How to Get Away with Murder Analysis
Introduction
"How to Get Away with Murder" is a legal thriller TV series that aired from 2014 to 2020. The show was created by Peter Nowalk and produced by ABC Studios and Shondaland Productions. The series stars Viola Davis as Professor Annalise Keating, a law professor with a hidden past, and a ensemble cast of characters who find themselves entangled in her web of lies and deception.
Setting
The show is set in a fictional law school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Professor Keating teaches a small group of ambitious law students. The characters are portrayed as complex and multidimensional, with dark pasts and secrets. The setting of the law school and the courtroom allows for suspenseful and intricate plot twists, as well as in-depth exploration of the themes of morality, ethics, and justice.
Themes
The series explores a range of themes, including:
- Morality and Ethics: The show raises questions about the ethics of the law and whether it is always just or fair. Professor Keating’s character in particular, is a symbol of moral ambiguity, making decisions that are often controversial and debated.
- Power and Corruption: The show examines the corrupting influence of power and how it can lead to reckless behavior.
- Privilege and Inequality: The show highlights the divide between those who have wealth and power and those who do not, and the ways in which this privilege can impact the lives of those less fortunate.
- Memory and Trauma: The show explores the ways in which traumatic experiences can shape our memories and perceptions, and the difficulties of uncovering the truth.
Characters
The show has a diverse ensemble cast, including:
- Annalise Keating (Viola Davis): A law professor with a hidden past, who is fiercely intelligent and confident.
- Asher Barkley (Jack Falahee): A bright and ambitious student who is initially part of Professor Keating’s group, but later becomes involved in a complicated web of deceit and betrayal.
- Oliver Hampton (Connor Jessee): A cocky and aggressive student who is initially in love with Professor Keating.
- Connor Walsh (Parrish Williams): A quiet and introspective student who is a member of Professor Keating’s inner circle.
- Mike Ross (Tom Verica): Professor Keating’s husband, who has a troubled past and becomes increasingly unhinged as the series progresses.
- Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil): A idealistic law student who is part of Professor Keating’s inner circle, and later becomes a lawyer herself.
Plot
The show begins with a graphic and suspenseful opening sequence, showing the murder of Lila Stanghart, a young woman who was raped and murdered on campus. The show’s main character, Annalise Keating, becomes embroiled in the investigation, and it becomes clear that she is involved in some way. Over the course of the series, a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and murder unfolds, as characters are introduced and their stories become entwined with each other.
Motifs and Symbolism
The show uses a number of recurring motifs and symbols to add depth and complexity to its narrative. Some of the most significant motifs include:
- Murder: The show features multiple instances of murder throughout its five seasons, which is often a symbol of the darkness and violence that underlies human nature.
- Trees: The show’s iconic setting is surrounded by beautiful and gnarled trees, which serve as a symbol of the characters’ moral corruption and the tangled web of deceit that binds them.
- Colors: The show uses color to evoke different emotions and moods, with white symbolizing innocence and black symbolizing death and guilt.
- Music: The show features a haunting score that evokes the feeling of danger and suspense.
Awards and Critical Reception
"How to Get Away with Murder" was widely acclaimed by critics, with an average rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. The show was praised for its writing, acting, and direction, with many highlighting the outstanding performance of Viola Davis. The show won a number of awards during its run, including a Peabody Award, an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, and several NAACP Image Awards.
Impact
"How to Get Away with Murder" had a significant impact on popular culture, with many viewers obsessing over its complex and suspenseful storyline. The show also spawned a number of memes and GIFs, which reflected its intense and dramatic atmosphere.
Conclusion
"How to Get Away with Murder" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that explores the complexities of human nature and the ways in which we can deceive and betray each other. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and rich symbolism, the show offers a wealth of themes and motifs for analysis and debate.
FAQs
Q: Is "How to Get Away with Murder" a true story?
A: No, the show is a work of fiction, but it is loosely based on the real-life case of the murder of Meredith Kercher, who was an American exchange student in Italy.
Q: What is the significance of the opening sequence?
A: The opening sequence of the show is significant because it introduces the main plot and the themes of murder, mystery, and morality.
Q: What is the most shocking moment of the series?
A: One of the most shocking moments of the series is the murder of Wes Gibbins (played by Allyson McNamara) in Season 3. This episode is particularly infamous for its graphic and suspenseful handling of the event.
Q: What is the show’s message about power and corruption?
A: The show suggests that power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals, and that corruption can occur even in those who have the best intentions. The show also explores the consequences of corruption, including its impact on those who are affected by it.
Q: What is the symbolism of the color black?
A: In the show, black represents death and guilt, often symbolizing the consequences of characters’ actions. Black is also used to highlight the characters’ moral ambiguities, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.
Sources
- "How to Get Away with Murder" TV series (ABC, 2014-2020)
- "The A.V. Club: How to Get Away with Murder" – episode guides and reviews (2014-2020)
- "Rolling Stone: How to Get Away with Murder: TV Review" (September 23, 2014)
- "The Guardian: How to Get Away with Murder review – suspenseful and sharp" (September 29, 2014)
Note: The article was written to provide an overview of the TV series "How to Get Away with Murder". The article may not provide a comprehensive or detailed analysis of the show’s themes, characters, or plot, but rather provide a summary of the key points.
