#scandal commentary

[katrinapavela]

#Scandal Review (Episode #708 'Robin') from someone who actually enjoys the show--A CONCEPT! https://youtu.be/qOyxDcMhEo0

[musesoftheminds]

Scandal 707- Winter finale

Alrighty. It’s been some time since I’ve done a review. Scandal as of recent has been focused predominantly on Quinn’s disappearance and Olivia’s endless fall and there have been some incredible reviews and analysis regarding the episodes. I’m pretty rusty but I promised that I would do one, so here it goes.

The first scene on our screen is Charlie flipping through pages of pregnant dead ladies, looking for Quinn . Huck comes in and to my surprise he doesn’t seem upset, or teetering towards his own darkness instead he’s talking about creating a spiked fidget spinner so they could use it on the person who took Quinn.

That’s it. Where’s all hands on deck in search of her? I honestly am confused by how cavalier QPA is with Quinn missing, the only one truly breaking down is Charlie. When Huck went missing everyone was on pin and needles searching for him and there was a sense of hopelessness with his case. Not the same for Quinn. Perhaps they think highly of their leader that if anyone can come back it’s Quinn. I don’t know but expected more urgency and fear.

Quinn is the perfect foil to Olivia Pope, she is the one who introduced us to Olivia’s world. And we see because of Quinn that Olivia Pope isn’t all that she portrays herself to be. In fact Lindsay Dwyer is the first person that Olivia Pope killed, so it’s rather symbolic that Quinn Perkins would be the one to shed light on this continuous cycle that we have found ourselves on. 

Olivia and Quinn have similar mannerisms, as evidenced by the above gif both of them seek the shelter of a bathroom for a moment of peace. There is a obvious disconnection between Quinn and Olivia that has been intensified with Quinn’s takeover of QPA and her personal life coming together. But the interesting thing about Quinn and Olivia dynamics is that Quinn doesn’t appear to have any animosity with Olivia, she warmly and gladly invites her back into QPA never reminding her that it’s her name on the door, she welcomes Olivia with open arms. Olivia, not so much. There’s jealously and a sense of aloofness when Olivia is around Quinn, this portray of being happy with her choices only seems magnified when someone of a personal standpoint enters her glass world and reminds her of her failures of having it all.

Back at the submarine. Jake and Olivia are discussing that once again they have no leads but as the screen pans on Quinn, I notice something shiny, it could be her watch or it could be her ring either way it’s telling. Now. why would Quinn show up for her wedding and leave her ring....ahhhh....the ring.

When  Olivia was kidnapped, in order for anyone to connect that she was taken and not simply running away she had to leave behind her most personal possession. Deux Bebe. The ring Fitz gave her all those years ago.  As we know, Quinn too leaves her ring behind. And the thing about the ring symbolism is that it’s not the ring itself but what it represents that is of value to them. Is it a coincidence or is this more. The paralleling connection between Olivia’s kidnapping to Quinn’s is remarkable to note as these little nuances continue to provide us with information that is subtle yet precise. Things are fishy around here, and for me things are becoming more murkier as we move through.

Is anyone else smelling rotten fish whenever Jake speaks? Jake attempts to give Olivia her own speech she made when looking for Huck “we don’t give up. we don’t quit.” But baby girl ain’t having it telling Jake “to be better” but honestly how can he be better when subpar is all he knows.

“I want the monster who did this. I want them here. I want them to face command .  I want them to understand who’s fight they stepped into, and then I want them finished.”

Olivia wants the monster who took Quinn held accountable and facing judgement day with herself as the

judge, juror and punisher.

But as the episode progresses Olivia begins to see that she might be the monster responsible for Quinn’s kidnapping. Will Olivia make herself accountable and face her own judgment day, that will be the question.

After voicing her list of wants to Jake he attempts to comfort Olivia who shudders at the touch and instead tells Jake to just find Quinn. Baby girl isn’t  looking for comfort especially from him.

Olivia isn’t attempting to null her guilt and ease her conscious with bastard’s mediocrity. Sexual gratification is no longer desired when Olivia finds herself in a vulnerable state, and the swine’s tool of manipulation just dropped a peg. Yes. Olivia.

It’s funny for a women who struggles with saying her deepest desires she had no problem voicing her ‘wants ‘ when it comes to finding the person who took Quinn. If only Olivia didn’t fear what her true wants could mean to her.

As Olivia looks at Quinn on her screen she says a loud “where are you?” And interesting and perhaps foreshadowing we see Mellie giving an interview but as the screen pulls out we see Marcus and Fitz at the Grant institute with Marcus watching Mellie on the screen. Fitz is hard at work looking sexy and serious about doing whatever it is he must do. With his tie and jacket off you truly see Fitz actually putting in the effort and being functional in ways he couldn’t be at the White House. His office is bright and not with artificial lights but the natural source of light; the sun. A Stark contrast between the scene we just left with Bonnie and Clyde literally inside a vacant shallow pool with their only source of light being man-made just like their relationship versus Fitz’s office having rays of light that doesn’t require fluorescent lights being needed.

Marcus wants to seize on Mellie’s popularity and have her support their criminal justice initiative but Fitz reminds Marcus that he has only eight minutes in the White House to pick up his son, in so many words they don’t have an ally in the White House , they will have to do this on their own. And once again Olivia’s AU dream connects to reality as Olivia and Marcus struggled to get their criminal justice bill passed without an influential politicians approval but in the end of the AU Olivia learned that she didn’t need the White House to conquer her dreams instead she did it on her own and though it proved more challenging Olivia didn’t have to compromise her soul for a goal.

Another day goes by and still no Quinn. Exhausted and mentally spent Charlie goes to Olivia for answers and looks to her for the truth; that Quinn’s dead. Sad irony that the gladiators still place their trust in Olivia and Charlie needing answers goes to Olivia who couldn’t be any further from the truth or her own truth for that matter. But still they believe her. They trust her. Their blind faith in Olivia is not therapeutic for any of them. I’ve discussed this on twitter but I have a problem with how everyone projects who they want Olivia to be and because she hates failure, Olivia channels the person they envision her to be. A mother. A savior. A fighter. A legend. Anytime Olivia branched off to find her own sense of self one of the gladiators would blame her for abandoning them and Huck too would tell Olivia that he worried about her with the president, when staying with Fitz made Olivia a better person.The intention of this scene is crucial as Shonda is scraping off every projections we have placed on Olivia and starting over. And I’m here for it.

Charlie seeing the reminder on his phone that his and Quinn’s baby is due tomorrow. Is also a reminder that due day is near. Quinn’s supposed to have her baby, but she’s not here.

After comforting Charlie we see a rattled and upset  Olivia struggling to put the key in and open the door. Hello euphemism

Jake.

After talking with Abby, Cyrus is able to put two and two together about admiral Ballard and confronts him about hurting an innocent person (thus far) who’s no where near president rashad’s bombing. Jake with arrogance and aloofness remarks that accidents do happen. You see this is why I can’t stand or condone his character. How did Jake find this footage of Quinn when Huck hasn’t? Jake couldn’t even turn on a printer three seasons ago and now he’s back to being the best spy.

Jake tells Olivia that Quinn isn’t dead because the two people who want her dead are in this room.

He’s right there . Jake tells Olivia he’s worried about Curtis Pryce because there’s no telling what Quinn told him, but before Jake could dictate the dialogue, Olivia’s assistant barged in after ease dropping that Olivia is being summoned by her father.

You have to watch the episode a second time to truly see how disgusting and revolting Rowan is. Olivia tells her dad that she doesn’t have the time for him because she has to find Quinn Perkins and immediately Rowan focuses on that and tells Olivia that he has Quinn, and declares her ‘mine.’ Elated, Rowan smiles at Olivia’s shock pleased that he has the upper hand. Unknowingly Olivia bends at Rowan’s will, moving from standing over him to sitting beside him and reasoning.

“Quinn Perkins. The one person who can take you down. The one person that knows about your new assassination. hobbies. The one person that you would never kill.  Your recking. I have Quinn Perkins. Your down fall and the key to my freedom.

Checkmate.

I win. You lose”

For those crying about Olivia being evil and dark this is the root and seed of her issues. Rowan once again playing mind games with Olivia just so he could punish and control her once again.  I am truly flabbergasted with how callous and manipulative he is though not surprised, once again Rowan extracts Olivia’s truth and turns it into a weakness, and afterwards he has the audacity to tell Olivia that it’s “a fair trade” how can he justify his  four months of fear to Olivia’s lifetime of it. This man cried to Fitz about wanting his daughter back yet when he had the chance he help her he turned his back, almost eerily similar to his candor with Olivia’s kidnapping.

Which tells me, Rowan doesn’t love Olivia or anyone for that matter. This is all just a game to him, and he once again is pulling the strings . And like many I do believe Rowan had a role to play with Olivia’s kidnapping.

Interesting things to note: 1. How does Rowan know about the bombing and Quinn having intel on Olivia. 2. “Your her child’s godmother” 3. “I win. You lose” Jake said those same words to Olivia and now their father is using them. Foreshadowing of their interconnectedness and how Jake might still be working with dad. Possibly 4. Olivia’s distaste for Rowan’s wine. Is their horrid connection coming to an end? Please be a hell yes.

Once again wanting to be the hero in Olivia Pope’s eyes, Jake goes to see Rowan who remarks that Jake is pathetic for crawling to Olivia with his tail between his legs. Jake is gnat that won’t go away. Jake begins with empty threats about him needing to leave and not to underestimate Olivia. Has anyone noticed the common pattern with admirable Ballard , when people get too close to Olivia he warns them that she’s not the person they use to know. First it was Fitz, then he had a moment with Mellie and now Rowan. Jake is going rogue he’s no longer listening to Olivia’s orders because she’s no longer command, that’s why he killed Curtis and used Olivia’s assistant which I doubt Olivia knows is an assassin to kill him. This is still survival of the fittest and Jake is acting on self preservation.

 By the way does anyone think Cyrus is going to lay down and not come for Jake after finding out Jake killed Curtis and instead of appearing remorseful, Jake emphasized that Curtis was snitch and a rat. Cyrus hasn’t forgotten James who was a journalist and also one of Jake’s victims.

Cyrus, when you come for jake.

Needing help with how to remain untouched by Rowan, Olivia goes to the one person who shows just how impotent he truly is . Shonda, heard our cries and delivered Maya to us.

Maya is screaming Olivia Pope season 2 with them creamy silk pajamas and her apartment is also similar to Olivia’s style before she lost the light . Interesting that Olivia styled her mama’s apartment with such brightness and light meanwhile her apartment looks like the ninth circle of hell. But like all mama’s they know their child and she’s able to read Olivia like a book; had Quinn not threatened Olivia with the truth she would have been rescued by now but because she’s a liability and a threat Olivia’s uncertain of saving her. But Quinn isn’t just a threat to Olivia’s professional world, but her personal one as well. When Olivia looks at Quinn, she sees the person she was supposed to be, the life she was supposed to have and she’s angry. Quinn is starting a family and being a boss all while remaining true to her self and her values and most of all she’s happy. Quinn dying would mean that Olivia doesn’t have to look at herself and be reminded that she’s failed to capitalize on her hopes and dreams.

Maya, sees that what Olivia is asking for is her permission to let Quinn die. Maya grants Olivia her permission to kill Quinn but even she too wants to know what’s in it for her by helping Olivia. Damn. Poor Olivia.

But Maya’s right though, that’s how she remained unscathed by Rowan when he threatened to kill Dominic (Maya’s lover) Maya let the clock run out and chose to let Dominic die then submit to Rowan showing that nothing and no one can trap her, she is the power that Rowan preaches about.

Mama knows best. And in this situation Olivia is bound to lose. There’s no winner; either she saves Quinn and gives Rowan the upper hand or she remains firm and loses the remaining piece of her soul by choosing to let her friend die instead of saving her.

Feeling the overwhelming weight on her shoulders Olivia is crying in her bed, she pats herself on the chest, the way a mother comforts their child when upset but that is the thing - Olivia’s utterly alone.  ultimately Olivia made her bed and now she must lie in it literally and figuratively speaking. The physical act has Olivia trembling as she wrestles with consequences of her actions.

In a formal room of the White House in the lightest blouse we’ve seen Olivia wear in some time there seems to be a sense of calmness to Olivia, there’s finally natural light in the space she’s occupying. The door opens and Olivia closes her eyes to prepare herself for Mellie and their charade. Olivia gives Mellie her notes and she attempts to leave but Mellie stops her, speaking to Olivia’s need to be wanted, moving towards Olivia, Mellie talks about the sacrifices of President Rashad’s death and that she’s here signing this treaty because of Olivia.

This highlights to the me why I could never stand mellivia and why neither should you. This pretense of feminism is infuriating and Mellie seeing that her key to freedom is leaving uses Olivia’s own words against her in order to convince her to stay. The stark contrast between their clothes and height. Mellie’s wearing the power colors (dark&red )as she towers over Olivia who’s now suddenly seems so small and fragile.

Mellie calls Olivia ‘the champion’ the same word Rowan said to Fitz when describing Olivia. Mellie has the nerve to tell Olivia that they need to be worthy of their sacrifices.

What sacrifices have you made? The one’s where you used your husband’s father raping you as leverage? when you freed your son’s killer so that you could blackmail Olivia to work for you? or when you used the token black girl as your mule to carry you to the finish line. Fuck you Mellie .

Mellie feeling empowered tells Olivia this is only the beginning for them and for some reason I can’t tell whether Olivia was repeating Mellie’s statement flabbergasted or whether she’s simply playing her role of hyping Mellie up. I don’t know.

A member of the Lena Dunham feminism, Mellie makes Olivia repeat after her that they need to be worthy of their sacrifices and that there can’t be nothing , no one and no man standing in our way.  As Olivia repeats those words it’s only when Olivia gets to the no man part that she looks away from Mellie and towards the ground. Hasn’t a man already come between them. Even though Fitz wasn’t seen much this episode, his presence is felt throughout it and certainly at this moment where Olivia no longer seems as tethered to the white house and this way of living. 

Waiting for the time to run out, Olivia goes to Rowan and of course she enters the red door but we don’t see Olivia opening or closing the door instead we are moved immediately to the living room where impatiently Rowan points a gun at Olivia in the same manner that Olivia did to him.

I thought jake removed all of Rowan’s toys and guns so how in the hell does Rowan have one pointed at Olivia! You see this is what I’m talking about , y’all think I’m supposed to believe that super spy was the only one who found Quinn’s footage when his incompetent ass can’t even remove firearms from Rowan’s house? Olivia’s not surprised by seeing the gun pointed at her, she’s use to Jake being a disappointment.

The chess match begins as Olivia and Rowan make threats towards one another. Unable to kill Olivia, Olivia puts a bounty on Rowan’s head; in 20 minutes he’ll be dead if he doesn’t hand Quinn over . But Rowan counters that letting Quinn die is worse than death for Olivia as her soul will be gone forever .  And this is where the true conversation begins.

“ you think Quinn and I are BFFs that I’ll let this cloud my judgment . Or that mini Quinn  She’s caring is a little person I’m already in love with. That I just can’t handle the idea of them both dying . You think there’s a soft chewy center in here . You do think that! You gave me a dead mother. A life in boarding. then you told me everything I knew was a lie. You took away the only man I ever truly loved . You killed his son. and you have consistently erased my hopes; my dreams, my ambitions. You made me in your image.”

The Horrible truth and acknowledgment of their relationship. The first step of recovery is acknowledging and as a start Olivia acknowledged the psychological damage Rowan has put her through since she was a child. Rowan made Olivia motherless and then sent her off to boarding school, her childhood ended. And then Rowan taunts Olivia that he’s the only man she will ever have and to never pick anyone over him again. Finally Rowan strips Olivia of her remaining freedom by continuously putting a wedge between her and the only man she has ever truly loved.  To make Fitz hate her and ruin their love, Rowan kills Fitz’s son; what love can survive that?

I’ve said it many times that Olivia loves Fitz because she choose him. He wasn’t created and orchestrated to seduce her. Fitz is real, not some manufactured b613 toy pulled from the assembly line. So I appreciated Olivia admitting to Rowan and herself that Fitz is the only man she’s ever truly loved and still loves to this day. Olivia has yet to even begin working through the Fitz of it all but this moment of acceptance is a good start for me.

 Rowan has infiltrated his way into every aspect of Olivia’s life, her professional, her personal, and her sexual life.  We are reminded that Olivia is a victim of her environment, how can we hate her when she’s tried so hard to prove herself unlike him that she finally succumbed to what she perceives is her fate.

Has anyone taken note that Olivia is recreating the same moments that Rowan committed to her. 

Olivia has played a role in almost all of her gladiators relationships not working. She broke up Abby and David,  she manipulated Mellie into breaking up with Marcus. Rowan took away the only man she’s ever loved, Olivia controls their relationships the same way Rowan controls hers. If she can’t have love then neither can they.

Olivia has shot down a plane killing a President and innocent civilians, mirroring Fitz shooting down a plane that was supposed to have her mother in it.

Olivia, has finally killed a child on her orders. She killed Yasmeen because it suited her agenda the same way Rowan killed Jerry in order to break up Olivia and Fitz.

Quinn mentioned that she has a witness who knows Olivia bombed President Rashad’s plane so if and when that witness comes out will Olivia kill him/her the same way Rowan killed Harrison?

I don’t believe Quinn is dead though her dying wouldn’t be the worse thing for Olivia as there it would be a real and tangible consequence for Olivia’s own grave yard of bodies .

With Olivia unleashing some of the weight she’s carried all these years we see the predisposed patterns that has influenced and motivated Olivia to this way of living and thinking. 

Olivia still kept her and Rowan’s picture on her table in her apartment yet Rowan has no pictures of Olivia or of anyone hanging on his walls or tables. It’s time for Olivia to move on with her life and she has to let Rowan go and not just figuratively speaking because she tried that and it didn’t work. No. Rowan must die so Olivia can live. 

The empty threats are exchanged until Rowan walks away and we hear a gun shot followed by what sounds like Quinn begging for mercy and then a couple more shots. Olivia jumps shocked, surprised that Rowan actually shot Quinn she trembles with fear as she clinches her stomach from the straight shot to her gut. Olivia mourns and with a matter of seconds she turns cold as she faces Rowan. 

I’m terribly sad to see the show I love go and the characters who I’ve connected with leave my screen. However I’m excited for when this show returns, the trajectory of this story is clear as it moves to the finale stages.

I’m highly optimistic for Olivia and her pursuit of happiness. The finale scene was dark and brutal but the beauty is that Olivia can learn from this and create the life she wants and the people she wants in it.  I will always have hope for Pope and so should you.

Enjoy your holidays with family and friends.

Until next time ,

Muse.

[musesoftheminds]

Scandal 7x01

Is this thing on? Hey, everyone. It's good to be back on here for our last season of scandal. I'm not going to discuss the finale season in its entirety because I simply haven't processed it ending.

 I'm not really feeling the new scandal header the character’s position on the layout is interesting but I certainly was feeling this episode! We immediately flash forward from Luna's sudden 'heart attack' to Mellie's State of Union address where she discusses unifying the parties and healthcare but the question on everyone’s mind is how will she get this all done?

 That's how she will get this all done. There she is. Bad and boujee is back and bad as ever and my lady bits are quivering in joy because she looks so hot. Mellie is once again the puppet as Olivia plays puppet master. Rocking the black and white pantsuit, with her white heels Olivia is a force. Her head is held high, shoulder lifted, chest puffed out everyone is watching her and she knows it. Olivia is basking in the pool of power but I love the attention to detail on her outfit.

The focus on her white shoes, is symbolic of the goodness still in Olivia and with her white blouse and white Prada purse displayed, Olivia is reaping both the black and white. A clear representation of her service to the white house and b613.

 Okay. I've said it many times on twitter that I think Olivia will try to do the right thing in regards to the republic but what exactly does that mean? Better yet how low will Olivia go to achieve it. I think that will be the assessment to take from all of this. People do bad things for the positive outcome, a sacrifice that isn't warranted. Nevertheless, I do commend Olivia for being a powerful black woman who is unapologetic for ruling and leading, nothing wrong with a sistah moving on up in the world, but how she's doing it is rather problematic.

 Olivia when the senator refused to endorse her free education bill. PS notice how Pryce and the senator used both Mellie and Olivia's name as the leaders, since when have you ever heard of the Chief of Staff being this publicly recognized and her name sitting alongside the president? 

Olivia has even exiled Cyrus from broadcasting deciding instead to handle that as well...now like I said the Chief of Staff is a behind the doors leader but Olivia is blatantly and brazenly showcasing her power. If I'm not mistaken I believe sally has referenced the power of the media and how she is more powerful now being publicly seen versus anything connected to the White House. I see you Ms. Pope or should I say Command. 

Fight the power! Fight the power…alright we dishing out some 80’s tune and how touching to use ‘fight the power’ as a way of fighting the system, a system that Olivia now owns. Or as Olivia told the senator “My world. My envelope filled world.” Now, Olivia better stop handing out them envelops like she’s pasing out candy before someone hands her own envelope. 

QPA

 *yeah for Kerry becoming a producer on scandal!*

At QPA, desperate for some real clients they seek David who tells them that the problem is that they have disassociated themselves from OPA who’s reputation and name is legendary in d.c Now I do like that Quinn did change the name because she too is trying to make a name for herself that is separate from Olivia all together and rightfully so, but like in all places of employment, it’s not what you know but who you know.

 Time changes and we are now at the restaurant that Rowan and Olivia frequent only this time it’s under Olivia’s terms. Rowan runs to table slightly out of breath, as Olivia acknowledges that he’s late. Rowan claims he “lost track of time” since when has Rowan lost anything?

Mmmhmmm I got my good eye on you Rowan. In the middle of Rowan’s apology on being late, the waiter pours Olivia a glass of red that causes Rowan’s nose to turn up in disdain but defiantly because she can Olivia emphasizes in so many words that they are drinking this now. My, my, my have the tables turn. Olivia is forcing weekly dinner’s, demanding that they drink the wine of her choice and making sure that Rowan heeds to her advice and warnings that she issued to him during last season’s finale and not disobey her.

 You know what that smells like? Satisfying retribution. I’m completely okay with Olivia getting her own sense of vengeance against her father. This man is a complete and utter monster so it’s satisfying to watch him now be a prisoner of his own creation. Olivia claims she doesn’t have cameras on Rowan and she might not but I’m sure she has someone tagging his ass because I certainly would. Shoooot.

Rowan ask how the president is doing and Olivia says “Mellie is good.” Rowan see’s that Mellie is in ‘Formation.’

Olivia can’t even call Mellie ‘The President’. Everyone called Fitz a puppet and idealistic but this right here is laughable. Fitz was aware of people trying to undermine him but Mellie. Child…Mellie thinks she’s the HBIC. And Olivia for her part claims to be a ‘team player’ but Rowan reminds Olivia that she never played team sports and when she did not well.

Damn. That’s good one Rowan. Now that he mentions it, Olivia was an equestrian and the swim captain…so yeah. Rowan’s correct on that assessment. 

Having been a constant nightmare in Olivia’s life Rowan is now looking at himself in the mirror and it is frightening sight to see. Reading a new chapter from ‘The Book of Rowan’ Rowan foreshadows Olivia’s impending doom. 

“There is a reckoning coming for you, Olivia. You think you have it under control. You think you have all the power buttoned up inside you, behind your eyes, lighting you up. But one day you’ll glance into a mirror, and you will discover that some of that power is missing. The lights are going out. Then? You’ll have some difficult decisions to make. Do I want that power back? Who am I willing to hurt to get it? Now I can say this because I know—You cannot have it all, Olivia.”

 Olivia listening to Rowan’s monologue

Midway through that speech, Olivia checked out. Anyone that opposes or objects to her rulings in Olivia’s mind is in clear opposition of her and therefore must be neutralized or controlled.

 Welcoming to the center stage Mr. Pryce who is the star of his own political analyst show called ‘The Pryce of Power’

Pun intended. Nice word play Shonda.

Olivia and Mr. Pryce argue about free education and Olivia in classic Olivia fashion rips Pryce a new asshole for bringing up the that tired speech about being the first in his family to go to college. Now. I know I’m in the minority but he’s not exactly my cup of tea and I don’t necessarily find him attractive, he’s too greasy. Having his ass chewed out by Olivia, Pryce cuts her off before she can make a bigger ass of him on television which Olivia notes. That’s not the last we have seen of Mr. Pryce

SIDENOTE:

Okay, it’s really cute seeing Quinn and QPA staying true to form and working on this case and Charlie being a doting dad. So, They find some information about the missing man and Quinn presents it to Olivia who opens the door with slightly disheveled hair laminating on how late it is.

Quinn is discussing the case with Olivia asking for her help and to use her bathroom both of which Olivia closes her door on. I really loved that scene with Quinn walking to the elevator holding her belly as she talks about Olivia’s lack of empathy for her and her godchild.

 Quinn has made Olivia the godmother? Does Olivia know this? And better yet why? Olivia hasn’t seen Ella in about twenty-two and half years. Quinn. Sweetie. I don’t know about Olivia being a godmother. But boy is that going to be some damn good television and character development when Olivia must acknowledge the life that Quinn is living. Quinn is such a wonderful juxtaposition to Olivia. Both are women clearly learning and struggling but one is seeking help and support while the other is choosing to mask and ignore her problems. Quinn is my girl.

 The reason Olivia didn’t let Quinn in is because Jake’s in her bedroom. I wasn’t surprised by seeing Jake in Olivia’s bedroom. I don’t believe anyone actually was because this rings true to character about Olivia and her dissatisfaction with her personal life. Jake drops his pants so he could get back servicing his master.

 I’m so tired of this mofo. You know last season when it came out that Olivia and Fitz were sleeping together again and he was in his drake feelz Jake highlighted to Olivia that doing the same thing repeatedly knowing the outcome is the definition of insanity. Then HOE why are you still doing it?

Olivia has told you countless times that this is a strictly dickly relationship and you still think it’s a relationship. I can’t stand him. Nobody chaps my ass the way Jake does. Fitz’s ass wasn’t five minute on the plane before his thirsty ass went to Olivia in her moment of vulnerability and need. *fixes jacket* back to the episode Olivia tells Jake that she gave him an order and that they are finished, Jake get’s in his feelings and Olivia coddles him and tells him that he’s ‘convenient, safe, secure and easy.’ If that aint the definition of a sidepiece then I don’t know what is. Olivia inflated his bruised ego a little and Jake goes back to bed.

Olivia.

 You know Olivia’s feeling invincible when she’s sleeping with a married man and Jake nonetheless whose wife could easily tell the world about them. The stigmatism of being Fitz’s mistress weighed so heavily on Olivia for all these years and now sleeping with Jake symbolizes the work Olivia must do internally. But Jake is unavailable and that’s how Olivia likes her men.

Olivia isn’t looking for love or any form of a true personal relationship. These transactional relationships are here to help assuage the lack of true intimacy in her life, it’s why she orders Jake to service her and why she forces weekly dinners with Rowan. Professionally she has it all, but personally she is still the same. Regardless of her attempts at alleviating this sense of ‘weakness’ there is a holiness to the heart’s affliction that even she cannot ignore or expunge.

 Fitz

After degrading Jake for the service dog that he is, the scene immediately flashes to the next day where Olivia is alone in her office going over the votes. Clearly focused on this bill, Olivia is playing with the number of votes they have until the news reporter mentions former President Grant. Immediately Olivia’s head turns to listen in and within seconds her body turns completely away from the white board to focus on Fitz and in that moment everything else fades into the background. For the first and only time this episode we see, Olivia. With her breathing becoming quicker and her doe eyes becoming wetter you can feel this tangible moment that spoke to their last time, and in this moment, it becomes evidently clear that Olivia does not in fact have it all.

 To make matters worse, not only does Fitz look like the most delectable snack but if you listen to the statement he made in regards to the Vargas Bill that would make any girl weak in the knees. 

“There can only be one President at a time, and right now. That’s Mellie Grant.”

Can you imagine what Olivia was feeling at their very moment. We all know Olivia has abandonment issues and Fitz’s departure might be the worse one. Fitz is in Vermont, in the home he built for her and she can’t reach him. Yeah. Cyrus’s words still ring true. No matter how successful and powerful you are, a piece of you will still be with him...I see us expanding on this notion as the season progresses. 

Fitz isn’t even in this episode and his goodness and his aura still linger in this White House. If Olivia didn’t miss him enough that statement alone made that icy heart of hers beat momentarily. Fitz didn’t shame Mellie or offer his opinion but is choosing to do the honorable and respectful thing which is to let her be the President.  Fitz is giving Mellie and Olivia their space and freedom to make their own choices and find their own happiness. If this is screaming the au then I don’t know what to tell y’all. Though Fitz is absent in body his presence is most certainly felt.

The ‘We don’t need Fitz gang’ assembled in the oval early on in this episode. Everyone sat in their respective spot but still Fitz’s seat remained empty. Fitz’s departure though not spoken about is most certainly still felt. I know. I miss Fitz too. And we aren’t going to discuss the continuous use of the word ‘light’ especially as olitz’s song played during this scene.

I adore the parallels of this scene. Despite being separated these two individuals will always look for the other regardless of everything they have said and done to one another. When the Heart speaks, it speaks.

There’s a knock on the door and Jake swiftly enters and Olivia mutes her tv as she turns back into command though Jake made sure to catch a glimpse of what, sorry rather who Olivia was watching.

 I can’t go scene by scene that’s exhausting but the theme of this episode is good versus evil; light versus dark. There are dark forces surrounding Olivia the main one being Jake. throughout this episode Jake was continuously and being unrelentingly in having Olivia neutralize the CIA agent and do the dirty work that comes with being command.

Huck goes to Olivia and tells Olivia to bring the body home because she’s not one of them anymore, she’s with the other guys now and interestingly enough Huck walks into the apartment door next too Olivia’s…uh Huck knows about Olivia’s late night itch.

If Jake doesn’t take his impotent white bread ass and sit down. Jake clearly wants to be command and he certainly wants Olivia to be sequestered in the darkness with him where all she will ever want and need is his services that only he will accept. Jake is a clear representation of the devil on one side and the angel on the other side representing her gladiator and Olivia opts to wear her white hat with her black purse.

But Fuck boy decides that because Olivia is confused and torn between killing an innocent person, he will go ahead and make the call and clearly undermined Olivia and speak to Mellie directly.

If looks could kill, Olivia would have killed Jake and used his rescinded balls as decorations in her office. Did Jake think; Olivia would accept this clear defiance when she gave an order? But to make matters worse, Mellie has approved the killing of a patriot …yup…I know Olivia…this isn’t Fitz’s White House anymore.

 Do you remember earlier in this episode how nobody sat in Fitz’s chair well look who decided to sit there now. It’s Mr. Fuck boy himself, making himself quite comfy in a chair that’s been Fitz’s. Oh, Shonda. Oh, undertone, oh foreshadowing.   It’s appalling with how quickly Mellie agreed to kill this man whereas if Fitz had done this he would be called every name in the book. Now with time clearly out Olivia must move and move fast to save this man’s life but again at what stakes are we willing to go to do the right thing when our own moral values are questionable. Preparing to murder a child, that’s not pushing the boundaries but completely dismantling them. I see this struggle to be honorable and do the right thing even when it’s damaging to your foundation but this fire, this light can only burn for so long. Olivia is still in their wrestling with her demons and this time she won but who’s to say she’ll be this lucky next time. Tread carefully, Olivia.

In the end Olivia saves the day and accomplished doing both jobs but it was costly.

Jake

Way too much Jake in this episode. Every time I look up, he’s on my screen. Less is more.

Jake is at Olivia’s door and he says ‘hey’ but Olivia doesn’t respond and the icy look on her face tells the story. She’s pissed. Jake immediately begins to apologize for going behind her back, but Olivia’s done and closed off from the entire conversation. 

“There’s no need for you to apologize. This was my fault. That is very clear now. You overstepped. You went around me to Mellie.  That’s not about being wrong. That’s about being too comfortable. I made a mistake with you. We are very, very good together. We have a skill. And …I was weak. But no matter what, I never should’ve let you back in my bed. You’re sleeping with the boss. You got comfortable. You got familiar. You forgot who I am. You forgot to be afraid, and you overstepped. Don’t worry. It won’t happen ever again. This is over.  Go home to your wife admiral ballard.”

 In what planet, did Jake think him and Olivia were a team? Is he residing on planet bonnie and Clyde? Not once has this relationship been close to partnership or even mutualism. Jake thought he and Olivia were in an actual relationship and that this was just a fight. I don’t know how many times Olivia can say it but she don’t want you Jake, all you are is a poor man Fitzgerald Grant and that’s why you are being dismissed.

Hold on one second.

Had to get rid of Jake’s lingering odor. Ah, now that smells much better. Olivia broke up with Joke and with her head held high she seems quite relieved and at peace with his departure. Let’s continue our prayer circle and hope this is permanent. We know Olivia doesn’t sleep with the help so sorry joke looks like you might have to do some more backstabbing to get off that leash.

Cyrus didn’t take the bait the Olivia left out for him, he’s team Mellie and because Mellie is easy to manipulate Cyrus will have Mellie in his back pocket. Olivia’s going to have her hands full.

And Olivia managed to manipulate Mellie once again by using team vagina as a sort of sisterhood. I’m so tired of these Taylor swift feminism monologues. Mellie wants to become a monument, interesting word considering Fitz’s disdain with being referred to as one and being turned into such while in the White House, being a monument isn’t exactly screaming patriotism but I believe Mellie will soon receive her wish and see that being a ‘monument’ isn’t all what it’s cracked out to be. I love that Olivia’s on her ‘Formation’ anthem and ruling the world and being the boss but at the end of the day we all have a boss to report to, it’s going to be an interesting ride to watch Olivia enjoy the highs and lows of being the top dog…ask Abby, chief of Staff is replaceable but Olivia has certainly set herself in the limelight to be irreplaceable.

One thing I do want to note is how comical it is that Mellie would preach about Fitz being idealistic with his head in the clouds and Mellie is already there if not worse. The ‘ex lady gang’ will implode and Mellie will reclaim her power it’s just a matter of when.

Olivia found a new and improved sidepiece by the name of Pryce and boy will there be a price to pay for this entanglement. Had Olivia forgot about Lilian? Did Olivia forget that he’s a journalist? I know Olivia’s using him for free publicity but he’s using you too girl…baby this ain’t going to end well.

There’s going to be a Price for Power.

But I’m fired up and ready to go. Scandal you are show.

Until Next Time, Muse.

[katrinapavela]

KP commentary on “The Box” (#Scandal 613). There’s a whole slavery/freedom theme going on here. 

[katrinapavela]

KP’s Random Thoughts on #Scandal 614 (Head Games).

[katrinapavela]

Random #Scandal thought 1,923 🤔... Olivia needs a man who is a leader. Jake just told us he is not

I just had an epiphany about why Jake is so, partly, hostile to Vanessa, and what that tells us about his involvement with Liv. Jake is partly hostile to Vanessa because she's been looking to him for leadership in their relationship ("tell me what to do and I'll do it" (605). But Jake is a follower. While shoving Liv creepily towards that cabin in 606, he told Liv that when Rowan gave him orders on election night, he felt more like himself than he had in ages. He's come to terms with being a follower! Vanessa doesn't offer him the ability to do that. Liv deep down knows Jake is a follower, hence her meanologue (518), in which she told him he would crawl back to her every single time. It's also why she was able to get him to be a pawn in her dream for the Oval. But when it comes to a romantic relationship, she doesn't really want to be Command, though she's lapsed into that role, at times (ahem, 507). When she's allowed to be that way, unchecked, it ruins things for her. She seems to want someone who affords her the opportunity to relax out of that role, sometimes, even if she finds that hard to do. Please don't mistake this for some "she need a man she can submit to" bullshit. That's not what I'm saying.

[fluffycakesistainted]

“I’ve been where you are.”

LMAO, what is Olivia talkin about?? For one thing, she was in Marcus’s position, not Mellie’s. And most importantly, Fitz was married and she was a mistress. Mellie and Marcus are two very single people whose relationship violates no basic tenets of morality or any of the 10 Commandments and won’t bust up a nuclear family. Liv need to leave them the hell alone and stop blowin holes in my ship! 

[fluffycakesistainted]

Mellie made a reference equating herself and Olivia to Thelma & Louise, I am LIVING.