Laurel Castillo and Wes Gibbins, two pivotal characters in the gripping legal drama How to Get Away with Murder, share a complicated and at times, volatile relationship. Their intimate moment, fraught with underlying emotions and strategic implications, occurs in Season 2, Episode 11, titled “She Hates Us.” This episode marks a significant turning point in their connection, blurring the lines of friendship and introducing romantic complications that reverberate throughout the remainder of the series.
The Significance of “She Hates Us”
“She Hates Us” is more than just the episode where Laurel and Wes sleep together; it’s a pivotal point in the show’s overarching narrative. The episode explores the escalating tensions surrounding the Hapstall case and the growing paranoia among the Keating 5. Laurel and Wes’s actions are heavily influenced by these external pressures and their individual vulnerabilities. Their interaction is far from a simple romantic encounter; it’s a consequence of shared trauma, desperation, and a yearning for connection in a world filled with deception. Understanding the context of this episode is crucial to grasping the true meaning behind their intimate connection.
The Lead Up to the Moment
A Shared Trauma Bonding
Laurel and Wes initially connect through their shared experiences with Annalise Keating and the often-illegal activities they are embroiled in. This shared trauma bonding creates a foundation of trust and reliance. They witness each other at their most vulnerable, forging a connection that transcends typical friendship.
Wes’s Unrequited Feelings
Throughout the first season and the early part of the second, Wes harbors unrequited feelings for Laurel. He is drawn to her intelligence, her unwavering loyalty, and her quiet strength. He perceives her as someone he can confide in and protect, even though Laurel initially seems to keep him at arm’s length.
Laurel’s Vulnerability
Laurel, known for her guarded nature, begins to show glimpses of vulnerability as the series progresses. She witnesses the devastating consequences of their actions and struggles with the moral implications of their involvement in Annalise’s schemes. This vulnerability makes her more receptive to Wes’s affections, creating the opportunity for their relationship to evolve.
The Aftermath and Repercussions
The moment between Laurel and Wes in “She Hates Us” is not a singular event. It triggers a chain reaction of consequences that impact their individual lives and the dynamics of the Keating 5.
Complicated Relationship Dynamics
Their intimate encounter adds another layer of complexity to their already intricate relationship. The guilt, confusion, and unspoken expectations create tension and uncertainty. They grapple with defining their feelings for each other and navigating the potential ramifications of their actions.
Trust and Betrayal
The relationship between Laurel and Wes is constantly tested by lies, secrets, and betrayals. They struggle to maintain trust in each other, especially as they become increasingly entangled in Annalise’s web of deceit. Their intimate connection becomes both a source of comfort and a potential point of vulnerability.
Impact on the Keating 5
Laurel and Wes’s relationship impacts the dynamics of the Keating 5, creating jealousy, suspicion, and alliances within the group. Their actions contribute to the overall sense of paranoia and mistrust that permeates their interactions. The repercussions of this intimate moment ripple through the group, affecting their ability to trust each other and work together effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Laurel and Wes’s relationship and their encounter in “She Hates Us”:
FAQ 1: Why did Laurel and Wes sleep together?
Laurel and Wes’s encounter was driven by a combination of factors: shared trauma, loneliness, a desire for connection, and Wes’s persistent feelings for Laurel. They were both feeling vulnerable and isolated, and their intimacy provided a temporary escape from the chaos surrounding them.
FAQ 2: Was Laurel genuinely in love with Wes at this point?
It’s debatable. While Laurel cared deeply for Wes, her feelings were complex and influenced by external factors. She was drawn to his kindness and dependability, but it’s unclear if she was truly in love with him at this point in the series. Their relationship evolved over time, and her feelings deepened as the series progressed.
FAQ 3: How did Annalise react to Laurel and Wes’s relationship?
Annalise’s reaction was complicated. While she initially seemed disapproving, she later used their relationship to her advantage, manipulating them to achieve her own goals. Annalise often saw Laurel and Wes as pawns in her elaborate schemes, and she wasn’t afraid to exploit their feelings for each other.
FAQ 4: Did Laurel and Wes have a healthy relationship?
Their relationship was far from healthy. It was built on a foundation of lies, secrets, and shared trauma. They were constantly navigating ethical dilemmas and dealing with the consequences of their actions. Their relationship was marked by instability, mistrust, and emotional turmoil.
FAQ 5: How did the Hapstall case influence their relationship?
The Hapstall case significantly influenced their relationship. The intense pressure and constant threat of exposure created a sense of paranoia and desperation. The shared experience of facing legal jeopardy brought them closer together, but it also added to the instability of their connection.
FAQ 6: What were the main challenges in their relationship?
The main challenges included their inability to be honest with each other, the constant threat of danger, and the interference of Annalise Keating. They struggled to build a stable and trusting relationship in such a volatile environment.
FAQ 7: Did Laurel and Wes ever truly find happiness together?
Moments of happiness were fleeting and often overshadowed by the surrounding darkness. While they shared moments of genuine connection and affection, their relationship was ultimately defined by tragedy and loss. Finding lasting happiness proved impossible given the circumstances they were in.
FAQ 8: How did Wes’s death affect Laurel?
Wes’s death had a profound impact on Laurel. It shattered her world and left her devastated. She became determined to find out the truth about his death, even if it meant risking her own life. Wes’s death became a driving force in her actions and shaped her character for the remainder of the series.
FAQ 9: What was the significance of Laurel’s pregnancy?
Laurel’s pregnancy was a significant turning point in the series. It added another layer of complexity to her character and forced her to confront her past. The pregnancy also became a source of contention and conflict within the group, further complicating their relationships.
FAQ 10: How did the other members of the Keating 5 react to Laurel and Wes’s intimacy?
The other members of the Keating 5 reacted with a mix of jealousy, suspicion, and concern. Their intimacy created tension within the group and affected their individual relationships with Laurel and Wes. The dynamics of the Keating 5 were constantly shifting, and Laurel and Wes’s relationship added another layer of complexity to their interactions.
FAQ 11: What were the long-term consequences of their relationship?
The long-term consequences of their relationship were far-reaching. Wes’s death, Laurel’s pregnancy, and the constant threat of exposure had a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of everyone around them. The events surrounding their relationship shaped the trajectory of the series and ultimately led to the downfall of many of the characters.
FAQ 12: In retrospect, was their relationship a positive or negative force in the show?
Their relationship was a complex mix of both. While it provided moments of connection and emotional depth, it also contributed to the overall sense of tragedy and despair that permeated the series. Ultimately, their relationship served as a catalyst for many of the key events and character developments in How to Get Away with Murder. It highlighted the themes of betrayal, loss, and the destructive power of secrets.