Scandal Review: Fates Worse Than Death (Season 6 Episode 3)

The strategy so far for Scandal Season 6 is to move forward and backward at the same time: we inch ever closer to inauguration day with no certain president, while flashbacks reveal what we missed during the campaign.

After only being in the background of the first two episodes this season, Cyrus Beene is front and center on  Scandal Season 6 Episode 3, “Fates Worse Than Death.”

This episode draws a stark contrast in the different ways that Olivia and Cyrus ran their respective presidential campaigns. Last week we saw Olivia intervene between Mellie, her candidate, and a relationship that could’ve ruined her shot at the Oval.

Her solution? Give Marcus a job he can’t resist, help Mellie sort out her priorities with harsh truths.

Cyrus notices a budding relationship between Jenny, the videographer who called in the tip about him, and Frankie, his candidate. What does he do to stop it? He calls his literally insane ex-boyfriend and has him beat her to a pulp.

Now both Liv and Cyrus have their fair share of selfishness, both of them wanted to win the election for themselves at least in part, but Cyrus’ methods are always more sinister than Olivia’s and always more bloody.

With Cyrus tasking Tom to “take care of” Jenny, he gets so much more than he bargained for, and honestly I’m disappointed he didn’t see it coming. Tom is former secret service, and also crazy and a little obsessed with Cyrus.

Tom: Do you want to be President of the United States?

Cyrus: I want to be the President of the United States.

Unleashing Tom was perhaps the worst decision Cyrus could have made and now it’s finally catching up with him. Cyrus unwittingly broke his heart, and with Tom’s skill set and lack of remorse for his actions, there’s nothing Tom won’t do to make sure Cyrus pays for it.

Even (potentially) lying about killing Frankie under Cyrus’ orders.

With Tom’s confession Cyrus is arrested and Olivia tells Mellie she’s going to be President of the United States.

Now if this all sounds far too easy and quick to have been solved for Scandal then you’re probably right. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of Cyrus’ cries for innocence.

Cyrus: I’m not withdrawing, for the good of the country. Remember? What you so generously handed me the night that Frankie was shot? What you called the most beautiful thing in the world? America? I’m keeping it. It’s not safe with you.

OTHER THOUGHTS:

• Quinn and Charlie are utterly adorable, I love them.

• Elizabeth North is back and I am so here for it.
• For an episode entirely about Cyrus, “Fates Worse than Death” is actually really enjoyable.
• Micheal loves Ella so much; he’s an excellent dad and he is fighting for equality for his step-daughter. He wants to see the good in every situation. Please protect Cyrus’ family from his blood stained life choices.

What did you think of this episode of Scandal ? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Scandal airs Thursday at 9/8c on ABC.

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