Let’s unravel the intricate web of deceit, murder, and legal maneuvering in How to Get Away with Murder Season 1. This episode guide will dissect each episode, focusing on key plot points, character development, and the mounting suspense.
Laurel: The Quiet Badass
While not always the flashiest character, Laurel’s understated intelligence and surprising resilience make her a crucial part of the Keating 5. She provides a grounded perspective amidst the chaos and often displays a level-headedness that her peers lack.
Her actions during the case of the week, involving a teenager who killed his abusive father, showcase her ability to think strategically and manipulate situations to their advantage. More impressively, on the night of Sam’s murder, when Michaela crumbles, Laurel steps up to return the incriminating trophy to Asher, demonstrating remarkable bravery and composure.
However, Laurel isn’t without her flaws. Her phone ringing at the bonfire, revealing her affair with Frank, draws unwanted attention. Furthermore, seeking Frank’s help after the murder, trophy in hand, suggests a pattern of questionable decisions. This behavior mirrors the other students, highlighting their collective vulnerability and desperation in the face of a deadly situation.
Annalise and Sam: A Marriage Crumbling
Following the revelation of Sam’s affair with Lila, the dynamic between Annalise and Sam deteriorates rapidly. Sam’s flimsy explanations and attempts to deflect blame only fuel Annalise’s suspicions.
Annalise’s sharp retort about Sam’s attraction to “weak, broken messes” reveals a painful truth about their relationship’s foundation. The confrontation escalates into a physical altercation, culminating in Annalise kicking Sam out.
Annalise then seeks out Nate, who reveals that Sam lied about his alibi on the night of Lila’s murder. Nate’s revelation intensifies Annalise’s distrust and sets her on a path to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences. Annalise confronts Sam directly, asking if he was at Yale the night Lila was murdered. He admits he wasn’t, claiming Lila called him, sounding upset, and he went to find her but couldn’t.
Wes and Rebecca: Unlikely Allies?
Wes’s persistent efforts to get Annalise to submit Lila’s phone as evidence raise questions about his motives and loyalty. Rebecca’s psych evaluation reveals inconsistencies in her story, particularly regarding Lila’s phone. She claims Lila left it at her apartment the night before her murder, contradicting Sam’s statement that Lila called him that night.
Wes discovers that Rebecca’s apartment has been cleaned out. Rebecca warns him that Annalise can’t be trusted and directs him to the wallpaper. He sneaks into the Keating house and discovers the wallpaper in the bathroom matches the wallpaper in Mr. Darcy’s dick pic, revealing that Sam is Mr. Darcy.
This discovery unites Wes and Rebecca against the Keatings, forging an uneasy alliance. Their newfound knowledge raises questions about their future actions and allegiances.
The Night of the Flying Cheerleader: A Collective Crime
The flash-forwards to the night of the bonfire reveal the chaotic aftermath of Sam’s murder.
Laurel’s reference to herself as a murderer suggests that each member of the Keating 5 played a role in the crime, not just in the cover-up. This implies a shared responsibility and raises questions about the specific actions each student took that night. As Connor states, “We all had to do things tonight that we didn’t want to do.”
Bonnie’s Betrayal: Loyalty and Love
Annalise confronts Bonnie about revealing Nate’s off-book investigation to the police. Annalise recognizes that Bonnie’s actions were motivated by her feelings for Sam. The tension between Annalise and Bonnie escalates, hinting at a deeper history and a potential rivalry. This creates further instability within Annalise’s inner circle.
Loose Ends and Lingering Questions
The episode leaves several questions unanswered: Why does Asher desperately need the trophy back? What specific roles did each member of the Keating 5 play in Sam’s murder? What are Bonnie’s true motives and her history with Annalise and Sam?
Conclusion
This episode of How to Get Away with Murder deepens the mystery surrounding Lila’s murder and exposes the cracks in Annalise’s seemingly perfect life. The alliances shift, secrets are revealed, and the Keating 5 become increasingly entangled in a web of deceit and danger.
