Since Season 1, How to Get Away with Murder has developed and evolved all its characters, if they have not been killed off in the process. One of the Keating Five, Wes (Alfred Enoch), has faced the most surprises with his girlfriend dying, learning about his mother’s suicide, and finding out his father is alive only to watch him get shot in the head. Season 3 will likely show Wes dealing with everything that has transpired, including his tumultuous relationship with Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) and his confusing friendship with Laurel (Karla Souza).
According to creator and executive producer Peter Nowalk, Wes is stronger now, and how he handles his father’s death will be different.
“One year ago, I would have said Wes would have fallen apart and down a spiral, but I think he’s been through so much hell now, he’s much tougher,” said Nowalk to Variety. “The thing I’m really excited to explore now is what is his relationship with Annalise now. They’ve been on such opposite sides because she’s been aggressively protecting him, but also hiding a secret from him, but now that everything is out on the table, he has to decide whether to trust her. He’s alone so I think there’s a version where they grow much closer and they work together so that’s what is really appealing to me right now.”
As for his relationship with Annalise, one of the biggest issues will be trust. “I think the ball is mostly in Wes' court there” Nowalk told TV.com. “I think he understands now why Annalise has been doing everything and treating him that way more than he did before. Whether he can trust her again and whether he wants her in his life is the big question. I will say he's alone. He doesn't have anyone and here's this person who's protected him from a lot. That's a big dilemma for him, but I would like to see them not hate each other for a little bit.”
In Season 2, Wes and Laurel shared a kiss and decided to never go down that road again. But their blossoming friendship could potentially turn into something.
“What I love now is they both really have terrible fathers, and are very bonded in that area,” said Nowalk to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s possible that they’ll come together romantically or not. The characters are both wondering what they want. Everyone wants to be healthy, and probably not to be incestuous with each other. But I don’t think young people always make the right choice.”
Nowalk added: “I see why people can have violent reactions, because they’re like, “But they’re not romantic!” But in life, that happens all the time. Believe me, I’ve had friends get together that I’m like, “What? No! You’re like brothers! You’re like gay friends, and then you’re suddenly having sex!” I get the reactions people have, but I think it’s real, especially with the circumstances our characters are under; how much stress they’re under, they’ll look to each other in intimate ways.”
One mystery still lurking in the background for Wes is what happened to his ex-girlfriend Rebecca (Katie Findlay). While Wes doesn’t know the truth — Bonnie (Liza Weil) killed Rebecca and Frank (Charlie Weber) disposed of her body — viewers are up to speed. Will the Rebecca story arc return so Wes can get closure? That’s in the air, says Nowalk.
“That’s all up for grabs, as it would be in real life,” told Nowalk to Variety. “Secrets sit for 20 years and then they flare up in a moment, like Annalise’s baby did. You never know. I just don’t want to overwhelm the audience with nitty-gritty details.”
Season 3 of ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder returns in the fall.
