The final new Scandal episode of 2015 delivered a mega filibuster from Mellie and a surprise twist for Olivia.
Though viewers would’ve expected tonight’s Scandal to finally kill off Rowan, season 5, episode 9 decided to go in a very different direction.
So much for killing Papa Pope
After vowing numerous times earlier in the season to kill off Rowan — who has caused so much trouble throughout the series — Jake had a change of heart about “dad” and decides to step into his house at the end of the episode. This, after Huck held him hostage for the majority of the hour and exchanged stories about how each of them were horrible fathers.
Jake did manage to get one kill in during the winter finale. He shot Russell point blank after we learned that Lazarus One was a plan to put B613 back together in a post-Papa world. Now, it looks like Papa Pope and Jake are going to put B613 back together themselves.
Also worth noting: Tom is alive despite being placed in a rough situation last episode.
Sloppy seconds
David continues to be in between a rock (Susan) and a hard place (Lizzie), though Lizzie seems less interested in David than Susan is. Things get weirder at the end of the hour when Lizzie finds out that David’s also interested in Susan — the gift Lizzie rejected was instead given to the Vice President. Will this revelation change Lizzie’s interest in David now that she knows he’s in demand? Expect more answers next year.
Love Susan Ross in Love! ???
#Scandal pic.twitter.com/ysqnHYd6Yw
— Scandal (@ScandalABC) November 20, 2015
#IStandWithMellie
In the biggest arc of the episode, Mellie stands up for Planned Parenthood in the Senate when it’s listed under “discretionary” in a new spending bill. Despite a holiday break on the horizon, Mellie decides to filibuster like she’s Wendy Davis, because funding for organizations as important as this one shouldn’t be optional.
Fitz sees the filibuster as a play against him, but Olivia disagrees and is in awe at Mellie’s passion. It’s interesting that the two ladies have essentially switched positions, at least in this episode: Mellie is the one making big moves while Olivia is the one selecting dishware.
Hours into her filibuster, Mellie really has to pee. It looks like she may have to give up, but thankfully she gets an assist from Susan (via Olivia) who wants to help the cause. After a season of being unsure of her role in the White House, this was the perfect opportunity for Susan to step in and show her purpose.
Susan Ross to the rescue … again!
#Scandal pic.twitter.com/pDwGiKKkJu
— Scandal (@ScandalABC) November 20, 2015
At the end of the hour we learn why Olivia is so passionate about Mellie’s filibuster: She’s pregnant and has decided to get an abortion. Well, no one saw that coming!
After her abortion, Olivia returns to the White House and gets into a big fight with Fitz. At the root of it Olivia doesn’t like being with Available Fitz. She liked being with Unavailable Fitz — the Fitz that was still with Mellie — because it meant she didn’t have to be “everything.” In other words, Olivia doesn’t like being Mellie and Olivia.
And so, Olivia is moving out of the White House. Olitz have broken up again. Will the media catch on? And how will Olivia cope with having to abort what would’ve been her first child?
The episode ends on a surprisingly pleasant note with the sound of Christmas in the air, but before we go there’s one more twist: Olivia has purchased a new couch! Hopefully no wine spills on this one.
#Scandal pic.twitter.com/IgiLd7sjSN
— Scandal (@ScandalABC) November 20, 2015
Did you enjoy the ‘Scandal’ season 5 winter finale?
The series resumes in February. Olivia and Fitz are separated (her secret abortion will surely be revealed in the future), Cyrus is back in power, and B613 is coming back together. Everything old is new again!
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