Good lord that was intense.
I’m not sure why Scandal has become so graphic this season, but I found it hard to sit through Huck’s torture of Quinn in YOLO. I’m not totally convinced of Huck’s heinous (and disgusting) act, but I’ll let it slide for now since it made for some harrowing television. Perhaps this is what Quinn needed to jump to the dark side and become one of Pope and Associates’ newest antagonists? If that’s the case, then I’m all for this turn of events. I actually find myself rooting for a character I previously loathed, and that’s a definite accomplishment.
Could it be? Is Sally Langston suddenly my favorite character on the show? I loved everything about the character this week. Whether she was vowing to become Pro-Choice to win the presidency, or standing up to Fitz and fighting back at Cyrus, Kate Burton was on fire this week. But the real awesomeness happened in the episode’s closing moments with the reveal of Langston stabbing her husband to death. It’s a whacky move, and just the kind of jawdropper Scandal has become so adept at pulling off. Thank god this was not the midseason finale so we don’t have to wait for the aftermath of Sally’s little move.
I continue to be a huge fan of Olivia and her mom. The chemistry between Washington and Alexander is off-the-charts, and I found myself seriously in love with every one of their scenes. However, it must be said that it still reeks way too much of Alias (which again Shonda is frequently inspired by). This was especially evident in the last minute reveal of Mama Pope being a “monster”. Still, I am intrigued to see where they take this, and if Shonda can cover new ground with the evil-mother trope. Plus, there’s an added element of intrigue with Fitz risking being branded a traitor by stepping in and getting Liv’s mom off the no-fly list. Now that’s brilliant.
Cyrus and James’ debacle this week was probably the single most engrossing subplot the two have ever had. I loved the various ways James made Cyrus jealous of Douglas (particularly, his mention of a threesome). The subplot was amusing, yet also extremely dark and twisted. In addition, it further illustrated just how despicable Cyrus Beene is. Was he ever more than unlikeable than when he practically blackmailed James to stay married to him by showing him the risque pictures? Shonda Rhimes really has created a pack of monsters in Scandal, and it’s captivating to watch.
Scandalous Bits
– Huck licking a tied-up and naked Quinn was beyond nasty. And seriously, no one in the building heard her screams while she was getting dental surgery? I just don’t buy it.
– Utterly vicious scene with Mama Pope revealing everything only for the gang to brutally carve the tracker out of her neck.
– So when are we meeting the infamous Adnan Salif?
– Interesting tidbit from Mama Pope: Olivia might be successful just like her dad, but she’s not “happy”.
– Jake finally got a badass moment this week: he berated President Fitz for never having his back and hiding behind the Oval Office while everyone does his dirty work.
– Standout moment of the week: Mellie consoling a crying Cyrus after Fitz rips him a new one. Yup, she’s still my favorite.
– Charlie and Quinn sleeping together after her torture was really icky, right?
– Extremely moving moment: Abby ordering Liv to hug her mom. Sniff. The song choice however, did not work.
– If only I believed Quinn could kill Rowan.
Quipyness
Abby: You can’t just show up with Dead Mama Pope and expect us to fall in line.
Mellie: It hurts until it doesn’t. You think what he did will break you but it won’t. You may not sleep as well at night but you will be fine. Numb but.. numb and fine are the same. Sally Langston is a weed in our garden Cyrus. See it through.
Sally: You’re too late Cyrus, I’ve already stabbed the pig through its belly.
Cyrus: And I’m sure if I were from your neck of the hick clan, that would make some semblance of sense.
Conclusion
Packed with a dizzying array of twists and turns, YOLO is a phenomenal hour of Scandal.
Nad Rating
A
That was indeed intense, and for me the most disturbing episode to date mostly because of scenes with Quinn – every single one of them….
Fitz is probably my least favorite character (well, Quinn wins, but he comes close second). He is like a book of “What kind of president one shouldn't be”. It's scary how easy it is to manipulate him, he is so useless and spineless no wonder they had to rig the election … So I absolutely loved the scene between Jake and Fitz in the Oval Office with Fits telling him straight what a coward he is.
Great review, Nadim!
Thanks so much Sol. This was indeed extremely disturbing (and a tad unnecessary). Still, can't deny how effective it was!
Fitz may be such a sucker for Olivia but I absolutely loved their scene (I'm such a hopeless romantic, I know!). This episode was very disturbing, however it reminded why I LOATHE Quinn's annoying character.I also loved Sally's plot twist. However, Cyrus' weeping was annoying. Scandal has been my favorite series this year (and I have you to thank for that).
I'm so pleased you discovered Dana. It really is my favorite although this was quite the controversial and insane episode 🙂 Looking forward to always reading your comments!