“How to Get Away with Murder” Season 3 Episode 16, titled “Wes,” definitively reveals Wes Gibbins’ killer: Dominic, acting under orders from Laurel’s father, Jorge Castillo. The episode painstakingly pieces together the events leading to Wes’s death, highlighting the intricate web of deceit and desperation that defines the Keating Five’s world.
The Unraveling of a Conspiracy: Examining Wes’s Murder
The truth behind Wes’s death in Season 3 isn’t a simple whodunit. It’s a complex tapestry woven with personal vendettas, corporate maneuvering, and the ever-present consequences of past actions. The episode meticulously lays out the chain of events, confirming suspicions that had been brewing throughout the season.
Laurel’s Father: The Puppet Master
Jorge Castillo’s motive stemmed from his desire to protect his business and his daughter. He saw Wes as a threat to Laurel’s stability and a potential liability for his company. Castillo hired Dominic, a family friend with a history of dirty work, to silence Wes before he could testify against him. The evidence presented in the episode, including phone records and Dominic’s confession to Laurel, leaves little room for doubt.
Dominic’s Role: Executioner and Enforcer
Dominic was more than just a hired gun. He had a personal connection to the Castillo family and was willing to go to extreme lengths to fulfill Jorge’s wishes. The episode reveals his calculated and ruthless approach to carrying out the murder, including injecting Wes with a paralytic drug before setting the Keating house on fire.
The Paralytic: A Crucial Piece of the Puzzle
The presence of the paralytic drug, revealed during the autopsy, was a critical piece of evidence that initially confused the investigation. The episode clarifies that this drug prevented Wes from escaping the fire and ensuring his death was certain. This detail highlights the premeditation and cold-blooded nature of the crime.
The Keating Five’s Fallout: Confronting the Truth
The revelation of Wes’s killer throws the Keating Five into further disarray. Laurel is devastated by her father’s involvement, while the others struggle to cope with the ripple effects of the cover-up. The episode explores the moral compromises they have made and the toll it has taken on their relationships.
Laurel’s Quest for Revenge: A Dangerous Path
Consumed by grief and anger, Laurel embarks on a quest for revenge against her father. This decision places her in a dangerous position, as she must confront a powerful and ruthless adversary. The episode sets the stage for a season-long conflict between Laurel and her father.
The Fragility of Trust: Cracks in the Foundation
The events of Wes’s murder further erode the trust within the Keating Five. The constant lying, manipulation, and cover-ups have created a climate of suspicion and paranoia. The episode explores the challenges they face in maintaining their bond amidst the chaos.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Season 3 Mystery
Here are 12 Frequently Asked Questions about the events and implications surrounding Season 3, Episode 16 of “How to Get Away with Murder:”
1. Why was Wes considered such a threat to Jorge Castillo?
Jorge saw Wes as a threat on multiple levels. Firstly, Wes was dating Laurel, and Jorge disapproved of the relationship, believing Wes was not good enough for her and potentially a distraction from her studies. Secondly, and more importantly, Wes possessed information that could incriminate Jorge in illegal activities related to his company. He feared Wes would testify against him, potentially leading to his arrest and the downfall of his business empire. Therefore, eliminating Wes was a calculated move to protect his interests.
2. What specific evidence confirmed Dominic as the killer?
Several pieces of evidence pointed directly to Dominic’s involvement. Laurel overheard a phone call between Dominic and her father where they discussed “taking care” of Wes. Additionally, Dominic confessed to Laurel after being confronted, explaining his motives and Jorge’s involvement. The timing of Dominic’s arrival in Philadelphia and his subsequent departure after Wes’s death further solidified his role. Finally, the precise details he provided about the paralytic confirmed he was present at the scene.
3. Was Annalise Keating involved in Wes’s murder?
No, Annalise Keating was not directly involved in Wes’s murder. While she initially suspected herself and grappled with immense guilt due to her complex relationship with Wes and her past mistakes, the episode confirms her innocence in his actual killing. She was devastated by his death and actively sought to uncover the truth. Annalise’s actions, however, indirectly contributed to the circumstances that led to his death, a burden she continues to carry. Her past secrets and involvement in the Mahoney case ultimately made Wes a target.
4. Why did Jorge Castillo choose Dominic to carry out the murder?
Jorge likely chose Dominic for several reasons. Dominic was a loyal family friend and had proven his willingness to do dirty work in the past. He was discreet, reliable, and unlikely to betray Jorge. The pre-existing relationship between the Castillo family and Dominic provided a layer of deniability and made him a convenient choice. Dominic also possessed the necessary skills and resources to carry out the murder effectively.
5. What was the significance of the paralytic drug?
The paralytic drug was crucial because it ensured Wes could not escape the fire. Without it, he might have been able to alert others or even survive. The drug also provided a window of opportunity for Dominic to set the fire without resistance. The inclusion of the paralytic highlights the premeditation and cold-bloodedness of the crime.
6. How did Wes’s death affect Laurel’s relationship with her father?
Wes’s death irrevocably damaged Laurel’s relationship with her father. She was horrified and disgusted by his actions and vowed to seek revenge. The episode marks the beginning of a bitter and protracted conflict between them. Laurel now sees her father as a monster and is determined to bring him to justice, even at the cost of her own safety. This betrayal cuts deep, fundamentally altering her perception of her family.
7. Did anyone else know about Jorge Castillo’s plan to kill Wes?
Beyond Dominic, it is highly unlikely that anyone else was directly involved in Jorge’s plan. However, it’s possible that other members of the Castillo family or associates were aware of his illegal activities and turned a blind eye. The extent of the conspiracy remains somewhat ambiguous, although the primary responsibility lies with Jorge and Dominic.
8. How did Wes’s death impact the Keating Five?
Wes’s death had a profound and lasting impact on the Keating Five. It further eroded their trust in each other, deepened their feelings of guilt and paranoia, and created new conflicts within the group. They were forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the moral compromises they had made. The shared trauma of Wes’s death both united and divided them.
9. What happened to Dominic after the murder?
While Dominic confesses to Laurel, his fate remains somewhat open-ended in this specific episode. The repercussions of his actions, however, become a central plot point later in the series. He knows too much and becomes a liability. Therefore, Dominic’s involvement creates a whole new set of problems and risks. The episode does not explicitly show what happens to him, but the implication is that his life is in danger.
10. How did Annalise react to learning the truth about Wes’s death?
Annalise was devastated to learn the truth about Wes’s death. While she had initially suspected herself, the revelation of Jorge Castillo’s involvement brought a new wave of grief and anger. She felt responsible for Wes’s death, as her actions had indirectly made him a target. Annalise’s reaction is one of profound sorrow and guilt, further fueling her desire to protect the Keating Five.
11. What were the long-term consequences of Wes’s death for the show’s plot?
Wes’s death had a significant impact on the show’s plot. It fueled Laurel’s desire for revenge, created new conflicts within the Keating Five, and forced Annalise to confront her past mistakes. The mystery surrounding his death became a central storyline for subsequent seasons. It served as a catalyst for significant character development and plot twists.
12. Is there any possibility of Wes returning to the show in future seasons?
While Wes is definitively dead, the show has been known to utilize flashbacks and dream sequences to bring characters back. While a full resurrection is highly improbable, flashbacks exploring his past and his relationships with other characters remain a possibility. The emotional impact of his death continues to resonate throughout the series, even without his physical presence.