“How to Get Away with Murder” promised a groundbreaking portrayal of diversity, boasting a strong Black female lead and a complex cast. The initial buzz, fueled by Viola Davis’s undeniable talent, suggested a show ready to dismantle stereotypes. However, the series quickly devolved, relying on harmful tropes and ultimately betraying the very diversity it claimed to champion. This article examines how “HTGAWM” squandered its potential, focusing on the damaging portrayals of Annalise Keating, Wes Gibbins, Laurel Castillo, and Oliver Hampton.
Annalise Keating: A Strong Black Woman Burdened by Stereotypes
Annalise Keating, played with captivating intensity by Viola Davis, is introduced as a brilliant defense attorney and law professor. The show highlights her strength and intelligence, but these qualities are overshadowed by a problematic reliance on stereotypes. Annalise is portrayed as an alcoholic with a strained relationship with her mother. Her professional success is attributed to morally questionable tactics, perpetuating the narrative of the Black woman who must “play dirty” to get ahead. While flawed characters are essential for compelling storytelling, the sheer volume of Annalise’s flaws, including her involvement in covering up her husband’s murder, feels excessive and ultimately undermines her strength. The show missed an opportunity to showcase the complexities of a Black female character without resorting to tired tropes.
Wes Gibbins: A Tragic Victim of the “Angry Black Man” Trope
Wes Gibbins’s story arc is a heartbreaking example of how “HTGAWM” exploited stereotypes for dramatic effect. Initially presented as a promising law student, Wes’s potential is quickly diminished by revelations about his past and his impulsive actions. He becomes the show’s scapegoat, responsible for acts of violence that reinforce the harmful stereotype of the angry Black man. His tragic end, devoid of redemption, underscores the show’s failure to provide nuanced and positive representations of Black male characters. Wes’s journey is a frustrating display of wasted potential, leaving the audience with a sense of injustice and a missed opportunity for meaningful character development.
Laurel Castillo: A Latina Woman Defined by Family Drama and Trauma
Laurel Castillo’s character initially held promise, showcasing a strong, independent Latina woman. However, her storyline quickly becomes entangled in stereotypical narratives of family drama and trauma. Her past, marked by kidnapping and a strained relationship with her father, overshadows her individual strengths and reduces her to a victim of circumstance. The show’s focus on her father’s shady business dealings further reinforces negative stereotypes about Latino men and prevents Laurel from fully realizing her potential as a complex and multifaceted character. Instead of challenging stereotypes, “HTGAWM” ultimately perpetuates them, diminishing Laurel’s agency and reinforcing harmful narratives.
Oliver Hampton: A Stereotypical Portrayal of HIV and Gay Relationships
Oliver Hampton’s character, initially a fan favorite for his sweetness and intelligence, becomes a vehicle for perpetuating stereotypes about gay men and HIV. The show’s decision to give Oliver an HIV diagnosis, while Connor, his more promiscuous partner, tests negative, feels contrived and exploitative. While “HTGAWM” may have intended to spark conversation about HIV, the execution falls flat, relying on tired tropes and failing to offer a nuanced or empowering portrayal of living with HIV. Oliver and Connor’s relationship, burdened by unnecessary drama and stereotypical portrayals of gay relationships, ultimately misses the mark in showcasing a healthy and functional partnership.
A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Representation
“How to Get Away with Murder” had the potential to be a truly groundbreaking show, offering complex and diverse characters that challenged stereotypes. However, it ultimately fell short, resorting to tired tropes and harmful representations that undermined its initial promise. The show’s reliance on stereotypical portrayals of race, gender, and sexuality ultimately betrayed its diverse cast and its audience. Instead of fostering understanding and challenging societal biases, “HTGAWM” reinforced them, leaving a legacy of missed opportunities and a bitter taste of what could have been. The show’s ultimate failure lies not in its complex plot twists, but in its inability to treat its diverse characters with the nuance and respect they deserved.
Conclusion: The Legacy of “HTGAWM”
While “How to Get Away with Murder” generated buzz and captivated audiences with its intricate plotlines, its handling of diversity ultimately tarnished its legacy. The show’s reliance on harmful stereotypes, particularly in the portrayal of its minority characters, demonstrates a missed opportunity for meaningful representation. By failing to challenge these stereotypes, “HTGAWM” reinforced existing biases and ultimately undermined its initial promise of groundbreaking diversity. The show’s legacy serves as a cautionary tale for future productions, highlighting the importance of nuanced and responsible portrayals of marginalized communities.
