Scandal was created by Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice creator, Shonda Rimes and premiered on ABC on April 5, 2012. The cast includes Kerry Washington, Jeff Perry, Tony Goldwyn, Henry Ian Cusick, Darby Stanfield, Katie Lowes, Columbus Short, and Guillermo Diaz. The series revolves around Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), a former White House Communications Director for the President who left her job to open a crisis management firm. She and her associates protect the public image of the nation’s elite and see that their deepest and darkest secrets are never revealed.
Olivia Pope is a very diverse and complex character. She is a strong and determined woman with a vulnerable side that she only shows to her co-workers and former lover, President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant (Tony Goldwyn). She has killer instincts, follows her gut, and ability to destroy anyone in Washington. However, Olivia’s judgment sometimes seems to become clouded by her love for Fitz.
Olivia’s associates are Stephen Finch (Henry Ian Cusick), a womanizer who recently chose to settle down; Harrison Wright (Columbus Short), a charming attorney; Abby Whelan (Darby Stanfield), the firm’s private investigator with strong morals; Huck Finn (Guillermo Diaz), a computer hacker who retired for the CIA and is trying to deal with his traumatic past; and Quinn Perkins (Katie Lowes), the newest addition to the firm. During the series, Olivia encounters the members of the White House, such as President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant who had an affair with Olivia and considers her to be the love of his life, and Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry), the President’s Chief of Staff. She and her associates also frequent interact with the United States attorney, David Rosen (Joshua Malina).
As each episode airs, the series become more enthralling. It is fascinating to watch the storylines and development of the characters. However, the most captivating element of the series is the past romance between Olivia and the President. Kerry Washington’s chemistry with Tony Goldwyn is electrifying to watch and always leaves the audience wanting more. The only downfall of the series is it’s filled with clichés, such as the relationship between Amanda Tanner (Liza Weil) and the President that supposedly resulted in an unexpected pregnancy and Amanda’s tragic death.
Overall, Scandal is an intriguing drama with a talented cast, well-written storylines, and great deal of potential. Hopefully, it will be renewed for second season. Scandal airs on ABC on Thursday at 9/8c.
