Introduction

“How to Get Away with Murder” is a gripping legal drama that has captivated audiences since it premiered on ABC in 2014. Created by renowned producer Shonda Rhimes, the show stars Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a brilliant and morally ambiguous defense attorney and law professor who becomes entangled in a web of murder, lies, and secrets.

In this article, we’ll provide fans with a comprehensive guide to the show’s first season. We’ll recap the main plotlines, analyze the character of Annalise Keating, explore the show’s themes, discuss its non-linear structure, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, this guide will give you a deeper understanding of the show’s complexities and appeal.

A Recap of Season One

The first season of “How to Get Away with Murder” follows a group of law students known as the Keating Five, who become involved in a murder plot that threatens to unravel their futures and destroy the life of their mentor and boss, Annalise Keating. The season centers around the murder of Sam Keating, Annalise’s husband, and the subsequent investigation led by the district attorney’s office and the FBI.

Throughout the season, we see the various characters’ alliances and conflicts shift as they try to protect themselves and each other. These characters include Wes Gibbins, a naive and ambitious law student; Michaela Pratt, a driven and competitive student; Connor Walsh, a manipulative and sexually promiscuous student; Asher Millstone, a wealthy and entitled law student; and Laurel Castillo, a quiet and mysterious student. Notably, all of these characters become romantically involved with each other at some point in the season, adding another layer of complexity to their relationships.

The season is filled with twists and turns, but some of the most memorable moments include the reveal of who killed Sam Keating, the exposure of various secrets and lies, and the cliffhanger ending that leaves viewers wondering what will happen next.

Character Analysis of Annalise Keating

Annalise Keating is the heart and soul of “How to Get Away with Murder,” and her character is as complex as they come. On the surface, Annalise is a fiercely intelligent and powerful lawyer who is respected and feared in her profession. However, as the season progresses, we see that Annalise is also deeply flawed and morally ambiguous. She is capable of great kindness and empathy, but also of manipulation, deceit, and violence.

Annalise’s relationships in the season are also noteworthy. Her affair with Nate Lahey, a detective who works on the Sam Keating case, is particularly interesting, as it shows a vulnerable and human side to Annalise that we don’t often see. Her mentorship of the Keating Five, particularly Wes, also adds another layer to her character and shows that she is not as cold-hearted as she may seem.

Viola Davis’ portrayal of Annalise is nothing short of phenomenal. Davis brings a depth and nuance to the character that makes her both compelling and relatable, even when her actions are difficult to justify.

Themes of Power, Corruption, and Moral Ambiguity

“How to Get Away with Murder” is a show that is obsessed with power, corruption, and moral ambiguity. Throughout the season, we see how the pursuit of power and success can lead people to make terrible decisions and compromise their beliefs and values. We also see how corruption and moral gray areas can be endemic in the legal system, and how hard it can be to do the right thing in the face of pressure and temptation.

Annalise’s own actions exemplify these themes. She is a lawyer who is committed to defending the innocent, but she is also willing to bend the rules and break the law in order to win. Her influence over the Keating Five and her willingness to keep secrets and manipulate them also demonstrate the corrupting influence of power.

As the show progresses, these themes become even more pronounced, showing how entrenched power dynamics and systemic injustice can make it difficult for anyone to come out unscathed.

Non-Linear Structure

“How to Get Away with Murder” is known for its non-linear storytelling, which adds a layer of complexity and suspense to the show. Throughout the season, we see flashbacks and flash-forwards that give us glimpses into the future and past, but also make it difficult to piece together the narrative until the very end.

The non-linear structure is used to great effect in the season, particularly during the episodes that focus on the murder of Sam Keating. By showing us snippets of the aftermath of the murder and then going back in time to show us what led up to it, the show creates a sense of tension and urgency that keeps viewers engaged.

However, the non-linear structure can also be confusing and disorienting at times, particularly for viewers who are not used to such complex storytelling techniques. It can also make it difficult to keep track of the various plotlines and characters, causing some viewers to lose interest.

Critical Reception and Impact on Popular Culture

“How to Get Away with Murder” was met with critical acclaim when it first premiered, and has since become a cultural phenomenon. The show has been praised for its strong writing, innovative storytelling, and talented cast, particularly Viola Davis, who became the first African American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Annalise Keating.

But perhaps the show’s biggest impact has been on representation in television. “How to Get Away with Murder” features a diverse cast of characters and tackles important social issues, such as racial and LGBTQ+ discrimination, head on. It has been praised for its honest and complex portrayals of these issues, and for its contributions to the larger conversation around representation in media.

Recommended Viewing

If you’re a fan of “How to Get Away with Murder,” here are some other TV shows and movies that you might enjoy:

• “Scandal” – another popular Shonda Rhimes show that shares many of the same themes and storytelling techniques as “How to Get Away with Murder”
• “Breaking Bad” – a critically acclaimed drama that explores similar themes of corruption, power, and moral ambiguity
• “The Night Of” – a suspenseful HBO miniseries that follows a young man who becomes embroiled in a murder case
• “Gone Girl” – a chilling movie that deals with themes of deception and manipulation
• “The Silence of the Lambs” – a classic thriller that examines the relationship between villain and detective

Conclusion

“How to Get Away with Murder” is a complex and mesmerizing show that has captivated viewers since it first premiered. In this article, we’ve provided fans with a guide to the show’s first season, including a recap of the main plotlines, analysis of the character of Annalise Keating, exploration of the show’s themes, discussion of its non-linear structure, and more. We hope that this guide has given you a deeper appreciation for the show’s complexities and appeal, and that it has inspired you to continue watching and engaging with the series.