Episodes focus on their developing relationship, conflicts with ex-girlfriend Paige McCullers, engagement, and co-parenting of twins conceived through artificial insemination using Emily's eggs. This same-sex family-building storyline drives workplace tensions at Rosewood High and personal decisions amid the larger mystery, elevating the progressive elements over traditional plot momentum. The season further foregrounds transgender character Charlotte DiLaurentis, born Charles, as the murdered 'A' whose backstory involving Mary Drake and twins fuels the overarching revenge themes and family secrets.

Creator I. Marlene King has stated an intent to model unconditional acceptance of gay characters and equal treatment of transgender identity, and Season 7 extends this through the post-reveal fallout. These choices make ideological messaging foundational to the premise rather than incidental, intruding on the entertainment value by subordinating suspense and mystery to identity-driven narratives.