How to Get Away with Murder? ABC Has the Answer [Review]

If you haven't come across it yet, then you really should turn your sights to ABC or Netflix for new drama, How to Get Away with Murder. The first season of How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM) follows the infamous Viola Davis in her portrayal as Professor Annalise Keating, a defence attorney who also teaches at Middleton University. Annalise takes on several interns who all become intertwined with murder, both inside the class room and out, especially considering Annalise’s husband, Sam (Tom Verica) is seemingly connected with the on campus murder of Lila Stangard. The interns are all an odd bunch, comprised of Wes (Alfred Enoch), Connor (Jack Falahee), Michaela (Aja Naomi King), Laurel (Karla Souza) and Asher (Matt McGorry), and are overseen by Annalise’s senior staff members, Bonnie (Liza Weil) and the mysterious Frank (Charlie Weber). Over the course of the series, Annalise’s marriage, her law firm and her associates become more strained and are thrust into a series of turmoil, with no one safe from the harsh world of law.

The narrative of the series is one of the most interesting aspects, with events played out in flashbacks that start from the end of the mid-season and sort of work their way backwards, while also following the current narrative (past). Allowing us this jump into the future poses questions as to how the story gets to that point, from the seemingly alright beginnings to these tragic middles and eventual ends. It’s a gamble, giving away what appears to be a lot of information, but ultimately, the show makes sure to hold back key points so that you never truly know what’s going on; a wise move.

Benefitting from Davis’ involvement with the series, HTGAWM makes sure to highlight her as a figurehead, and focuses on every movement and underplayed emotion, which really captures the essence of her character, as she is someone who wants to be private but little things just keep coming out, despite her attempts to cover them up. It goes without saying that her performance is mesmerizing and truly heart-breaking. A surprise feature of the programme is Alfred Enoch, who portrays Wes Gibbons, a somewhat enigmatic student who manages to be at just the right (or wrong) place at the correct time, allowing him access into Annalise’s personal life. As some may know, Enoch was previously involved with Harry Potter, playing Dean Thomas, but puts on a very convincing American accent, considering his strong British accent, which draws comparisons to Hugh Laurie’s Greg House. Enoch is captivating in his role and manages to be both mysterious and endearing as the seemingly kind-hearted Wes.

Read the rest of my review, here.