TV Line has named Viola their performer of the week for her performance in this weeks episode of How to Get Away With Murder.
THE PERFORMER | Viola Davis
THE SHOW | How to Get Away With Murder
THE EPISODE | Lahey v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 1, 2018)
PERFORMANCE | The first hour of ABCs much-hyped crossover between Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder served up a whole slew of memorable moments. Olivia Pope and Annalise Keatings long-awaited first meeting, for example. And their second meeting. And their third meeting, just to name a few.
But it was the crossovers second hour in which Annalises class-action lawsuit finally reached the U.S. Supreme Court that left us awestruck, thanks in large part to Davis tour-de-force performance.
Two scenes emerged as the episodes most memorable, each one allowing Davis to showcase a completely different Annalise. First, when Jacqueline informed Annalise that Isaac had overdosed, Davis was stunning as her character spiraled into a panic attack, silently communicating every ounce of heartache and fear that Annalise felt upon getting the news. And when she tearfully confessed to Olivia the one thing that might calm her down, Davis packed both regret and hope into her one-word request: Vodka.
Equally as breathtaking was Annalises monologue to the Supreme Court justices a few scenes later, after her entire day in court had nearly been derailed. As she delivered a powerful speech about the racist criminal justice system, Davis was effortlessly commanding, exchanging Annalises panic for poise. (And thats to say nothing of Davis subtler moments, like her emotional inhale upon entering the Supreme Court building at last.)
Thursdays episode of Murder was a major one for Annalise, who has spent the entire season getting her lawsuit to see the light of day. But this wasnt just Annalises biggest moment; it was also Davis finest hour.