How To Get Away With Murder Review: No More Blood (Season 3 Episode 8)
On How To Get Away With Murder Season 3 Episode 8, “No More Blood,” Frank returns, and Annalise is less than pleased, but still needs his help to save Wes. Michaela, on the other hand, doesn’t give a single rat a*s.
Case of the Week
- Wes vs. Charles Mahoney’s alibi
Character of Focus
- Relationships (so, no one, basically)
In case you were still suffering under the notion that these people weren’t horrible, “No More Blood” clears those remaining doubts as the inner inner Keating circle frames an innocent man for murder.
Why? To protect Frank. Or, to protect Wes who wouldn’t have needed protection if Frank hadn’t originally intervened in an attempt to get back in Mama Keating’s good graces.
Which didn’t turn out so well for him, either, did it?
How to Get Away With Murder started out as a shock-and-awe, water-cooler show, rife with intrigue, secrets, and betrayal. Slowly, however, it has become another beast entirely. No murders three weeks running? No crazy semi-incestuous storylines about homicidal siblings or dead, pregnant students?
No. Instead, what we have is a more subdued show that places all of its weight on the strength of its characters and the consequences of their choices.
Frank has tasted blood, and now, like Annalise and vodka, he thirsts for it, constantly seeking redemption once he wakes up and the murder hangover sets in.
Annalise struggles with actual alcoholism, an issue that was almost never discussed in previous seasons. The moment when she finds herself at a convenience store sniffing bottles of wine could have once been considered a low point but is now a sobering (pun intended) quiet look at how hard she’s fighting to stay sober.
As Frank stands over the woman that’s haunted him for years, wondering if he should kill her, Annalise wonders if maybe a little sip won’t hurt.
In season one, I daresay, this scene might not have happened. It’s not shocking; we don’t learn any new information. It’s the antithesis of a watercooler moment. It is, however, a dynamic and noteworthy moment. It’s a moment that a viewer out there in TV land may watch and take to heart, seeing substance abuse handled in a realistic and completely boring way.
And that’s what good television does. Or at least, that’s what good Shondaland shows do. From Scandal, which saw Olivia Pope having an abortion set to Christmas music, to Private Practice that saw Amelia relapse and recover and relapse again, Shondaland shows tackle realistic, everyday issues with a touch of mundane humanity, carefully placing them between otherwise dramatic storylines.
Speaking of dramatic storylines, the troubling and quickly approaching identity of the dead body continues. We now know that Connor is safe and sound and being an absolute a-hole, which leaves us with Frank, Nate, and Simon.
Frank seems to be the likelier suspect as of the last two minutes. Chances are, he shot himself and Annalise burned the house down to cover it up. I know that’s what we’re supposed to believe, but come on, Frank actually pulled that trigger? Not on this show.
If Bonnie’s right, Annalise would never forgive herself if Frank actually committed suicide because of her. Her shouting at him comes off as more a cathartic move for both of them. If Frank doesn’t give in, then he’s strong enough to come back into the fold. If he does, then… well, he does.
The closer we get to the big reveal, the more I think the writers are just pulling our legs about this character. The entire time, we’re made to believe that—mainly due to Annalise’s reaction—the deceased is one of the core cast members. But what if it turns out to be, like, Annalise’s father?
It’ll be a “I knew you writers didn’t have the courage” moment and a “whoa, what” moment all in one. In any case, we have one week until all is revealed and another fresh batch of mysteries leaves us salivating until January.
Murder of the Week
- Connor by me if I catch him before Oliver does. I sweartagod…
Wayward Case Files
- As adorable as Simon is, I’m not sure why he’s being kept around. Is there some crazy storyline in his future?
- Simon: “You can penetrate him but not the inner circle.” Methinks Asher’s not the only one who thinks about gay sex too much.
- Frank fills the shirtless quota this week.
- Laurel is still a total Pisces and that’s the last I’ll say on the matter.
- It’s just that she’s so damn forgiving. Not that it’s a bad thing, but just… like… such a Pisces.
- Asher’s confusion and dismay about Frank’s beardlessness made me laugh so hard, I had to pause.
- I also kind of giggled when the doctor had Wes’ file, Laurel tried to grab it, and the doctor yanked it away. It was such an insignificant moment that I’m sure it wasn’t scripted.
- Cashier: “Munchies?” Annalise: “Menopause.” That shut him up real quick.
- The more I see Michaela and Asher together, the less I’m sure about their longevity. Will she ever let her guard down again?
- Watching Connor’s reaction to Coliver’s real breakup genuinely made me sad. And then he had to go and do something stupid a week later…
What did you think of this episode of How to Get Away With Murder? Did Frank pull the trigger or nah? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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How to Get Away With Murder airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.
James A. Windley
James A. Windley, Writer, Virgo, Loaded couch potato. James' love of television began at the intersection when Saturday morning cartoons met to Xena: Warrior Princess syndications, and his head has been a mess ever since. He loves superheroes, drama (in life, not television), and misses when very special episodes were a thing.