liars to uncover the truth. Their investigation ultimately led them to Toby’s former house, purchased by Alex, where she had imprisoned Spencer and Ezra in underground bunkers on Aria and Ezra’s wedding day.
The Twin Test and a Familiar Ending
Even when confronted, Alex’s impersonation was so convincing that Toby couldn’t distinguish between the twins. Only Spencer’s recitation of a cherished poem finally revealed her true identity. With Alex apprehended, the series concluded with a chilling parallel to the pilot episode. A new group of high school friends, mirroring the original Liars, experience a similar disappearance, hinting at a possible continuation of the cycle of secrets and lies in Rosewood. The final scene echoes the first, with one girl asking, “Where’s Addison?” and another replying, “She’s gone. I think I heard her scream.”
Alex Drake’s Motive: A Twisted Sisterhood
Alex’s actions stemmed from a deep-seated resentment towards Spencer for the life she had. Abandoned as a baby, Alex craved the family, love, and opportunities Spencer enjoyed. Her desire for revenge and a twisted sense of entitlement fueled her elaborate scheme, making her a compelling and terrifying villain in the Pretty Little Liars universe. The revelation of Alex Drake as A.D. provided a dramatic and unexpected conclusion to the series, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
