Why Detective Holbrook Is a Top Varjack Suspect in Pretty Little Liars

The Varjack Theory: Detective Holbrook’s Role in Pretty Little Liars’ Big Mystery

Few television series have prompted as much speculation and theorizing as Pretty Little Liars (PLL). Among the show’s web of secrets and red herrings, one enduring mystery is the identity of Varjack—a shadowy figure tied to Rosewood’s ongoing mayhem. While many characters have appeared under suspicion, a compelling case has emerged implicating Detective Gabriel Holbrook as Varjack, the elusive mastermind pulling the strings. This article closely examines Holbrook’s behavior, motives, and relationships to uncover why he might, in fact, be the show’s ultimate antagonist.

Who or What Is Varjack?

“Varjack” is a shadowy codename first hinted at in PLL, becoming a focal point for both the show’s characters and its viewership. Viewers were introduced to cryptic threats, menacing phone calls, and mysterious clues all referring to “Varjack.” As the liars attempted to piece together this identity, fans spun their own web of theories—connecting Varjack to a multitude of characters, from Ezra Fitz to CeCe Drake and beyond.

The name is a reference to Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where Paul Varjak is the charming confidant and love interest of Holly Golightly. Just as in the film, the PLL Varjack exists on the periphery, never quite coming into full view, but whose actions shape the fates of the central characters.

Detective Holbrook’s Entry into Rosewood

Detective Gabriel Holbrook, played by Sean Faris, enters the series as a determined investigator, initially assigned to solve the murder of Detective Wilden. Quickly paired with the equally relentless Detective Linda Tanner, Holbrook’s “hot cop” dynamic is established: a focused, sometimes charming, and often relentless presence in Rosewood’s ongoing criminal investigations.

At first glance, Holbrook appears as just another authority figure brought in to “clean up” Rosewood’s chaos. However, unlike his predecessors, he remains intricately involved as the town’s mysteries deepen, particularly around the disappearance and reappearance of Alison DiLaurentis and the murder of Bethany Young.

Holbrook’s Obsession With the Liars

From the moment Holbrook arrives in Rosewood, he is almost single-mindedly focused on the group of girls known as “the liars.” He is convinced they are at the center of every major crime and mystery plaguing the town—from Wilden’s murder to Ali’s vanishing act and Bethany Young’s death.

• Holbrook’s investigations frequently cross professional boundaries. He appears at the girls’ school, follows them in public and private settings, and generally keeps them under near-constant surveillance.
• His interaction style toggles between friendly and intimidating, making the liars (and viewers) suspect that his fixation is rooted in more than just police work.
• This level of obsession feels excessive even by Rosewood standards—a town notorious for its lack of parental and authoritative oversight.

If Rosewood’s fictional parents were more present, multiple harassment complaints likely would have been filed against Holbrook long before his story comes to a head. Instead, his unchecked access gives him ample opportunity to integrate himself into every twist and turn.

Holbrook’s Complicated Relationship With Ali

One of the most significant strikes against Holbrook’s innocence—and one of the central pillars of the Varjack theory—is his romantic involvement with Alison DiLaurentis. During the Christmas ball episode, Holbrook and Ali are seen sharing a kiss, confirming at least a brief romantic relationship.

This detail is crucial for several reasons:

• Ali’s Manipulative Power: Alison is known for her ability to manipulate those around her, especially men in authority. Her involvement with Holbrook could have been a calculated move to garner protection or insider information as she tried to avoid jail time.
• Holbrook’s Vulnerability: Holbrook, at least eight years younger than Ali, is susceptible to her charm, much like the many men who have become fixated on her over the series.
• Scorn and Revenge: Once Ali distances herself from Holbrook, he is left rejected and potentially embittered. This classic “scorned lover” scenario is a hallmark motivator in both real-world crime and PLL’s twisted landscape.

A Recipe for Desperation

As the show progresses, Holbrook’s entanglements catch up with him. His questionable methods and relationships put his professional standing in jeopardy, ultimately resulting in his suspension from the Rosewood police force.

• With his career derailed, Holbrook is left adrift: jobless, lacking romantic prospects, and deeply aggrieved.
• This combination—the “perfect cocktail” for someone with control issues—sets the stage for a classic PLL villain’s unraveling.

Why Holbrook Could Be Varjack

Several key elements reinforce the theory that Holbrook is Varjack:

• Obsessive Attention: No other character, outside perhaps the A-team itself, displays Holbrook’s relentless surveillance and investigation of the liars.
• Emotional Motive: His romantic downfall with Ali gives him both the personal pain and the potential motive to seek revenge through manipulation or direct action.
• Professional Circumstances: With no job and nothing left to lose, Holbrook is in the prime position to act out violently or dramatically—both common responses for past PLL villains who feel cornered.
• Mysterious Absences: Holbrook disappears from the show at key junctures, which, combined with cryptic clues referencing Varjack, increases suspicion.
• Fan Parallels: Online communities have repeatedly flagged Holbrook’s behavior as erratic and secretive, consistent with an undercover villain or double agent.

Popular Fan Theories and Ongoing Debate

The Varjack theory is only one of many that permeate the PLL fandom. Holbrook’s name comes up frequently in fan forums, Reddit threads, and theory deep-dives, with red flags raised by both casual viewers and diehard theorists alike. Other recurring suspects have included Ezra Fitz and CeCe Drake, not only for their ties to Ali or literary connections but also their involvement in the show’s most pivotal moments.

• Ezra Fitz is often considered due to his writerly affinity (Varjak is an author in Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and murky relationship history.
• CeCe Drake, closely allied to Alison, is an early Varjack contender owing to her own secrets and victimizing role.
• Online sleuths have dissected clues from Varjack’s sparse appearances (mostly by phone or text), but many consistently return to Holbrook due to his unique intersection of obsession, broken trust, and professional access to evidence.

Why Does the Varjack Name Matter?

In the context of Pretty Little Liars, aliases and codenames are never random. Varjack’s literary origin and shadowy presence suggest a deeper game—one revolving around themes of identity, control, lost love, and revenge. Holbrook’s narrative arc echoes these ideas powerfully, granting further plausibility to his potential as Varjack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Was Detective Holbrook ever officially exposed as Varjack?

A: No, the show never officially revealed Holbrook as Varjack, but extensive fan theories and circumstantial evidence make him one of the top suspects.

Q: What evidence points to Holbrook being Varjack?

A: Holbrook’s obsession with the liars, romantic connection and subsequent fallout with Ali, his professional suspension, and unexplained absences align him strongly with the Varjack persona.

Q: Are there alternative theories for Varjack’s identity?

A: Yes, other popular suspects in the fandom include Ezra Fitz and CeCe Drake, both due to their close ties to Ali and prominent roles in the overarching mysteries. Various clues in the show point in multiple directions, fueling ongoing debates.

Q: Why does Holbrook’s age difference from Ali matter?

A: Ali is around 17 while Holbrook is in his mid-twenties, roughly an eight-year gap. This significant age and authority imbalance not only introduces ethical concerns about their relationship but also raises questions about Holbrook’s motives, emotional stability, and vulnerability to manipulation.

Q: Was Detective Holbrook involved with the A-Team?

A: Though never confirmed on screen, fan theories suggest he may have been either aligned with or blackmailed by the A-Team, given his pattern of secrecy, unusual access, and shifting allegiances.

The Lasting Appeal of the Varjack Theory

The Varjack theory, with Detective Holbrook at its center, continues to captivate fans and spark discussion years after the episodes aired. Its resonance comes from the show’s deft interplay of unresolved mysteries, dynamic character relationships, and the enduring allure of “who is really pulling the strings?” While definitive answers remain elusive, Holbrook’s motives, mannerisms, and misfortunes make him a tantalizing centerpiece in the ongoing debate over Rosewood’s true puppet master.

Images: ABC Family; Giphy; Ron Tom/ABC Family