: Several reviews noted that the episode feels like a "lull" following the season's bigger premieres. It relies heavily on subplots, such as Aria’s college application lies and Hanna dealing with her mother’s secret regarding Jason DiLaurentis. Key Plot Points
Pretty Little Liars Season 5 Episode 16 Review: Over a Barrel [S5E16] Over a Barrel
: Aria's attempt to come clean to Ezra is derailed by "A," who forces her to deliver flowers on behalf of Jason. : Several reviews noted that the episode feels
: Much of the drama stems from the growing distance between Spencer and Toby. Spencer’s inability to stop investigating, even when it puts Toby’s new career in the police force at risk, is a major point of contention. : Much of the drama stems from the
: The episode's central hook is the discovery of a storage locker containing a barrel that may hold Mona’s remains. While the imagery is effectively eerie, some critics felt the "A" plots in this episode were relatively tame compared to the show's usual standards.
: The two work together to track down Mona’s laptop using a ghost phone activation, leading them to the suspicious storage locker.