‘How to Get Away with Murder’ premiere review: Viola Davis dominates promising new show

Going into the series premiere of “How to Get Away with Murder,” we were definitely excited. The show had Peter Nowalk and Shonda Rhimes on board, and then a leading lady in Viola Davis who has proven time and time again just how amazing she is.

There was no question from the moment we first saw her character of Annalise Keating that Davis was brilliant, and she will most likely be in awards contention very soon. She is ruthless, scandalous, powerful, and almost feels like Olivia Pope meet her father Rowan. she also teaches law students as to how to make arguments in court.

In a way, Davis is so good that everyone else is still working to catch up, but we are very interested in particular in Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch), a young man who is still struggling to find his own place in this world, and in the class. He eventually proves himself, but at the expense of discovering quite a few of Keating’s professional and personal secrets. She’s not entirely faithful, but she is adept at getting those close to her to do exactly what she wants. Wes is one of the few characters to come from the Shondaland world that really is lacking in confidence, which makes him so captivating to watch.

We’re still torn about the flashforwards, which show Wes and some of his fellow bright students / members of Keating’s class actually trying to get away with murder in truth. Do we really need to know that right now, and does that feel a little on the nose? We’re still unsure, since they are really going to have to sell us this over time.

Overall, though, we have to give ABC credit for giving us a new show that we are instantly hooked on, and we’ll keep watching. Grade: B+.

What do you think about the premiere of “How to Get Away with Murder,” and did it live up to some of your own personal expectations? Share your thoughts with a comment right now.