How To Get Away With Murder – It’s A Trap

By: Alex Steele

This week It’s a Trap followed the Keating clan and their attempts to draw out/beat Philip at his own game. Let’s just say they weren’t too successful. Wes is still a lone wolf and we open the episode in his apartment where he has the “Charles Mahoney” murder trials notes strewn all across the place. Is he putting it all together? What does it all mean? Cut with flashback scenes of Rose, Annalise (Viola Davis) and the accused Charles Mahoney (Wilson Bethel) where we learn that Rose was the only eye-witness able to support Charles alibi. She was the one person who could save her from being convicted. No pressure. As younger Annalise questions both Charles and Rose, their stories align and it’s air tight. Now, did anyone watch these sequence of scenes and think that maybe, just maybe, Charles Sr. (Adam Arkin) could be Wes’ father? That this may be a case of unrequited love? That Rose and Charles had a secret love affair and Wes is the product of that? Just think on that…

Cut to present day where Connor has arrived at the Keating house in the hope that Annalise and trusty sidekick Bonnie (Liza Weil) will know what to do regarding the video footage of the night of the infamous shooting in question. Let’s just take a moment to praise Bonnie and her resting bitch face; Liza Weil proving that she needs no dialogue to deliver the exact emotion required in a scene. As she sits listening to Connor (Jack Falahee) and Annalise go at it, when Connor finally says the magic word (please) Annalise assembles the troops – everyone except Wes. Elsewhere, Laurel (Karla Souza) and Frank (Charlie Weber) are continuing their conversation from last week; this time however, she is doing everything possible to reject Frank’s admission that he killed Lila. Adamant that he’s lying, both Laurel and Charlie are unstoppable in this scene – the subtle sobs and breathlessness of the exchange definitely tug at our heart-strings. And as Frank gives in and answers his phone, Laurel slips out. Quick cut back to the house, where everyone (except Wes and Laurel) meet. While the “Keating Three” devolve into worst-case scenario ramblings, Annalise yells, “It’s a trap” and tells them all to take a breath not before delivering one of the greatest “How To Get Away With Murder” lines to date – “Let mommy take care of it, the way she always does.”

Laurel and Wes join forces after Laurel turns up on his doorstep, when she learns what Wes is really searching for. As they hop a plane to Ohio, the two are on the hunt for answers. Their search does not turn up much; however, after going through boxes and boxes of court files and medical records Wes concludes that Annalise got his mom killed. And the reason why his life has been the way it has is because of her; she’s pulled strings and worked favours to make up for what happened to his mom. Throughout the episode, the flashbacks of 10 years earlier are intermittent with a reluctant Rose not wanting to testify in open court; she is concerned and worried and rightly so. When Annalise says there is a way to remain anonymous, Rose (Kelsey Scott) seems on board. But when it comes time to call her, Rose is nowhere to be seen.

When Philip comes back demanding $1 million dollars into a bank account, Annalise must call upon reinforcements to help her out. With Makayla (Aja Naomi King) at her side, they visit Caleb, wanting him to reach other to Catherine and get any information he can about Philip. She doesn’t bite and the Keating team are back to square one. Cut to an anxious looking Asher (Matt McGrory) solemnly waiting outside Bonnie’s apartment (Can these two please get their act together?). Asher feels helpless and a little guilty at this whole situation is because of him and is trying anything he can to fix it. Liza Weil and Matt McGrory have undeniable chemistry and the evolution of this relationship has become a key driver to this series. As Bonnie delivers an honest, “I’m not your lawyer. I’m not your girlfriend,” our hearts break in unison with Asher’s. You can hear it when he silently asks whether there will ever be another chance. No. A simple, but soul-crushing response from a woman who most certainly still loves this guy. As she closes the door, it is that much more evident; those moments that Liza Weil has to really break down and explore those emotions are some of the most relatable. She brings a humanity to Bonnie that is hard to shake.

Taking a moment from the chaos of the week, Annalise is cooking for Nate – since when did Annalise become so domesticated? Funny thing is, Nate (Billy Brown) seems to have exactly the same thought, which doesn’t go over well with Annalise. But after a fairly honest conversation, in which Nate shares that he has forgiven Annalise, the two seem to be back on the same page. Connor shares with Oliver (Carlos Ricamora) that he is applying to transfer to Stanford – is he really finally done with all that is Annalise Keating? Is he attempting to make a break? Meanwhile, Laurel and Wes are waiting for sandwiches (the best in Ohio) when Wes questions Laurel about what happened with Frank. It is within this scene that Karla Souza delivers a depth-defying admission, one that shows how hard she has tried to move away from her father and her past life, but now with Frank finds herself in exactly the same position. What does that make me? She chokes back and we, as an audience, see for probably the first time the underlying aspects of Laurel. As Wes offers some words of comfort and support, one of the many jaw-dropping moments of this episode occurs – they make out! Not just kiss, but make out. And when all is done, it is as awkward as we would predict it would be. So what’s going to happen with that?

In flashbacks, Annalise has tracked Rose down after she is a no-show at court; Annalise knows what’s going on. Even with the reassurance that Annalise can keep her safe, Rose still refuses to testify. With a slam of the door, Christophe (Wes) has emerged to a distressed Rose and after asking if they can watch television, is dismissed to his bedroom. In present time, Laurel and Wes are going over Rose’s medical records and the medical examiners’ report; discovering nothing new, but just reaffirming this mother’s suicide. Elsewhere, Nate and Annalise are in bed after spending the night together and with one concerned look, Annalise lets Nate in on the situation; the video, Philip, what is their next move going to be? Cut to the living room where Annalise is laying down the law to her followers; they are going to do nothing, we are calling his bluff. Much to the dismay of the “Keating Three,” they wait for the deadline. It comes and goes, and for a moment (just enough time for Asher to bust a move), they can breathe easy. Ha! They spoke too soon! As a notification pops up on the screen, a new video of Nate and Annalise the night before is uncovered. Whoever this is, they sure know how to stir the pot. This is the most out of control we’ve seen the group since Season 1 and the build to the finale is most certainly keeping up glued to our televisions. But wait, the twist came in the last seconds where none other than this week’s MVP, Laurel, burst in demanding she talk to Annalise. Now, throwing her a crumpled piece of paper, she demands Annalise tell her if she knew. Did she know what? And boom, did Annalise know that Rose’s 12 year old son was a suspect in her murder? Cut to 10 years earlier with Christophe, knife in hand standing over the body of his dying mother. Reviewing those last few moments leave me breathless all over again, creator Pete Nowalk knows how to twist and turn and deliver some gut-punching story arcs. Bravo “How To Get Away With Murder” ensemble, thrilling stuff!