Viola Davis has had many award worthy performances throughout her career but her portrayal as the How To Get Away With Murder protagonist is probably one of her most powerful characters yet. In fact, Annalise Keating is so compelling that it got Davis an Emmy (making her the first ever African American woman to win one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.) But what makes her such a boss compared to all the other leading ladies on television?
Keating as a professor and defense attorney is brilliant, clever, and relentless. She never walks away from a challenge and she will never give you a reason to doubt her abilities. After watching her rule the courtroom and win every case, you won’t just admire her; you’ll want to be her (which Michaela even admitted early on in the show.) To her, the end justifies the means and so she will do whatever it takes to accomplish whatever needs to be done.
Keating as a professor and defense attorney is brilliant, clever, and relentless. She never walks away from a challenge and she will never give you a reason to doubt her abilities. After watching her rule the courtroom and win every case, you won’t just admire her; you’ll want to be her (which Michaela even admitted early on in the show.) To her, the end justifies the means and so she will do whatever it takes to accomplish whatever needs to be done.
Yes, she’s a woman of color in a position of power who is strong-willed and in control but this doesn’t mean that she’s perfect. On the surface, she’s composed, guarded, and unapologetic which makes it seem like she has it all figured out. But as the show progresses, we find out this is all a façade and we see her start to show her true self, vulnerable and insecure. The show eventually reveals that her uncle raped her, that her husband isn’t as perfect as he seems either, and that she has own share of mistakes. That scene wherein she sits in her vanity and takes off her make-up and wig is the turning point. This is where she finally and fully reveals herself by taking off a mask, that’s both literal and metaphorical; it’s a powerful scene that’s followed up by an even more revelation (does the line “why is your penis on a dead girl’s phone?” sound familiar?)
As mentioned earlier, she will do whatever it takes to make things right even if that means doing some wrong things in the process. She undermines Bonnie, lies in court, and asks Frank to commit illegal acts all for a greater good. Some of Annalise’s actions have gotten out of hand considering the murder and unethical law practices she’s committed. They don’t scream justice, however in the context of the plot and her life, they’re acceptable only because she does these actions within reason and compassion.
As mentioned earlier, she will do whatever it takes to make things right even if that means doing some wrong things in the process. She undermines Bonnie, lies in court, and asks Frank to commit illegal acts all for a greater good. Some of Annalise’s actions have gotten out of hand considering the murder and unethical law practices she’s committed. They don’t scream justice, however in the context of the plot and her life, they’re acceptable only because she does these actions within reason and compassion.
She’s powerful because she recognizes her strengths and weaknesses and so she knows when, where, and how to attack the problems that come her way. Her life may be a mess and everything around her may be falling apart but she doesn’t lose control. She slips up, breaking down and losing her façade in a few scenes, but she gets over it and faces whatever’s next head on. She’s a person with authority and so when the time comes to call out the shots and take action, she does so with rationality and without letting her emotions get in the way.
Annalise Keating is not perfect. She’s flawed, insecure, and scared, just like most of us, but she tries so hard to be better and to do well. She’s faced numerous hardships that have turned her cold and broken but she despite them all, she’s still in control and stands strong. She’s complex, unpredictable, and dangerous but she’s also not afraid to show her vulnerable side, which makes her character so raw and real. It’s no surprise as to why the series became a hit so fast thanks to its intriguing storyline and talented actors, but Annalise Keating is definitely the boss that runs the whole show.
- Victoria Urrutia
click photos for sources
Annalise Keating is not perfect. She’s flawed, insecure, and scared, just like most of us, but she tries so hard to be better and to do well. She’s faced numerous hardships that have turned her cold and broken but she despite them all, she’s still in control and stands strong. She’s complex, unpredictable, and dangerous but she’s also not afraid to show her vulnerable side, which makes her character so raw and real. It’s no surprise as to why the series became a hit so fast thanks to its intriguing storyline and talented actors, but Annalise Keating is definitely the boss that runs the whole show.
- Victoria Urrutia
click photos for sources
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