Scandal airs its final episode on April 19th, 10pm on ABC.
By Ariba Bhuvad
And just like that, Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal is coming to an end. Can you believe it? After seven seasons of twisty, turny drama, it all comes to a hopefully breathtaking conclusion this Thursday night.
As I reflect back on the last seven seasons, there is so much to think about – so much. It’s pretty astonishing to think that this all started when Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) assembled her team of gladiators by choosing the best of the best. While most of the original crew has stayed, some have left as the team matured and grew into the final version we see today.
There’s just so much to unpack about a series with tons of great moments. (And let’s be honest… extremely bad ones!)
One aspect of Scandal that always been at the epicenter of the series is the love shared and lost between Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Liv. The constant will they/won’t they has been a plot focus from the get-go. While at many times we have basked in their story, it was always a point of frustration for fans too. Things only got more agitating when it became a love triangle by throwing Jake (Scott Foley) into the mix.
Now, we don’t know where exactly the series finale will take us when it comes to Fitz and Liv but based on the episodes seen thus far, I’m very strongly crossing my fingers for the couple to head to Vermont once and for all. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
Yes, the love stories have always kept the drama juices flowing in Scandal, but there are so many characters and stories that have kept live-tweeters glued to their screens for so long. It’s difficult to even pinpoint some of the best and worst moments that we’ve witnessed over the course of seven seasons from Quinn’s (Katie Lowes) fake death, to Olivia’s kidnapping, to Fitz getting shot, or Liv’s mom becoming a part of the storyline. Not to mention Cyrus’ (Jeff Perry) gradual rise to the fully embracing his evil side!
In the current season, Cyrus and Jake have completely crossed the line and are in full Darth Vader mode. In retrospect, things weren’t always this nuts with them. Sure, Cyrus has been in and out of jail and the behind of a many great conspiracies, and yes, Jake did marry just for show. Still, looking at where they started and ended up is such crazy character development.
Rhimes excels in long-term storylines and Scandal has some of her best work. Kudos to the writers and cast who are able to adjust and grow with the show. But honestly, I haven’t always been crazy about where the story was heading. I often found the twists a bit boring, repetitive, or just trying way too hard. The President Rashad or President Vargas plots are some of the examples that come to mind. They felt too predictable and we always knew what was coming – most likely Cyrus or Papa Pope was behind it.
Another point to note: the final season hasn’t shown much of Papa Pope (Joe Morton), who has been the bane of Liv’s existence. I predict the series finale is going to drop the biggest shocker on us that will blow anything else we’ve seen on Scandal out of the water. Olivia’s father has been such an integral and frightening part of the show and his relationship with his daughter has been one hell of a rollercoaster, which is sure to come to a head as the show closes out.
Even at the lowest points of Scandal, people tuned in for the cast. The stars has been wonderful to watch because they never lost their charm. Watching Darby Stanchfield and Joshua Malina as Abby and David and seeing their love story throughout seven seasons has been a treat. Even Huck (Guillermo Diaz) has been such an intriguing character, taken from the depths of despair as an assassin to a father who just wants to take care of his son. Katie Lowes’ portrayal of the always conflicted but strong headed Quinn gave the show its missing piece amongst the rest.
And last but certainly not least, Scandal is nothing without its leading lady Olivia Pope – aka Kerry Washington. Washington has been the heart and soul of the show and we have seen this world through her eyes. Watching Liv’s character over the course of just the last two seasons has been something truly amazing. She has gone from white hat to dark side to normal, and channeling all those different versions is an extremely difficult feat that Washington flawlessly executed. Thank you Kerry for giving us the ride of our lives through Olivia Pope’s journey.
Scandal will be missed for its drama, love stories, and occasional absurdity. I hope we can reflect back on what we took away from it and appreciate what it taught all of us: once a gladiator, always a gladiator.
TV and City 