Ian Harding: A Reveal Isn't Biggest Finale Shocker

Ian Harding talks to TVLine about what's ahead for Ezria and the biggest shockers of the season finale.

TVLINE | It seems the Aria and Ezra fans can never breathe easy. Any words of encouragement about the star-crossed couple as we approach the end of the season?
There’s some really juicy stuff that happens, especially in the last two episodes — so much that I almost don’t even want to talk about it because it’s just so good. But Aria and Ezra are always in question. There will never be a moment — not until maybe the series is done for good — where they can relax, but I will say things get a little more solidified in where they stand together, as a couple.

TVLINE | Will Aria’s childhood friend Holden become an issue for the two? The friendship seems pretty mutual now, but you never know.
I wouldn’t put it past the writers to maybe do some switching it up. Anybody is a possibility. [Laughs] From a story perspective, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Holden, but as of right now it feels pretty platonic between the two. But you’re right, never say never in Rosewood.

TVLINE | How does Ezra’s out-of-town job offer pan out?
Ezra is such a brainiac, and even though he’s absolutely in love with Aria, he really is mulling this over. Even though the offer came out of a bad place — as in it was set up for him not because of his actual abilities but so Byron could get him out of Rosewood — he still wants it because it’s a really good job. It will move his career eight years ahead of schedule. Of course, this puts Aria off a little bit because she thinks it’s a no-brainer to turn it down, but Ezra is a little like, “Well….” So, problems will arise.

TVLINE | Ezra almost had a run-in with Byron last week. Will the two interact or have a showdown before the season’s end?
Oh, yeah. There are going to be some “words.” [Laughs] There is going to be a very, um, tense discussion between the two of them, and some choice words will be said.

TVLINE | How is that conversation initiated given how carefully the two have recently been avoiding each other?
Most of the time adults try to put on a good face in an uncomfortable situation… but Byron is kinda maybe checking in [on Ezra] and thinks it’s going to be more of the same. Then something happens and there’s a switch, so one of us decides to no longer keep up the façade.

TVLINE | Finally, what can you say about the impending “A” reveal? What was your initial reaction upon learning who has been behind all of this?
I was actually kind of shocked when we found out who this person/people/thing was, because I think the writers have done a good job making it seem like anyone can be “A.” People will be pleasantly surprised, but that’s not even the biggest part of the episode — which really says something. There must be something huge in this finale if revealing who “A” is isn’t the biggest shocker. So, that’s what I will say about that.

TVLine