Last week’s episode of Scandal season 5 made it clear that Papa Pope is in real danger as we approach the winter finale.

For the first time in Scandal history Rowan is facing death. That’s not just us making the assumption — Papa Pope has realized it himself. During last week’s episode the patriarch said a few final words to Olivia before he (potentially) dies.

Is it too easy to assume that Rowan really is going to die? Scandal is a show known for its surprising twists, so if it is strongly foreshadowing his death, then maybe he’s not doomed after all.

Unless the person who murders him is a surprise.

Cast stars including Kerry Washington have been teasing that this is going to be a big episode, and we hope that they’re not overhyping it. Look at what Kerry said on Twitter after last week’s episode:

Rowan’s role on the show has been greatly reduced compared to what it’s been like over the past two years, so now may be the right time to send him off for good.

If he does die, it’ll come at the cost of Huck’s sanity. In last week’s Scandal we watched as Huck refused to help Jake take down Rowan because he feared he would turn back into the man he was trying to get away from. Previews for tonight’s mid-season finale seem to show that Huck may be directly involved with killing Papa Pope, so if he does, look out for the return of Old Huck following the winter break.

What do you think will go down in ‘Scandal’s’ mid-season finale?

Return to Hypable after the episode airs for our thoughts on the big twists! Don’t let us down, Olivia!