Hanna's Unbearable Turn: PLL Seasons 6B & 7 Rant
Alright, guys, let's dive into something that's been bugging PLL fans for ages: Hanna Marin's character arc in seasons 6B and 7 of Pretty Little Liars. Now, don't get me wrong, Hanna is a queen. She's got the sass, the style, and the comedic timing that made the early seasons so iconic. But somewhere along the line, our girl took a turn, and not for the better. This isn’t a hate piece, more of a 'what happened?' analysis. So, buckle up; it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
The Downward Spiral of Hanna's Decision-Making
Let's kick things off with Hanna's decision-making skills, or lack thereof, in the later seasons. It's like the writers decided to throw all her common sense out the window. Remember when Hanna decided, in her infinite wisdom, to try and use herself as bait to lure out 'A'? I mean, seriously? This wasn't some calculated risk; it was a downright reckless move that put not only herself but also her friends in mortal danger. And the worst part? It was based on a half-baked plan that had more holes than a block of Swiss cheese.
And don't even get me started on her relationship drama with Jordan. Look, I get it, relationships are complicated, and sometimes you realize you're not as compatible with someone as you initially thought. But the way Hanna handled things was just…ugh. Stringing Jordan along while clearly still hung up on Caleb? Not cool, Hanna. Not cool at all. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion, and you just couldn't look away. But the Jordan thing wasn't even the worst. Let's not forget the whole sabotaging-her-own-career debacle. Hanna, honey, you're a talented designer with a bright future! Why would you jeopardize everything by making such impulsive and irrational choices? It was frustrating to watch her self-destruct, especially when she had so much potential. It's like she was intentionally trying to make things harder for herself, and for what? To prove some kind of point? It just didn't make sense. Honestly, it felt like the writers were just throwing random plot points at her to create drama, without any real thought or consistency.
The Regression of Hanna's Character Development
One of the most frustrating aspects of Hanna's character in seasons 6B and 7 was the regression of her character development. Throughout the earlier seasons, we saw Hanna grow from a insecure teenager struggling with her weight and social status into a confident and independent young woman. She learned to stand up for herself, embrace her strengths, and not let anyone else define her worth. But somewhere along the way, all of that seemed to disappear. It was like she reverted back to being the insecure, approval-seeking Hanna we met in season one.
All the progress she had made in terms of self-esteem and confidence seemed to vanish into thin air. It was disheartening to see her constantly questioning herself and seeking validation from others, especially when she had come so far. And let's not forget about her unhealthy obsession with fitting into the fashion world. Hanna, girl, you're talented! You have a unique eye and a killer sense of style! Why are you trying to be someone you're not? It was like she was so desperate to prove herself to the fashion elite that she lost sight of who she really was. It was painful to watch her compromise her values and abandon her own personal style in an attempt to fit in. It just felt like a betrayal of everything she had worked so hard to achieve. Honestly, it was like the writers completely forgot about all the character development she had undergone in the previous seasons. It was like they just hit the reset button and turned her into a caricature of her former self. So disappointing.
The Unnecessary Romantic Entanglements
Okay, let's talk about the romantic rollercoaster that was Hanna's love life in seasons 6B and 7. Seriously, what was up with all the unnecessary drama? It felt like the writers were just throwing romantic complications at her for the sake of creating conflict, without any real substance or emotional depth. The whole love triangle with Caleb and Spencer? Ugh. It was exhausting. I get that relationships are messy and complicated, but the way they dragged that storyline out was just ridiculous. It felt like they were milking it for all it was worth, without actually adding anything meaningful to the plot. And the worst part? It made all three characters look bad.
Hanna came across as indecisive and wishy-washy, Caleb seemed like he was constantly torn between two women, and Spencer was just caught in the middle of it all. It was like they were all stuck in this endless cycle of jealousy, betrayal, and regret. And let's not forget about the whole Jordan situation. As I mentioned earlier, the way Hanna handled things with him was just plain wrong. Stringing him along while clearly still hung up on Caleb? Not cool, Hanna. Not cool at all. It was like she was intentionally trying to hurt him, and for what? To make herself feel better? It just didn't make any sense. Honestly, it felt like the writers were just throwing romantic obstacles in Hanna's path to create drama, without any real consideration for the characters' emotions or motivations. It was like they were more interested in generating buzz and controversy than in telling a compelling and believable love story. And the worst part? It just made Hanna look like a mess. She went from being a strong, independent woman to a confused and insecure girl who couldn't make up her mind. It was a disservice to her character, and it was frustrating to watch.
The Disconnect from the Original Hanna
Perhaps the most glaring issue with Hanna's character in seasons 6B and 7 was the disconnect from the original Hanna we all knew and loved. The Hanna from the earlier seasons was witty, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to her friends. She was the glue that held the group together, the one who always knew how to lighten the mood with a sarcastic quip or a well-timed joke. But somewhere along the line, that Hanna seemed to disappear, replaced by a more angsty, insecure, and frankly, less likable version of herself. It was like the writers forgot what made Hanna so special in the first place. They stripped away her unique personality traits and turned her into a generic drama queen. And the worst part? It felt like a betrayal of the character we had invested so much time and energy into.
We had watched Hanna grow and evolve over the years, overcoming obstacles and learning from her mistakes. But in seasons 6B and 7, it was like all of that progress was erased. She became a caricature of her former self, defined by her insecurities, her romantic entanglements, and her questionable decision-making skills. It was disheartening to see her reduced to a walking stereotype, devoid of the wit, charm, and intelligence that had made her so endearing in the first place. Honestly, it felt like the writers were just phoning it in, relying on tired tropes and predictable storylines instead of crafting a compelling and believable character arc. It was a disservice to Hanna, and it was a disappointment to fans who had come to love her for her unique personality and her unwavering loyalty. Ultimately, Hanna's character arc in seasons 6B and 7 was a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be a powerful and compelling story about a young woman navigating the challenges of adulthood, but instead, it became a frustrating and disappointing mess. It's a shame, because Hanna deserved so much better.
In Conclusion: What Could Have Been
So, to wrap it all up, Hanna's character in PLL seasons 6B and 7 was a bit of a rollercoaster, and not the fun kind. The inconsistent decision-making, character regression, unnecessary romantic drama, and disconnect from her original self made her almost unrecognizable. It's not about hating Hanna; it's about mourning what could have been. A strong, independent woman reduced to a series of questionable choices and romantic entanglements. Here's hoping that in our memories, we can cherish the Hanna Marin from the earlier seasons – the witty, stylish, and fiercely loyal friend we all fell in love with.
What do you guys think? Did Hanna's character arc bother you as much as it did me, or am I just being overly critical? Let's discuss in the comments below!