Adam's Finale Flirtation: Did We Need That?
Hey everyone, let's dive into a question that's been buzzing around the How to Get Away with Murder fandom since the series finale: Why did we need to hear Adam hitting on Laurel in the finale? It's a fair question, and honestly, it's one that's sparked a lot of debate. The series finale of How to Get Away with Murder was supposed to bring closure, wrap up storylines, and give us a final glimpse into the lives of our favorite characters. Instead, many viewers were left scratching their heads over a scene that felt a bit… out of place. Let's unpack this, shall we?
The Scene: A Recap
Before we get into the why, let's quickly recap the scene in question. Towards the end of the finale, after the dramatic courtroom scenes and the emotional goodbyes, we see Adam, Laurel's ex and the father of her child, Christopher, approaching her. They're in a park, Christopher is playing, and Adam starts making some not-so-subtle advances. He compliments Laurel, suggesting a future together, and generally acts like they could rekindle their romance. The kicker? Laurel seems receptive, or at least, she doesn't immediately shut him down. It's a moment that felt jarring to many viewers, especially considering their tumultuous history.
Why the Confusion? Examining the Controversial Finale Scene
One of the biggest reasons this scene felt off is because of the established narrative. Adam and Laurel's relationship was toxic, filled with manipulation, control, and outright abuse. Remember how much Laurel struggled to break free from Adam's grasp? Seeing her even remotely entertain the idea of getting back with him, especially after all the trauma she endured, felt like a betrayal of her character arc. It felt like a step backward, undoing the progress she made in becoming independent and building a life for herself and Christopher. The writers spent seasons building up Laurel's strength and resilience, and this scene seemed to undermine that growth.
Furthermore, the scene felt narratively unnecessary. The finale already had so much to cover: Annalise's legacy, the fate of the Keating 5, and the resolution of the various legal battles. Adding a romantic subplot, especially one as problematic as Adam and Laurel's, felt like an unnecessary distraction. Some people thought it was a poor choice, that it detracted from the more important storylines that had been building throughout the entire series. We had spent six seasons invested in these complex characters, and the finale seemed to prioritize a problematic relationship over the meaningful closure many were hoping for.
The Argument for the Scene: Is There a Justification?
Okay, so, not everyone hated the scene. Some viewers offered a different perspective, arguing that the scene wasn't necessarily a romantic reconciliation, but more of a subtle hint at the future. Perhaps, they suggested, it was meant to show Laurel in a place where she was considering her options, exploring the possibility of co-parenting with Adam without necessarily jumping back into a romantic relationship. This view suggests it wasn't about romantic reconciliation, but about portraying the complex reality of relationships, especially those involving children and past baggage. It's an attempt to show a more nuanced approach to their relationship.
Another point some fans bring up is the show's exploration of moral ambiguity. How to Get Away with Murder was never a series that shied away from grey areas. It thrived on portraying the messy, complicated sides of human nature. Maybe, this argument goes, the scene was meant to reflect the reality that people often make questionable decisions and that relationships are rarely simple. In this context, Adam and Laurel's dynamic, while flawed, could be seen as a reflection of the show's overall themes of complex characters and morally ambiguous choices. This could be viewed as a way of showing the messiness of life and not tying everything up in a pretty bow.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the scene is up to each individual viewer. It's one of those moments that sparks debate because it challenges our expectations and forces us to confront the complexities of human relationships. But the question of whether it was necessary or added anything of substance remains. Did it really give us a satisfying conclusion?
Potential Motivations Behind the Scene: Exploring the Writers' Intentions
What were the writers really thinking? This is the million-dollar question, right? Theories abound. One possibility is that the writers wanted to leave a door open for future stories. While the series was ending, perhaps they envisioned a world where Adam and Laurel could find some sort of common ground, potentially for the sake of Christopher. Another thought is that the writers aimed to highlight the cyclical nature of relationships, showing how patterns can repeat, even when a relationship is detrimental. This could have been a way to underscore the lasting impact of past traumas and the difficulty of completely escaping them.
Another thought is that they just wanted to provide a shock value, because the show never shyed away from shocking the audience. How to Get Away with Murder was known for its twists and turns, its shocking revelations. Maybe, the writers just wanted to give the audience one last jolt, a moment that would generate buzz and keep people talking. Whether that was the best way to end the show is debatable.
Whatever the writers' intentions, the scene certainly sparked a lot of conversation. It is a testament to how deeply invested the audience was in the characters and their journeys. A clear indication that How to Get Away with Murder was never a passive viewing experience, and even in the end, left the viewers talking. The choice to include the scene generated a lot of discussion about the characters, their arcs, and what the series was ultimately trying to say.
The Impact: Did it Diminish Laurel's Character Arc?
Let's be real: one of the most significant criticisms of the scene is that it may have undermined Laurel's character arc. Throughout the series, Laurel evolved from a somewhat shy and reserved law student to a strong, independent woman capable of making her own choices. She went through immense trauma, including the death of her brother and the abuse she endured from Adam. To see her potentially considering a reunion with Adam felt like a slap in the face to all that growth.
The finale, for many, was supposed to be a celebration of these characters' journeys, a reflection of their growth and resilience. Instead, this scene seemed to suggest that Laurel's past, the abuse, the trauma, and her attempt to move on didn't matter, which brought up a lot of questions about what the writers wanted to convey. It felt like a step back, as if the writers were saying,