How to Get Away with Murder first (HTGAWM) aired on ABC in 2014. The show focuses on the lives of a group of Middleton University Law Students and their unorthodox relationship with their teacher and mentor, Annalise Keating. This abnormal relationship leads the group into many sorts of trouble challenging the very notion of their chosen paths as carriers of justice. The protagonists not only work to acquit defendants but also commit the crime themselves which sets the show up for a very dramatic 6 season run.
Despite its popularity and strong fan base, HTGAWM came to an end in May of 2020. However, this has not stopped fans as well as new watchers to continue their viewership of the show. Hence, for anyone else considering a HTGAWM rewatch or a new binge, there are things they should be aware of before hitting the play button.
Don’t Get Attached To Anyone
How to Get Away with Murder is notoriously known for being unpredictable. With plot twists in every corner, new watchers should be aware not to hold attachments to any of the characters Although this can prove to be a difficult task, especially when considering the cast’s stellar performances, not holding “favorites” would save viewers future emotional distress and confusion.
How To Get Away With Murder’s unpredictability with its characters is also what keeps the show engaging, opening new possibilities for the introduction of new characters and storylines. Thanks to the regularity of flashbacks, the show works backward alongside the audience to solve a crime. This allows viewers to be more engaged in the show as viewers are encouraged to investigate based on the events leading up to the crime.
You May Find Yourself Siding With The Wrong Side Of The Law
With a show called How to Get Away with Murder, frequent murders are expected. Whether it be in the defense of murderers on trial or for crimes committed by our main characters, the show never fails to educate fans on every way crimes can be committed. This is particularly useful to note as often the show’s main characters get away with committing crimes which may not seem as serious to the audience.
Even when serious crimes are committed by the protagonist, viewers will at times be swayed into prioritizing the characters’ ultimate survival, forgiving their crimes in the meantime. Hence, audiences can expect quite often to see some of their favorites on the wrong side of the law often challenging the viewers’ own sense of morality.
Diversity
One of the aspects which makes HTGAWM unique is the show’s diversity. Diversity has been a longstanding issue within the industry, which has been trying to recenter of minority voices; the show prioritized representation by casting two African-American actors in the lead role.
Not only that, the show also portrayed characters of Latin and Asian descent which set a standard for its commitment of diversity. This can be credited to the trademark of executive producer Shonda Rhimes whose resume include hit shows like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and give platform to many minority leads. Whilst changes are slowly happening in the industry, the celebration of racial and LGBTQIA+ diversity in HTGAWM is one to be noted.
While Some Storylines May Feel Farfetched, The Show Shares Regular Relatable Moments
How To Get Away With Murder is a show that is filled with mystery, drama and thrill. Nevertheless, at its core it can be more relatable than expected and is essentially also a human story. With characters that start as just young regular law students to criminal justice masterminds, the show really communicates to the audience the unpredictability of human behavior and development.
This creates an atmosphere that allows the audience to empathize and engage with the characters on a personal level realizing the fact that when faced with difficulties and trials, anyone can act out of turn. The show also does a great job at establishing the histories of both the characters and the crimes committed which remind the audience that there are reactions to every action, sometimes even those that are out of our control.
The Show Will Make You Think Deeper About The US Criminal Justice System
How To Get Away With Murder is also unique for its ability to give audiences a fresher and rawer look at the US criminal justice system. From the discrimination of Black people to courtroom corruption, HTGAWM immerses viewers into the realities of the justice system.
In the first season, this was seen mainly through the lens of Annalise Keating’s experiences as a Black female attorney. Even though Keating held an authority in the courtroom and was riddled with years of experience, there were moments of real life injustices which brought about bigger questions about the state of the US justice system especially for Black people in America.
In Season One's sixth episode, Keating defends a wrongly accused Black man on death row reflecting the real-life miscarriages of justice faced by Black people everyday in the US. Simultaneously, it must also be noted that Keating has also used questionable methods, often illegal and involving bribing or tampering of evidence to win her cases, which is again a reflection on the greater cracks of injustices which exist in the US criminal justice system.
Complicated Storyline
HTGAWM is a show with many twists and turns. At times, plot twists make the show difficult for viewers to understand. This is as HTGAWM’s murder mysteries are often presented in flashbacks or memory flashes.
This can at times complicate the shows storylines and confuse rather than enlighten viewers. This means that audiences must learn to pay close attention to each episode and expect to dig deeper into each character’s storylines. The show’s complicated storylines are however what makes HTGAWM such an engaging watch and allows the audience to form stronger bonds with their favorite characters.
Scandal Crossover
In season 4 episode 13, How To Get Away With Murder and Scandal did a special episode crossover. Scandal is another ABC show focusing on the life of crisis manager Olivia Pope. Both produced by Shona Rhimes, the show's present thrill and drama within the scope of the justice and political system.
This crossover was exciting for fans of both shows. The episode focuses on Annalise Keating and Olivia Pope reforming the legal justice system in the US supreme court. Without spoiling, the crossover was well received by fans and it is something that new watchers can look forward to.
Viola Davis
The main protagonist of the show is Annalise Keating, played by Viola Davis. Being the lead role in the show, Davis showcased her capability as an actor and throughout the series, she continued to outdo herself with a mesmerizing performance.
With the role, she landed the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015. This would set her up to become the youngest and first African American to win the “triple crown” of acting. Viola Davis also has a great influence in the show as some scenes were specifically written at her request. In season 1 episode 4, Keating can be seen removing her makeup and wig. This scene was powerful for the audience to watch as Viola Davis stated in a 60 Minutes interview the scene was important as she “wanted to humanize [Annalise Keating] as much as she could”. With the honor, Viola Davis was able to make history and continued to showcase her talent to the world.
The Show Does Teach You How To Get Away With Murder
How To Get Away With Murder lives up to its name. With the protagonists working as defense attorneys, the audience sees how the law can be bent and is at times open for interpretation, being in favor of the defendant.
On the other hand, the show allows the audience to have a first-hand experience on how to get away with murder with the crimes committed by the same people who aim to balance justice. The aftermath of committing murder is brought to light as the show follows the steps on how to escape being caught, therefore living up to its name.
The Show Has Won Many Awards
If the interesting plot is not enough to encourage you to watch the show, HTGAWM is highly critically acclaimed. According to Rotten Tomatoes, How To Get Away With Murder is described as “tense and taught” and was awarded a high rating of 88%.
Further, the show itself has accumulated a total of 8 awards, including a SAG award and Primetime Emmy thanks to Viola Davis’ performance. The show was also praised for its diversity and representation being awarded 2 NAACP awards in 2015 for acting and writing. With the high critical acclaim, the show has received over its 6 seasons, new watchers will not be disappointed.