Scandal Review: The List (Season 7 Episode 14)

We are four weeks away from the end of Scandal and it is finally starting to feel like the show has regained its footing. Scandal Season 7 Episode 14 “The List” is evidence of the show’s upswing, but the threat is now much closer to home.

Since Olivia Pope resigned as Chief of Staff, the big question has been “What will she do now?” In some ways, “The List” provides an answer to that question by renewing Olivia’s commitment to Mellie. Olivia and Mellie have had a complicated relationship since Scandal’s very first episodes, and they’ve come a long way.

And it isn’t just the late-night hooch in Liv’s apartment that I miss, but it’s also the promise and potential that Scandal had when Mellie became President. The thing that’s been lacking for me in so many of this season’s episodes is seeing Mellie being the President.

That’s not to say that she has to be all business. Her short-lived love story with Rashad was great, but we all know Mellie had an agenda for her campaign and she must want to see it through. Now

Now Scandal has never really been about politics, I can’t remember the last thing Fitz signed before the transfer of power, but Mellie had ambition and goals. Yet, most of the season focused on Olivia going dark and taking off her White Hat.

When Scandal Season 7 began, it felt like the writers started toying with what Olivia and Mellie could achieve together, twirled the thread around some, and ultimately decided to focus on Olivia. In doing such, they turned what could have been a great partnership into another rivalry.

But there is a way to repair the relationship, and that starts when Olivia tells Abby that she is going to continue to fight for Mellie, whether Mellie wants her to or not, and regardless of if she has QPA’s help. The speech feels hopeful, more so than any other moment in years.

Is there still a problem that needs to be solved? Yes. Cyrus has all but admitted to being the one who hijacked the plane in Scandal Season 7 Episode 13 “Air Force Two” and, in his final scene, he makes it clear that he’s not going to wait seven years for his turn at The Oval.

This is closer to home in many ways because it’s not a big looming threat they’re facing. It’s reminiscent of Scandal’s early seasons when the person the President most had to watch out for was his own Vice President.

And this isn’t Cyrus’ first rodeo, so Mellie is going to need someone in her corner.

Stray Thoughts:

• The subject of consent is really important in this episode, and as much as I fixated on the Liv and Mellie relationship, I am glad that it addressed Fitz and Olivia’s relationship and if that did cross a line. I think for these two characters to have a discussion on equal footing like this is important. While I am not a fan of Olitz, I can appreciate this moment.
• Wow? Cyrus is framing Charlie for the hijacking? Wonder if this is revenge for Charlie going after Fenton with a bag of oranges after Quinn disappeared.
• Scandal is portraying Quinn’s anger really well. She does have a point when it comes to Liv, and she has a few things to get over before she can trust her again. Given that Charlie is in the thick of things now it would feel genuine if Quinn went to Olivia for help.
• Mellie Grant throwing out her back doing yoga is totally realistic. It is sad that she can’t be real with the American people, but the scenes of her trying to figure out how to push her agenda in the Oval Office while pushing through the pain feel really real.
• Jake and Abby aren’t suddenly becoming an endgame are they? Please, don’t do that Scandal.
• Abby joining Liv to “dismantle the patriarchy” brings me back to Scandal Season 1. I’ve missed this friendship more than you know.

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

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

Scandal airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

28 Unforgettable TV Lines of 2017