Wes Gibbins’ death in the third season of How to Get Away With Murder remains one of the most shocking and controversial decisions in television history. While killing off a central character like Wes was a massive risk, it ultimately revitalized the series and cemented its place as a captivating legal thriller. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Wes’ death, analyzing its impact on the show’s narrative and exploring why this bold move was a necessary turning point for How to Get Away With Murder.
The Calculated Risk of Killing Wes
How to Get Away With Murder, known for its intricate plot twists and shocking reveals, had begun to experience creative stagnation by the beginning of its third season. The central mysteries, while still engaging, felt somewhat formulaic, and viewers were growing accustomed to the show’s rhythm. The decision to kill off Wes, portrayed by Alfred Enoch, a core member of the “Keating 5” and a character deeply intertwined with Annalise Keating’s (Viola Davis) story, was a gamble designed to shake up the status quo.
Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch) on How To Get Away With Murder
Prior seasons relied on flash-forwards to tease the season’s central mystery, often revealing the victim but obscuring the perpetrator and the circumstances surrounding the crime. In season three, the writers subverted this expectation. The mid-season finale revealed Wes’ body in a flash-forward, seemingly removing him from the list of potential victims. This unexpected twist immediately re-engaged the audience, leaving them with a burning question: who killed Wes and why?
Wes’ Death: A Catalyst for Narrative Change
Wes’ death wasn’t just a shocking plot device; it was a catalyst for significant narrative change. His demise forced the other characters to confront their own complicity in the web of secrets and lies that had defined their relationships with Annalise and each other.
The show shifted its focus to exploring the emotional fallout of Wes’ death on the remaining characters, allowing for deeper character development and more complex storylines. Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil), in particular, experienced a significant shift, her complicated relationship with both Annalise and Wes taking center stage. Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King) and Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), also members of the Keating 5, were forced to grapple with their own guilt and trauma.
A blended image features characters from The Following, How to Get Away With Murder, and Scandal
Furthermore, Wes’ death injected a new sense of urgency and unpredictability into the series. The stakes were demonstrably higher. No character was safe, and the audience was left constantly guessing who would be the next victim or perpetrator. This heightened tension kept viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the complex truth behind Wes’ murder.
A Creative Resurgence: How Wes’ Death Saved the Show
By killing off a central character, How to Get Away With Murder defied conventional television tropes and breathed new life into a narrative that was at risk of becoming predictable. The writers used Wes’ death to explore themes of grief, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power, adding layers of complexity to the show’s already intricate plotlines.
The show’s willingness to take such a bold risk paid off. The renewed focus on character development, coupled with the shocking mystery surrounding Wes’ death, revitalized the series, attracting new viewers and re-engaging those who had begun to lose interest.
How to get away with murder tv poster
Wes’ death served as a reminder that in the world of How to Get Away With Murder, no one is truly safe. This element of surprise and the constant threat of danger became a defining characteristic of the series, ensuring its continued success and solidifying its legacy as a groundbreaking legal drama. While the loss of Wes was undoubtedly painful for both the characters and the audience, it ultimately paved the way for a more compelling and ultimately more satisfying narrative. It was a calculated risk that saved the show from creative stagnation and allowed it to evolve into something truly remarkable.
