Huge HTGAWM Bombshell: The Shocking Reason Behind Laurel's Dramatic Decrease in Season 6!

Summary

Laurel Castillo isn't missing, she ran away from her dangerous family to protect her son Christopher. She goes to extreme lengths to ensure their safety.

Karla Souza's involvement in season 6 of How To Get Away With Murder was limited as she simultaneously worked on another TV series titled El Presidente.

Laurel's character arc in the series demonstrates a transformation from self-centeredness to becoming a dedicated and nurturing mother. Her story ultimately concludes with poignant goodbyes and the heartbreaking departure of beloved individuals.

What happened to Laurel Castillo when she disappeared in season 6 of How To Get Away With Murder? Laurel, a character played by Karla Souza, is a member of the Keating Five who is intelligent and mysterious. However, her backstory reveals that her tough and determined personality stems from her wealthy criminal father, Jorge (played by Esai Morales). Laurel becomes close with her classmates at Middleton University's law school when they come together to uncover the truth behind the death of Annalise Keating's husband, Sam (played by Tom Verica). In season 5, episode 15, titled "Please Say No One Else Is Dead," the storyline of Laurel's disappearance is introduced. This storyline is further explained in season 6, where the intense questions surrounding what happened to Laurel arise due to the presence of her child, Christopher, whom she shares with Wes Gibbons (played by Alfred Enoch). The stakes are raised when Laurel's brother, Xavier (played by Gerardo Celasco), is revealed to have murdered Nathaniel Lahey, Sr. (played by Glynn Turman), and her own family is responsible for the death of Wes. This realization leads Laurel to understand that she couldn't trust her family and gives the storyline an intriguing twist. After wrapping up her memorable plot line in season 6, Karla Souza returned for the shocking series finale.

Laurel Isn't Missing - She Runs Away Because She Is Afraid Her Family Will Take Christopher

Initially presumed by fans and characters in the series to be a kidnapping, Laurel Castillo's disappearance is actually a result of her desire to hide from her dangerous father and brother. In season 6, episode 14, "Annalise Keating Is Dead," she reveals that Tegan Price, who used to work for her father, helped her escape to Brooklyn. Concerns over the kidnapping of Christopher, coupled with Laurel's troubled family history that includes the death of Asher in season 6, justify her worries. Determined to keep her child safe, Laurel even provides Tegan with money to kill her own father, resulting in his fatal beating in season 6, episode 15, "Stay."

The fact that Laurel orchestrates her own father's death speaks volumes about the fear she experiences and the unique position she finds herself in. This story arc also demonstrates her growth as a character. Initially portrayed as someone focused on academic and career pursuits without the desire for close relationships, Laurel's journey takes a significant turn after becoming a mother. She realizes the need for change in her world and is committed to being a present and attentive parent, determined to rectify the mistakes of her past. Laurel vows to break the harmful cycle her father has shown her and goes to great lengths to protect her son, exhibiting her strength and unwavering dedication.

Karla Souza Couldn't Be In Season 6 Because She Was Filming Another TV Series

In season 6 of the series, the character Laurel Castillo was given less screen time as the actress playing her, Karla Souza, had prior commitments. Souza returned for the series finale of How To Get Away With Murder, but her role was reduced due to her involvement in filming the TV series, El Presidente, which premiered on Prime Video in 2020. In El Presidente, Souza portrayed Rosario, an FBI agent who uncovers the FIFA corruption scandal from 2015. Souza expressed her gratitude for being able to participate in the conclusion of HTGAWM, stating that she was glad to have appeared prominently in the last two episodes and be part of the ending. It was a meaningful experience for her, as she would have felt disappointed if she had been unable to do so.

Souza's decreased involvement in How To Get Away With Murder was not officially explained to the press at the time. However, her role in El Presidente was publicized by Hollywood trades like Deadline during the filming of season 6 of HTGAWM. In mid-2019, Souza even shared that announcement as a throwback on her Instagram account, emphasizing the importance of telling meaningful stories from a Latina perspective. This new project provided her with the opportunity to do just that.

Laurel's farewell in How To Get Away With Murder is just as poignant as her previous storylines. While it is gratifying that Laurel Castillo can now raise her son Christopher without fear of her father's relentless pursuit, her journey culminates in tragedy as she mourns the loss of Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber), who is fatally shot alongside Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil). The impact of the series' ending would be diminished without Souza's appearance in at least one episode, allowing Laurel to bid a bittersweet goodbye as a proud mother forever carrying the weight of these losses.

After her appearances in El Presidente and HTGAWM, Souza has exhibited her versatility as an actress by featuring in a diverse range of projects. These include the family action-comedy The Sleepover, the sitcom Home Economics, and the sports drama Dive, which was exclusively released on Prime Video. Additionally, Souza can be seen in the vampire movie Day Shift on Netflix, alongside Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco. With each project being distinctly unique, Souza continues to impress fans by showcasing the same exceptional talent observed in How To Get Away With Murder.