Just like Scandal said during this episode, “Nobody Likes Babies,” there are no good guys here. And in many respects, that’s the truth with Scandal: nobody is good, and everyone has been pushed over the brink and tested time and time again. (Except maybe David.) But that’s part of the reason that keeps many hooked to Scandal, I suppose. Obviously, they’re doing something right — the ratings are through the roof. But even then, I couldn’t help but shout out to the TV, hoping that James would confess in front of the grand jury. Because I know that it’s a huge issue with audiences, who do we root for at this point? And ultimately does it really matter anyway?
Part of me has to admire Shonda Rhimes’ tenacity and gall to turn one of her lead characters into a murderer. Of course, we could argue about the reasons why Fitz killed Verna, how he was robbed of any sense of accomplishment. Fitz, on paper, isn’t the most upstanding man regardless; he’s a bit of a womanizer and is a bit entitled. But he wasn’t always that way, as we’ve seen in previous episodes. He demands that he and Mellie get a divorce during this episode, but that’s only because he thinks that he is the true president of the United States. Having been given that gift (or curse now, as he probably sees it) from those on his campaign actually gave him a sense of confidence that Verna tugged from under him. Ultimately, what he realized was that he isn’t that deserving, and all of his insecurities have been proven true.
But regardless, getting back to the fabric of the show: this 13th episode of Scandal’s second season is the conclusion to the first real arc the show has actually created for itself. Season one of Scandal was so wrapped up in lovelorn plotlines and flimsy cases of the week, but season two began with a huge overhaul and decided on a strict storyline to follow. And it saw it through, stampeding ahead with every passing episode. The last five episodes, in particular, were especially boisterous — which, when compared to other Scandal episodes, is extremely boisterous…in a good way, of course. And where other series would normally decide to make this a season finale, Scandal decides to plant it in the middle of the season (which is the end of their initial season order). And it works and it has been working: there’s no denying that the breakneck pace with which the past few episodes have transpired is a huge part of its success, both in storytelling and in audience.
I don’t want to be one of those people, but I hope the aftershocks of tonight’s events live up to the initial impact during the next nine episodes. Because at some point, Scandal became true appointment television. And it all starts and ends with the fearlessness of whoever is on top.
Michael loves TV. You can find him at home, where he spends all of his time watching TV with his best friends couch and cable access.