How to Get Away with Murder is a gripping legal thriller that explores the complex lives of law students, their professor, and the murder cases they navigate. The series, known for its shocking plot twists, character development, and unpredictable storylines, keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide that dives into each season, including a brief summary, key moments, character growth, and cliffhangers.
Season 1 (2014-2015)
Plot Overview:
The story begins with Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), a brilliant and charismatic law professor at Middleton University, who teaches a class on criminal law. She selects a group of her best students to work with her at her firm. The first season revolves around a murder case that the students are involved in, while also unfolding a deeper, more personal murder mystery related to Annalise’s life. The flash-forwards and flashbacks keep the tension high, as viewers are kept guessing about the murder.
Key Moments & Plot Twists:
- Viola Davis’ Groundbreaking Role: Davis made history as the first African American woman to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Annalise Keating.
- The Murder of Sam Keating: Sam (Tom Verica), Annalise’s husband, is killed in a shocking plot twist by the students he once mentored.
- The Big Reveal: The season concludes with a nail-biting cliffhanger involving Wes (Alfred Enoch) and the shocking discovery about his connection to the murder.
Themes:
- Power and vulnerability in relationships
- Justice vs. morality
- Guilt and innocence
Season 2 (2015-2016)
Plot Overview:
Season 2 digs deeper into the consequences of the murder and the student’s involvement in it. Annalise faces both professional and personal challenges, while her students grapple with their roles in the crime. The season also introduces new characters, adding more intrigue to the already complex narrative.
Key Moments & Plot Twists:
- The Death of Sam Keating: The repercussions of Sam’s death haunt everyone involved, and new secrets about his past are revealed.
- Nia Lahey’s Death: The tragic death of Nate’s (Billy Brown) wife, Nia, adds emotional depth to the season and leads to an exploration of themes of revenge and forgiveness.
- Wes’ Backstory: Wes’ backstory becomes pivotal as more about his past with Sam Keating is uncovered, adding more layers to his character.
Themes:
- Revenge and redemption
- The intersection of personal and professional lives
- The impact of secrets
Season 3 (2016-2017)
Plot Overview:
Season 3 is intense, with Annalise’s life unraveling further. A series of shocking twists, including the murder of a key character, changes the dynamics of the group. Annalise’s mental and emotional health is tested as she fights to stay afloat both in her personal life and career.
Key Moments & Plot Twists:
- The Death of Sam’s Sister, Emily Sinclair: One of the most shocking moments of the season, showing the lengths to which the characters will go to protect their secrets.
- Annalise’s Struggle: Annalise’s ongoing battle with her emotions and the law sees her at one of her most vulnerable points.
- The Murder of Wallace Mahoney: The character of Nate Lahey Sr. (portrayed by James Pickens Jr.) takes a more active role in the plot, complicating things for Annalise.
Themes:
- Trauma and coping mechanisms
- Loyalty and betrayal
- Moral ambiguity
Season 4 (2017-2018)
Plot Overview:
The fourth season explores new dynamics and challenges as the characters try to move forward after the chaos of the previous seasons. Annalise fights against a new set of personal and professional obstacles while continuing her legal work. The mysteries grow deeper, and trust among the group begins to crumble.
Key Moments & Plot Twists:
- Wes’ Shocking Death: Wes’ untimely death is one of the most heartbreaking moments, with his murder shattering the group.
- Nia’s Death Revisited: Nate’s quest for justice for his wife leads to a series of confrontations, taking the story in an unexpected direction.
- Annalise’s Fight for Freedom: Annalise’s legal battles intensify, with significant twists that threaten to end her career.
Themes:
- The consequences of past actions
- Grief and healing
- Justice and retribution
Season 5 (2018-2019)
Plot Overview:
The fifth season marks the beginning of the end for How to Get Away with Murder, as it prepares viewers for the final climactic conclusion. The characters are all dealing with the aftermath of Wes’ death, and the series dives deep into their internal conflicts, allegiances, and the hidden truths that still loom large.
Key Moments & Plot Twists:
- Annalise’s Comeback: After being publicly disgraced, Annalise makes a dramatic return to court, bringing more excitement and tension.
- The Return of Frank and Bonnie: Both Frank (Charlie Weber) and Bonnie (Liza Weil) have moments of redemption and deep emotional conflict, contributing significantly to the narrative.
- The Discovery of a New Murder: A shocking new murder turns everything on its head and puts the entire Keating 5 at risk.
Themes:
- Redemption and forgiveness
- Power struggles
- The burden of secrets
Season 6 (2019-2020)
Plot Overview:
In the final season, all questions are answered, and long-running mysteries are unraveled. The season focuses on the final trials, the characters’ last chapters, and how they face their past decisions. The series concludes with a heart-stopping resolution to the many stories that have been developing since the first season.
Key Moments & Plot Twists:
- The Death of Frank and Bonnie: The deaths of Frank and Bonnie create emotional turmoil and force the characters to confront their actions.
- The Final Twist: The identity of Wes’ killer is revealed in a heartbreaking and satisfying moment, offering closure for his character and the entire series.
- Annalise’s Legacy: The series finale ties up Annalise’s story arc, as she reflects on her impact on her students and the legal world.
Themes:
- Justice and redemption
- The end of a journey
- Closure and moving on
FAQs:
How many seasons are there in How to Get Away with Murder?
There are 6 seasons of How to Get Away with Murder.
What is the main storyline of the series?
The series follows Annalise Keating, a brilliant law professor, and her students, who become entangled in a web of murder, deception, and legal battles. As the story unfolds, their involvement in multiple crimes is revealed, and they face intense moral dilemmas.
Who are the key characters in How to Get Away with Murder?
- Annalise Keating (Viola Davis)
- Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch)
- Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King)
- Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee)
- Asher Millstone (Matt McGorry)
- Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber)
- Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil)
- Nate Lahey (Billy Brown)
How does the show end?
The show ends with a resolution to the long-running mysteries, including Wes’ death and the fate of Annalise Keating. After a dramatic series of events, the characters face the consequences of their actions, and the finale offers closure to the main arcs.
Where can I watch all episodes?
All episodes of How to Get Away with Murder are available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Netflix. They can also be purchased through digital retailers such as Amazon and iTunes.