Let's be honest, we all miss How to Get Away With Murder. The twists, the turns, the captivating performances – it was a masterclass in television drama. While a season 7 never materialized, let's explore some core strategies that could have made a hypothetical season a resounding success, drawing lessons from the show's past triumphs and applying them to a fictional continuation.
Re-Engage the Core Cast (Strategically)
A successful season 7 hinges on strategically re-engaging the core cast. This doesn't mean stuffing every character into every scene. Instead, we need focused character arcs:
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating:
The seasoned lawyer's resilience: Annalise's journey could explore the aftermath of her past trials, perhaps focusing on mentorship, redemption, or even a new, ethically gray legal battle. Her struggle for professional and personal growth, focusing on her mental health and relationships, is key.
Alfred Enoch as Wes Gibbins:
The legacy lives on: Even though Wes is gone, his memory could serve as a powerful driving force for the other characters. Flashbacks, dreams, or even symbolic appearances could honor his significance and add a layer of emotional depth.
Other Key Characters:
We need to see compelling character developments for Michaela, Connor, Asher (if he survived), Laurel, and Frank. Each needs a substantial arc that adds to the overall narrative, avoiding stagnation or predictable plotlines. Focusing on their personal and professional lives, with intertwining narratives, is crucial.
Crafting a Compelling Central Mystery
The backbone of How to Get Away With Murder was its intricate, multi-layered mysteries. Season 7 would need a similarly captivating central mystery, possibly involving:
A New Case:
A complex legal battle that ties into Annalise's past could be effective. Perhaps a case involving powerful figures, corporate espionage, or even political corruption would offer plenty of opportunities for twists and turns.
Unresolved Past Issues:
Season 7 could revisit unresolved plot points from earlier seasons, tying loose ends and surprising the audience. The lingering consequences of past actions could be explored, creating a satisfying sense of closure.
Maintaining the Show's Unique Tone
The show's unique blend of suspense, legal drama, and character-driven storytelling must be preserved.
Emotional Depth:
The series' success rested on its ability to create emotionally invested characters and compelling relationships. Season 7 needs to maintain this focus, building upon existing relationships while forging new connections.
Unexpected Twists:
Maintaining shocking plot twists and unpredictable turns is vital to retaining the show's thrilling nature. Subverting audience expectations is key to keeping the viewers engaged.
Thematic Exploration:
Season 7 should continue to explore complex themes surrounding justice, morality, ambition, and the consequences of our actions. Exploring these themes can provide thematic depth and resonance.
Leveraging Social Media Engagement
In today's media landscape, successful shows need to harness the power of social media. A hypothetical Season 7 of How to Get Away With Murder would need a strong social media presence:
Interactive Campaigns:
The show could create polls and quizzes, inviting fan participation and generating excitement for the upcoming episodes.
Behind-the-Scenes Content:
Offering glimpses into the production process, character interviews, or cast interactions could foster a sense of community.
Fan Theories:
Encouraging discussions about plot theories and predictions could further engage the fans and build anticipation.
By focusing on these core strategies – strategic character development, a compelling mystery, maintaining the show's unique tone, and leveraging social media – a hypothetical Season 7 of How to Get Away With Murder could have achieved the same level of success as its predecessors. The key is to stay true to the show's heart while offering fresh and exciting new developments.
