We often forget there used to be a time before we saw the Liars on a week to week basis. Pouring back through Season 1 photos, however, has helped jog our memories. We’re taking a look back at Aria this week – particularly how she helped the girls get back together and what she was doing over in Iceland.

Aria used to be what some in Rosewood would call weird. She had an alternative style, she was uber shy and she kept to herself largely. Shortly after Ali’s disappearance, her family picked up and went to Iceland. This had more to do with her father’s affair than with Ali’s disappearance, but the timing seemed oddly coincidental. In Iceland, Aria really had the chance to bloom. She got more into knitting and writing. She also dyed her hair. She couldn’t stay in Iceland, forever, as much as she may have wanted to. Her family returned to Rosewood under less than clear circumstances.

Upon her return, Aria was slow to reengage with the group but the trauma of what was going on at home for her pushed her to reconnect with her old friends. Slowly she lost the excessive eye makeup and pink streaks, but still retained her sense of individuality and independence – as evidenced by her relationship with Ezra. As we watch Aria continue to change and grow, sometimes it’s good to remember who she was and where she came from. Do you remember Aria in season 1? Tweet us @YAmzine with thoughts!