ABC's How To Get Away With Murder has set new benchmark has been set for ABC's midseason finales.
In a stunning, beautifully compiled hour of television, the new season's number one drama ended its 9 episode run with a bombshell. One that I don't think anyone saw coming.
But before that, the sequence of events we've watched being built up over the prior 8 weeks was confirmed. In a hugely popular post last week I put forward a sequence of events I thought stood a chance of achieving a reasonable degree of accuracy. Frankly, I'm amazed at how accurate it turned out to be.
It isn't really worth me repeating the sequence of events here - you should read the original post and watch the accompanying video for yourself. But I was, unsurprisingly, wrong about who killed Sam.
In the end, it turned out to be Wes. The sudden stop after falling from the top of the stairs did some damage, but Sam was finished off with a single blow to the head by Wes while he was in the process of strangling Rebecca. This was perfectly executed by the creative team. I must admit I was bracing myself for something a bit outrageous or random, but I was very satisfied with how it all went down. It had a good of realism about it, and accounted for everything we've seen in the last few weeks.
What's strange, and somewhat difficult to comprehend about last night's episode, is that the majority of it actually wasn't anything we had already seen. Many of the more important events in the flash forwards we had seen over the past weeks were again replayed last night as the sequence came together.
But the thing is, it worked. As a viewer, I felt somewhat in control of what was happening. I knew enough to know where the holes were, therefore I was able to anticipate them being filled. This happened on numerous occasions throughout the hour. Instead of having bizarre plot twists thrown at me, all the new stuff just slotted into place. It made the viewing experience that was unparalleled and much more enjoyable.
On the subject of the plot twists, some of the questions I asked last week were answered last night. We know where Bonnie went, where Annalise went for some of the night, where Nate was, what Asher was doing, and how Laurel, Connor and Wes ended up seemingly content to go along with the disposal of Sam's body. However you can't answer a myriad of questions without serving up a few fresh ones. Chief among which is what is Annalise's endgame? That question will probably be answered in the season finale. Further, where did the scales from the statue, and Michaela's ring really end up? And another good one to ask will be who will crack first, and let's not forget about whether Bonnie and Frank were made aware of the preceding night's activities by Annalise.
What's clear though, is Annalise is in control. By placing herself at Nate's house, leaving heartfelt messages on Sam's phone and wasting no time in contacting the police, she has secured her freedom for now, and has also driven suspicion away from her employees. Assuming Bonnie and Frank know about what happened, the oddball remaining is Asher. He is the linchpin, and its his actions in the new year that will determine what happens next to all involved.
Theory-spinning and speculation aside, How To Get Away With Murder has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The writing and directing have been magnificent, and the cast have performed superbly alongside the flagship member Viola Davis. Last night's midseason finale was the icing on the cake, and I'm eagerly awaiting the series' return for the first of its final six episode on January 29. Will we find out who killed Lila?
Thanks for reading! I'll be back in the new year reviewing the remainder of the season. Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below. Check out How To Get Away With Murder's record-breaking ratings on my website, www.seriesmonitor.com/howtogetawaywithmurder.
Jimmy.
Jimmy, we can take a breather from this awesome roller coaster ride we've been on for eight weeks, you've been wonderful with the reviews/recap you've made it even more enjoyable, ABC scored with this one the acting lead by Viola Davis has been absolutely stella, I don't think anyone. Saw that ending coming what a twist, I agree with you with Asher being the odd man out he will end up being the linchpin, the more I watch of Wes the more I'm thinking he's some kind of sociopath, he's just to cool under pressure, and very manipulative, where can this show go from here, I hope the writing continues on this level, it has been amazing so far, catch you in the new year, Happy Holidays!!!
ReplyDeleteThat was a damn good hour of television. This show is one of the best I've seen on network or even on cable. I love how they top themselves each week with plot twists and drama, without it feeling unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to Declare Victory for my prediction last week the Annalise did it--even though Wes actually struck the blows!
ReplyDeleteThe Big Reveal, saved for the very last shot of the episode, was that Annalise knew that Sam was murdered--and met with Wes when he returned to get the murder weapon. Therefore, all of the Murder Night actions that we've been seeing for eight weeks have been orchestrated by Annalise, acting thru Wes. And, it makes sense: the "Puppy" can't be that smart; and there may be a further reveal of a connection between Annalise and Wes later in the season (Remember, his mother's suicide!)
The Good:
1. The "Murder on the Orient Express" multiple killings of Sam--Michaela, Wes.
2. Bonnie and Asher's fumbling sex.
3. Connor and Oliver back together.
4. Annalise and Nate's big (dirty, rough) sex scene.
5. Annalise and Sam's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"-style verbal battle.
6. And, of course, the "reveal" at the end, with Annalise sitting, calmly in the chair when Wes returns for the Trophy.
The set-up for the coming episodes. There are a number of risks the characters' still face:
1. Bonnie with the Stranger in the bar. Did something (off camera) happen to him--and that's why Bonnie set up her alibi with Asher? Is Bonnie a drunk/serial killer...and she (not Sam) killed Lila?
2. Wes almost hit by a car--and the driver talking to him. Will he remember Wes.
3. Connor (who vomited out of fear) not being able to deceive Oliver--and breaks and tells him the truth,
4. Rebecca who is such a sociopath that she could do anything and, as always,
5. Michaela's attempted call to Adan. There are records (and locators) for cell phones.
6. Laurel involved Frank in returning the trophy/murder weapon. Will his lust for Laurel hold up, once he realizes his part of a murder cover-up.
7. Michaela's missing ring. That's a smoking gun waiting to explode--and incriminate the students.
8. Nate--who may still have an agenda that includes blackmail.
Bottom line: How to Get Away with Murder is still the Best New Show on TV (Broadcast or Cable) and the mid-season finale was terrific. January can't come soon enough!
you know I have to agree with you about Wes... I was looking at him like this innocent pup... at first... but as the ep's went on.. he still had that little puppy dog look to him but there's something there behind those eyes..
ReplyDeleteI look at it this way....Annalise is the best at what she does.. and if anyone could get away with murder it would be her... lol... and man... don't burn whats left of my brain cells.. which are completely fried after last night..... lol.....with all those outstanding...setups.. for what may be to come....
ReplyDeleteWe should have seen through that innocent, naive puppy, just wanting to please everyone,he's Annalise's puppet, but the way this show throws twists and turns, wouldn't it be wild if he turned out to be the puppet master:)
ReplyDeleteThat ending was an absolute killer,mother of all cliffhanger!I forgot to breath for a min!
ReplyDeleteI kind of figured it was Wes but I had so many theories that I was shocked that Wes did do it. I though everyone was involved, everyone except Bonnie, Asher and Nate but the fact that Wes killed Sam to protect Rebecca was something I did think about even though it did shock me that Wes did it.
ReplyDeleteViola was amazing the last scene had me in stitches I did not see that coming at all it was a great way to end on.
I'd be a little more than torn on that one.. mad because Annalise is supposed to be the all knowing... but the again.. I'd be intrigued on where it could lead to with Wes being in charge.. one thing is they've now given us all a whole set of new things to ponder... and wondering where they're gonna go from here next...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great winter finale. Annalise being the clever woman she was since the moment she saw Wes she put her plan at work, calling everyone, making sure she was on the house and if the police checked her records it will place her there, the opposite Laurel told Michaela not to do.
ReplyDeleteI just hope Michaela's ring is not on one of those bags cause boy, hell breaks loose if that happens.
I wonder how are they gonna twist things for the second part of the season. We will see flashforwards again and getting there in time for the season finale?
Here's my prediction.
ReplyDeleteFirst prediction, Annalise killed Lila and she is using everyone around her to cover up her initial murder.
Second prediction, Wes finds out what Annalise has done in the season finale.
Yeah good thoughts. The crime is far from perfect - Connor spewing in the sink, Laurel using the tap with no gloves, etc. The trophy could have left a distinctive enough mark on Sam's skull to prove it was the trophy that killed him, provided Connor smashed up the skull enough after it was burned. Then you've got Connor's car, the group's phone data etc. Hopefully by buying the time Annalise has and diverting attention away (for now) there will be enough time to do something about this remaining evidence
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to taking a breather as well! I never knew this show would turn into what it did so I'll be glad to take a few weeks off! Then again, I still can't wait for Jan 29!
ReplyDeleteI don't think Annalise trusts Bonnie enough anymore to tell her about the murder. She probably rehired her so that she could reain on the pedestal Bonnie put her on so Bonnie wouldn't be tempted to bitch her out to the police and make her a suspect. Frank wouldn't be trusted because Annalise probably think's he's just the office horndog and that he would probably tire of Laurel quickly enough and not protect her forever. Asher isn't any sort of linchpin to me since he wasn't even slightly involved in the murder. He's not in a position to make anything fall appart.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and great episode!
ReplyDeleteSo I guess I was right about Wes killing Sam. Still it was very suspensful episode and totally didn't expect that last few minutes. Can't wait to see what they'll bring to us in the 2nd part of the season!
I got it half right. I had a sneaking suspicion it would be Michaela, and she was the one to push him off the bannister. Did not see Wes killing Sam though. I was totally blindsided. I never thought him.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe we have to wait until the end of January!! It's too far away... But, it will just be premiering in Australia at that time, so I'll be able to relive the start and watch the new episodes at the same time :)
He had a smirk on his face throughout much of the episode that really unsettled me. No apparent remorse for his actions, either. Something is definitely off with him.
ReplyDeletePeople are stupid for the most part, when a case for self defence could have been made. while Sam is in a rage and attacking people trying to get a flash drive that's not his gets pushed and falls over the bannister, Sams not dead yet but they think he is, next thing you see Sam choking Rebecca trying to kill her. Wes reacts by slamming a statue of lady justice over Sams head killing Sam, but here is the thing it was self defence that got Sam killed why mess with the seen. I know it's a TV show but in the real world hopefully someone would have called 911 or 999 depending on where you live.
ReplyDeleteFor all we know Michaela didn't call Aiden. Laurel talked her out of it. She only had numerous missed calls from him.
ReplyDeleteYes, in the real world one of the students might have just called 911. And, one year later they would ALL be on Death Row awaiting execution.
ReplyDeleteThe police and DA would have zeroed in on the facts that all of the students were in Sam's house against his wishes, there were five of them (including Rebecca) so why couldn't they restrain Sam without killing him, and was this a crime of passion? Wes killing same to protect the woman he loves (Rebecca) and implicate the now-dead Sam for the murder Rebecca is on trial for?
Courts are not always "just" or "fair"--and these students certainly know that having worked with Annalise. So, they know that they can all be convicted of murder--or the Felony of being an accessory to the murder. And, as twenty-somethings they don't want to see their entire lives destroyed.
Which is why I believe another "smoking gun" is Asher, who is guilty of nothing--but whom we have already seen him being very conflicted by his father putting career-before-justice. So, if Asher finds out, will he cover for or ignore the guilt of his quasi-friends. Will he then be "targeted" by the guilty students as Victim #2 in order to protect themselves?
I don't know where you live but they essentially broke in his house. They were not invited. It would be self defense if Sam killed an intruder.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Sam would have got away with, I was defending my home when i choked Rebecca to death by pinning her down on the floor and wrapping my hands around her neck.
ReplyDeleteI haven't deleted the ep from my dvr yet and after watching it many times since its aired.. I'm wondering what Annalise is up to....
ReplyDeleteshe called her husband's cell phone leaving that message.. and I saw she was in the house while she was making that call... and she called Bonnie... as well.. did she do all that before she caught Wes or afterwards.... when they got the body outta there....is she making sure she has her basis covered.. for herself... and I had a thought that maybe he still wasn't dead... after Wes cracked him over the head....and she went ahead and finished him off... but I looked at it from every angle and his eyes were open.. so I guess that's a mute theory....