Ezra (Ian Harding) will be in a very dark place when the hit series "Pretty Little Liars" returns for the second half of season 6.
Variety reports that the former English teacher, now a successful author, will turn to alcohol as his way of dealing with all the emotional baggage he got saddled with in the five-year time-jump. This "broken" and "damaged" Ezra is unrecognizable to the girls, especially to ex-girlfriend Aria (Lucy Hale). Usually immaculate and careful with his appearance, viewers will be surprised to see a haggard man who is clearly on the brink of an emotional breakdown.
"Ezra has had an eventful five years. He's completely rudderless and has no sense of who he is. He falls down a really deep well into a sea of alcohol," the actor shared.
The promo for the midseason premiere precisely shows how pitiful Ezra has become. According to Harding, his character is in this condition after losing a woman he held dear. Apparently, Ezra met a girl who quickly took Aria's place in his heart. Nicole (Rebecca Breeds), who was previously seen in the first part of season 6B, was the one Ezra followed to South America. It is unclear what happened to the relationship, but clues point out to her dying, as she's said to have been taken away "very quickly and very violently" from him.
In the teaser, Aria, Hanna (Ashley Benson), Emily (Shay Mitchell), and Spencer (Troian Bellisario) return to Rosewood at Alison's (Sasha Pieterse) request. They will take the time to pay Ezra a visit, for old time's sake. The girls will be surprised, however, when instead of a warm welcome, Ezra will be greeting them with shouts and curses. The clip shows him telling the Liars to get out. Clearly, he does not want to seek comfort from his friends.
"Pretty Little Liars" season 6 will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m. EST on Freeform (formerly ABC Family).
