ABC's How to Get Away With Murder kept viewers on the edge of their seats for six seasons with its twists, turns, and shocking revelations. But even the most meticulously planned schemes sometimes need a little… fixing. Let's explore some simple fixes that could have improved the show's later seasons, focusing on plot points and character arcs.
Fixing the Annalise Keating Conundrum
Annalise Keating, brilliantly portrayed by Viola Davis, was the show's magnetic center. However, her character arc in later seasons felt somewhat disjointed.
The Problem: Annalise's Vulnerability Became Overdone
While her vulnerability was initially compelling, showcasing the human side beneath the formidable lawyer, it eventually overshadowed her strength and strategic brilliance. The constant cycle of self-destruction and near-breakdown diminished the impact of her earlier cunning.
The Fix: Strategic Vulnerability
Instead of continuous breakdowns, strategic moments of vulnerability could have maintained the balance. For example, a breakdown after a significant loss could have been followed by a calculated move to regain control, highlighting both her emotional depth and intellectual prowess. This would have showcased a more realistic and compelling depiction of trauma and resilience.
Resolving the "Who Killed Sam Keating?" Mystery
The initial mystery surrounding Sam Keating's death was captivating. However, the subsequent reveals and retcons felt convoluted for some viewers.
The Problem: Too Many Red Herrings and Twists
The show often employed red herrings that ultimately led nowhere, creating a sense of frustration rather than suspense. The constant shifting of blame diluted the impact of the original mystery.
The Fix: Streamlined Narrative
A more streamlined narrative focusing on fewer suspects, with clearer motivations and a more satisfying resolution, could have maintained the audience's engagement without the feeling of being misled. Focusing on the core group's involvement and their evolving relationships would have been more impactful.
Improving the Supporting Characters' Arcs
The Keating 5 – Wes, Michaela, Connor, Asher, and Laurel – were crucial to the show's success. However, some of their character arcs felt underdeveloped or inconsistent.
The Problem: Uneven Character Development
Some characters experienced significant growth while others remained stagnant or underwent abrupt, unconvincing changes. This created an imbalance within the group dynamic.
The Fix: Consistent and Meaningful Arcs
Each character should have experienced a consistent and meaningful arc, reflecting their individual growth (or lack thereof) throughout the series. This could have been achieved by giving each character more screen time to develop their motivations and explore the consequences of their actions.
The Overall Need for a Tighter Plot
The later seasons of How to Get Away With Murder suffered from a sprawling, sometimes disjointed plot.
The Problem: Too Many Loose Ends
Multiple storylines were introduced without proper closure, creating a sense of incompleteness. The show's ambition sometimes outweighed its ability to deliver on its promises.
The Fix: Focused Storytelling
A more focused approach, prioritizing key plot points and resolving them in a satisfying manner, would have improved the show's overall cohesiveness and prevented the sense of a messy, overly complicated conclusion.
By addressing these points, How to Get Away With Murder could have potentially delivered an even more compelling and satisfying viewing experience. While the show undoubtedly had its strengths, these simple fixes could have elevated it to another level.
