Well that was outstanding.
Can I just say that Mellie is my favorite character on Scandal at the moment? In my eyes, she’s the one player I’m rooting for no matter what, and she’s cemented herself as the undisputed hero of the show. I want to see her happy and I genuinely want her and Andrew to get together. That’s quite the achievement when compared to the show’s core couple (Fitz and Olivia) who have become completely unlikeable in recent weeks. I have no idea if this was intentional on the writers’ part (that would be pretty bold of them) but Fitz has become particularly despicable. His treatment of Mellie angers me to no end (especially since he is unaware of her being victimized by his father), and Liv’s obsession with the Prez just drives me up the wall. If this is what an endgame couple look like on Scandal, then I’d prefer something less sick and twisted.
Mellie and Andrew’s dynamic on the other hand feels pure and sincere. The latter was there for the First Lady when she hit rock bottom (with the overdose), and he’s held her tragic secret ever since. The fact that he was willing to take the blame for her addiction and sacrifice the VP spot was even better. Of course it doesn’t hurt that Jon Tenney and Bellamy Young have an easy chemistry between them, as evidenced by the brilliant (and passionate) make-out session while the various First Lady portraits judgmentally watched on.
Huck and Olivia’s relationship also took a intriguing turn this week. It was remarkably enlightening to watch Huck open up to his surrogate mommy (after incessantly bringing her apologetic cups of coffee) and basically blaming her for turning him into a monster. There are real consequences to Olivia’s actions and I love that that the writers aren’t shying away from them. The blame lies squarely on our (anti)heroine and it was downright fascinating to see her try to navigate Quinn after catching her spying on her. Lo and behold, the latter responded by threatening her former boss with a firearm. My how far we’ve fallen.
Finally, the reveal of Adnan Salif being in cahoots with Mama Pope just might be the most genius thing of all time. Not only does it explain what Liv’s duplicitous mommy has been up to in recent weeks, it singlehandedly manages to integrate the gorgeous Adnan into the show’s main story-arc. I’m beyond pumped to discover the fulls scope of the devious duo’s plot, especially since a pivotal part of it comprises funding Fitz re-election. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I love it when a show’s entire array of subplots dovetail in one concentrated arc. That ladies and gentlemen, is when the fireworks happen.
Scandalous Bits
– The opening argument between Fitz and Olivia (with Jack standing outside) really irked me the wrong way. And Fitz was borderline abusive.
– Horrifying flashback with Fitz screaming at Mellie post-rape about not letting him touch her.
– Who else wants their own Protect-The-Republic briefcase? Lucky Jake.
– As evidenced by her constantly flashing back to her husband’s murder, Sally’s bound to break soon. Please Shonda, keep Kate Burton on the show no matter what.
– Jake standing up to Olivia and telling her to stock her fridge really amused me.
– Can I just say that I missed Hollis Doyle? The slimebag is such a big part of the show’s legacy, and any subplot that gets him cavorting with Sally is fine by me.
– The green screen background with James and David under the bridge was painfully obvious.
– How heartbreaking was Mellie telling Andrew the truth about her past and mentioning her uncertainty over her child’s paternity?
– One of this week’s most marvelous gems: Mellie’s hilarious reaction to Olivia assuming they’re the “same”. Epic.
– David calling Abby and professing his love only to discover that she was the one who kidnapped him was hilarious.
– Excellent twist with Fitz’s trusted secret service agent, Tom, being revealed as a B613 mole. Loved him handing Jake the USB with the video of Olivia discussing her feelings for him (she concludes that she doesn’t know if she loves him).
– Awesome moment with Jake reprimanding Quin who proves her worth with snaps of Rowan and Leo. She’s kind of a little badass now.
– Seriously, I love the title of the episode (which is also a line spoken by both Mellie and Andrew).
Quipyness
Jake: I used my official I’m-the-boyfriend-of-Olivia-Pope key.
Quinn: He licked my face. Did he tell you that? He licked my face like I was a piece of meat
Huck: (to Olivia) You should’ve never given me someone to love. Monsters eat people, Liv. It’s what we do. You took in a wild monster and you groomed me and petted me and trained me to sit at your feet. But that doesn’t mean I’m a puppy, Liv. That just makes me a very loyal monster. So I didn’t go too far. I went exactly as far as my leash allows, and you hold the leash.
Mellie: (to Fitz) What does it feel like? To be so hot for someone, so turned on by them that you would put everything you ever worked for at risk? Does it feel good? Is it an amazing high? Or is it so intense that it actually hurts, like a fire in your belly?
Must Download Tune
Back Stabbers by The O’Jays
Conclusion
Tightly-constructed and thoroughly satisfying, this was another stunner of an hour. Almost perfect.
Nad Rating
A