breatheinsync:
I think (/would hope) she realizes her own part in Verna’s death and understands that they’re both tainted by Defiance. The whole “running clean” bit of her speech resonated with me. So, until they both cleanse themselves of their sins, him by running honestly, her by earning back the white hat, they don’t deserve to be together, in her mind. That, to me, was a much better reason for their “break-up” than some “I’m their gladiator/they need me” business.
Nikkisshadetree replied:
1. But can he run “honestly” with Mellie by his side and continuing to lie to the American public?
2. From episode 1, Liv never wore a white hat. She did her job. I don’t understand the necessity of this “white hat” mantra and wish it would die a quick and easy death.
But, your reasoning is way better than the foolery we got.
1. I see your point, but I think benefiting from a crime as grand as election rigging versus putting on a happy front for the American public are two enormously different wrongs. As much as we expect our political leaders to open up their private lives to us, I personally don't think of cheating as an act of treason, whereas staying in power when you're aware of the fact that the Illuminate "stole this ride" for you...that's a huge betrayal.
2. Objectively, yes, Olivia doesn't wear the white hat. People in positions of power rarely keep their hats spotless. But subjectively, in her mind, it's the ultimate goal and it's what drives her forward. It may be only aspirational, but I don't think that makes it any less real for her. Just as she tells Fitz to earn her and he goes about doing it, I think she wants to earn the white hat (back, according to her logic.)
But yes to the foolery! It's taken me this long to come to terms with it, and even then, only by re-writing the parts of it I didn't like.