Rome Flynn Unpacks ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ Season 5 Finale Shocks and Teases Gabriel’s Future

As fans of Shondaland dramas know, every season finale of How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM) is designed to be a monumental game-changer, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and scrambling for answers. The show’s fifth season was certainly no exception, culminating in a highly anticipated finale that promised to shake the very foundations of the Keating Five’s world. In the thrilling final moments of the penultimate episode, a pivotal encounter unfolded: Telesco arrived at Gabriel Maddox’s door, armed with potentially life-altering information about his father, Sam Keating. This intense confrontation served as the ultimate lead-in to the season 5 finale, setting the stage for revelations Gabriel had been relentlessly pursuing all season long.

To delve deeper into the intricate web of deceit, loyalty, and murder that defines HTGAWM, HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Rome Flynn, the talented actor behind the enigmatic character of Gabriel Maddox. Flynn shared his insights on what viewers could expect from the gripping finale, his personal thoughts on a burgeoning romance between Gabriel and Michaela, and much more, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the show’s future.

The season 5 finale, aptly titled “Please Say No One Else Is Dead,” immediately sparked speculation among the fanbase about the potential for yet another fatality. When pressed on this grim possibility, Rome Flynn responded with a characteristic HTGAWM ambiguity. “I think that — would it be the show if someone wasn’t dying? I don’t know. We’ll see what happens. I can’t say,” Flynn told HollywoodLife, maintaining the show’s tradition of secrecy. He further teased, “There’s going to be a big twist [going] into the next season. The end of the finale is going to really shake stuff up. You never know what to expect.” This statement confirmed what many fans feared and simultaneously hoped for: the finale would deliver a powerful cliffhanger, leaving many narrative threads unresolved.

At the time of this interview, the fate of the series for a sixth season remained unconfirmed. Rome Flynn openly admitted that the season would not conclude with all questions neatly tied up, a hallmark of HTGAWM’s intricate storytelling. “It won’t be tied up at all,” Rome continued, emphasizing the show’s commitment to keeping its audience guessing. “I don’t think so at all if it ended with this last episode. You’d be left with more questions, I feel like.” This strategic narrative choice is a testament to the show’s ability to sustain tension and anticipation, ensuring that viewers remain deeply invested in the characters’ fates. Flynn expressed his strong desire for a continuation, stating, “I’m hopeful that we come back for season 6. I think they’ve done well with the writing and going back to the roots of How to Get Away with Murder before I was there.” As a fan himself, Flynn appreciated the show’s return to its iconic courtroom and classroom scenes, noting, “As a fan of the show myself, when I watched I really liked the courtroom scenes and the classroom scenes. They kind of went back to that sort of formula, and I think that it resulted in people just being crazy about it again.” This deliberate pivot back to the show’s core elements revitalized its appeal, reminding long-time viewers why they fell in love with HTGAWM’s unique blend of legal drama and intense personal intrigue.

A significant part of Gabriel’s storyline revolves around his complex relationship with Annalise Keating and the secrets surrounding his father, Sam. With Telesco presenting him with potential answers, the question of Gabriel’s loyalty became paramount. Rome Flynn offered his perspective, asserting that Gabriel is unlikely to betray Annalise at this juncture. “I think if Telesco came to Gabriel before he really got to know Annalise, I think he may have just turned and done exactly what she asked,” Rome mused. However, his feelings have evolved significantly. “But I think at this point, he probably feels some sort of obligation to Annalise.” This sense of obligation stems from a unique bond. While Gabriel suspects Annalise’s involvement in his father’s past, she also represents his most tangible connection to Sam. “He doesn’t know the extent of what happened to his dad just yet. He feels like she is partly responsible, but in some odd way, she’s the closest thing to his dad that he knows of besides his mom,” Flynn elaborated. His mother, Vivian, wasn’t present during Sam’s formative years, making Annalise an unexpected, yet crucial, conduit to his father’s true identity and history. “But his mom wasn’t around his dad growing up or anything like that so the most relative person would be Annalise,” Rome concluded, highlighting the intricate psychological dilemma Gabriel faces as he navigates his desire for truth against a growing, albeit complicated, loyalty.

Beyond the legal battles and familial secrets, another intriguing aspect of Gabriel’s storyline is his budding connection with Michaela Pratt. Rome Flynn openly admitted to seeing the potential for a deeper relationship between Gabriel and Michaela in the future, a notion that might initially surprise some viewers. “I know the perception of people who watch the show because they’re so involved emotionally with the Keating 5 and Annalise, I think the idea of Gabriel actually liking Michaela is probably over their heads at this point because they only see him as a threat,” Rome acknowledged. Indeed, Gabriel’s arrival introduced a disruptive element to the tightly knit, albeit dysfunctional, Keating Five, causing many to view him with suspicion. Yet, Flynn perceives genuine chemistry and potential for emotional growth. “But I don’t see why he wouldn’t actually feel the way he feels about her. Maybe it will develop into something next season. I’m not sure exactly,” he added, leaving the door open for an unexpected romantic entanglement that could further complicate the already volatile dynamics within the group.

Looking ahead, Rome Flynn harbors significant hopes for a potential season 6, envisioning rich character development for Gabriel. “I’ve had my fair share of opportunity as far as storyline goes. Gabriel has been in the thick of a lot of stuff these past episodes for the most part,” he reflected, acknowledging his character’s prominent role in recent events. For the subsequent season, he anticipates storylines that will allow for deeper exploration and more compelling interactions. “I think for next season, it’s really a good build up for really good scenes for Gabriel and Annalise or Gabriel and Michaela,” Flynn predicted. The foundation laid in season 5, centered on Gabriel’s relentless pursuit of truth, creates fertile ground for intense emotional and relational drama. “Because at this point, like I said, this season has really been figuring out what we know. And now we know what Gabriel knows to a certain degree, so I feel like we really can get deeper into stuff.” This progression suggests a shift from discovery to reaction, where Gabriel’s newfound knowledge will profoundly influence his choices and relationships, promising more nuanced and impactful storytelling.

While Rome wouldn’t confirm whether Gabriel’s mother, Vivian, would make an appearance in the finale, her presence has been a palpable, looming figure throughout the entire fifth season. The mystery surrounding Vivian’s past and her connection to Sam Keating has been a constant undercurrent, fueling Gabriel’s quest. “I know that Pete [Nowalk] definitely has plans for Gabriel’s mom,” Flynn revealed, confirming that Vivian’s story is far from over. The prospect of Vivian entering the narrative promises an explosion of long-buried secrets and emotional confrontations. “Obviously, the dynamic of Vivian and Annalise together, including Gabriel, is just a lot to un-bottle.” This trio, each with their own complex history with Sam, would undoubtedly unleash a torrent of revelations, adding new layers to the show’s already intricate mythology. Flynn also stressed that Gabriel’s journey to understanding his father’s full story is a marathon, not a sprint. He doesn’t believe Gabriel will learn everything about Sam any time soon. “I think there are so many moving parts,” Rome continued. “I just think if we were to put a cap on it now, it would be way too soon.” This reinforces the idea that How to Get Away with Murder thrives on its long-form mystery, meticulously unraveling secrets over time to maintain suspense and deepen character arcs. The season 5 finale of How to Get Away with Murder aired on February 28 at 10 p.m. on ABC, delivering on its promise of a shocking conclusion that left viewers clamoring for more of Annalise Keating’s unpredictable world and Gabriel Maddox’s unfolding destiny.