How to Get Away with Murder (TV Show) Explained
What is "How to Get Away with Murder"?
"How to Get Away with Murder" is a popular American criminal drama television series created by Peter Nowalk that aired from 2014 to 2020. The show is produced by ABC Studios and ShondaLand and stars Viola Davis, Alfred Enoch, Bonnie Somerville, Jack Falahee, Katie Findlay, and others. The series follows the life of Annalise Keating, a charismatic law professor who becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and murder that threatens to destroy her career, relationships, and freedom.
Plot Summary
Season 1: Annalise Keating takes on a group of privileged law students, known as her "inner circle", to help her cover up a murder she has committed. The students are intrigued by Annalise’s mysterious past and the inner workings of her high-end law firm. As they delve deeper into Annalise’s world, they become embroiled in a complex web of manipulation, deceit, and secrets.
Seasons 2-6: Each subsequent season introduces new layers of complexity to the characters and plot. Annalise’s inner circle members continue to uncover dark secrets from her past, which challenge their own moral codes. The show explores themes such as racial tension, sex, power, class privilege, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Television Style
The series is known for its engaging storytelling, complex characters, and suspenseful plotlines. The show uses the "murder-of-the-week" format, often incorporating unexpected twists and turning points. The pacing is fast-moving, with several storylines unfolding simultaneously to keep viewers engaged.
Key Characters
• Annalise Keating (Viola Davis): A brilliant, self-assured, and provocative law professor who is trying to balance her career ambitions with her personal struggles and secrets.
• Five of the "inner circle" students:
✦ Wes Gibson (Alfred Enoch): A brooding, intense, and reclusive student who is intensely loyal to Annalise.
✦ Wesley "Frank" Doheny (Charles Mesure): An arrogant, entitled, and manipulative student who resents Annalise and her influence.
✦ Asher Fleming (Matt McGorry): A charming, popular, and confident student who may not be as perfect as he seems.
✦ Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King): A driven, resourceful, and confident student who is fiercely ambitious but also struggling with personal secrets.
✦ Lila Stangard (Megan West): A quiet, introverted, and reserved student with a mysterious past and multiple identities.
Behind the Scenes
• Influences: The show takes inspiration from classic dramas and thrillers, including Law & Order, The Night Manager, and Game Night.
• Music: The show’s music scores are composed by Daniel Gold and feature a blend of electronic, orchestral, and choral elements that enhance the show’s intensity and emotional impact.
• Awards and Nominations: "How to Get Away with Murder" has received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous award and nomination recognitions, including 34 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and three nominations for Outstanding Drama Series.
Why You Should Watch
• Strong, Complex Characters: The characters in "How to Get Away with Murder" are multidimensional, nuanced, and relatable, with multiple layers of complexity.
• Engaging Plot Twists: The show masterfully weaves together mysteries, secrets, and relationships, keeping viewers engaged with unexpected twists and turning points.
• Powerful Explorations of Societal Issues: The show courageously tackles sensitive and real-world issues, encouraging debate and reflection on contemporary subjects.
Conclusion
"How to Get Away with Murder" is a masterful television series that seamlessly intertwines suspense, drama, romance, and social commentary to create a captivating and compelling narrative. With complex characters, unexpected plot twists, and powerful explorations of social issues, this show deserves attention from anyone looking to engage with a high-caliber television series.
| Table: Summary of Key Characters | Character | Personality/Role | Relationships | Important Secrets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annalise Keating | Law professor, complex, conflicted | Inner circle students | Previous murder, hidden agendas, personal struggles | |
| Wesley Gibson | Brooding, intense, loyal | Wes, Annalise | Hidden past, vulnerable heart | |
| Frank Doheny | Arrogant, entitled, manipulative | Inner circle, self-centered | Hidden family connection, rivalries, conflicts | |
| Asher Fleming | Charming, confident, entitled | Inner circle, self-centered | Vulnerable ego, power imbalances, hidden ambitions | |
| Michaela Pratt | Driven, confident, resourceful | Inner circle, ambitious | Personal doubts, hidden fears, compromised morals | |
| Lila Stangard | Introspective, quiet, reserved | Inner circle, mysterious | Multiple identities, hidden past, inner strengths |
Bullet points: Key Takeaways:
• Stay engaged: The show unfolds at a fast pace with multiple storylines and cliffhangers.
• Pay attention: Complex relationships and secrets are often embedded in seemingly innocuous discussions.
• Think critically: The show often flips expectations and challenges audience’s moral compass.
• Relate: Explore themes like social privilege, race, sexuality, and power through different characters’ experiences.
Take a deep dive into this captivating television series, as it explores the human side of crime, manipulation, and deception. With Annalise Keating, her inner circle, and the show’s talented casts, "How to Get Away with Murder" stands as a testament to remarkable storytelling and character development on television.
