How To Get Away With Murder: Jack Falahee on Season 5 Finale Shocks, Season 6 Hopes, and a Personal Partnership

As one of television’s most unpredictable and intense legal thrillers, How To Get Away With Murder consistently keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Known for its intricate plot twists, moral ambiguities, and high-stakes drama, the ABC series has perfected the art of delivering jaw-dropping premieres and season finales. Fans of the acclaimed show, often affectionately shortened to HTGAWM, understand that bracing themselves for the unexpected is a prerequisite when tuning into these pivotal episodes.

The fifth season of How To Get Away With Murder was no exception, culminating in a highly anticipated finale on February 28th. Ahead of this dramatic conclusion, HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Jack Falahee, the talented actor behind the complex character of Connor Walsh. In a candid interview, Falahee offered tantalizing hints about the finale’s impact, shared his aspirations for a potential sixth season, and delved into his meaningful partnership with Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

While Falahee remained tight-lipped about the specific details of the season 5 finale, adhering to the show’s notorious secrecy, he did offer a telling insight into the magnitude of what was to come. “It was a really difficult episode for us to film as a cast,” Falahee revealed, hinting at the emotional and narrative weight carried by the script. He continued, describing the finale as “really shocking and sad, too.” This statement alone sent ripples of anticipation through the fanbase, signaling that the episode would undoubtedly deliver the signature emotional gut-punch viewers have come to expect from HTGAWM.

Uncertain Future: Hopes for HTGAWM Season 6

At the time of the interview, the fate of How To Get Away With Murder concerning a sixth season remained up in the air. ABC typically reserves its major renewal announcements for May, leaving fans and the cast in a period of anxious anticipation. Despite the uncertainty, the cast members often use this time to dream up potential storylines for their beloved characters. Jack Falahee, for his part, had a particularly vivid and, frankly, luxurious vision for Connor Walsh and his husband, Oliver Hampton.

Having recently celebrated their wedding – a rare moment of joy amidst the chaos of the Keating universe – Connor and Oliver deserved a proper honeymoon. Falahee’s idea for kickstarting a potential season 6 was both playful and persuasive. “I’ve been pitching aggressively that the sixth season should start with Connor and Oliver yachting off the coast of Greece,” he explained. The actor’s ulterior motive? A desire to be flown to Greece and spend some time on a yacht himself. “I think that’d be great. The fans would love it,” he added with a chuckle. Indeed, a picturesque Greek getaway would offer a much-needed breath of fresh air for the couple and an enjoyable change of scenery for viewers after five seasons of relentless legal and personal turmoil.

Beyond the allure of Grecian waters, Falahee harbors other significant aspirations for a potential sixth season, showcasing his growing interest in the craft of filmmaking from behind the camera. “Aside from yachting off the coast of Greece, I shadowed one of the directors on set because I would like to direct in the future,” Jack disclosed. This hands-on experience provided him with invaluable insights into the intricate process of bringing an episode to life. He elaborated on the learning curve, stating, “While I was shadowing I learned a lot about all the ingredients that go into making an episode.” These ‘ingredients’ encompass everything from script interpretation and blocking to managing performances, lighting, and sound – a complex symphony of creative and technical elements.

The collaborative nature of HTGAWM, where even the cast is often unaware of the ultimate narrative trajectory, fosters a creative environment for developing ideas. “We as a cast, because we don’t know what the endgame is, we always come up with our own ideas,” Falahee explained. His shadowing experience led to an exciting development: “While I was shadowing, I was talking to one of the writers and they liked some of the ideas, so when I go back to L.A. I’m actually meeting to pitch some things because I think there are some crazy twists and turns, and obviously they are working on that, but I’ve come up with some of my own that I think are good. So hopefully some of that gets thrown in there.” This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the actor’s creative involvement, suggesting that Falahee’s own innovative twists might find their way into the show’s famously labyrinthine plot. The potential for his influence on the narrative underscores his deep understanding of the characters and the show’s unique storytelling style. Looking ahead, Falahee pondered the aftermath of the intense season 5 conclusion: “But I think that it’s going be, especially with how the season ends, it’s going be interesting to see how folks recover.” This sentiment speaks to the profound emotional and psychological impact that HTGAWM‘s finales consistently have on its characters.

The Impact of Gabriel Maddox: Connor’s Protective Instincts

Season 5 introduced a compelling and disruptive new character: Gabriel Maddox. The winter finale delivered a shocking revelation, confirming that Gabriel is, in fact, the son of Annalise Keating’s late husband, Sam Keating. This bombshell significantly altered the group dynamics, particularly among the Keating 4, who naturally harbored deep suspicions and hesitation about trusting Gabriel, given his mysterious arrival and ties to their dark past. Among them, Connor Walsh was notably wary and protective.

“Connor realizes he has this real thing now in his marriage to Oliver, and it’s a good thing,” Jack Falahee told HollywoodLife. The union of Connor and Oliver, affectionately known as “Coliver” by fans, represented a hard-won stability for two characters who had navigated immense personal and legal challenges. Their wedding symbolized a commitment to building a life together, separate from the constant turmoil surrounding Annalise. Therefore, when Gabriel Maddox entered their orbit, he was perceived as a potential threat to this newfound peace and stability. “When he sees someone on the outside that might threaten that life that they’ve finally created together, I think he gets really protective and gets kind of almost alpha in the back couple episodes with the Keating students and trying to dissuade them from trusting Gabriel here and there.” Connor’s instinct to guard his domestic bliss, and specifically his relationship with Oliver, underscored how much he valued their bond and the future they were attempting to forge. His protective stance was a testament to his growth and his commitment to Oliver, contrasting sharply with his earlier, more impulsive and self-destructive tendencies.

Falahee also took a moment to commend his co-star, Rome Flynn, who portrayed Gabriel Maddox with nuance and depth. “Rome Flynn has done just such a good job with Gabriel, and it’s definitely added a different dynamic, which is cool,” Falahee praised. Flynn’s performance was crucial in making Gabriel a complex character – neither purely villainous nor entirely trustworthy – thereby keeping both the other characters and the audience guessing about his true intentions and allegiances. This ambiguity was vital to the season’s overarching mystery and the heightened tension within the group.

Beyond Keating: Jack Falahee’s Authentic Partnership with Oban Scotch

In addition to his demanding role on How To Get Away With Murder, Jack Falahee has embarked on an exciting and deeply personal partnership with Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The brand recently launched its engaging “It’s Pronounced OH-Bin” campaign, aimed at demystifying the pronunciation of the distinctive Scotch and inviting more people into the world of single malts. For Falahee, this collaboration is far more than just a celebrity endorsement; it’s rooted in a rich personal history and genuine appreciation for whisky.

Jack explained the profound significance of the partnership, tracing his connection back to his childhood and a cherished family tradition. “I have been a fan of scotch for quite some time. When I was younger I would always watch my grandpa who recently passed. He was a fan, and he’d have one every now and then around the holidays,” Falahee recounted. This early exposure, though initially perplexing, sparked a deep curiosity. “And I’d always go up and smell it and was very curious, even though I thought it smelled terrible. Now I love the smell.” This anecdote perfectly captures the transformative journey many undergo with whisky – from an acquired taste to a beloved sensory experience.

His first truly memorable encounter with Scotch came when he was finally of age. “And when I finally was of age, I think it was Christmas, and he had a bottle that he’d been hanging onto for a long time. And he poured me a glass and just had a nice little conversation and sat there in silence, too.” This poignant memory highlights the ritualistic and connective power of sharing a fine spirit, forging a silent, understanding bond between generations. It wasn’t just about the drink; it was about the shared moment, the quiet reverence.

Falahee’s journey with whisky deepened during his time in New York. “That was my first memory, and then when I lived in New York I was actually bartending to help pay my way through acting school and that’s when I became much more educated about scotch and single-malts, specifically.” His bartending days provided him with an immersive education, allowing him to explore the vast and nuanced world of spirits, understanding their origins, characteristics, and the art of serving them. It was during this period that his palate matured and his preference for specific types of Scotch solidified. “Coincidentally, Oban quickly became one of my favorites.” This serendipitous connection made the subsequent partnership feel organic and authentic. “So when they came to me with the partnership, it just made total sense for me as someone who enjoys it and has a relationship with Oban.” Falahee’s story is a testament to how personal passion can align perfectly with professional opportunities, making his role as an ambassador for Oban a genuine extension of his own tastes and experiences.

As How To Get Away With Murder wrapped its fifth season with characteristic flair and left fans eagerly awaiting news of a renewal, Jack Falahee continues to captivate audiences both on and off-screen. Whether he’s navigating the legal minefield as Connor Walsh, pitching plot twists for a potential sixth season, or sharing his heartfelt appreciation for a fine single malt, Falahee embodies a multi-faceted talent deeply connected to his craft and his passions.