How to Get Away With a Murderer

How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM) is an American TV series created by Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. The show premiered in 2014 on ABC and ran for six seasons, concluding in 2020. It quickly gained popularity due to its unpredictable plot, strong characters, and morally complex storytelling. HTGAWM blends legal drama with thriller elements, delivering tension, mystery, and emotional twists.

Plot Overview

The series follows Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a brilliant but controversial law professor and defense attorney, who, along with her students, becomes entangled in complex and dangerous crimes. Each season intertwines the professional and personal lives of Annalise and her students, using flashbacks to reveal the past and gradually build suspense. At its core, the show asks: how far are we willing to go to protect ourselves and the people we love?

Cast and Performances

One of the show’s strongest aspects is its cast. Viola Davis shines as Annalise Keating, bringing depth, emotional complexity, and unwavering intensity to the character. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award, making her the first African-American woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Other key cast members, including Alfred Enoch (Wes Gibbins), Jack Falahee (Connor Walsh), Karla Souza (Laurel Castillo), Matt McGorry (Asher Millstone), and Aja Naomi King (Michaela Pratt), create a dynamic ensemble. Each character has secrets and personal struggles, adding layers to the story and keeping viewers engaged.

Strengths of the Series

One of HTGAWM’s major strengths is character complexity. The series blurs the line between right and wrong; characters are multidimensional and morally ambiguous, making the story both realistic and engaging.

The writing is another highlight, packed with plot twists and cliffhangers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of legal drama and thriller elements appeals on multiple levels: intellectually, emotionally, and morally.

The performances are exceptional. Viola Davis carries the show with her charismatic and nuanced portrayal, while the supporting cast adds credibility and energy to the narrative. The production, direction, and editing are polished, with cleverly executed flashbacks that reveal past crimes and character backstories in an intriguing way.

Weaknesses of the Series

Despite its strengths, the series is not without flaws. At times, the plot becomes overly complex, with too many mysteries intersecting at once, which can confuse viewers. Certain storylines occasionally feel overly theatrical or unrealistic, especially regarding legal proceeding.

Additionally, some secondary characters are underdeveloped in later seasons. Many fans have noted that the series loses some of its original tension and charm after the third season, as the focus shifts to more intricate but sometimes unnecessary drama.

Personal Opinions and Critiques

Personally, I believe HTGAWM is a show that evokes strong emotions and prompts viewers to think about moral questions. Annalise Keating is a fascinating figure—simultaneously strong, vulnerable, and relentless, leaving a lasting impression long after the episode ends.

Critics have praised the show for its outstanding acting and suspenseful storytelling, though some suggested it could have been more concise and focused, with fewer subplots. Regardless, HTGAWM is the kind of series that encourages binge-watching because it’s hard to resist its mystery and emotional intensity.

How to Get Away with Murder is a captivating series that combines legal drama, thriller, and emotional storytelling, offering complex characters and unpredictable plotlines. While not perfect, with some uneven storytelling in later seasons, the cast—especially Viola Davis—elevates the show to an exceptional level. If you enjoy series that challenge you intellectually and emotionally while keeping you on the edge of your seat, HTGAWM is definitely worth watching.

Main Cast:

Viola Davis – Annalise Keating

Alfred Enoch – Wes Gibbins

Jack Falahee – Connor Walsh

Karla Souza – Laurel Castillo

Matt McGorry – Asher Millstone

Aja Naomi King – Michaela Pratt

Katie Findlay – Rebecca Sutter (Season 1)

Liza Weil – Bonnie Winterbottom

Charlie Weber – Frank Delfino

Recurring/Supporting Cast:

Tom Verica – Sam Keating

Conrad Ricamora – Oliver Hampton

Marcia Gay Harden – Hannah Keating (later seasons)

Rome Flynn – Gabriel Maddox

Cicely Tyson – Ophelia Harkness