Wes Gibbins and Laurel Castillo’s complex relationship on “How to Get Away with Murder” is a fan favorite, but pinpointing their exact romantic genesis is surprisingly nuanced. While their connection deepens throughout the series, the episode generally considered to be the one where Wes and Laurel officially get together is Season 2, Episode 9, “What Did We Do?”.
Defining “Getting Together”: A Look at Wes and Laurel’s Timeline
The question of when Wes and Laurel “got together” is subjective. Their relationship wasn’t a straightforward, “Will you be my girlfriend?” moment. It was a slow burn, fueled by shared secrets, mutual attraction, and a deep understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities. The episode “What Did We Do?” is crucial because it marks the point where their emotional and physical intimacy clearly crosses the line from friendship into romantic territory. Prior to this episode, there were certainly strong hints and burgeoning feelings, but the ambiguity remained.
Consider the scenes leading up to this point. Wes and Laurel consistently confided in each other, often bypassing the others in Annalise’s Keating Five. They recognized each other’s pain and loneliness, forming a powerful bond. However, they were both involved in other relationships (or, in Laurel’s case, situations) and seemed hesitant to fully commit.
“What Did We Do?” features the fallout from Catherine Hapstall’s shooting, and the heightened emotions and paranoia create a breeding ground for intimacy. It’s in this episode that Wes and Laurel explicitly acknowledge their feelings and act upon them, marking a significant turning point in their relationship trajectory.
The Significance of “What Did We Do?”
This episode isn’t just about a kiss or a declaration of love; it signifies a deeper commitment to each other in the face of immense stress and danger. The circumstances surrounding their relationship – a murder cover-up, complex family secrets, and Annalise’s manipulative influence – made their connection all the more intense and complicated.
The shared trauma they experienced within Annalise’s world created a unique bond that few others could understand. “What Did We Do?” highlights their willingness to lean on each other for support, even if it meant venturing into potentially destructive territory.
Understanding the Context: The Keating Five Dynamics
The dynamics within the Keating Five also played a significant role in Wes and Laurel’s relationship. Their connection often served as a counterpoint to the other relationships, providing a glimpse of genuine affection amidst the chaos. While characters like Connor and Oliver experienced passionate love, and Michaela sought security and ambition through relationships, Wes and Laurel’s bond was rooted in a shared understanding and a quiet, unspoken connection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wes and Laurel’s Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Wes and Laurel’s complex and ultimately tragic relationship:
1. When did Wes and Laurel first meet?
Wes and Laurel first met during their initial law school orientation at Middleton University. They were both part of Annalise Keating’s coveted Criminal Law 100 class, alongside Connor Walsh, Michaela Pratt, and Asher Millstone.
2. What initially attracted Wes and Laurel to each other?
Their initial attraction stemmed from a shared sense of being outsiders. Wes, the scholarship student with a mysterious past, and Laurel, the guarded daughter of a powerful and corrupt family, both felt somewhat detached from the privileged world of Middleton. Their mutual empathy and shared intellectual curiosity further fueled their initial connection.
3. Were Wes and Laurel ever officially a “couple” in the traditional sense?
Their relationship was complex and often blurred the lines of a traditional couple. While they shared intimate moments and confessed their feelings for each other, their relationship was often defined by external circumstances, primarily Annalise’s influence and the constant threat of exposure. They were deeply committed to each other but rarely had the chance to enjoy a “normal” relationship.
4. How did Laurel’s family influence her relationship with Wes?
Laurel’s family, particularly her father, Jorge Castillo, had a significant and detrimental impact on her relationship with Wes. Jorge actively worked to sabotage their relationship, viewing Wes as a threat to Laurel’s future and the Castillo family’s interests. His manipulation and power plays contributed to the instability and ultimately the tragic end of their relationship.
5. What role did Annalise Keating play in Wes and Laurel’s relationship?
Annalise Keating was a catalyst for both the formation and the destruction of Wes and Laurel’s relationship. She brought them together through her criminal law class but also entangled them in a web of deceit and violence. Her manipulative tactics and the constant pressure of covering up murders added immense strain to their already fragile bond.
6. What were the major obstacles in Wes and Laurel’s relationship?
The major obstacles included: Laurel’s secretive family background, Annalise’s control, the shared guilt of their involvement in multiple murders, Wes’s complicated past (including his relationship with Rebecca Sutter), and the constant threat of being exposed for their crimes.
7. How did Wes’s death affect Laurel?
Wes’s death devastated Laurel. She was pregnant with his child at the time and was forced to confront the loss of her partner and the father of her baby while simultaneously dealing with the immense grief and trauma. It fueled her determination to uncover the truth behind his murder and seek justice for him and their child.
8. Did Wes and Laurel have a child together?
Yes, Wes and Laurel had a son named Christopher Castillo. Christopher’s birth was a significant turning point in Laurel’s life, and she dedicated herself to protecting him from the dangers of her past.
9. How did Laurel react to finding out who killed Wes?
Laurel’s reaction was a complex mix of grief, anger, and a desire for revenge. Learning that Dominic (acting on Jorge Castillo’s orders) was responsible for Wes’s murder fueled her determination to expose her father’s criminal activities and bring him to justice.
10. What ultimately happened to Laurel?
In the series finale, Laurel testified against her father and helped bring down the Castillo family’s criminal empire. Following the trial, she was granted immunity and given a chance to start a new life with her son, Christopher. She left Philadelphia, presumably to escape the shadow of her past and build a brighter future.
11. Is there any possibility of Wes and Laurel being together if Wes had lived?
While the series explores the “what if” scenario in flashforwards, the volatile nature of their circumstances makes a genuinely stable and happy future for Wes and Laurel inherently unlikely. The weight of their secrets and the influence of Annalise and the Castillos would likely have continued to haunt them.
12. Why did fans connect so deeply with Wes and Laurel’s relationship?
Despite its complexities, Wes and Laurel’s relationship resonated with many viewers because it was built on genuine empathy and a deep understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities. In a world filled with deception and manipulation, their connection offered a glimpse of authenticity and genuine affection, even if it was ultimately tragic. Their story highlights the powerful bond that can form in the face of adversity and the enduring impact of shared trauma.