Scandal Review: The Fish Rots from the Head (Season 5 Episode 13)
In the immortal words of Bonnie Tyler: “Where have all the good men gone? And where are all the gods? Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?” Scandal has always been rife with morally grey characters, but as Fitz’s last term winds down and the next election picks up speed it becomes abundantly clear which men are heroes, which ones are extremely problematic with a few redeeming moments, and which ones are just completely awful.
Fitz is showing his true colors as a presidential playboy, having Abby and the secret service work double time as he parades a line of women in and out of the residence. It is truly satisfying to see both Mellie and Olivia call him on his inappropriate behavior. He’s the leader of the free world, but he’s been too busy falling into bed with various women to actually run the country or see problems that are happening right under his nose.
Mellie: Screw as many whores as you want Fitz, I wouldn’t expect anything less. But you sure as hell better keep them away from my children.
Apparently, Olivia comparing him to his absolute monster of a father is enough to snap him out of his horny teenager phase. He vows to Susan to endorse her bid for the presidency even though she doesn’t want it. I cannot tell if his intentions to be a better man so that he earns her respect are genuine or not. Has he truly turned over a new leaf, has he decided to be a better man for his children and the people that voted for him? Or is he backing Susan in order to spite both Mellie and Olivia now that he knows they’re working together?
Cyrus levels up in his manipulation tactics, telling a story about his paralyzed brother that doesn’t exist in order to get Governor Vargas to run for President. As much as I cannot stand Cyrus and his corrupt ways Jeff Perry does an incredible job with the level of intelligence and emotion that he brings to the character. It’s akin to watching something horrible happen and being completely unable to turn away from the riveting scene.
The last good men in Washington DC make themselves known in the form of Francisco Vargas and Marcus Walker. Vargas’ idealism, love for his daughter, and genuine desire to do good for the people that voted for him is inspiring to watch. Now that he’s joined up with Cyrus I just hope that he can maintain that purity of heart. Meanwhile at OPA, Marcus Leads the rest of the gang to investigate a girl’s murder, rather than standing behind their clearly guilty client.
Huck: Nice work.
Marcus: Makes you feel good, right?
I need a lot more of these two being actual angels among the monsters of American politics. As well as Susan and her continual optimism and ability to see the good in people. These three have become such a bright spot on the show that I feel almost protective over how genuinely good they are week after week.
Other Thoughts:
- David is still thinking with his penis and manipulating Susan for Liz; I’m really looking forward to when all of this blows up in his face. I only hope that Susan makes it out on top of the entire situation.
- Jake has gone off the charts creepy when he shows up in Olivia’s room, still playing some sadistic sex game with her while seeing some other woman. Thankfully he stops when she tells him to, but until then the scene plays as very uncomfortable.
- Jake’s also now engaged to the woman he’s been dating publicly. None of Jake and Papa Pope’s plot this season has made sense, and they still haven’t made the audience care about it.
- Can Abby please have something more to do besides covering up Fitz’s sexual exploits? She’s being woefully underutilized.
What did you think of this episode of Scandal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Reviewer Rating:
User Rating:
Scandal airs Thursday 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.