“You can’t get rid of me. I’m everywhere.” This chilling statement, uttered by CeCe Drake, encapsulates the enigmatic and deeply divisive figure at the heart of the *Pretty Little Liars* saga. The Freeform television show *Pretty Little Liars* enthralled audiences for seven seasons with its intricate web of secrets, lies, and relentless pursuit of the titular liars by a mysterious tormentor. While many characters left their mark on the series, none generated as much debate and controversy as CeCe Drake, whose reveal as “A.D.” (later revealed to be Uber A) sent shockwaves through the fandom. CeCe Drake is a highly controversial and complex character whose motivations and backstory spark debate due to a combination of trans representation, poorly-developed plot points, and tragic circumstances.
Unmasking CeCe Drake: From Aliases to Adversary
CeCe Drake didn’t simply materialize; she evolved through layers of deception, each alias adding another dimension to her already perplexing persona. She initially appeared as a mysterious college student with a connection to Alison DiLaurentis, then quickly became a suspect. Her involvement in the tangled affairs of Rosewood was shrouded in secrecy and mistrust, which was precisely the goal of her manipulation.
The lead-up to the reveal of CeCe as “A” was a masterclass in suspense. Red herrings abounded, suspicion shifted constantly, and the liars were pushed to their breaking points. When CeCe finally stepped out of the shadows, the revelation sent shockwaves through Rosewood and beyond. The fandom reacted with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and outrage. Some applauded the twist, while others felt betrayed by what they perceived as a convoluted and unsatisfying conclusion.
As “A”, CeCe Drake orchestrated an elaborate and cruel game, tormenting the liars with blackmail, threats, and psychological manipulation. Her motives, as she revealed them, stemmed from a deep-seated sense of injustice and revenge. According to CeCe, she believed the liars were responsible for her perceived mistreatment and alienation, as well as her imprisonment and the years of suffering she endured at Radley Sanitarium. Her methods were ruthless, pushing the liars to their breaking points and blurring the line between justified vengeance and outright cruelty. She relished the power she held, savoring the control she exerted over their lives, and reveling in the chaos she unleashed upon Rosewood.
A Childhood Marked by Tragedy
Behind the mask of “A” lies a childhood marked by tragedy and misunderstanding. Born Charles DiLaurentis, CeCe’s early life was marred by confusion and rejection. Growing up, Charles was treated by their mother as a girl, due to the fact that Charles loved to play with dolls, dress in dresses, and generally present more feminine. This, coupled with other “incidents,” led to the assumption that Charles was supposed to be a girl, and they were treated as such.
Eventually, after a series of incidents, Charles was deemed dangerous by their father, Kenneth DiLaurentis, and was institutionalized in Radley Sanitarium, a mental institution known for its questionable practices and abusive environment. There, CeCe spent years isolated from the outside world, subjected to questionable treatments, and deprived of the love and support she desperately craved.
During her time at Radley, CeCe encountered Alison DiLaurentis, her younger sister, and a bond formed between them. CeCe saw in Alison a kindred spirit, someone who understood what it was like to be an outcast and to yearn for acceptance. This connection became a driving force in CeCe’s life, fueling her desire for revenge and shaping her identity.
CeCe’s relationships were complex and fraught with conflict. Her connection with Alison was characterized by love, jealousy, and manipulation. Her relationship with Jason DiLaurentis, her half-brother, was marked by attraction and confusion. But perhaps the most complicated was her relationship with Kenneth DiLaurentis, her father, who vehemently rejected her and refused to acknowledge her true identity. In addition, her relationship with the Hastings family was just as tumultuous, as she had feelings for Jason, but was also jealous of Melissa. These broken relationships and the rejection that followed fueled CeCe’s ultimate downward spiral and need for revenge.
CeCe Drake and the Complexities of Transgender Representation
The *Pretty Little Liars* writers’ decision to reveal CeCe as a transgender character was met with a flurry of reactions, underscoring the importance of responsible and sensitive transgender representation in the media. The show received criticism for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals, such as equating being transgender with being a villain and focusing primarily on her pre-transition identity. The controversy surrounding CeCe’s storyline highlights the importance of nuanced and authentic transgender representation in media and the potential harm that can result from perpetuating negative stereotypes.
However, some viewers defended the portrayal of CeCe, arguing that she was a victim of circumstance rather than inherently evil. They pointed to her traumatic upbringing and the abuse she suffered as factors that contributed to her actions. Regardless, it is crucial to recognize the pain this portrayal could cause a trans audience.
Unraveling the Threads: Plot Holes and Unanswered Questions
CeCe Drake’s storyline, while dramatic, was riddled with inconsistencies and plot holes, leaving fans scratching their heads and questioning the coherence of the narrative. From inconsistencies in CeCe’s timeline to plot devices that seemed contrived, many aspects of her story didn’t quite add up. This, as well as the problematic trans rep, led many fans to dislike this storyline.
The *Pretty Little Liars* fandom has generated countless theories in an attempt to fill the gaps and make sense of the unanswered questions surrounding CeCe’s character. Some fans have speculated that CeCe wasn’t truly Uber A, that another character was pulling the strings all along. Others have proposed alternative explanations for CeCe’s actions, suggesting that she was manipulated or coerced into becoming the villain.
The Lasting Impact
CeCe Drake’s impact on *Pretty Little Liars* cannot be overstated. Her reveal changed the entire trajectory of the show, and her actions had far-reaching consequences for the liars. Her story continues to be discussed and debated, solidifying her place as one of the show’s most unforgettable characters.
CeCe Drake is a controversial figure who has left a lasting impression on the *Pretty Little Liars* fandom. CeCe Drake embodies the complexities of storytelling and representation. Her narrative invites viewers to consider the nuances of character development and the social impact of such choices.
CeCe Drake’s portrayal continues to spark dialogue, reminding us of the power of narratives to shape perceptions and challenging us to critically examine the stories we consume.
In Conclusion: Victim, Villain, or Both?
CeCe Drake remains a captivating character, not for any singular reason, but rather the amalgam of trauma, manipulation, and betrayal that molded her. So, was CeCe Drake a victim of circumstance, a heartless villain, or some combination of both? The answer, like CeCe herself, is not simple.
Her story is one of pain, rejection, and ultimately, destruction. The enduring fascination with CeCe Drake proves that she’s one of the most complex and talked-about characters in the *Pretty Little Liars* universe, a character whose legacy will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come. She is more than just a villain; she is a tragic figure whose story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prejudice, the importance of acceptance, and the lasting impact of trauma. She will forever be remembered in the *Pretty Little Liars* fandom.
The character continues to serve as a topic of great discussion among fans as they rewatch the series time and time again. Ultimately, CeCe Drake is one of the most impactful, and controversial, characters that have ever been created for the *Pretty Little Liars* universe.
