The articles that have been written about that moment identify the symbolism for Viola herself and also for black women of color who have decided to go natural and take it a step further by eliminating the things that we think might make us superficial or pretentious. For different people its different things, it could be a wig* for me, and some fake lashes for you.
It could be layers of makeup for one girl, and a bad attitude that hides hurt and pain for another person. At some point we have to walk away from the layers and get raw and open.
One writer mentioned that Viola didn’t even have a twist out in her hair, she did not look like a typical black woman on TV, we all know the only time they show a black woman that stripped down no makeup is if she is playing a slave or something of that nature. We cant look like that playing a lawyer, doctor, or anything with any kind of social stature.
Should we feel slighted by that? Of course we should, it is just a fact that Hollywood isn’t the same for actresses that look like Viola, or me or Celie from the Color Purple.
So yes, when Viola removed the wig* it was an epic moment, when she cleaned off her make up and showed her real self, beautiful dark skin, gorgeous plump lips with soul and heart ready to let a fool have it, it was beautiful.
This not a slight against being cosmetic – by all means, put on makeup get glamorous when you can. Every woman deserves that, but we are layered characters like Annalise is. We are not just the pretty face that shows up to work every day with every curl in place or every piece of hair pinned to perfection. We can’t forget that person underneath it all.
People should have a chance to see you, the real you, so that there are no misunderstandings about who you are and what you stand for. People like to use our appearance as an excuse to act and feel a certain way, and if that appearance is flawed in anyway, they you have given them a false sense of yourself.
It is good to strip it away; enjoy what’s real at times, and use it when we want to feel raw and uncut. We loved when Viola bared her soul in that scene. We also loved that she was able to pitch the moment to the producers, and they accepted it.
Personally, I am glad she did it when millions of us were watching. Watch and learn girls, watch and learn! If you want to see the scene for yourself, check it out below.
I felt a real connection
Ritual wrong Web site. ..u r looking for dates. ..this not your platform for boyfriends !!!!#
Nichelle Banks! Wth!
I was like hell yeah!!! She’s real and I love it!
Yesss!!!! Fist pump!!
I loved this scene.
Yess!!
this article just gave me life
The wig wasn’t a BIG deal for me, it was after them lashes and make-up went away. LAWDDDDDD
It was ALL of it that made me say “WOW”!
I’m trying to hold it in…….
Yes!! The wig was one thing, but when she peeled “them” eyelashes off one at a time… slowly …and then wiped the makeup off in a thoughtful, circular motion and then turned to him and BOOM, delivered the #9words! I said, ” It’s on NOW!!”
It was like a sista taking off her earrings to fight! Loved it!
Stuff just got real and I loved it!!!!
I love that part when she took her wig makeup and eyelashes off only anything I have to say is s*** got real Thursday night I love Shondra. Love it
Yes but where was her wig cap?
Great, she’s beautiful and a great actress.
I felt when she took that wig & makeup off she said I am tired and I need to be me.
I felt when she took that wig & makeup off she said I am tired and I need to be me.
Chantal Smith kmsl I can’t breathe cuza u. I tried. I swear I tried.
I loved this scene! I was shouting at the TV saying “Ooh!! Yes take it off!!” Lol then when her husband came in and she asked that question I was like “O.o” !!! I love this show!! Viola Davis is amazing!! 😀
Can’t to see the next show!!!
Alicia Mason Marii Barnett I guess you girls were right
She won my Emmy vote with that scene. I teared up and cheered. So much emotion in that moment
That was my favorite part! I knew it was about to go down when she started to do that, lol. Can’t wait for the next episode!
She bared her soul in that scene,and she touched mine!
Love it
I thought man! Wish I was that brave!
Me2
Looks good! Luv the NATURAL BEAUTY!
Can’t wait until next week!
Cool. Why this is such a faux pas. But in some respect it is.
She had d look of don’t mess with me speak d truth
I loved it… It shows the struggle of someone who must assimilate in her work life and the end of her “assimilation” with her spouse. Very powerful #tgit #shondaland #addtowomensstudy #phd
Chloe Vallot
Best scene in tv ever! That shit was raw.
Why is a picture of your penis in a dead girl phone.
Loved it!
Shit just got real!
I’m glad she was bold enough to take it all off.
This scene was the best! When that wig came off I knew it was going down. Those last 9 words had my mouth on the floor.
Only me!!! One of the best scenes ever
Love this show
I love Mrs.Davis , she is courageous, strong, beautiful.
I thought that part of the show was epic. Finally a scene that felt natural to me. Shondra Rhimes has a way of showing us hidden messages in her shows and that’s why I love to watch!!
Very powerful scene, good for you Viola!!
I DON’T KNOW WHY PEOPLE WEAR ALL OF THAT CRAP ANYWAYS
Love herrr!!
It did surprise me this scene as it isn’t typical of a series such as this, but it was a very powerful.
I loved every moment of it!!!!
Courageous. A very soul baring intense moment. Can’t wait until next week’s episode.
I commented her for being who she really is. Praise God
It got real in that scene.
The wig really didn’t mess me up too much but soon as those brows went bye bye and she ask him about the penis on the phone….I was like Dear Lord baby Jesus!
She is a Real Actress,,
Best written series!!! Viola Davis is amazing.
Loved that scene, keep on keeping it real Ms Viola. You are beautiful.
She was getting ready to go to bed!!! She took her wig AND her make up AND her lashes off! Dag yall natural hair women be doing too much! Relaxed hair women wear wigs too, but you don’t see us feeling some type of way because she’s in a straight hair wig. Dang, calm down! She was going to bed or you could say by the last 9 words she was going to battle with her husband! Now, if she wore her natural hair THROUGHOUT the show then you could be all “curly girl” happy. It’s just not that serious. There is no struggle….it’s all in your mind people.
Candace Clark
Beautiful ..
Was just talking to friend about this. Viola went raw. Does anyone understand the show? Did the students kill someone?
Lynette Moses here’s what I was telling you about.
Its so great to see a woman expose herself like that, beautiful! We women should be embracing our natural beauty, not downgrading, lets build each other up ladies, stop judging each other, we are our own worst critic, lets try to do better ladies!
Ready for next week!!!
I loved that scene. That showed some of her talent.
It sure did…..
@ReNea Fox Goodson…I concur
Man that was a powerful moment …i so relate!!!
Juicy….Are it Up….!!!! Bring me More…
Beautiful
That was a great scene. Can’t wait to see the next episode
We can’t show all our secrets Erica lol
So powerful. She was preparing to whoop some ass. Took the “pretty” off and got raw with her husband. I was YES DIVA
Yes…i loved that scene!
*I was like
that was the center piece of that episode….I LIOVE HER FOR THAT!! makes me want to re-watch that episode
Powerful moment…such a wonderful actress. Awesome show! http://www.carolyndaughterofmarie.com
She just keeping it real, and she was and is not afraid of what Hollywood think is beautiful is beautiful God made us in his image …
That was really amazeballs. She was powerful, sexy, beautiful and confident all without saying one word. True actress!
I was feeling some type a way about that scene & that’s when I finally realized…that’s pure beauty… No question… To be bare with nothing artificial… I’d never seen a more beautiful actress at that moment… Big ups to Viola Davis!!!!
I was feeling some type a way about that scene & that’s when I finally realized…that’s pure beauty… No question… To be bare with nothing artificial… I’d never seen a more beautiful actress at that moment… Big ups to Viola Davis!!!!
The scene certainly moved me but I couldn’t figure out what the message was that was trying to be conveyed.
lol! she was about to whoop her husbands a** once she saw what was on that phone!
Chrissy Rachee’i jst watched this today .. I’m telling you , you have to watch it !
It’s about to go down. Dope TV show.
What a amazing and beautiful sister .
She totally looks better wo the wig
DRAMA, BUT I LOVE IT!
Viola Davis is a beautiful woman with or without hair. Many women are.
What is the name of that movie please??
ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder” is a TV show written by Shonda Rymes the writer of the acclaimed “Scandal”. I can’t think of a time in history when 2! Two! 2! Powerful Black Actresses rocked our worlds on this level. I will not spoil the storyline by revealing too much, but, both stories are well worth a view-a-thon if you have been out of touch. In the future we will speak of these shows in the same revolutionary awe that we reserve for “Roots”, and “The Color Purple”. The quote will be go down in history as one of the alltime greats that can transport you to a moment in cinematic history. We had, “My name is Kunta! Kunta Kinte!” and “I loves me some Harpo but I will Kill him dead … A girlchild ain’t safe in a houseful a menfolk” and a personal favorite “Love is when he brings the groceries instead of eating yours” (Diahann Carrole in the movie Claudine). Now we can add #9Words “Why is your penis on a dead girls phone? This was a watershed moment.
Amy Luda it’s a television drama on tnt called, “how to get away with murder”.
Annalise Keating, Viola Davis,was slow, patient, meticulous almost ritualistic in performing a daily task. It was as if I were watching a warrior prepare for battle. Annalise knew it was coming; she would have to deal with husband’s involvement in a murder case. She let him know she was ready, she didn’t need her armor for this fight she could go bare knuckled. <3
Loved that scene!!!
It was EVERYTHING!!!
In my opinion this was a power move!!! TRANSPARENCY IN FULL EFFECT!!!!
***And one of those times when you know ish is about to POP OFF!!!*** 🙂 I love it.
WTH, when did this happene?! I must be missing an episode.
To me she was taking off her makeup roughly and snatching off earrings. I bet the next scene while he’s trying to explain, she’ll be putting on Vaseline for the beat down.
Capri Zuri, brilliant analysis! Now I understand and I believe that is exactly what she was doing. Many of us have had to prepare ourselves and our minds for a confrontation with a cheating spouse but a murderer too…oh my, this is really gonna get good! Go Shondra Rhymes!
That’s so powerful I can’t even really put into words. But I do understand wanting to be seen and really heard.