Introduction
Have you ever found yourself completely engrossed in a show, chasing every clue, and dissecting every character’s motives? “Pretty Little Liars” (PLL) is a masterclass in this. The series, packed with secrets, twists, and turns, keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Amidst the swirling vortex of mysteries surrounding the Liars and “A”, there’s a name that occasionally surfaces, sparking intrigue and speculation: Eric Justen. But who is Eric Justen on PLL? Is he merely a fleeting mention, or does he harbor a more significant role within the tangled web of Rosewood’s secrets?
This article delves into the elusive world of Eric Justen within “Pretty Little Liars,” exploring his connection to the plot, dissecting his character, and examining his significance within the show’s complex narrative. We will uncover his presence in the show and the role he plays in the ongoing family secrets, whether he might be a suspect, and analyze what his presence adds to the storyline.
Character Introduction and Basic Information
Eric’s existence in the show as Spencer’s sibling is the central concept to the story of his character. Despite the many twists and turns in the show, the writers didn’t explore his character thoroughly. As a character, he is more a plot device than a fully-fledged personality, but he may give viewers important insights into Spencer and her family.
Spencer’s Brother
Spencer Hastings, known for her intelligence and ambition, has a family with a complex history. Eric Justen, Spencer’s older brother, is mentioned a few times but never really makes an impact.
How Eric is Introduced
The introduction to Eric is through Spencer’s narrative. In the show, Spencer often refers to her family and reveals her dynamic with Eric. Their relationship is usually described through stories and mentions, building a picture of a more distant relationship.
Eric’s Role in the Story
Despite the lack of screen time, Eric’s presence isn’t negligible. His character highlights the complexities of the Hastings family, the core of many of the show’s storylines. Even when not on screen, his impact is still significant.
Eric’s story provides clues that allow us to understand the hidden aspects of the Hastings family history. His existence adds to the depth of the plot, by illustrating secrets that lie beneath the surface.
The Significance of Eric’s Role (or Lack Thereof)
The question of Eric’s role and his importance continues to be one of the mysteries fans have, as he wasn’t fully developed as a character.
This character raises a lot of questions. Is he an innocent bystander, someone involved in family secrets, or someone more sinister, hidden within the shadows? Due to the complex and often unpredictable nature of “Pretty Little Liars”, the answer to this question remains ambiguous.
Is He a Suspect?
Is Eric involved? Because he is linked to the Hastings family, any investigation into the family’s activities could implicate him. His involvement is a mystery.
As fans know, there are a lot of characters in Rosewood who are not what they seem. Eric could easily be another person hiding a significant secret.
Connection to the Hastings Family Secrets
Eric has a complex relationship with his family, especially Spencer, which could play a bigger role in the plot.
There is no clear confirmation that Eric has secrets. This vagueness only adds to the fans’ speculations. But in Rosewood, everyone has secrets, and this makes Eric an interesting candidate.
Fan Theories and Speculations
The enigmatic nature of Eric on the show, combined with his connection to the Hastings family, has, understandably, fueled endless fan theories and speculations. Some of the most popular theories revolve around his potential involvement with “A”.
“A” Team Involvement
A popular fan theory suggests that Eric Justen could potentially be a member of the “A” team. This theory stems from his connection to the Hastings family, a family mired in secrets and deceptive behaviors. This theory is strengthened by the fact that he’s part of the show’s narrative, with the viewers never knowing if he is really innocent.
Family Dynamics
Another popular theory suggests that Eric’s presence in the show highlights the complex nature of the Hastings family. Because his relationship with his family is only discussed through mentions, the viewers may speculate that there might be important, unresolved issues.
Evidence to Back up the Theories
In terms of evidence, there isn’t much concrete evidence to back up many fan theories, due to Eric’s limited role. What fans have is only speculation based on a few mentions and hints in the storyline.
The limited information available about Eric encourages viewers to make their own assumptions. These theories thrive on the lack of information, as a plot device.
Comparison to the Books
Differences Between Book and Show
Eric’s role in the TV series isn’t based on what is written in the books. The television series “Pretty Little Liars” is loosely based on the book series, written by Sara Shepard.
In the book series, Spencer has a twin sister. The television series changed this. Eric is Spencer’s older brother in the show. This change shows the difference between the two storylines.
There are many differences in the TV show compared to the books. Eric’s role has also changed. These differences reflect the show’s approach, which focuses on a different set of characters and storylines.
Eric’s Absence in Books
The absence of Eric in the books indicates the emphasis on the different characters in the story. While the books focus on the Liars and their relationships, the show’s creators chose to develop other aspects of the plot.
Despite the difference between the books and the show, the character of Eric is a plot device in the show.
Analyzing Eric’s Influence in the Show
Although Eric Justen is rarely seen in the show, his presence can still influence the show’s trajectory. The mysteries surrounding the character and his relationship with the other characters affect the plot.
The Characters’ Influence
The writers use the characters’ relationships as a plot device. Their existence changes the development of the plot, as well. Eric’s role in the plot gives Spencer a family bond in a city where everyone is connected to each other.
Eric as a Plot Device
Spencer’s relationship with Eric is an example of how this device is used. The viewer sees this connection through her stories.
Eric is an element in the show that helps the plot’s depth. His role is not in the spotlight, but his presence makes it more intricate.
Conclusion
In a show full of mysteries, the question of who Eric Justen is on PLL remains a mystery. Eric’s character may not be at the core of the story, but he is an important element in the Hastings family and in Spencer’s storyline.
He is rarely mentioned, and he’s rarely shown. But Eric’s character has raised the curiosity of the audience. This mystery can lead the fans to different conclusions.
Final Thoughts
The question of Eric Justen’s real identity will always remain.
He represents a bigger question in the show: How far would the Hastings family go to hide their secrets? He represents a mystery that’s intertwined with the other characters’ lives. This makes him an interesting part of the show’s complex narrative.
Ultimately, is Eric Justen a significant character? The answer isn’t straightforward. While he is not at the forefront of the main plot, his presence, or lack thereof, creates a sense of intrigue.
Did the show properly explore his role? Perhaps not. However, his presence adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative, reminding us that in Rosewood, everyone has secrets, and even the most seemingly minor characters can play a part in the unfolding drama. Eric Justen’s character symbolizes the unseen threads that weave the intricate tapestry of “Pretty Little Liars”, reminding viewers that beneath the surface of every perfect family lies a history waiting to be uncovered. The exploration of who is Eric Justen on PLL is a good reminder of the many mysteries this show offers and how it makes fans more eager to unravel the whole picture.
