Why Did Wes Leave How to Get Away with Murder?
The popular American television series "How to Get Away with Murder" has been a staple on ABC for six seasons, captivating audiences with its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and shocking twists. One of the show’s most beloved characters, Wes Gibbins, played by actor Freddie Highmore, was a key part of the show’s early success. However, in 2017, it was announced that Highmore would be leaving the show after season 3. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Wes’s departure and what it meant for the show.
The Early Years of Wes Gibbins
Wes Gibbins was introduced in the show’s first season as a first-year law student at Middleton University, where he became a part of Annalise Keating’s (Viola Davis) inner circle. He was a brilliant and ambitious student who quickly became a valuable asset to Annalise’s law firm. Throughout the early seasons, Wes’s character evolved from a naive and idealistic student to a more cynical and world-weary individual.
The Decision to Leave
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Freddie Highmore revealed that he had always planned to leave the show after three seasons. "I think it was always the intention to have Wes be a part of the show for a certain amount of time, and then to have him leave," Highmore said. "I think it’s a good thing to have a beginning, middle, and end to a character’s story, and I think that’s what we did with Wes."
Highmore also cited the show’s fast-paced production schedule as a factor in his decision to leave. "The show is very intense, and it’s a very demanding schedule," he said. "I think it’s a good thing to have a break from it, and to focus on other projects."
The Impact on the Show
Wes’s departure from the show had a significant impact on the storyline and characters. His character was written out of the show by having him leave Middleton University and start a new life in another city. This allowed the show to introduce new characters and storylines, while also providing closure for Wes’s character.
The Aftermath
After Wes’s departure, the show continued to explore the complex relationships and moral dilemmas that had become a hallmark of the series. The remaining characters, including Annalise, Bonnie, and Oliver, continued to navigate the consequences of their actions and the fallout from Wes’s departure.
The Legacy of Wes Gibbins
Despite leaving the show after only three seasons, Wes Gibbins left a lasting impact on the series. His character’s departure allowed the show to explore new themes and storylines, and his legacy continued to be felt throughout the remaining seasons.
Table: Wes’s Character Arc
| Season | Character Development | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduced as a first-year law student | Becomes part of Annalise’s inner circle |
| 2 | Evolves from naive to cynical | Becomes more involved in the firm’s cases |
| 3 | Leaves Middleton University | Starts a new life in another city |
Conclusion
Wes Gibbins’s departure from "How to Get Away with Murder" was a significant event in the show’s history. His character’s evolution and eventual departure allowed the show to explore new themes and storylines, and his legacy continued to be felt throughout the remaining seasons. While his departure was a shock to fans, it ultimately allowed the show to continue to thrive and evolve, cementing its place as one of the most popular and critically acclaimed television series of the past decade.
Bullets List: Key Takeaways
• Wes Gibbins was a key character in the early seasons of "How to Get Away with Murder"
• Freddie Highmore planned to leave the show after three seasons
• The show’s fast-paced production schedule was a factor in Highmore’s decision to leave
• Wes’s departure allowed the show to introduce new characters and storylines
• The character’s legacy continued to be felt throughout the remaining seasons
