Talk about a busy episode.
It seems like that’s the theme of the show; three episodes in, and we still don’t really understand anything. It’s still confusing as hell to watch so many different things being juggled during one hour and not have the payoff be worth it in the end.
A Michaela-centric episode could have been done much better. The fact that her fiancé had a gay experience with Connor (what are the odds, by the way?) was handled poorly. I don’t like Michaela—and it’s only until this episode that I realized that she is a controlling and mean bitch to almost everyone. The cliffhanger did sort of make her a wee bit more interesting (losing her precious ring in the flashforward just after they’d burnt Mr. Keating’s body) but I’m not getting my hopes up on trusting her character any time soon.
In fact, who can we trust on this show, really? We’re not given anyone worth rooting for and that makes it harder and harder to care for any of these characters. I don’t mind finding any of our law students dead and burned by the season’s final moments, and the shocking twists and turns I had been waiting anxiously for in this show just aren’t good enough until now. After a really solid pilot, we’re supposed to start liking these characters but instead we’re treated to a couple of people who really, really despise each other and are fighting for people who do not deserve to be fought for.
Which brings us to the Case-of-the-Week, the episode’s weakest part. Maybe the writers wanted to show us that Annalise isn’t going to win every case, but I found Ana Ortiz’s guest appearance very disturbing. The woman plays the part perfectly, but it was a bit difficult to believe that this soccer mom would risk everything and leave her husband and kids behind just for another man. Then again, HTGAWM is beyond unrealistic sometimes.
Unfortunately, nothing regarding the Lila case was interesting either. Rebecca is still boring as hell, and I feel like detective Nate lying to Annalise about her husband’s whereabouts during the night of Lila’s murder was not as intriguing as it was supposed to be. Viola Davis’ performance in that scene, though, was outstanding. And she’s the only reason this show has not crumbled down into pieces already.
Sneaky Courtroom Bits
– The only part I loved about this episode was the students taking selfies during the bonfire. That scene was truly funny, disturbing and poignant all at once.
– Is there something going on between Sam Keating and Bonnie? It certainly seems like it with every passing week.
– It was funny that the students were wondering what the hell Frank really does. Good thing I’m not the only one.
– I was starting to like Wes, but then this episode happened. Not amused at all.
– Another disturbing scene: the four women riding in Annalise’s car and Ana Ortiz saying the horribly disturbing stuff that she said. Even more disturbing: the fact that she got away and was seen later in the bus with her terrorist boyfriend.
– I’m not sure if Connor teasing Michaela about sleeping with her boyfriend was amusing or just douche-y.
– I didn’t even enjoy Wes’s conversation with Annalise about trying to do something good by helping Rebecca.
Amusing Keating One-Liners
Connor: Smile, or go to jail.
Connor: I guess we have more in common than I thought.
Sam: She can’t resist a challenge, can she?
Asher: Hooker Mom turned out to be Bomb Mom. I freaking love this job.
Conclusion
An underwhelming episode that added more questions and confusion, and has achieved in making the characters much less likable.
Chris Rating
C+
Allo, Chris.
Nice review.
Sorry, but i'm finding a lot of idiot characters in this show.
Not just bad judgment but really idiotic moves and motives.
And the repetitive flashbacks, with just a frame or two to make it different is really annoying.
Indeed platinum. The same damn frames of bonfires and bodies in woods and coins flying. ENOUGH already!
Haha yes, I agree about the repetitive flashbacks. They have got to go. This show is really starting to disappoint..
I felt the same thing about Sam and Bonnie. I still don't care about any of the characters but I especially dislike Wes. I dunno there is something about him.
Glad to see everyone dislikes these characters as much as me, lol. Let's hope that changes soon.