Scandal Review: Even the Devil Deserves a Second Chance (Season 5 Episode 7)

With the crisis of the presidential affair out of the way, Olivia Pope is running the world, literally.

In this week’s episode Olivia floats easily between OPA and the White House, handling both with competence and grace. Olivia’s new place in the White House is revealed subtly throughout the episode, but her touch is evident in everything Fitz does right from the start. He actually seems like a president in this episode, rather than the reckless playboy he usually embodies. The reason behind this shift, is none other than our favorite fixer, Olivia Pope. Fitz listens to Olivia without question, and I can’t blame him; she knows what she’s doing, far more than he does.

Listening to Olivia Pope makes complete sense not only to Fitz, but also to the viewers, so when Cyrus calls Olivia on her silent coup then it’s safe to say that no one else in the world of Scandal  has caught on. Olivia didn’t have to run for office, marry Fitz, or testify in court and she still managed to become the most powerful person in the world, while maintaining both the life and the career she holds so dear.

Cyrus: He’s not the President anymore, Olivia. You are.

After Cyrus brings this shift in power to light, Olivia takes a moment in the oval office with Fitz. She takes a breath, and pours herself a drink. Then, standing on the presidential seal, Olivia Pope runs the country. Visually the scene is breathtaking in it’s symbolism; Olivia knows she holds all the power and she’s taking it and running with it. She defends her relationship with Fitz to Cyrus. but her choice to come back to the oval after that conversation makes it clear that regardless of that relationship: Olivia isn’t giving up that power.

Olivia: We have an actual relationship. This is what a couple looks like.
Cyrus: You have the oval. This is what power looks like.

Will Olivia’s love for her work outweigh her love for Fitz? Will the secrets she’s kept from him to make it to this point be enough to bring down their relationship? Because Olivia’s new found power is so inextricably linked to her relationship with Fitz, it is hard to tell if their love is real, or convenient. Now, I don’t mean to say that Olivia doesn’t have power without Fitz, because she absolutely does; she could run the world without him, no question. But it makes me wonder, if Olivia wouldn’t sacrifice her power, her work, and her autonomy for their relationship before, why would she now, when she has more control than ever? However, their relationship has become vital for Olivia to maintain her current position as the leader of the free world. 

Elizabeth: Everything in this town runs on power.

Other thoughts:

• It’s good to see Elizabeth North back, but her sex scene with David came completely out of left field. I’m interested to see where it’s going though, even if Susan waiting outside his office with wine coolers broke my heart. Seeing as Elizabeth is Susan’s new chief of staff, it looks like we might have a new Scandal love triangle on our hands. 
• Abby and Olivia’s ability to communicate without ever uttering a word warms my gladiator heart.
• Jake is justifiably angry about Olivia getting Rowan out of jail, and now he’s out for blood. What isn’t justifiable is the way he kissed Olivia without her consent.. Not cool, Jake, not cool.

Reviewer Rating: 

User Rating:

What did you think of this week’s episode of Scandal? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Scandal airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

Samantha Coley

Samantha (she/her) is a social media specialist by day and a sci-fi junkie by night. As a freelance writer and podcaster, she also enjoys live-tweeting, blogging, good music, and better television. Her current favorite television shows include Star Trek (yes, all of them), Riverdale, and Stranger Things and there will always be a place in her heart for Battlestar Galactica, Leverage, and The West Wing.