How To Get Away With Murder: Discussion Thread

[ChitHappens]

Hate Connor and all of the unnecessary graphic sex he's having. We know from the first eppy that Connor will screw a guy for info. Is that the theme of the week? The time spent on pushing this envelope can be better spent on tightening up these lame cases.

[ThePrinceOfSunspear]

Exactly...this isn't HBO. This isn't Showtime or MTV or VH1....the stuff that they've been saying the last couple of episodes has been so raunchy and just over the top. Trust me I can be as into sexy scenes as the next but it seems very out of place.

And yes the first episode of Scandal with Jake on the beach on Olivia also triggered alarms in my head and made me give a side eye....it's just all a lot for regular old ABC.

[Skin]

I don't see how it's more graphic than Annalise's boyfriend thrusting into her or EP's character thrusting her boobs into the camera simulating a pornographic film while the guy rides her from behind. Let's be real here, this isn't Queer As Folk, Shameless, Weeds or True Blood level sex scenes. It's a bit racier than the typical but not alarmingly steamy, at all in my opinion.

I don't think it's supposed to be tasteful. I think it's clearly been stated that Connor is a sex addict, and he has dirty, messy, fun sex whenever the chance is given -- even if it's a detriment to his other relationships. I think this is realistic and should be shown. It's clearly apart of his character narrative, and I find him to be one of the more interesting characters. The hand wringing over this is so odd to me. Did Samantha from Sex In The City get this much flack for being sexually adventurous? Because I don't see why it's such a big deal for Connor. Overall the sex thing isn't overtly gratuitous to me because it serves a purpose that extends both plot and character development. I don't like the character because he likes sex, but because he gets [!@#$%^&*] done.

Edited October 20, 2014 by Skin

[slick jones]

With the competition from so many networks, ABC has obviously decided to push the envelope to stay competitive. With the Walking Dead blowing away network shows, the must feel the need to "loosen" the tight reins networks have been following since "Nipplegate" and the FCC's slap down.

Connor is a college student getting laid whenever he can. Considering his age, good looks, and "appetite" for mind numbing sex, it is what it is. I'm surprised the others in his peer group aren't getting laid as often!

[Mr. Vixen]

I kind of want to commit a crime just so Connor will sleep with me…Even if he does send my ass to jail afterwards.

I LIVE for Elizabeth Perkins and I wish she was on my TV more regularly. She's so, so, SO good.

I've been saying since day one how bad Viola's party city wig is. I'm so glad she finally took it off.

[ThePrinceOfSunspear]

I don't think the show has ever said he's a "sex addict" and if that's a sex addict I think 99% of America would be sex addicts....

It's the way they portray it and the length. I mean that scene at the office with the guy who threw himself out the window went on for a quite a bit longer than necessary. It's like I get the point...they're gonna have hot sex. You can fade to black now Shonda.

And it is weird how they focus solely on Conner for the most part with these types of scenes. I think that's why it feels a little strange.

[Faulkner]

Well, in this case, he's the only character for whom these types of scenes make any kind of sense. None of the other characters seem to have active sex lives. And for Connor, sex is transactional and it drives story, since he uses sex to gain crucial information that pushes along each episode's case.

I hate to seem like I'm defending this show, but for me, the sex scenes are the only part of HTGAWM I genuinely enjoy. The actor is hot. Eventually it'll get old, and in that event, I'll stop watching.

Edited October 20, 2014 by Faulkner

[Eric83]

Ultimately I feel the scenes are just there to "shock" viewers, it has nothing to do with anything and rather meaningless. It is unnecessary to me.

[Skin]

It's been heavily implied in this past episode that Connor feels the need to have sex often -- to the point where his pseudo boyfriend said he might have a problem, this line could have been made in jest, but the seeds are there. Another piece of evidence that may show correlation is when Connor jeopardizes a stable and building relationship with the man in question for a hook up, that could give him the upper hand with his job. I think this is enough to at least plant seeds of him being a sex addict, or at least having a high sex drive which is a part of his character. This is part of the character of Connor, to what degree, who knows -- we have only seen 3 or 4 episodes thus far. But I would say his sex scenes do drive both character and plot value at this point in time. If it becomes rote and that's all he is, and he isn't able to build from that than I would agree that it's gratuitous. But as it stands now they are developing his character and making an effort to flesh him out week after week, so I would say it's intentional. I don't see it as being a big deal and I do think there is more to the character than just sex for the sake of sex.

[ThePrinceOfSunspear]

I guess since I just saw "Addicted" I'm a little careful with how I apply that specific term (sex addict) and he just doesn't strike me as someone who has that type of illness. I may be absolutely wrong and I freely admit that. You do have a point about what the pre-Stage 1 boyfriend said in the last episode.

However there just hasn't been enough time or episodes for me to just definitely think or say he's got a major problem.

[ChitHappens]

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/10/20/how-to-get-away-with-murder-has-biggest-adults-18-49-ratings-increase-parenthood-tops-percentage-gains-the-blacklist-tops-viewer-gains-in-live-7-ratings-for-week-ending-october-5/317313/?utm_campaign=WP%20%3E%20Twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter

[YRBB]

I can't with y'all prudish asses! Fitz can f-ck Olivia up the ass & Jake can shove his hand into her vagina but Connor sex scenes are too much, too graphic, too focused on? Yes, God forbid a network show does the same kind of sex scenes it does for straight characters with its gay characters!

Bye!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/20/shonda-rhimes-shuts-down-anti-gay-tweeter_n_6014902.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000047&ir=Black+Voices

Edited October 21, 2014 by YRBB

[ThePrinceOfSunspear]

So much for the show having "terrible ratings" lol....talk about false hysteria from the haters....get that money Viola!

[Soapsuds]

Ditto...feel the same way...

[Faulkner]

An interesting perspective from a gay man:

http://www.thebacklot.com/is-there-too-much-gay-sex-in-how-to-get-away-with-murder/10/2014/