How to Get Away with Murder: The TV Show
What is How to Get Away with Murder?
"How to Get Away with Murder" is an American television drama series created by Peter Nowalk, which premiered on ABC in 2014. The show is a legal thriller that follows the life of Annalise Keating, a law professor who becomes embroiled in a murder plot and the students who help her defend herself.
The Story
The show follows the lives of a group of law students at Middleton University, led by Annalise Keating (played by Viola Davis), a law professor who is known for her exceptional teaching skills and her ability to get away with murder. The story begins with the murder of Lila Stangard, a wealthy socialite who was having an affair with Annalise’s husband, Sam Keating. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Annalise was involved in the murder, and she hires a group of students, including Wes Gibbins, Michaela Pratt, and Connor Walsh, to help her cover up the crime.
The Characters
- Annalise Keating: The protagonist of the show, Annalise is a brilliant law professor who becomes embroiled in a murder plot. She is complex and multifaceted, with a troubled past and a penchant for manipulation.
- Wes Gibbins: A law student who becomes Annalise’s protégé and helps her cover up the murder. He is quiet and reserved, but has a strong sense of justice.
- Michaela Pratt: A law student who is initially skeptical of Annalise’s innocence, but eventually becomes loyal to her. She is confident and assertive, but also has a dark past.
- Connor Walsh: A law student who is initially portrayed as a charming and carefree individual, but is revealed to be more complex and troubled as the show progresses.
The Themes
- Morality and Ethics: The show explores the gray areas between morality and ethics, particularly in the context of the legal system.
- Trauma and Abuse: The characters’ past traumas and experiences with abuse are a significant part of the show, and are used to explore themes of PTSD, trust, and control.
- Power and Manipulation: Annalise’s ability to manipulate those around her is a central theme of the show, and is used to explore the ways in which power can be used and abused.
The Episode Structure
The show’s episode structure is unique and innovative, with each episode featuring a "murder of the week" that is tied to the main plot. The episodes typically begin with a dramatic event, followed by a flashback sequence that reveals the events leading up to the murder. The rest of the episode is then spent exploring the aftermath of the murder and the investigation that follows.
The Cast
- Viola Davis as Annalise Keating
- Liza Weil as Bonnie Winterbottom
- Billy Brown as Detective Nate Lahey
- Finn Wittrock as Connor Walsh
- Jack Falahee as Franklin "Frankie" Catton
- Nico Tortorella as Ethan Turner
- Alfred Enoch as Wes Gibbins
- Aja Naomi King as Michaela Pratt
- Matt McGorry as Asher Fleming
The Awards and Accolades
"How to Get Away with Murder" has received widespread critical acclaim, and has won numerous awards and accolades, including:
- Emmy Awards: The show has been nominated for 34 Emmy Awards, and has won 10, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Viola Davis.
- Golden Globe Awards: The show has been nominated for 12 Golden Globe Awards, and has won 2, including Best Television Series – Drama and Best Actress – Television Series Drama for Viola Davis.
- Peabody Awards: The show has won 2 Peabody Awards, including the 2015 Peabody Award for Drama.
The Impact
"How to Get Away with Murder" has had a significant impact on popular culture, and has been praised for its:
- Realistic Portrayal of Law and Order: The show’s portrayal of the legal system is praised for its realism and accuracy, and has been praised by lawyers and law enforcement professionals.
- Strong Female Lead: Viola Davis’s performance as Annalise Keating has been praised for its complexity and nuance, and has been hailed as one of the greatest performances in television history.
- Representation: The show has been praised for its representation of diverse characters, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
"How to Get Away with Murder" is a critically acclaimed television series that has captivated audiences with its complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes. The show’s unique episode structure, strong cast, and realistic portrayal of law and order have made it a must-watch for fans of television drama. With its multiple awards and accolades, "How to Get Away with Murder" is a show that is not to be missed.
