The Price of Free and Fair Election: Scandal Season 3 Finale Recap
Let’s just get into the finale of Scandal season 3.
In the Beginning – There’s 15 minutes left before the bomb goes off and people are still at the church waiting on the President, who’s at the White House practicing his speech for Cyrus (who is stalling). Jake calls the Chief of Staff’s phone and is ignored. Olivia is with Papa Pope as he’s being wheeled into the emergency room, blood everywhere. Adnan is elsewhere pointing a gun to Harrison’s head as Mama Pope waits outside the church watching to see if the President shows up.
Jake barges into the Oval Office and says “We have a situation.” Liv is in the ER waiting room and watches as the church being evacuated on the news. In the War Room, Fitz asks Jake if he’s sure that there’s a bomb in there. As he does, they all watch the bomb go off! WELP.
And this was just the first 2.5 minutes of the show. I was tah’d already. LAWD!
Pearl Harbor – VP Sally is being rushed to her car after the blast and Leo stops her and tells her “This is your Pearl Harbor.” He rubs dirt on her face, rips her coat sleeve a little and says “Be Jesus. You go in there and be Jesus.”
The man is ruthless but hella smart. Sally starts bandaging wounded people and looking like Mother Teresa’s red-headed cousin. At the same time, President Ghost is giving a speech decrying the bomb but the TV coverage focuses on Sally’s goodwill instead. OOP. Olivia goes to see Cyrus and she says they’re gonna lose the election on Tuesday. Him: “Let’s be honest. We lost the election today.” At least you know.
Refund Request – Olivia and Cy head into the Oval Office and tell Fitz that he will lose the election and there’s nothing that can be done. Drunk Mellie replies with “I want a refund. Whatever your fee is.” Moonshine Mellie is my fave. Always.
Daddy’s Girl – Liv heads to the hospital to see her dad, who doctors said was lucky to be alive because the knife that shanked him came inches away from his heart. Mama Pope clearly ain’t want him to die; just to bleed and suffer. She looks all bothered and downtrodden and he asks her what happened. She says that they will lose the election and Rowan says he wishes he could do something to help because even though he doesn’t like Fitz, he truly wants to give her what she wants.
They have a truly tender moment as Liv puts her head on his chest and I was gon DIE of cavities. SO SWEET!
Lies and Sex – Adnan has the gun inches away from Harrison and he tells her “save my life and I’ll save yours.” It worked cuz him and Abby roll into the OPA office and he tells her that he didn’t find Adnan and Maya is in the wind. MMHMM. Then they hear moaning. They enter the conference room and find Huck and Quinn doing the freaknasty next to the pool of blood that belonged to Papa Pope. I CACKLED when Abby screamed “OH DEAR GOD MY EYES!” She tells them to clean up the blood and whatever foolishment they’re engaging in. EW EW EW FOREVER.
White Hat Whining – David shows up at Jake’s and wonders why he didn’t tell President Ghost that Cyrus sat on the bomb info. “Voldemort gets away scot free again!” Ballard tells him he is no longer property of the gubment so he ain’t got tahm and he advises Lemony Snicket to tuck in his salty about the bad guys always getting away.
Goodbye Charlie – Charlie is throwing all his stuff into a duffle bag as Quinn gives a half-assed apology about how she never meant to hurt him. Chile, SHARRAP! As he leaves, he hands her an envelope and says the contents will “destroy any hopes of happiness that you and your new boyfriend could hope to have.” She says she won’t open and he says he has no dambs to give. OOP. He knows her nosy ass can’t help but open it.
Plans Stalled – Liv goes to the Oval Office and Fitz is accepting the fact that he will no longer be President in a couple of days. He tells her he can now get a divorce, marry Liv and have 2 kids with her. Here goes Fitz talmbout moving to Vermont. Y’all are still tryna make this jam, Huh? It’s gonna be all sour and moldy. Liv enjoys the fantasy for a hot second and then says she has to tell him something when he says Mellie is “a vindictive monster. The woman never loved me.” Olivia knows it’s not true and she tells him “When you were running for governor, your father raped Mellie.”
Welp. There it is.
Fitz shows up at Mellie’s room and finds her drinking. He stands by the door looking at her and she realizes that he knows. He goes to her, kisses her on the head and shows her the love he hasn’t in 10 years just be holding her. Mellie says she got a paternity test done and Jerry is his child. Whew!
Now let’s pause here because I ended up having debates on this all last night with folks. When Mellie says Jerry is Fitz’s child, folks fought it and said that Olivia fixed the test. No. Olivia fixed ONE test: the one given to Sally. Remember last week’s episode when Liv was on stage with Mellie and she whispered to her that if she still wants a REAL test done, she should tell her and she’d make it happen. Well she got that real test done and the result is what Mellie just told us. I think the debate can end now.
Bragging Bergen – The news is predicting Sally Langston’s victory and Leo came to rub it Cyrus’ face. Beene’s advice for Leo is that he should try not to lose his soul (if he should still have one). He also adds “Best if you don’t have a family in this job.” Now, Cyrus will REALLY have nothing. No husband, no power… what’s he gon goon for now? He’s gonna be at home with Baby Ella singing sad love songs like Toni
Family Past – Quinn drives Huck to some family’s house and they’re looking through the window from across the street when she tells him that this is his family. His son is 12 now and he is an honor student and his wife Kimberly is a lawyer now. Homeboy freaks out and wonders why she’d bring him there. He runs away from the scene.
Vermont and Vagabond – President Ghost calls Olivia and wonders where she is as he’s about to give a speech. She says she’s not coming because she’s staying by her dad. She understands that Vermont is dead but he’s still talmbout how he just can’t leave Mellie “yet.” YET? He says “I love you” and Liv says it back. That’s something that hasn’t happened more than a handful of times ever. When they finally stop making sad eyes through the phone and Liv returns to her dad’s room, Mama Pope is waiting there for her. LAWD! She’s like a ghost. Just showing up all willy nilly.
As the Grant family (with Karen and Jerry) gets ready to take the stage, Marie/Maya tells her daughter “I did this for you. All of it. He uses you and he will throw you away when he’s done with you. I just want to give you a chance to be free, to be happy.” Olivia asks if any of her first 12 years of her life was real, with her and her dad and Maya tells her that she didn’t kill her father. That counts for something in Goonland. Stab you in your chest but keep it away from his heart so you know it’s real! Olivia tells her mother that she can’t let her leave and Maya says “And who’s gonna stop me. You?” We’ve all agreed that she just pulled Sheree’s “Who gon check me, boo?” card. I LOVE IT!
As Fitz is giving his speech, Jerry sneezes blood. He sneezes again and more blood comes out. Then he falls to the floor as Mellie tries to catch him just as Fitz turns around. NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
He Will Win – They get the boy to the hospital and Fitzgerald Thomas Grant IV dies soon after from bacterial meningitis. WALL SLIDES NOT THE BABY!!! WHY’D THEY HAVE TO KILL THE BABY??? Maya Pope killed Bambi’s mama AND Mufasa too! Chile, lemme call the Usher Board and tell them to start making preparations. This is one death we did NOT see coming. Afterwards, Olivia’s sitting with Cyrus and she says “We’re going to win the election” with no joy.
She asks him “Did you see his face when he was carrying his son?” Whoooo.
Murder Was the Case – Tom hands Fitz a file with autopsy results on Jerry and it concludes that he died from a strain of meningitis B that is only under lock and key at Fort Dietrich. A vial of it had gone missing that week and Fitz realizes that his son was murdered. Cries Papa Pope rolls in with his IV drip and when Fitz tells him he should be in bed, he says he should be too. Mellie and Karen have been sedated so they can deal but Fitz wasn’t having it.
Fitz said he knows it was Maya who killed his son and he wants to kill her. Rowan tells him he can’t go about it the official way. “You’re not looking for justice, Mr. President. You’re looking for a head served on a platter. I may not be your friend but I am a father. I know what I will do if someone hurt my child.” The President tells him to help him handle Maya just as Olivia walks in.
The Aftermath – President Ghost fills Olivia in on what really happens and she basically has a panic attack as she finds out that her mother killed Jerry, and it’s directly her own fault. The day after, news reports are predicting Grant’s win in the election. Mellie is in Jerry’s room understandably catatonic about the loss of her son and holding on to his sweater when Fitz joins her. The mourning mom feels awful for never getting too close to her son, afraid that he wasn’t his child when all along she shoulda been there because he was at least HERS. Weeps
Huck’s Grief – Olivia opens her apartment door and finds Huck standing in her hallway looking all pitiful. He says Quinn found his family and she tells him to go back and speak to his wife and son. Huck says “It’s good for me to be dead. They have a good life now. No one is lying to them. No one is torturing people all day and then coming home and pretending to be normal. No one is hunting them trying to get at me. They are safe. It’s better for them…. Leaving them behind. That was the best thing that’s ever happened to them.” He crumbles in Olivia’s lap and I get 752 fever.
Escape Plan – Olivia’s dad calls her because he’s out of the hospital (against doctor’s orders). He’s back in a suit and says he has a job to do. Papa Pope tells Liv that he doesn’t want her to be in the tracking down Maya business. She asks him if his offer for that plane to escape to nowhere for a new life was still on the table.
Olivia goes to the OPA office and tells Abby and Huck that she’s leaving but Abby ain’t having none of it. What happened to “over a cliff?” Well that went over a cliff. All Huck does is ask when she’s leaving and she says immediately. Papa Pope will take care of them financially, apparently but lawd don’t trust that. She puts her keys on the table and leaves the place she’s built.
Garage Goods – Harrison is in a garage headed to his car when Papa Pope pulls up in a black car. Rowan wants to know everything the Gladiator knows about Adnan and Maya but Harrison ain’t trying to give up the good. So he shows him a picture of Adnan with a bullet right through her forehead. Apparently, Maya got to his bae too. WELP. You best start talking. #Brolivia says he knows where Mama Pope is going to get her cash.
Jake Sweat – Jake from State Farm shows up at Liv’s place and said he heard she’s leaving. Huck snitched on her and he needs to know why. Olivia says “I’m the thing that needs to be fixed. I’m the thing that needs to be handled. I am the Scandal. The thing you do with a scandal is to SHUT IT DOWN!”
Because basically all this drama has been around her and it’s because her troublemaking ass parents want to protect her from hurt. Jake can’t e’em argue with that truth so he asks if he could come with her. Olivia tells him that she’s in love with Fitz still and he tells her to leave that behind, along with everything else. I need to find out the secrets of Olivia Carolyn Pope that got these men falling over here and losing their good sense. Jake is Keith Sweat in a better suit and lower voice. Dude does NOT take rejection lightly. Outchea begging.
Cleaning Up – Mama Pope is surrounded by men in guns as she exits a building with a briefcase.
Mama Pope so FAHN allatahm!
Fitz gets a phone call from Rowan who tells him that she has been “disposed of. Maya Pope is dead.” Harrison tells Abby and Huck that they finally got her! They break it to him that Olivia is in the wind. He rolls into Papa Pope’s office and says he needs to stop Liv from leaving. He is told that “The Republic is fine and everything is fine.” The President reinstated Rowan as Command and B613 is back up. This was clearly the plan all along and Harrison figures it out.
The dude must have had a death wish because he let Command know that he knows this was all a setup and he steps to him. Maya Pope is not about killing, because she’s about the money. Rowan pinned the death of Jerry on Maya so he could be Captain Save-A-Hoe and be in the good graces of the President so he could be back in his post. GENIUS!
Rowan tells Harrison that Liv’s wish was for Fitz to become President, right? Well, he made that happen. “Daddy took care of it. I told her I wouldn’t hurt a hair on his head and I didn’t. I got him 4 more years. But there’s a price. A price of free and fair elections. He took my child so I took his.”
And I’m not sure whether he’s talking just about Mellie’s husband playing with Liv’s feelings like a yo-yo. Fitz also took B613 away from him and we know that’s his baby. He did tell Ghostie that he’d go after someone who hurt his child. He is clearly a man of his word.
Harrison gets all froggy and Tom appears from the shadows. We see that it was Tom who took the vial of meningitis B and rubbed it on Jerry’s shoulder just as they were about to go on stage, causing the boy’s death. He was also the one who killed Adnan and took the picture of her body. GAHTDAMBBBBB DAWD!!! SSA Tom is silent but hella deadly.
Back at the White House, everyone is celebrating four more years! Cyrus is giddy, telling Fitz “we won.” The President looks crestfallen because he has nothing to celebrate. He lost Olivia and lost his first born. He found out his father raped his wife. This is truly an empty victory. He walks to his office as “Papa was a rolling stone” plays and falls to his knees on the country’s seal.
At the private airfield, Jake is waiting for Liv and they board the plane to freedom. They will get to stand in the sun together.
In David’s office, there’s boxes of files delivered to him. It’s a going away present from Jake, telling him to take down the bad guys. He just dropped all of B613’s tea at Lemony’s feet.
Huck stands outside of that house and rings the doorbell. Kimberly opens up the door to see the man she loved and thought died over a decade before.
Back at Command’s, Harrison is told “It’s a waste of such great talent. To be young, gifted and Black.” Tom points a gun at Harrison. The camera cuts away to Papa Pope entering the room where the Hole is. Charlie welcomes him back. The latch to the Hole opens and Mama Pope looks up.
He nods at her and the latch closes again. AW SHITTT!!!
Fitz is still sitting on the floor of his office and Mellie is trying to get him to move. He looks so broken. As her plane leaves, Olivia gets a call from the White House. She sends the call to voicemail but she looks torn up about it. I bet she’s about to deactivate that SIM card. We watch the plane soar as the ending credits roll.
Season 3 of Scandal is A WRAP!
Where do I start with my thoughts? I haz so many.
As far as my Brolivia Pope theory, I still think there’s something to it. I especially paid attention to the two times that Rowan referred to Harrison as “son” in this episode. There’s something about their relationship that feels weirdly familiar. I would love to know what their story is but we might not get the chance. I like how Shonda didn’t tell us if Harrison died or not. She wants to leave space in case Columbus continues to show out in real life.
His legal troubles might make her kill him off in the show, and I’d understand. I wrote about that for The Grio yesterday. Check that out.
In episode 1 of season 3, Eli/Rowan/Papa Pope/Grand Goon told Olivia “You’re getting on that plane come hell or high water.” And she did. It just took 18 episodes, many people dead and broken spirits to get her to do it. The man is impeccable with his word.
Also, I think many of you were right this WHOLE TIME! Mama Pope and Papa Pope were probably in cahoots. What she got out the deal was 4 weeks of freedom, the opportunity to raise hell, and the chance to see her daughter. She might be a goon, but she’s still a mother. Maybe that head nod he gave her at the end was a kudos for a job well done. Mmhmm.
Basically, the only person who really won this season was Rowan Pope, who IS the hell and the high water and Satan’s personal assistant and the biggest goon EVER. Everyone else lost royally. Cyrus lost his husband. Mellie lost her son and her lover. Fitz lost his son and his love. Olivia lost herself. Jake lost his dignity with his simping ass. I lost my fandom for Olitz. So much losing.
Final thoughts on Season 3
This season of Scandal has been the weakest so far and some Gladiators have jumped off the wagon because it moved too far away from how it started. Olivia was a fixer. She was strong professionally even as her personal life was in perpetual shambles. We loved her for that (and her alphets). This season, Olivia has been the Scandal herself and it’s made her so weak on all fronts. There was nothing left to give her a pat on the back about. We haven’t seen this Liv in a long time:
I miss her.
And this season, we couldn’t even swoon over her clothes because she was always behind something to hide her bump. That’s understandable though. Kerry Washington is with child and that’s a beautiful thing. They had to do what they had to do there.
So we didn’t have the alphets, the badassness and then the Olitz romance got stale. I was totally on that ship and then Fitz kept proving he was a terrible brat and it got old and I was over them.
My biggest disappointment came in the lack of character development for Harrison. I was one of those who was telling people to be patient because surely we’ll find out more about him in season 3 but that never came. Shut my mouth wide open. We thought Adnan Salif would end up linking us to him from the past but that also never came and now she’s dead soooo that might never come. And HE might be dead himself. It’s unfortunate.
Honestly, the real highlight were the Pope Parents. Joe Morton as Rowan Pope and Khandi Alexander as Maya Pope (aka Marie Wallace) gave this season so much life. I hope they return for season 4, because without them there will be a void that I’m not sure Shonda and her team could make us ignore.
I’m still a Scandal fan and will be watching next season. I did enjoy this season but 1 and 2 were definitely better. I’m hoping that season 4 restores some balance to the Gladiator universe. Something better turn that plane around and get Liv back to fixing OTHER PEOPLE’s lives. Whatever the end game is, I’m hoping it isn’t Olitz.
Chile, I’ve said enough. This post is 3,600 words. I’ma go rest my wrists. Y’all talk amongst yourselves. I look forward to your comments.
P.S. One of you made this graphic and I am CRACKING UP about it!
It is time to write that book. Come into The Book Academy and learn how to go from IDEA to INK.
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108 Comments
Yay! I’ve been waiting for this all day, off to read
FINALLY! i’ve been stalkin your site all day for this! clickin around constantly refreshin my page lol thank you
I was too! I started last night around midnight PST..lol
What a ROLLERCOASTER – thanks for the recap!!
I like the B16/baby correlation. I didn’t even think about that but it makes sense. Girl, this episode had me staring at the tv for another 2 minutes after it ended. Sooooo much happened. Great job on the recap, as always.
Been looking for this all day.
I loved it all, but must co-sign this, because David got on my nerves…all he’s seen and he STILL believes in the White Hat.
nothing but a whine, and I heard Jake from State Farm in that scene.
Daddy Pope is the Devil. But, damn, I love the man. Can’t help it. Not in the least. You are right about Olivia and B613 being BOTH his babies, and Fitz fucked around with both. Take a man’s children, and you don’t know what he’s capable of doing.
I thought Charlie would physically harm Quinn and Huck. Not that he might not still do it, but the bomb he put in Quinn’s lap was truly evil, because HE was there when Huck was forced to give up his family the first time – Quinn wasn’t. She doesn’t REALLY understand what it cost Huck – Charlie does, which is why that envelope was beyond cruel.
No, you’re not the only one–re: Harrison. Thankfully, his character was never fully fleshed so now, he won’t be missed.
Trus, this season wasn’t a “good” in terms of Liv fiercesness. But what this season shows is Liv’s fight with her own humanity. She took A LOT of knocks. Dad a goon, mom a bigger goon–wait, mom ALIVE.
It was season three and typical of even the best of shows, there is always a dip. Thre greatest shows return from the dip bigger, and badder than before. Shonda and team will bring the noise.
The lengths parents will go through to save their child/children, Didn’t think about Mama and Papa Pope in cohorts but when you think about, they both hated Fitz. They both wanted so much more for Olivia but she kept on being the help. And while their methods were vile, they seem to have succeeded by taking Liv away from the situation.
Parents do the best with what they have…
I guess I’m the only one that really doesn’t care about Harrison or his character development. I really don’t think the show would lose anything if he is killed off. With the all the problems he’s been having off screen lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him gone soon.
Dis’ what Shonda said to Jimmy Kimmel last night. 5. Harrison’s fate: Rhimes was coy when Kimmel asked one of the biggest burning questions from the season three finale. “You know I can’t tell you whether or not he’s dead,” she said when asked about the fate of Columbus Short’s alter-ego, who was last seen at B613 with a gun to his head. The showrunner, who has killed off her fair share of characters on Scandal, Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy, explained how challenging it is to kill off a character, especially one who has been on the show for a long time. “That call is always the worst call to make. I do it myself. You really have to have the topic sentence ready. The first you have to say is you’re going to die and here’s how and I love you,” she said, noting some people do get upset that they’re losing their jobs. She stressed that it’s always in the name of storytelling first.
I think he’s acting up BECAUSE he’s losing his job. Shonda has no qualms about killing off main characters. Damn!
Good point, and I thought the same thing. I think he’s been acting crazy because he is losing his job. I guess we’ll see.
Papa Pope was a straight up G e’em in a raggedy hospital gown with his azz hangin out and draggin an IV pole. Rowan Corleone spent 18 eps taking out the heads of the 5 families. Just ruthless.
And it is too soon for more bereavement. Poor lil Jerry. The missionary circle gone hafta take care of the pies this time….I ain’t got it in me to do. Me an my MLK funeral home church fan gone have a seat.
WALL SLIDE!!!
Rowan Corleone *DEAD*
Thank you Luvvie! I, too, have been stalking Twitter and your site all day for this recap. Those other sites just couldn’t give me what I need *scratches arm*
I agree with your assessment of this season vs. S1 and S2. I wasn’t feeling this weak, clueless Olivia Pope. She was damn near pitiful this season and I’m NOT here for that. Looking to forward to the resetting and rebuilding of my girl’s spirit in S4. C’mon Shonda!
I couldn’t even focus at work today , because I have so many unanswered questions. See below:
Leo & Sally
1. Did anyone in the press (or any bystanders) see Leo wipe that dirt on Sally’s face and rip her jacket? That would be a great cover story in Season 4.
2. Really wish they would’ve shown Leo & Sally’s faces when they lost the election.
3. I’m really going to miss Sally’s crazy ass! Yum yum, crispy piggy, yum yum..lol. Kate Burton is a beast!:-)
Andrew
Where did he go after the explosion? He was a no show when Lil Jerry collapsed, at the hospital and when it was announced that he and Fitz won the election. That’s odd, no?
Fitz
Why didn’t he ask for proof that Maya was dead? I’d want to see her dead body after murking my baby. Wouldn’t you?
Jake & Eli
1. Why would Papa Pope allow Jake to board the plane with Olivia? Is Jake still B613 affiliated? Is he really riding off into the sun with her or is he “watching” her on behalf of Eli, who will always control him, just as he does Huck?
2. What will Eli do, once he finds out that Jake gave David all of those files?
Tom
First of all, he is ice cold:-( If/when its ever revealed that Eli ordered the hit on Lil Jerry, will it ever be revealed that Tom was/is the inside man? This dude has access to everyone and everything. Through Tom, Eli has been watching all the freaknasty ish his daughter has been doing for the past 5 years. Ewww.
Mama Pope
Was she working WITH Eli or against him? To her point, she didn’t kill him, but we all know she could have:-/ Why spare his life, just to be backstabbed and thrown in a pit? Me nah git it.
I have more, but I also have more work to do before 5:30…and my colleagues are starting to give me the side-eye.
All of this.
I felt the episode was all over the place and left way too many questions. I don’t know if Shonda and them got a little sloppy because of the rush to get things done because of Kerry’s pregnancy or what. I am kind over everybody being a murderer too. I know politics is a slimy, low-down game, but you got everybody from the President down literally killing people directly. It’s too much for me.
I had some of those same questions, especially the one about Andrew. He just disappeared, he wasn’t killed in the explosion or anything, just GONE! I also want to know why Charlie didn’t kill Huck and/or Quinn unless this was/is all a plot and he is in on it. And I figure if Liv is gonna pick one or the other, Eli would rather it be one of his “slaves,” even though Jake says he is out, it is clear that you are NEVER out! I am also pretty sure Eli knows about the files since they have cameras everywhere, I just can’t figure out WHY he let him do that unless they are fake. Oh yeah, SOMEBODY had to take a pic of Leo and Sally! If nothing else, they would have video of her coming out with NO dirt on her or ripped clothing because the video cameras were rolling before, during and after the explosion. I could be totally wrong on my assumptions, but i’m just saying I have the same questions.
Charlie gone to kill Huck’s fam. He gave that file to Quinn to show Huck. But, Quinn just gave Huck the info. Huck believes that Quinn found his family, not Charlie. If Huck knew that Charlie had been the one that found his family, he would’ve known that he might need to take some serious precautions to protect them.
I want to know what happened to Andrew as well, of course he wouldn’t show at the hospital due to the issues but he wasn’t even at the White house during the announcement.
@huhsaywhat? I just had a thought when you said is Mama Pope working with Eli and her getting caught with Eli. What if Mama Pope is working with Eli and she is the one getting the money for B613? They all wandered where the money is coming from and they found out it is from all the agencies. However, Mama Pope is the one that funnels the money back to B613? I do not have a complete theory but just a thought. What if he has her stab him in order to gain back his position and in turn, he allowed her to stay alive until he needed her again? Why do she need all this money and have no major plans to use it? Just some fleeting thoughts I had at the spur of the moment.
I likes this thinking you’re doin. She would be a good resource for funding.
And what if PLOT TWIST Fitz unknowingly sells the Vermont property… to Maya!
And Olivia gets “kidnapped” and flown to the house and she power struts in there ready to give Fitz a piece of her mind about how it’s really over and Lo, Behold, Mama Pope is there talmbout
“I did this for you.”
Also, I should have gone to bed about 6 hours ago so I shall not make sense.
This season was a disappointment, but I have been here for Daddy Pope since that original scathing read. I also think that Fitz sealed his fate when he had him cuffed to that chair and was telling him about how his daughter tastes. What kind of craziment is that? I knew that Eli was going to make him pay for that, but I didn’t know he was going to kill the man’s child.
And what is going to happen to Mama Pope now? If she going to be in the hole for another 20 years or until another crisis arises and he needs her help? I just hope they left her some hair products and a good flat iron.
Tom really surprised me. I knew he was B613, but he turned out to be Daddy Pope’s right hand man. He knows he is going to hell for poisoning that child and then giving his Father the toxicology report that explained what happened.
And I really hope that Huck gets his family back so that he can be done with Quinn and their disgusting sex scenes.
Flat Iron …. that would be the tea I need for my fever.
I don’t get the original reason why Rowan/Maya were in cahoots with each other. What was the point of it? Killing all of these people just to get Olivia from Fitz? Really?
Me thinks it could have started out as: I will let you out to see your daughter and you can make some money, but you have to help me kill the Prez.Then when the bomb didn’t kill Fitz, dad came up with his own plan, needed her as a scapegoat and double crossed her. They both had opportunities to kill each other, but didn’t… so there is a reason for that.
Great recap! I must say this season has been very draining & not in a good way. They need to get back to basics with this show & that’s Olivia & Co fixing shit! I was pissed the way it ended, it didn’t leave me gasping for air or clutching for my fake pearls. It was just………..dry. I expect for Shonda & her team to get it together for season 4, cuz once Kerry has her child & snap back into shape I do believe the Olivia Pope we fell in love with will be back with a vengeance! So WTF are we gonna watch now that it’s over? I guess 24 & season 2 of Orange is the new black will have to do.
AH Yes! Since you speak of 24, Jack Bauer is the only person who could ever possibly take down Poppa (Grand Goon) Pope!
Jack Bauer da gawd!!!!!! The biggest goon!!!
Jack Bauer is the greatest of all goons. That man will smoke crack, chop off a head and put it in a bag, kill his boss all for the greater good of his country. A true patriot.
The great thing about the characters on this show is that as crucial as they are to each episode, it makes complete sense for ANY of them to be killed off at any given time.
Well played, Shondraquisha, well played.
Show ’em who’s boss. Attack your baby mama 2 weeks before sweeps? Yo ass dead! Getcho life Columbo, this is a check you need. Realize that you are replaceable.
Overall, I enjoyed the episode. It cleared up some questions I had while still planting the seed for more mystery.
I believe Shondralia will take this nice long break she has and use it to get back to basics and put OPA where it needs to be – in the middle of other folks shit and not their own.
So I died at *Columbo getcho life*!
Even though I think the whole Columbus Short drama is a publicity stunt, I’m loving it just the same.
Hopefully next season will see the return of Season 1 Olivia (with Season 3 weaves, of course)
Death @ Season 3 weaves!
I don’t. The stuff he is doing could buy jail time. DV and such is not the type of thing you do for publicity.
You must not know bout me
You must not know bout me
I could have another you in a minute
Matter fact he’ll be here in a minute, Baby
You must not know bout me
You must not know bout me
I can have another you by tomorrow
So don’t you ever for a second get to thinking
You’re irreplaceable
Your recaps, Luvvie…my soul says yes.
Last night’s Season 3 finale hit me like a Coltrane solo. I had to explain to those who question Scandal’s allure that in the beginning, we were all about Shero Superwoman Olivia Pope fixing what was thought to be unfixable. I have never been an Olitz fan (as an American Black woman, that whole slavery thing and Massa scrumping the slave women gives me ancestral flashbacks) but, while it was uncomfortable, I sucked it up for the brilliant strategist that was Olivia Pope.
I don’t know who showed up for season 3. Not saying Liv had to be on point all the time, but I wasn’t expecting this level of crash and burn. The woman who put the OP in OPA went out like the Malaysian airplane–missing without a trace. I was one of the Gladiators who was about to quit Scandal after this season, because I wasn’t feeling the storyline direction re: Liv AT. ALL.
Rowan Eli “Daddy” Pope and Maya Marie Wallace “Mama” Pope saved this season. Their shenanigans (and monologues!) kept people jonesing, perhaps because Shonda an’ ‘nem doled their presence out like hors d’oeuvres (their combined starpower/acting chops is a wee bit intimidating :D) . Plus, there was the breakout of sleeper stars like SSA Tom, Leo, and even Sally Langston. I really want to see more of them in Season 4; even though Joe Morton (Daddy Pope) is on deck for a new show elswehere, word on the curb is that his recurring role allows for him to pop up on Scandal periodically, if ShondaLand and he concur. Let us pray!
Now…to my thoughts on the S3 finale:
–Jake is a wuss. I liked him in the beginning, but he went out like a sucker. Can’t respect a person who thinks they can wear you down. Do you really want someone to be with you because they are just too exhausted to fight you anymore? And why would you want someone’s sloppy seconds (someone clearly telling you that they are in love with someone else, qualifies as such)? Jake is in need of some Iyanla or Dr. Phil, to figure out why his self-esteem is in the bottom of the ocean along with MH370.
–David’s investigation into B613 may be the wedge that finally drives him and Abby apart…and her into Leo’s bed (their chemistry was palpable). And it may be what sends him to an early grave. He’s already on borrowed time since Jake let him live.
–Then again, Abby dislikes Daddy Pope so much, she may continue to ride or die with David.
–We all agree that Harrison’s real-life issues will determine whether he is killed off, or miraculously let go by Daddy Pope. Too bad…I’ll miss the Barry White-growling, gingham’ed Gladiator.
–The Charlie/Huck showdown ain’t over, because Charlie serves up my kind of vengeance: the kind that keeps messing with your mind for years to come. 😀 I get a feeling that he’s going to try and insinuate his way into Huck’s wife’s life (because what better way that to continue to mess with Huck’s mind?)…and Huck will go completely off the reservation. Charlie may take a page from Daddy Pope: Huck took his woman (Quinn), so he’s taking Huck’s. But didn’t Charlie take Huck’s woman first, on orders from Command? Gotta go back and watch season 2.
–Speaking of Quinn, will Daddy Pope fire her since he’s Command again? That will leave Quinn completely arse-out (no B613 or OPA to go back to, and no Huck or Charlie). She may go off the reservation too.
–Mama Pope in that hole: Daddy Pope still loves her. And I think she still loves him too. That Dominic dude may have just been a stage prop of sorts for this whole Big Payback. Which makes me wonder: will she become the newest member of B613? Can Daddy Pope give her a long enough leash (that she will probably cut, but would be fun to watch)?
–Will Fitz walk away from the presidency? I really thought he was going to kill himself in the end (when he poured that drink, I was expecting him to pull a vial of pills out of his pocket). He is completely broken now.
–What’s going to happen to Sally Langston? I can’t see her going gently into the good night, despite the election loss. The Senate, perhaps? A show on FOX, or TBN?
–SSA Tom deserves a raise.
That’s about it. We’ll see how ShondaLand brings it on Season 4. Thanks for letting me share.
I am glad that I’m not the only one who noticed that little look Daddy Pope gave Mama Pope when he went to look at her in that hole. That look was like, “Don’t worry baby, I GOT you”. And even before THAT scene, right before she got arrested, she didn’t even look surprised. She gave a knowing ,smile and calmly complied. It was as if it had already been discussed with her beforehand. I really think they still love each other too, like you said. It would be beautiful to see them team up in Season 4 and wreck some things up.
And yes, Charlie went away TOO quietly and I would keep my eye out if I were Quinn. I’m sure he felt played by her totally and a man like him is just not going to just let that go so easily. He knew deep down though he never had Quinn’s heart and that’s what got to him the most, so he really has no one to blame but himself.
I knew I wasn’t the only one who thought he was going to kill himself. I said either him or Mellie was gonna OD.
Lets give a mutha loving round of applause for Joe Morton as Papa Pope. He played this role to perfection. I had a feeling he was working with Mama Pope and i wavered a bit after the stabbing but i just knew it when Lil Jerry died and that head nod gave me life as I sang We’re all in this Together ala High School Musical.
I mean he did say he was the hell and high water and Liv could’ve prevented all of this had she got on the plane in the first place but alas he had to put her through hell to get her on that plane it was her choice.
Also as Luvvie said there was so much death and loss this season and from the ashes The Phoenix aka Papa Pope has risen badder and fiercer than ever. I want him to have a truckload of all the awards.
Real G’s move in silence and Tom is a real G I had no clue he was a resident Goon. Mellie as annoying as she can be deserves some happiness and Fitz ain’t it. Sally can’t be Jesus cuz she is Lucifer with a southern twang. WHY IS QUINN STILL ALIVE! It ain’t looking good for Harrison or David.
I know some were disappointed in this season but I enjoyed it I think a lot of ppl had to face some unpleasant self truths that will make the show better in the long run. I’m still a Gladiator to the Bone and over a cliff.
Great Recap!! PS that Album meme slayed me 😀
Welp, now we know what Tom really can do, right? He scared the living stuffing out of me this last episode. Can we get on his backstory tho? I mean, woooo! How long has HE been in the hole? Cuz dude is on some Manchurian Candidate ish.
1. I NEED THAT SUPABAD ALBUM!
2. I’m still wondering how, for a voter, being a bereaved parent trumps being a hero in crisis? Everybody just forgot how Fitz was hiding behind a lectern while Sally was applying pressure to bomb vicims’ wounds, huh? Okie dokes.
3. I know I’m not the only one who hollered “No she ain’t!” as soon as Papa said Maya was dead. Onscreen death, or it didn’t happen.
4. Mama’s smirk when she got surrounded by all those guns, though.
5. Am I the only one surprised that Charlie didn’t kill Quinn, or at least torture her a little bit?
6. What the f* was Huck thinking when he went to visit his former family? Is he going to try to explain? And she got VA loan to get that house. She wasn’t a veteran, he was. I think she qualified for the loan as a widow of a veteran. So there’s probably all kinds of paperwork verifying his death.
#6 ..I know right
3. NOPE. I did too. That was obvious.
3. I said the same thing, I said nawl ain’t no way is HELL-o she’s dead.
5. No you aren’t. I’ sure Charlie is probably just going to fk w/ Huck’s family next season which will make him blame Quinn, and Huck will go crazy and probably kill Quinn.
*fingers crossed that we’re finally rid of Quinn next season. I’m sure Shonda keeps her alive to spite us.*
Quinn just needs to find her niche. She reminds me of a schoolteacher gone wrong. The kids drove her crazy and now she here.
I predict that Mama Pope going to be recruited into B 613. You don’t kill someone with her skill and talent, you put them on your team! Daddy Pope ’bout to put her out on the track…
WAIT A MINUTE
Wasn’t it a few episodes back that Jake inducted a SECOND person into B613, after Quinn?
WAS IT MAYA MARIE ODELLE WALLACE POPE!?!?!?!???????
Mama pope has always been b613 go back and pay attention to every thing she says remember when she tells the girl she is not a terrorist listen to what she says read between the lines she tells you everything you need to know watch how she acts towards the real terrorist when he is talking about blowing up Americans and the fact that she is running around town like she owns the place she is smirking the whole time that’s how she gets the money for b 613 the plane explosion and the bombing go back and watch all seasons again scandal has a very deep plot for those of you who are saying this season wasn’t that good there is more to it than just olivias fixing mama and papa pope are cold blooded at the end when she is in the hole watch her just sit ther and smirk to give you an example everybody else that we saw in that hole was screaming to get out pay attention every thing is pertinent
Shonda turned it all inside out. I could not focus all morning. Tom is for Papa Pope, no loyalty to president Ghost. And she took Jake from State Farm on that plane. I am sure if Papa Pope finds out he will blow up the plane. Thanks for the awesome recap.
Parents always think that they know what’s best for their children–and sometimes they’re right. Papa Pope likes Jake. Jake and Rowan/Eli are similar. I think that Jake is Papa’s choice for Olivia.
Watch. When they do go into Jake’s past, I BET their lives will be almost parallel to one another.
My life was not snatched last night- and with every one fallen in despair – Liv, Fitz, Cryus, Huck who gonna be there to actually gladiate – she basically killed any Olitz hopes and we know that was the show’s driving force – I mean it was one thing when Liv thought Fitz killed her mom, but now she knows a parent killed her lover’s son – and by the way no one has mentioned it – But did Shonda really just forget she had us on the Operation Remmington watch – we still don’t know the end all of why Fitz shot that plane down do we.
Im actually glad the season’s over cause I think they need to regroup bring it for season four. Luvvi – at least you can sleep in on Fridays lil bit
I agree with you too! why is all this personal stuff coming up about Columbus right around the season finale. He even appeared at an event for the Season 3 Finale and the releasing of his new song, if you on suicide watch and threaten to kill your wife you not gone be making no appearances to the public. We can’t always believe what they put on TMZ! Then again he could have possibly died off the show in the beginning of Season 4 which is why he acting out. I just find it crazy on why all this happened towards the end of the Finale and all his scenes has been up in the air with him living or dying. But to tell the truth Columbus Short doesnt need Scandal financially and his name been out there for a long time. All I ask if u kill him off his replacement better be Lance Gross or Tyrese Gibson lol! Shonda can’t take Harrison and not give us a replacement that part of her audience doesn’t agree with! I mean she can but then we won’t have the young, talented and black man on the show
I swear I said the exact same thing, if she kills him off she gotta replace him with somebody just as sexy like Lance Gross(I don’t think his new show is gon make it anyway).
I didn’t start watching Scandal until this past fall, and when I did start, I watched two seasons in an entire weekend. It was so fast-paced and there was never a dull moment. I will agree that this season was not like the previous two, but hold on because I truly believe that season 4 will put it back on track. Were those who jumped ship truly fans if they left when the chips were down?
Fitz is pathetic. Now you know the method behind Mellie’s madness and you STILL wanna leave her, just not yet? They sound like Russell and Robin from Waiting to Exhale. I mean, really. Dude, you just found out that your father raped your wife. Come on.
Where’s the baby? Did something happen to him and I missed it?
I don’t know that I would want my parents to love me as much as the Popes love Olivia. They’re RUTHLESS. I knew Mama didn’t kill that child. That was a sneaky kill. She’s violent with her murders. I knew it was Papa because he said he still had loyal friends a few episodes back. I think Mama Pope was talking about Eli in the hospital room.
TOM IS GANGSTA! Dammit, man.
Now that Olivia ran away and Papa Pope is going to take care of OPA, does that mean that they’re a part of B-613 now?
I love Huck and I’m glad he found his family, but I hope nothing happens to them. I can’t deal with another 752 episode.
Luvvie, if Harrison isn’t dead, and it does come out that he is Olivia’s brother, it’s going to be because of you. That’s how Shonda is going to make you an official Gladiator.
“Where’s the baby? Did something happen to him and I just missed it?”
See I had think for a minute and figure out who you were talking about. Goes to show just how forgettable “America’s Baby” was.
1. I think Daddy Pope stabbed himself. Mama Pope had plenty of chances to kill him and she didn’t. She doesn’t miss when she murders.
2. I am sooooooooooooooooooo over Olitz that I cannot stand it. I was totally for them in the beginning, but not anymore.
3. Did Quinn KNOW that was Huck’s family? She didn’t seem to realize the gravity of the situation. Gotta watch again when I get home.
4. LIL JERRY DYING WAS THE SHOCK OF THE SEASON!!
5. Mama and Papa Pop are definitely in cahoots.
6. Columbus Short betta GET HIS LIFE before he loses his job. Even in character, he seemed, sort of OFF. I guess. Dude needs some bipolar medication and counseling.
7. I really think that Daddy Pope orchestrates everything. That dude runs the country, not the President.
8. I hated the way Fitz did Mellie and Olivia. Typical man wants his cake and eat it too. It’s ridiculous but so realistic. I know women who put themselves in the SIMILAR situations in real life.
Now, that you mentioned that maybe Daddy Pope stabbed himself, the other alternative is that he made Mama Pope do it in order to put their whole plan in motion.
…or to keep Olivia away from the church
#1- I have been saying that since it happened. I’m not crazy! I have to show your comment to my mom and sister. See y’all, I’m not the only one who believes that! !
All part of Rowan’s plan!!
I loved this recap! I am a new subbie! I have been tweeting for a minute that Mama and Papa Pope were in cahoots. I can’t believe that people were accusing Mellie of killing little Jerry last night on Twitter. My heart was broken when he died and my chin dropped to the floor and my tongue rolled out like the red carpet when Papa Pope said he killed little Jerry! I loved Huck as a psychotic killer and techie and I am unable to stomach him as Quinn’s lover. Can she die now? Tom has really come out of the woodworks. I thought he was only good as a snitch but who knew he was super ninja snitch-spy sniper killer guy? I, too, have noticed a strange familiarity between Papa Pope and Harrison and a I have to agree with Kathy Mo, if the story line twists and Harrison is Olivia’s brother I will attribute that to you and will petition Shonda Rhimes to give you some story credit. Great job on this!
Me wonders if Huck told Jake from State Farm where Olivia was headed in order to protect her.
Ah…’cause Lord knows Liv can’t look after herself. Sending someone to watch over her would be a Huck move (especially since he can’t bring her coffee for now. lol).
I loved the ending just like Scandal to leave us with so many cliffhangers. I am tried of papa pope what he did to Lil Jerry was wrong you kill another man’ s son because your daughter fell for him. Liv knew who Fitz was and his situation Rowan is using Liv as an excuse but he killed that boy to get back at Fitz for taking B613 from him. I am hoping that he gets what’s coming to him in season four.
Jake is a fool Liv loves Fitz. I am glad that Andrew did not due there is hope for Mellie and Andrew still. Mellie and Fitz are through too much has happened in their marriage. I hope that Huck can get back with his family.
I concur…Momma Pope and Papa Pope are priceless!!!!!!
I agree with everthang you said……
1 )Liv loves Fitz and she told him she has not done that since the first season when they were looking at the constitution thas why fitz looked so surprised when she said it back.
2) I still think there were too many lose ends… I mean why was daddy pope so against fitz from jump it still doesnt explain his deep seated hatred against him…. I mean Liv is a big girl and he shipped her ass off to boarding school the first chance he got so I dunno why he cares who is daughter is dating so much..
3) Jake is so thirsty!! that whole save me and take me with you bs was such a turn off nobody wants to hear you beg… I think that he might be apart of helping poppa pope get Liv onto that damn plane ( nobody quits b613).
4) I hope shonda really develops fitz’s character next season and all of this makes him stronger and smarter about people using him… I am tired of people blaming him for everything… Olivia was never a victim she knew what she was getting into the moment she went into that man’s
hotel room.
5) I am not sure but harrison/ columbus might be dog meat he needs to get his ass together for real
6) Shonda rhimes should not have this much power its too murch!!
Agree to all of this ! Hopefully Fitz will be a stronger individual and president the fans can root for in season 4. That is the main reason why people say they are so over Olitz. You can’t root for a couple where half of the couple can’t get it together. They may never be end game but the intrigue of that relationship was lost due to all of the drama. Shonda needs to fix that. She hit the reset button with this episode so let’s see what happens. As far as Momma and Daddy pope are concerned I need a break from them too. They are sooo crazy and their influence on Olivia is just as toxic as the hold that people say “Fitz” has on her. Olivia is not the problem more so than the people around her whose lives lives need fixing. Jake is one of those people as well. They may be happy together temporarily but reality is they won’t last long without having to face reality. This is Shondaland and in what world can you run from your problems without them finding you.
I want Fitz to not need anyone….. just to rely on himself and be able to see through everyone’s nonsense….. Even when Liv does come back… I got tired of Olitz because it just became so one sided I was sick of Fitz doing all the chasing and all the declaring of love and building the homes…. It was just to much… I think that Fitz and Mellie are going to be better friends and now understand each other better but I think that their marriage is over and they can start fresh from each other without resentment and they can help each other through the grief of loosing a son. I think Poppa Pope went wayyy to far in killing the kid it doesnt measure up he took my child so I took his?? ( by the way I dont think he was talking about olivia I think he was more concerned about b613) Mama pope did tell her he will use you up and spit you out I dont think she was talking about fitz and more about her father…. I still think the endgame is Olitz because that is how that is how the show started and I think that is how its going to end but its going to be a very long game…. I think Liv and Jake are going to get married and we are going to get a whole lot of drama there before both fitz and liv are free…
I think that Ms. Shonda knew that Columbus Short was a problem behind the scenes and that is why his character was underdeveloped. I could feel her wanting to go there then pulling back. I imagine how many story lines got cut because of kerri’s pregnancy and other cast member’s personal issues. He has a few months to get his life under control and then maybe by season five he will come to the forefront. I see Liv getting rested up and spending the first couple of months getting these fools together cuz we all know they are going to wreck havoc for themselves while she is gone. Welp on to find a new thurs they show till this fall.
I am officially sick of David. I’m tired of his no-secret-keeping ass. Jake (fine self) spared his life and David tells on him to anyone with at least one ear. My lips would have been gorilla glued together. Then when David gets a second chance from Jake, again he goes gum flapping. Sigh…..dude just shut up. Then he turns around and goes whining to Jake to help get the bad guys. At this point, I’m tired of him using my nerves as his personal easy chair.
Yes! I agree 1000 percent! I vote that David is the first to die in Season 4
I like David. He just keeps gettin into stuff…and then makes jokes. He ain’t goin nowhere.
Just a random little side note that’s been bugging me since last night: when Quinn showed Huck his family, Huck whispered something. I replayed that scene a million times over and couldn’t decipher what he said for the life of me, but it seemed like it was his son’s name. Did anybody make out what he said? (I’m a detail-freak and little things like that interest me)
He said “Javi” his son’s name, completing Quinn’s sentence when she was about to tell him.
I don’t know about The Popes in cahoots. Far too many liberties were taken for that to be 100% credible. Rowan did have beef with Mr. Bell, no? I think that had he known that Bell was of no leverage at all with Maya (and it would have been a waste of time trying to leverage his wife’s lover if he already knew that), there wouldn’t have been the Russian Roulette, he’d have dropped Overaged Rent Boy directly, and I genuinely don’t believe that Rowan knew where Maya had hidden the bomb, nor did he know where Maya was until Harrison told him, otherwise he wouldn’t have bothered tracking down Harrison at all. Do I think that Maya served a purpose for Rowan? Probably. But did the ends justify the means such that Mercenary Maya would agree to being used like that if there wasn’t some of HER kind of incentive involved? I think she’s a little too willful towards her own goals to be managed like that.
I could be wrong, though; I’m just looking at the ways things were presented.
I don’t think the Pope’s were in cahoots all along. I think when Mama Pope came to OPA while Huck & Quinn was doing the nasty that Papa Pope told Mama Pope he was taking back B613 and they hatched that plan together. Mama Pope is lethal. No way would she have missed if she planned to kill him.
I think I’m in the minority when I say that I actually liked seeing this side of Olivia. It made her seem more “real”. I think about myself, and so many other professional women I know and we are always supposed to be KILLING IT ALL THE TAHM! The truth is – some of us don’t, some of us go through relationship issues, sometimes we make poor decisions, sometimes we go through entire seasons of muck only to eventually clean all of it up and come back on top even stronger after licking our wounds. That’s what I see in store for Olivia…the end of this episode was her moment of self reflection and actualization…when she owns the problems for what they are. Once you do that you are on the road to recovery. This I dig. Thanks for the re-cap Luvvie!!!
I agree.
Olivia Pope’s character challenges the stereotype of “the strong black woman”. By making Olivia vulnerable, we see the human side of the black woman. Her ability to be honest with herself and to ask for help shows another side of her that is just as formidable as the Olivia that was able to neatly “fix” everything on her own.
https://everydayfeminism.com/2012/10/strong-black-women/
I have just now left the Nurses Aide Society where they’ve been fanning me all night.
A couple of thoughts….
1. Notice that we have never seen anyone in that hole that Maya Pope is now in EXCEPT B613 folks?
2. Maya didn’t look very surprised when she got captured. And don’t you think it’s off that a woman who can transport in and out of everywhere gets caught that easily picking up CASH in a suitcase? Why not a wire transfer? Why not a minion? She ain’t that sloppy.
3. And in the hole, she doesn’t look that panicked.
lol….true true
Your so right Mama Pope is B-613
Yaaassss!!! A woman who managed to somehow get off a plane bound for Hong Kong and back to DC in less than 30 minutes, who was ducking in and out of DC hospitals, hotels and OPA; not to mention secured military facilities was caught (looking fab I might add) in broad daylight?
No way in hell or high water!
There are 2 types of married men .There are the Brad Pitts who met Angelina Jolie in July on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith and 6 months later publicly announces his seperation from Americas sweet heart Jennifer Aniston (I googled it) and then there is Fitz who lets every body and their mama (for 5 years) talk him out of getting this divorce that he claims he wants SO MUCH in order to marry the love of his life!!
Loved the finale one of the best of the season and really showed me where Shonda and her writers have being taking us the whole season.
Fitz i just cant stand his weak whinny ass but Liv loves him so I hope after hes helped Mellie heal he can finally come through for Olivia .
Mellie loved her so heart breaking
PAPA POPE won the night I have no words I did not see that coming Im so happy he didnt die.He is RUTHLESS!
Liv fly off get some much needed R&R THEN come back to your OPA FIERCENESS and a whole new wardrobe, I cant wait!
Jake Im sorry to say is just a friend with benefits but might be just what Liv needs for now to get herself together
I get what the writers were going for now although I must admit I was one of the doubters
Cant wait for season 4!
I agree I think that Jake is weak to want to be second teir lover which us what he is. My heart went out to Fitz who is a good person in a loveless marriage and trapped in by being the president. I loved that Liv finally has said aloud for the past two explodes that she is in love with Fitz. My prediction for season four is that now that Fitz has lost his son, his wife and the love of his life he will begin to concentrate more on being a good president. Liv will stand in the sun with Jake but dream of Fitz while standing in it. Harrison will live and OPA will start back to getting clients if they are not thrown out by Papa Goon.
I am from the UK. I love Scandal. I hope you will allow me to join your conversation. I ship Fitz and I like Olivia. Many viewers consider Fitz weak and selfish, and complain that Fitz is stringing Liv along and will never give up his presidency for her. If I may ask: What has Olivia given up for Fitz?
I don’t believe Olivia is Fitz’s victim. Liv went into the relationship with her eyes wide opened and was completely aware of the situation: Fitz was Governor, he was running for president of the most powerful country on earth, he was married with kids and he was Olivia’s boss/client.
Granted, they fell in love and appear to be soulmate. I hope Shonda will allow true love to prevail. But it will not be easy and will not happen overnight. It is a very complex dynamic, if you think about it, Mellie is a southern belly to the republican party, Olivia is black and have a terrorist as mother.
I like badass Mellie. She was one of my favorite characters until Shonda introduced the rape story. I hated the sexual victimization of Mellie, I felt the writers wanted the viewers to sympathize with the character.
Anyway, here is my take on Scandal’s S1,2,3 and prediction for S4:
S1: showed us this great , extraordinary love of Olitz
S2: was the ‘informal’ ending of the Grant’s Marriage, This happened in S2 episodes 20 and 21 with the running out of the clock to Grants marriage. Notice that there was no intimacy or real affection between Fitz and Mellie throughout season 3 (except in the finale when little Jerry died and Fitz found out about the rape).
S3: dealt with the fallout of the clock running out on the marriage, tests the strength of olitz love with operation remington, Mellie’s rape, Fitz’s reaction to Mellie relationship with Andrew and olivia testing the water with Jake. And of course, the crazy Popes and the death of little Jerry.
S4: I predict season 4 will be when the Grant’s let go the animosity and start to become friends. Although I think they will become intimate or make a fail attempt to repair the marriage for the sake of their surviving kids.
Olivia will continue her dalliance with Jake to pull away from Fitz. It won’t last.
Mellie will initiate the divorce, probably find love with Andrew. Fitz will be alone for sometime. At the end of season 4, I predict Olivia will be the one fighting for Fitz’s love because, I believe, for all of Fitz’s weakness and tantrum, he is a very determined guy and stay true to his course. Remember, despite his love for his Livie, he looked olivia straight in the eye and ended their relationship on two occasions.
Mama Pope is B3-16. Papa Pope is not Olivia’s real father. Olivia’s Parent hatred of Fitz runs deep, has to do with big Jerry – I think there might be another child (Olivia’s sibling) The Popes will both die in S4. Scandal will end in Season 5 with Vermont or Liv and Fitz both single and done.
I failed to mention in my previous post:
Season 3 is mostly Olivia’s backstory, carefully crafted around
B613. Season 3 showed the obstacle to Olivia’s happiness: her parents. Since her parent showed up, Liv’s life has been turned upside down, gone is the formidable Olivia Pope. Her parents are the reason why Olivia cannot totally commit or truly love anyone. She runs. She pushes people away except Huck because according to Olivia, Huck was the only one whose eyes were sadder than hers..
Season 3 is the list enjoyable in the series. I hope B613 will just go away. There is no need to turn Scandal into a spy story.
I think Jake wants what Fitz has.
I think the B613 files given to David will reveal damaging info on the Whitehouse that might threaten to destroy the Presidency. Fitz may eventually resign from Office.
1. I think Moma Pope is and has been part of B613. They keep her locked up and pull her out when they need her.
2. Charlie never cared about Quinn. He just needed to use her to get the job done.
3. Charlie gave Quinn the info on Huck’s family because he wants to get at Huck through his family. There’s never been any love lost between Huck and Charlie, and Charlie knew Quinn would give Huck the info, and that Huck would break down over them.
I agree with your overall assessment on season 3, Luvvie. It’s easily the weakest season so far. It started off well for me, since I really wanted to know about Olivia’s background/family, but the season got progressively weak and just boring.
I’m all for Liv showing some vulnerability, but the writers turned her into a crying mess to the point where I barely recognize Olivia. There were glimpses of old Liv towards the end of this season, but it came too late IMO. Her judgement has been completely off, basically she’s been all over the place this season.
I’ve been off Olitz since the second half of season 2, but now there’s no going back. I almost rolled my eyes when the Olitz music started playing lol.
Harrison’s lack of character development was also disappointing for me. Adnan amounted to nothing. And with his personal troubles, I’m almost certain Columbus won’t be returning next season *Tyra voice* I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU!!
I really can’t with Huck and Quinn’s sex scenes ugh.
Rowan/eli and Maya were by far the standout of season 3 for me. It would’ve much less enjoyable if it wasn’t for them. they’re like satan’s sidekicks, but damn I love watching them on screen.
Overall, the season finale was okay. Not bad, not great, just okay for me. I loved the rowan/liv bonding scenes, and although he was scheming all along, I think poppa pope was being genuine there. I truly believe he loves his daughter. Maya too, albeit in a twisted, extremely dysfunctional kinda way.
I agree with your overall assessment on season 3. It’s easily the worst season so far. It started off well for me, since I really wanted to know about Olivia’s backround/family, but the season got progressively weak and just boring.
I’m all for Liv showing some vulnerability, but the writers turned her into a weak mess to the point where I barely recgonize Olivia. There were glimpses of old Liv towards the end of this season, but it came too late IMO. Her judgement has been completely off, basically she’s been all over the place this season.
Harrison’s lack of character development was also disappointing for me. Adnan amounted to nothing. And with his personal troubles, I’m almost certain he won’t be returning next season *Tyra voice* I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU!!
I really can’t with Huck and Quinn’s sex scenes ugh.
Rowan/eli and Maya were by far the standout of season 3 for me. It would’ve much less enjoyable if it wasn’t for them. they’re like satan’s sidekicks, but damn they’re enjoyable to watch
Overall, the season finale was okay. Not bad, not great, just okay for me. I loved the rowan/liv bonding scenes, and although he was scheming all along, I think poppa pope was being genuine there. I truly believe he loves his daughter. Maya too, albeit in a twisted, extremely dysfunctional way.
I agree with your overall assessment on season 3. It’s easily the worst season so far. It started off well for me, since I really wanted to know about Olivia’s backround/family, but the season got progressively weak and just boring.
I’m all for Liv showing some vulnerability, but the writers turned her into a weak mess to the point where I barely recgonize Olivia. There were glimpses of old Liv towards the end of this season, but it came too late IMO. Her judgement has been completely off, basically she’s been all over the place this season.
Harrison’s lack of character development was also disappointing for me. Adnan amounted to nothing. And with his personal troubles, I’m almost certain he won’t be returning next season *Tyra voice* I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU!!
I really can’t with Huck and Quinn’s sex scenes ugh.
Rowan/eli and Maya were by far the standout of season 3 for me. It would’ve much less enjoyable if it wasn’t for them. they’re like satan’s sidekicks, but damn they’re enjoyable to watch
Overall, the season finale was okay. Not bad, not great, just okay for me. I loved the rowan/liv bonding scenes, and although he was scheming all along, I think poppa pope was being genuine there. I truly believe he loves his daughter. Maya too, albeit in a twisted, extremely dysfunctional way.
Personally I’d like to see less WH and more OPA next season. I can’t remember the last time they had a client. All that said i’m still a fan and will be returning for season 4, i just hope Scandal picks up again.
“Murder Was the Case-” flat lines lmao.
There’s something that tells me Rowan and Maya weren’t working together, b/c hey why put her in the whole. I think he just used her antics to his advantage to get him back in the top spot. So it was like a petty thank you nod.
David has had so many chances and he still refuses to put that white hat way, he’s gonna be offed next season if he even thinks about trying to go after B613 again. Also did Rowan not see that all these files were missing?
Charlie is gonna fk Hucklerry Quinn up next season, here for it please let Quinn Die.
I so thought Fitz was gonna kill himself. After all that: His son dies and he finds out that his wife was raped by his father HE STILL HAD THE NERVE to ask for Olivia!!!!
“Also did Rowan not see that all these files were missing?”
lmao
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, your recaps I never miss Scandal since the premere and I have to say the this season (3) has been a bit of a disappointment as far as Liv, Fitz and Harrison are concerned but everyone is was at the top of their game as always.
Liv…really going off in to the sun…not likely and with such a weak man not the Liv I have come to love and respect. AND the fact that she didn’t or hasn’t figured out what is really going on…what happen to the Olivia that was two, three heck 10 steps ahead of everybody else on the playing board!!! I want that Olivia BACK PRONTO!!!!!
Fitz, your wife was raped by your father u feel no need to stand by her side after she stood by yours for 15 years and then on top of that your son is killed by your mistress’s parent…which one doesn’t matter there is just no coming back from that, VERMONT is OFFICIALLY DEAD in my book, and so is Oitz! There has to be more scandals to fix than just the white house!
Harrison, while I love this character…he’s cute and engaging and I have always wanted to know more about him, he actor himself is showing his ass in public and he deserves a spanking…I can’t support bad behavior and if he’s out well he brought it on himself!
To Luvvie, thanks again this update makes my week and it will be missed while we hold our breaths and wait for season 4 to begin!!!!
I don’t think Fitz knows that Rowan killed his son. Rowan let him believe Maya did it.
I would save Jake all day nd all night long… ijs
I love Jake too. So sexy but the simpin’ is a turn off. I wanna see more of him next season but he gotta get his boss on. We’ve proven we don’t like weak men.
I said it before and I’ll say it again. I think Shonda made that call to Columbus telling him that Harrison must die and he’s started cuttin’ up with tantrums n stuff. Mmmm mmm. We’ll see but I think H is gone. If that’s true Shonda need some strong new characters to join cause this season everyone but Abby and the Pope parents were weak!
Yes, Thug Jake is sexy, but I like that he has his sensitive side and isn’t all super dupa macho. Otherwise, he would play to much like a robot.
I think that once he grasped the full capacity of his job description as Command THAT’S when he begin to unravel…singin somebody save me… Cause he had some game before the Command gig fell into his lap.
And, yes, what is Jake’s backstory?
I wonder if Shonda reads Luvvie’s recaps every week?
I agree this season wasn’t as good as 1 & 2 but I loved it all the same. I think Mama & Papa Pope were indeed working in cahoots to get Liv away from Fitz. I’m not sure if it started out that way,but once Mama Pope was free I think they were working together tie up some lose ends and get Liv away from Fitz. I think some of this season’s issues may have had to do with needing to deal with Kerry’s pregnancy. I hope we return to OPA next season to see Abby, Huck and maybe David trying to run it. Perhaps they could be trying to deal with some of the B613 info Jake sent to David. Liv can then be surprised that it’s still running despite her. I also want to see Huck try to make a go with his ex-wife and realize he is too damaged to be a part of that family. Nevertheless I want to see happy, almost normal Huck return for a few, brief moments.
Columbus Short better check into rehab and/or get some therapy over the summer or that whole Brolivia Pope backstory is done.
I think the levels of B613 goons is as follows:
1. Level C goons: Foot Soldiers like Charlie and Huck. They get all the dirty jobs, killing/torturing etc…
2. Level B goons: Public Faces like Jake. These goons may be connected in places that matter. They are also useful for jobs that require presentable faces in public like military or other political agents. Jake can put on a suit and attend a State dinner, Chuck & Charlie can’t. They lack the social graces necessary.
3. Level A goons: Stealth goons like Tom. They are seen but not seen. They have the benefit of being able to get close to presidents and leaders because they are often Secret Service or body guards. No one expects them because they stay in the shadows until it’s too late.
I am a TV addict so now that Scandal is over I’m looking forward to Orphan Black.
Was anyone else disappointed with the way the Big Jerry/Rape reveal was handled. Perhaps this was an interesting twist, to have Liv tell Fitz, but it seemed anti-climactic, and it was one of the scenes I was looking forward to – a Meryl Streep scene that would have given Young an Emmy. But it was played down, she said, “I fought” and then it was over. I actually hated this episode, I understand the challenges they faced with fewer episodes, but still: I’d rather more loose ends for season 4, then everything done in a hurry.
I also didn’t feel much of anything when Little Jerry died. It was sad, i guess, but Fitz and Mellie had only seen him twice in his entire life – what was the big deal?
Some friends of mine made an excellent point. They said the way the left it is a great way for a series to end….or a way to reboot the whole show.
Been thinking about it, and I don’t think Mama and Papa Pope were working together. Remember what Mama Pope said to Adnan when she said she would find the bomb maker and Adnan thought SHE was the bomb maker.
” I don’t make Bombs. I make MONEY…..besides, who would be the patsy? Certainly, not me.”
Papa Pope made Mama Pope his patsy.
Mama Pope being locked up for 20+ years, she didn’t know how things had advanced. Remember, she was shocked that you could use a cellphone to detonate a bomb.
And, she probably wasn’t up on foreign accounts and wire transfers. She hadn’t had the time to set up her own accounts in offshore banks. She only trusted the money she could feel, and Papa Pope knew this, which is why he tricked Harrison into giving up the location of the bank, which he knew was Mama Pope’s weakness.
He doesn’t kill her, because she’s Olivia’s mother. Has no problem holding her hostage, but won’t kill her.
Same reason she won’t kill him – he’s Olivia’s father. Some goon code, I guess.
This episode felt to me like a *SERIES* finale, not a season finale. Everything was wrapped up. There is no more tension and there are no more questions or secrets and there was no cliffhanger. Mellie has her husband back so OFitz is done. Why does Fitz need Cyrus anymore (chief of staff usually leaves during term 2) and why would Cyrus stay now that the dirty work of campaigning is over? The Gladiators have fallen apart—Huck has his family back, Harrison is toast, Quinn doesn’t matter though Abby is still standing. If there is a fourth season (and after Thursday night it feels to me like there may not be) I’m guessing it will be a reboot with new Gladiators and no White House.
But think how last season ended. Remember, Olivia found out Fitz had kked Bernard, and Fitz saw the tape with Liv and Jake from State Farm and had gone back to Mellie.
They aren’t done yet. This episode was lacking a “Dad?!?” ending
I pretty much agree with everything yall said, yes this season was weaker but at least we know its b/c of the pregnancy. I believe Mama&Papa Pope started out in cahoots but then Papa Pope changed up the plan on her. I knew she wasn’t dead and after their convo at the hospital I think Shonda is setting the scene for Olivia to take her mother down. I was in my feelings about lil Jerry dyin but now im expecting us to see a lot more of Karen. Hope Harrison isn’t killed off but if he is Abby is gon lose it! Charlie is just getting started. TOM…yes lawd! He is the deadliest person on the show. Now just some random thoughts:
1- I would love it if Liv and Jake came back married…that would really cause some s**t!
2- Brolivia…im still not 100% convinced hes Mayas or Elis son but I agree there is some sort of connection so could it be that Papa Pope ain’t Harrison’s father but was involved with Harrison’s mom at some point? I mean his wife was locked up for 20+ yrs and he is still a man…
3- Is Huck’s son a junior…is Huck’s real name Javier?
4- Maybe Leo can join OPA, they could use a 6-headed beast like him.
I think everybody that jumped ship will be back, if only to see if S4 can redeem itself.
I’m kinda sad that Adnan and crew died. I liked the dynamic of young female goons and veteran goons working together.
I have been re-watching season one and I would love to see them take on individual cases again. At least every few episodes! I think it could work well even with all the stuff that’s going on. I think that’s why Shonda and the writers wrote the finale this way. If Olivia comes back, it’ll be like her starting over and building back from the ground up with half the mess (depending on where she ends up). She’s not dealing with ANYTHING other than herself. Season 4 could easily bring her back into actually being a lawyer/crisis manager.
You can love someone with every fibre of yourself. It does not mean that you and that person will be together sometimes you have to let go and know that it’s not to be. I don’t want Olivia to end up with Fitz, he will always have his baggage and issues let him take his whinny need yo yo, flip flop self back to Mellie. Stop dangling Vermont and babies that will never be to keep Olivia. Olivia needs to stop wasting precious time and emotion , waiting and waiting to only one day finally realise it won’t happen. By the time Fitz decides to leave Mellie that Man will be old and grey and cant even run round with young Children please. She needs to put herself first and put the Pope back in OAP and get back to the dynamic woman she was.