Twisted

As with “Pretty Little Liars,” the viewer knows no more than the characters. And as with “PLL,” it should be fun finding out.

By the end of Episode 1, Twisted has imbedded its hook with open questions about a mysterious necklace and Danny’s connection to its past.

As long as that emotional content isn't overpowered by the central mystery, Twisted could prove to be another worthy summer sudser for ABC Family.

Twisted combines a handful of stereotypical ideas about romanticized teenage criminals with fresh perspectives on how humans understand or fear one another under intense stress.

A cynic might think Twisted is a bald attempt to capitalize on the success of "Pretty Little Liars" while possibly adding a Y chromosome to the mix. The non-cynic might see in Danny yet another metaphor for the alienation and "otherness" many teens feel.

Thin, flavorless high school gruel, but the lead bad boy is intriguing.

Twisted takes a somewhat delicate subject and layers on ABC Family cheesiness rather thick, resulting in a series with a flippant, uneven tone. [14 Jun 2013, p.87]